Angioplasty ( Angioplasty latest news ) is a medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart. These blood vessels, known as the coronary arteries, can become narrowed due to a build-up of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Angioplasty is often performed to relieve symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, or to minimize heart muscle damage during or after a heart attack.
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
Accessing the Artery: A small incision is made, usually in the arm or groin, to access an artery. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is then inserted through this incision.
Guiding the Catheter: The catheter is carefully threaded through the arterial system to the blocked artery in the heart, guided by special X-ray machines.
Dilating the Artery: Once the catheter reaches the blockage, a small balloon at its tip is inflated. This balloon compresses the plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery and restoring blood flow.
Stenting: Often, a small wire mesh tube called a stent is placed in the dilated segment of the artery. The stent is expanded with the balloon and then left in place to keep the artery open.
Finishing the Procedure: After the artery is opened, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is withdrawn. The incision site is then closed.
Angioplasty is generally considered less invasive than traditional heart surgery, and recovery times are usually shorter. It's important to note that while angioplasty can relieve symptoms of heart disease, it doesn't cure the underlying condition. Therefore, lifestyle changes and medications are often recommended to address risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking.