- Angioplasty and Stent Placement
Angioplasty and stent placement is a common medical procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries, especially those that supply blood to the heart. When arteries become blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque, the condition is known as coronary artery disease. This blockage can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, causing chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that helps open narrowed arteries and restore normal blood flow. It is usually performed by a cardiologist in a specialized room called a catheterization laboratory.
During the procedure, the doctor inserts a thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually through the wrist or the groin. The catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels toward the blocked artery in the heart using X-ray imaging.
Once the catheter reaches the blocked area, a small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated. This step is called balloon angioplasty, and it works by pressing the plaque against the walls of the artery, widening the passage so blood can flow more easily.
After the artery is opened, the doctor usually places a stent, which is a small metal mesh tube. The stent acts like a scaffold that keeps the artery open and prevents it from narrowing again. Many modern stents are drug-eluting stents, which slowly release medication to reduce the chance of the artery becoming blocked again.
The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of the blockage. Most patients stay in the hospital for one day and can return to normal activities within a few days.
Angioplasty and stent placement are highly effective treatments for coronary artery disease. They quickly improve blood flow to the heart, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of heart attacks. However, patients are also advised to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, take prescribed medications, and attend regular follow-up visits to maintain long-term heart health.