What is a coronary artery balloon angioplasty?
A coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries (the main blood vessels supplying the heart). The term “angioplasty” means using a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery.
What is difference between angioplasty and balloon angioplasty?
In layman’s terms, an angioplasty is a surgical procedure that is designed to increase blood flow to and from your heart. During the balloon angioplasty procedure, a small balloon is attached to the tip of a cardiac catheter.
Is balloon angioplasty treatment for heart disease?
Angioplasty is a procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease. It restores blood flow to the heart muscle without open-heart surgery. Angioplasty can be done in an emergency setting such as a heart attack.
What happens to the balloon after angioplasty?
When the catheter is positioned at the blockage, the balloon is inflated, expanding the stent. Once the stent is open, the balloon is deflated. The catheter, guidewire, and deflated balloon are then removed, leaving the stent behind to hold the artery open.
What are the disadvantages of Balloon angioplasty?
The insertion site may bleed or become infected. The artery may become blocked again (restenosis). The artery may tear (artery dissection). The artery may develop a hole (artery perforation).
How long does it take to recover from balloon angioplasty?
Once you leave the hospital, your post-procedure care will involve taking the prescribed medications and making some important lifestyle changes. The general angioplasty recovery time is about two weeks, but this can change based on your condition.
What I Cannot do after angioplasty?
Your hospital team can usually advise you about how long it will take to recover and if there are any activities you need to avoid in the meantime. In most cases, you’ll be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for about a week, or until the wound has healed.