Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty is a procedure wherein narrowings or blockages in the coronary arteries are repaired using very small stents and balloons. This procedure generally follows on from Coronary Angiography, and is performed in the same room as part of the same procedure.

The images taken during your Coronary Angiogram have indicated that you have one or several narrowings in your coronary arteries, and that the best treatment for these narrowings is to repair them using balloons and stents.

The Cardiologist will be inflating very small balloons inside the narrowed artery, to enable the stent to be positioned. These inflations are generally very brief (5 – 30 seconds) and it is possible that you may experience some chest pain (angina), chest tightness or heaviness, while this is happening. This discomfort is often transient. If it persists, you will be given additional pain relief through your IV leur (“drip.”)

As the screens will be positioned parallel to you, it is likely that you will see some of the imaging (if you are sufficiently awake!). However, some of the X-ray machine angles will block your view. Your Cardiologist will go through these images with you afterwards.

No, the X-ray machine does not enclose the patient. It is a good idea to let your Cardiologist know if you have these concerns, as you may require extra sedation for your procedure.

This can take an additional hour or so. If you have a support person with you, they will be notified by the nursing staff.

Alternatively, an angioplasty/stenting procedure may be scheduled for a later date, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) may be recommended.

A letter will be sent to your GP giving the results of your Coronary angioplasty.

Stents are metal mesh tubes. They are used to open a narrowed or blocked artery and increase blood flow to the heart muscle. They act as an internal support framework to hold the artery open by continuing to press the plaque back into the inside of the artery wall.

Modern stents are generally coated with medication which is slowly released (“eluted”) into the surrounding area, helping to minimise the risk of the artery re-narrowing (“re-stenosing.”)

The sheath in your groin or wrist will be taken out at the end of the procedure, and pressure applied. If the procedure was performed via your groin, you will need to lie flat for several hours.

When you return to the ward the nursing staff will be regularly checking the catheter insertion site, your blood pressure, pulse, and the circulation of your leg or arm, depending where the insertion site was.

No, coronary stents are too small to trigger metal detectors.

You will need to stay in hospital for at least 6 hours after your angioplasty, possibly overnight.

An Interventional Cardiologist will perform your angioplasty, with the assistance of the Angiography nurses, and a radiographer.

You are welcome to have a support person with you until you enter the Angiography Theatre.

You will need to ask a friend/relative to drive you home and you should not be alone on the night following your procedure.

A letter will be sent to your GP giving the results of your Coronary angioplasty.

You will be given detailed instructions by the nursing staff regarding care of the access site.

You will be given a follow-up appointment with your Cardiologist.