Angioplasty
What is Angioplasty?
Coronary Angioplasty - often called simply angioplasty - is a procedures performed to widen blood vessels around the heart which have become blocked with plaque deposits over time. As the body builds up excess cholesterol in the bloodstream, walls of this plaque begin to form on the insides of the blood vessels - a condition known as atherosclerosis. The plaque buildup prevents proper blood flow to the heart. By widening blocked arteries, angipolasty allows for more space for blood to travel and better circulation of blood to the heart.
What is an Angioplasty Procedure like?
An angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed without surgical cutting. Using computer imaging equipment to monitor the state of the patient's heart and blood vessels, the doctor will thread a narrow tube with a tiny balloon at the end through a blood vessel in the arm or in the groin up to the heart. The doctor will then inflate the balloon, pushing plaque deposits up against the arterial walls and widening the space within the artery. He or she may also place a small spacing device called a stent inside the artery to help it
remain unblocked.
Who could benefit from an Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is often used to reduce chest pain due to a lack of sufficient blood flow to the heart. An angioplasty can also reduce potential damage to the heart muscle in the event of a heart attack. As a heart attack is caused by a blockage in an artery near the heart, widening these arteries can relieve the blockage and reduce the risk of death in some patients.
How to Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about angioplasty procedures and options, please call 305-674-2273 or Contact Us online.
Diagnostic Tests
