Is Heart Angioplasty and Stent Placement?
Angioplasty and stent placement are common procedures to open
arteries in the heart that are clogged. These procedures are formally known as
coronary angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention.
Angioplasty involves the use of a tiny balloon to widen the
artery. A stent is a
tiny mesh tube that your doctor inserts into the artery. The stent stays there
to prevent the artery from closing. A surgeon typically performs both
procedures at the same time.
Do I Need Heart Angioplasty and Stent Placement?
The procedure is commonly done when a fatty substance known as
plaque attaches to the walls of an artery. This is a condition known as atherosclerosis. The buildup of plaque
causes the inside of the artery to narrow, restricting blood flow.
When plaque affects the coronary arteries, it’s known as coronary heart disease, a serious
health condition. The buildup of plaque in the arteries is particularly
threatening to your health because the coronary arteries supply the heart with
fresh, oxygenated blood. Without it, the heart can’t function.
Angioplasty and stent placement can alleviate the blockage of an
artery and angina, or persistent
chest pain, that medications can’t control. They’re also emergency procedures
used if the person is having a heart attack.
Angioplasty and stents can’t help some conditions. For example,
coronary artery bypass surgery could be a better option when the main artery on
the left side of the heart experiences a blockage. A doctor might also consider
coronary bypass surgery if the patient suffered multiple blockages or has
Are the Risks Associated with Heart Angioplasty and Stent Placement?
Any surgical procedure carries risks. There’s an increased risk
of adverse effects in angioplasty with stent placement because the procedure deals
with arteries of the heart.
The risks associated with the procedure include:
- an allergic reaction to medication or dye
- breathing problems
- a blockage of the stented artery
- a blood clot
- a heart attack
- an infection
- re-narrowing of the artery
Rare side effects include stroke and seizure.
More often than not, the risks of not going through the procedure
outweigh the risks associated with angioplasty with stent placement.
Do I Prepare for Heart Angioplasty and Stent Placement?
If you need to undergo angioplasty with stent placement in your
coronary arteries because of an emergency event, such as a heart attack due to
coronary artery disease, you’ll have little time to prepare.
If you’re undergoing the procedure with plenty of time to plan,
there are several things you’ll need to do to prepare.
- Tell your doctor what drugs, herbs, or
supplements you’re taking.
- Stop taking any drugs that make it harder for
your blood to clot, such as aspirin, clopidogrel
(Plavix), ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and other drugs
your doctor tells you to stop taking.
- If you smoke, quit smoking.
- Tell your doctor about any illnesses you have,
even a common cold or flu.
- Take any medications your doctor prescribes for
- Arrive at the hospital with plenty of time to
prepare for surgery.
- Follow whatever instructions your doctor or
surgeon gives you.
You’ll receive numbing medicine at the site of the incision.
You’ll also get medicine through your veins using an IV. The medicine will help
you relax during the procedure.
Is Angioplasty and Stent Placement Performed?
Angioplasty with stent placement is a minimally invasive
procedure. The following steps occur during this procedure:
- Your surgeon will make a small incision in your
groin to access an artery.
- Your surgeon will insert a thin, flexible tube
known as a catheter through that incision.
- They’ll then guide the catheter up through your
body to your coronary arteries. This will allow them to view your arteries
using a special X-ray called fluoroscopy. A special dye can also guide them.
- Your surgeon will pass a small wire through the
catheter. A second catheter will then follow the guide wire. This catheter has
a small balloon attached to it.
- Once the balloon reaches the blocked artery, your
surgeon will inflate it.
- Your surgeon will insert the stent at the same
time as the balloon, allowing the artery to remain open and blood flow to
return. Once the stent is secure, your surgeon will remove the catheter and
leave the stent in place so blood can continue to flow.
Some stents are coated in medicine that slowly releases into the
artery. This prevents the affected artery from closing. Other stents are made
of fabric and are designed for larger arteries.
Happens After Heart Angioplasty and Stent Placement?
You may feel soreness at the site of the incision. You can treat
this with over-the-counter painkillers. You’ll also likely have prescribed
medication to prevent your blood from coagulating. This helps your body adjust
to the new stent.
Your surgeon will probably want you to stay in the hospital
overnight to ensure there are no complications, such as bleeding, blood clots,
or problems with blood flow to the heart. Your stay might be even longer if you
had a coronary event, such as a heart attack.
When you return home, drink plenty of fluids and restrict
physical activity for some time. It’s important to follow your doctor’s
Angioplasty with stent placement may be a life-saving procedure,
but you’ll still need to make lifestyle choices to improve your heart health.
Healthy lifestyle habits include having a balanced diet, exercising, and
quitting smoking if you smoke.