Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure in which a balloon catheter - a small, hollow, flexible tube with a balloon near the end of it - is used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart. Pain medication is usually given before the procedure begins, and a blood thinning medication will also be given. Access is gained to the heart through a cardiac catheterization. The heart and arteries will be visible using an X-ray machine. Dye is injected into the body to highlight blood flow through the arteries, revealing any blockages in the vessels leading to the heart. The balloon catheter is moved into or near the blockage, and the balloon on the end is blown up (inflated). This opens the blocked vessel and restores proper blood flow to the heart.

The procedure greatly improves blood flow through the coronary arteries and the heart in about 90 percent of patients. It may eliminate the need for coronary artery bypass surgery.