Angioplasty is a procedure for widening a narrowed coronary artery.

It is also known as PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty). The surgeon inflates a balloon-tipped catheter to open a blocked artery at the point where it has narrowed. This allows greater blood flow through the artery.

The procedure may take about 60 minutes.

Procedure

The first part of an angioplasty is similar to the angiogram you may have already had.

The catheter is passed through a sheath and placed across the site of narrowing in the artery. It is then inflated one or more times until the artery is opened wide enough.

This may cause some discomfort and you may be asked to rate your discomfort on a scale of 1–10. If necessary you will be given medication.

It is important to tell the staff if you experience any discomfort or chest pain throughout the procedure.

After the procedure

Your care after the angioplasty is very similar to the care you will receive after an angiogram. However, the sheath may be left in your groin for several hours in case the artery begins to close and the procedure needs to be repeated.

When you return to the ward, nursing staff will make you comfortable, take observations and monitor your heart rate. If you have pain or discomfort after the procedure it is important to ring for a nurse.

Patients are not allowed to eat or drink until their condition is stable and they are advised by the nurse.

You will remain on bed rest for several hours, keeping your leg with the sheath flat, and then for another four hours after the sheath is removed.

Usually you can go home after one or two days.

This information was first published in You and Your Heart - an education booklet for patients, families and friends. © 2006 Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service