The procedure accesses a blood vessel via a catheter inserted through an incision in the skin.
What Is Balloon Angioplasty?
Balloon angioplasty is typically a scheduled procedure performed underlocal anesthesia.
Most procedures are performed on anoutpatient basis, and do not require an overnight hospital stay.
With that said, the procedure is not performed on vessels that are structurally unsound.
“hardening of the arteries”) and/or vascular stenosis (the narrowing of a blood vessel).
Location
Balloon angioplasty is performed in the cardiac catheterization unit of a hospital.
Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
This includes over-the-counter sleep aids, vitamins, herbal remedies, and recreational drugs.
You will also need to bring a friend or family member to drive you home.
Some procedures, particularly those involving the heart, may require you to avoid driving for a week.
It also increases the risk of restenosis (in which the treated artery spontaneously narrows again).
As a general rule, smoking should be stopped if you have heart disease or any vascular condition.
This is especially true if treatments like balloon angioplasty are needed.
If the skin around the access site is hairy, the nurse will need to shave it.
Fluoroscopy helps guide the procedure by delivering real-time video images from within the blood vessel.
Acontrast agent, infused into the bloodstream through the IV line, ensures greater image clarity.
Once your vital signs are stable, you are wheeled to your room and given something to eat.
Most people spend at least one night in the hospital for observation.
Others need to stay longer.
It is not uncommon to experience headaches, grogginess, nausea, and fatigue after undergoing balloon angiography.
These tend to resolve in a few hours, but let the nurse know if they persist.
Upon discharge, you are provided care instructions that you should probably carefully follow.
you’ve got the option to shower but try not to soak the procedure site.
Keep the wound dry and clean and follow thewound care instructionsyour healthcare provider gave you.
When it comes to prevention, it’s never too late to start.
Ahmad M, Mehta P, Reddivari AKR, Mungee S.Percutaneous coronary intervention.
Chhabra L, Zain MA, Siddiqui WJ.Angioplasty.
2013;127:2535-41. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.001849
National Health Service (UK).Recovery: Coronary angioplasty and stent insertion.
Omeh DJ, Shlofmitz E.Restenosis.
