Coronary Intervention – Angioplasty and Stent Placement

In many cases coronary intervention with balloon angioplasty or stenting can be used to treat blockages of the coronary arteries. However, when the blockages are very extensive or located in certain critical areas the preferable solution is bypass surgery. Coronary intervention is widely used for the treatment of chronic blockages of the coronary arteries, and is the best available treatment for heart attacks.

Coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to open clogged heart arteries. Angioplasty uses a tiny balloon catheter that is inserted in a blocked blood vessel to help widen it and improve blood flow to your heart. Angioplasty is often combined with the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent. The stent helps prop the artery open, decreasing its chance of narrowing again.

Angioplasty can improve symptoms of blocked arteries, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Angioplasty is also often used during a heart attack to quickly open a blocked artery and reduce the amount of damage to your heart.

If stenting is required, it is crucial the patient is compliant with medications prescribed by the provider. If not, the stent can close down and result in a heart attack.