Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure that is used to treat heart blockages. It is known to be one of the most common treatments for heart blockages or coronary artery disease. The procedure is performed by a cardiologist or an interventional radiologist with the help of a catheter, which is inserted through an artery in the arm or leg and is guided to the blocked artery in the heart.
Angioplasty is used when the blood flow through the coronary arteries is restricted due to plaque buildup, which can lead to chest pain, heart attack or other heart-related problems. During this minimally invasive procedure, the physician inserts a catheter through an artery and navigates it to the blocked artery. Once the tip of the catheter reaches the blocked artery, a small balloon is inflated, which expands the blocked arterial walls and restores the blood flow to the heart.
There are a few things that a patient should know about the procedure before undergoing angioplasty. A patient may be asked to provide medical information like any previous medical conditions, allergies, or previous surgeries that may affect the procedure. The patient may also be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medication a few days before the procedure to avoid excessive bleeding during the procedure.
Angioplasty is a safe procedure with a very low rate of complications. The procedure only takes about an hour or two, and the patient is often released from the hospital the same day or the next. Recovery time is generally quick, and the patient can resume daily activities within a few days.
One worry that patients often have is the possibility of needing a stent, which is a small mesh tube that is inserted into the artery to help keep it open after the balloon is deflated. While a stent may be necessary in some cases, angioplasty without stenting is also a valid treatment option.
Sometimes, angioplasty may not be the best option for patients with severe blockages in multiple coronary arteries. In these cases, the physician may recommend coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), which is a more invasive surgery that involves rerouting the blood flow around the blocked arteries.
In conclusion, angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat heart blockages. This procedure effectively restores blood flow to the heart and is a safe option for reducing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiac issues. Patients should consult with their physicians to discuss the risks, benefits, and alternative options of angioplasty to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs. This minimally invasive procedure is a ray of hope for patients who have faced heart blockages and have a better quality of life ahead of them.