Angioplasty

What Is Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)?

PTCA (ANGIOPLASTY)

You have been scheduled to have a PTCA, or angioplasty, sometimes called the "balloon" procedure. PTCA stands for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty . During your heart catheterization, your doctor found a narrowing in your coronary arteries. Your doctor has recommended that you have a balloon angioplasty (PTCA) to open this narrowing.

P - Percutaneous: This means that the procedure is done through a small hole in the skin. Your doctor will put a short, hollow tube, called a sheath, through a small hole in the artery in your groin. The doctor will then place a longer tube, called a catheter, into the sheath and direct the catheter up to your heart.

T - Transluminal: This means that the procedure is being done on the inside of your diseased coronary artery (the inside of an artery is called the lumen of the artery).

C - Coronary: The procedure is being performed on a coronary (heart) artery.

A - Angioplasty: The procedure uses a catheter with a tiny balloon at the tip. When the doctor inflates the balloon inside the blocked artery, the pressure from the balloon causes the blockage to be pressed against the sides of the artery, opening up the artery. The balloon is then deflated and the catheter is removed. Once the artery is open, oxygen-filled blood is able to flow through the artery to various parts of your heart.

This procedure is similar to a heart catheterization. Here is what will happen:

baloon catheter

Before the procedure

  • You will read and sign a consent form after the doctor explains the procedure.
  • You may be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • An IV is started to give you fluids and medications.
  • In the Cath Lab, your groin area will be shaved and cleaned. The doctor will inject anesthetic or "numbing medicine" into the area.

During the procedure

  • Once the sheath is in place, the balloon catheter will be directed through the artery until the blockage is reached. The doctor will inflate the balloon. Some patients have chest pressure when the balloon is inflated. This is normal. If you feel pressure in your chest during the procedure, tell the doctor. The balloon may be inflated several times.
  • When the PTCA is completed, the balloon catheter will be removed. The sheath may be left in your artery for several hours, or until the next morning.

After the procedure

  • You will be taken to the Cardiac Short Stay Unit or Special Care Unit.
  • Your family may visit after you are settled in the unit.
  • Your doctor will discuss the results of the PTCA with you and your family.
  • After a couple of hours, you may have fluids or solid foods.
  • Most patients receive blood thinner (Heparin) during the procedure. Several hours after the procedure, blood work is drawn to decide when the sheath can be removed. Small amounts of blood may ooze around the sheath. This is normal. This will be checked often by your nurse.
  • When the sheath is removed, pressure will be applied by hand over the groin area for at least twenty minutes. A larger pressure dressing will be applied.

Key points

  • If you have any chest discomfort or shortness of breath, tell the nurse right away.
  • Keep your leg, with the pressure dressing on it, straight for several hours. You will need to stay in bed until the nurse tells you that you may be up.
  • Hold your hand over the dressing when you cough, sneeze, need to vomit, or move while in your bed. Tell your nurse right away if bleeding starts at the groin area. Lie flat and hold pressure over the area until the nurse arrives. Also tell your nurse if the dressing becomes tight or more painful.