Angioplasty: Procedure and Risks

Angioplasty is a medical procedure performed for widening the blood vessels that are narrowed due to the deposition of cholesterol; the condition is known as atherosclerosis. The main objective is to promote blood supply to the heart. In the angioplasty procedure, folded balloons are introduced in the blocked arteries, which are then inflated to a specific size. It encompasses various other vascular interventions such as peripheral angioplasty, coronary angioplasty, carotid angioplasty and renal artery angioplasty. All these procedures are conducted by using minimally invasive methods.

Angioplasty is used for the treatment of many chronic health conditions such as coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, renal vascular hypertension, angina (chest pain), heart attack, venous narrowing and other heart disease. It is estimated that more then one million people with heart disease undergo angioplasty every year in the United States.

Angioplasty: Procedure

Prior to the angioplasty procedure, the physician analyzes the medical history of the patient regarding any current medications and other health conditions like allergies. The patient is instructed not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the procedure. For performing angioplasty, the patient is asked to lay on the examination table. The vital activities like heart beat, blood pressure and pulse rate are monitored throughout the procedure.

The patient is administered with general anesthesia and sedatives through intravenous injections. Following this, an area in the arm or groin is cleaned and sterilized before inserting a clinical catheter (a small flexible tube). Local anesthesia is given in order to numb this area. The physician makes a small incision in the area. Under the guidance of X-ray monitor, the catheter is inserted through the incision, until it reaches the blocked artery.

Contrast dye is injected into the body through the catheter, so as to determine the site of arterial blockages or narrowing. An angiogram is taken to capture the images of the blocked arteries. Once, the narrowed arteries are identified, a guide wire (for guiding placement of balloon catheter) followed by a balloon catheter (a small flexible tube with a balloon) are introduced gently through the cut skin.

As balloon catheter is placed in the blocked artery, it is inflated for a few seconds. Inflation of balloon at the same site may be practiced repeatedly or it may be positioned in another site by referring the X-ray monitor. After the completion of angioplasty, the physician may conduct imaging tests to check for the blood flow. If blood circulation to the heart is improved, the physician removes the catheter, balloon catheter and guide wire. Bleeding at the insertion site can be prevented by applying pressure. Proper dressing of the incision is done to avoid any infection. After the angioplasty procedure, the patient is hospitalized if necessary.

Angioplasty: Risks

Angioplasty is relatively a safe procedure with a very few complications. However, it can cause some health risks such as reactions to the contrast dye, bleeding at the angioplasty site, weakening of the arterial walls, bleeding at the vessel due to excess puncture, closing of the treated artery and kidney problems. Patients with underlying blood clotting problems may suffer from heavy bleeding. Kidney complications are severe in those having kidney disease or diabetes.

The chances for reblocking the treated arteries are higher among those who have prolonged atherosclerosis condition. Medical researches are ongoing to improve the effectiveness of angioplasty procedure. The studies are mostly concerned with the techniques to prevent closing of the treated arteries.