Coronary Angioplasty: the procedure that unblocks the heart's arteries

When a coronary artery narrows, the amount of blood reaching the heart muscle decreases, which can cause angina. If the vessel becomes completely blocked, the result may be a myocardial infarction. The good news is that, in certain situations, blood flow can be restored without the need for conventional open-heart surgery.

How coronary angioplasty works

Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which doctors insert a catheter fitted with a very small balloon, which is advanced to the section of the artery affected by the narrowing. The balloon is inflated to widen the blood vessel, and in most cases a stent is also implanted — a device that keeps the artery open in the long term. Access for this procedure is achieved through an artery located at the wrist or in the groin area.

When it is used and what follows

Angioplasty may be performed as an emergency procedure in the event of a heart attack, or as a planned procedure when a patient has certain forms of coronary artery disease. Once a stent has been implanted, antiplatelet therapy becomes essential to prevent the formation of blood clots. Ongoing management of cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as smoking cessation, also remain necessary. It is important to bear in mind that a stent addresses the localised narrowing of the artery, but does not eliminate atherosclerotic disease from the body.