Coronary Angioplasty (Stent)
Coronary angioplasty and stenting is a treatment used to widen and open up narrowed or blocked arteries supplying your heart muscle. During angioplasty and stenting, the narrowed artery is stretched open with a balloon (angioplasty), and a metal strut (stent) is implanted into the coronary artery.
When a coronary angioplasty is used?
Like all organs in the body, the heart needs a constant supply of blood. This is supplied by the coronary arteries.
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In some people, these arteries can become narrowed and hardened (known as atherosclerosis), which can cause coronary heart disease.
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If the flow of blood to the heart becomes restricted, it can lead to chest pain known as angina, which is usually triggered by physical activity or stress.
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While angina can often be treated with medication, a coronary angioplasty may be required to restore the blood supply to the heart in severe cases where medication is ineffective.
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Coronary angioplasties are also often used as an emergency treatment after a heart attack.
What are the benefits of a coronary angioplasty?
In most cases, the blood flow through the coronary arteries improves after an angioplasty. Many people find their symptoms get significantly better and they're able to do more than they could before the procedure.
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If you've had a heart attack, an angioplasty can increase your chances of surviving more than clot-busting medication (thrombolysis). The procedure can also reduce your chances of having another heart attack in the future.
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How safe is a coronary angioplasty?
A coronary angioplasty is one of the most common types of treatment for the heart.
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As the procedure doesn't involve making major incisions in the body, it's usually carried out safely in most people. The risk of serious complications from a coronary angioplasty is generally small, but this depends on factors such as:
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Your age
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Your general health
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Whether you've had a heart attack
Serious problems that can occur as a result of the procedure include:
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Excessive bleeding
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A heart attack
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A stroke