Angioplasty | Dr. Ishwar Zanwar

Angioplasty is a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels, most commonly used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary (heart) arteries. The procedure is usually performed by a cardiologist and it is considered a minimally invasive procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis.

 

 

During the procedure, a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) with a small balloon on the tip is guided through a blood vessel to the blocked or narrowed area of the artery. Once the catheter is in the right position, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque (build-up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances) against the walls of the artery, widening the opening and restoring blood flow.

In some cases, a small mesh tube called a stent is placed in the artery to keep it open after the balloon is deflated.

 

Angioplasty is a relatively safe procedure and it carries a low risk of complications. The recovery time is usually short and most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.

Angioplasty is considered a highly effective treatment for coronary artery disease, and it can relieve symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It is also used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels in other parts of the body, such as the legs, kidneys, and brain.