Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

Angioplasty and stenting is often used instead of surgery to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.

How is it done?

The procedure begins with an injection of local anaesthetic in the groin/arm, a fine tube (catheter) is put into the artery in that location. The tube is passed into the coronary arteries. A series of pictures are taken using X-Rays and X-Ray dye. If any narrowing or blockages are found then a tube with a tiny wire is passed down the affected artery so that a sausage-shaped balloon can be passed over it and into the part that is narrowed or blocked.

To open up the artery, the balloon is blown up with fluid, which then presses against the cholesterol plaque. pushing it out of the way.

Most of the time, one or more stents are then placed in the artery to help keep the artery open. A stent is a metal tube or spring coil. This is passed into the diseased part of your artery using a balloon. The balloon is removed once the stent is in place.

The stent stays in for life. After the procedure, you will be given drugs which reduce your risk of blood clotting and the stent blocking.

While the catheter is in the artery, a number of additional mechanical devices may be used to complete the procedure. These include pressure wires and an Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS).

If the heart becomes unstable during the procedure, an additional balloon device to stablise the heart may be required. This is called an intra-aortic balloon pump.

At the end of the procedure, the artery may be closed with a special plug to stop the bleeding.

Medication such as Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) is used for up to four weeks and usually longer. A small daily dose of Aspirin may need to be taken for the rest of your life.

How do I prepare?