Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary Angioplasty: Introduction

Coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure in which a balloon catheter is used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries). Fat and cholesterol can accumulate inside arteries, forming deposits that narrowed the arteries enough that blood to the heart is hindered. This procedure can increase the blood flow to the heart, thus decreasing chest pain and enabling the patient to return to exercise. The procedure is performed by a cardiologist and a team of specialized trained individuals at a hospital catheterization laboratory. The patient remains awake for the procedure (no anesthesia) but pain medicine may be given as needed....more »

Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary Angioplasty: Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive method to remove plaque from a blocked coronary artery and maintain the widened artery with a metal stent. A thin flexible tube (catheter) with a deflated balloon inside is inserted into the groin area and moved to the blockage; the balloon is inflated to push the plaque to the sides of the arterial wall.

Medical Costs Report

Surgery Costs Report for Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary Angioplasty: Related Terms

Other medical terms related to medical conditions and procedures for Coronary Angioplasty include:

• Stent
• Unstable angina
• Percutaneous coronary intervention
• Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
• Heart attack
• Cardiac catheterization
• Coronary angiography
• Restenosis

Diseases And Conditions Treated: Coronary Angioplasty

These diseases and conditions may be treated with the surgical procedure Coronary Angioplasty:

• Coronary artery disease
• Atherosclerosis

Non-Surgical Options: Coronary Angioplasty

These non-surgical medical options may be possible alternative treatments to performing Coronary Angioplasty:

• Vasodilator (e.g. hydralazine)
• Blood thinner (anticoagulant)
• Blood pressure medication
• Dietary changes
• Weight loss
• Lifestyle changes

Other Surgical Options: Coronary Angioplasty

Surgical procedure options to consider as an alternative for Coronary Angioplasty may include these surgeries:

• Coronary artery bypass

Anesthetic Requirements for Coronary Angioplasty

These surgical anesthetic requirements for the procedure Coronary Angioplasty may include:

• Local anesthetic and sedation

Procedure Complications: Coronary Angioplasty

Possible surgical complications of Coronary Angioplasty may include:

• Bleeding
• Damage to blood vessels
• Adverse reaction to dye used to diagnose blockages
• Heart arrhythmia
• Emergency coronary artery bypass graft
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Restenosis

Prognosis for a Good Outcome: Coronary Angioplasty

The prognosis for a good medical outcome: The prognosis is good for immediate relief of symptoms related to coronary artery disease; however, approximately 40% of patients without a stent incur restenosis (compared with 10-20% with a stent), which is the build-up of plaque after coronary angioplasty. About 2% of patients die during coronary angioplasty.

Coronary Angioplasty: Overview

What is Coronary Angioplasty? Coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure used to restore blood flow through a narrowed or blocked artery in the heart. A thin tube with a balloon or other device on the end is first threaded through a blood vessel in the arm or groin (upper thigh) up to the site of a narrowing or blockage in a coronary artery. Once in place, the balloon is then inflated to push the plaque outward against the wall of the artery, widening the artery and restoring the flow of blood through it.

The arteries of the heart (the coronary arteries) can become narrowed and blocked due to buildup of a material called plaque on their inner walls. This narrowing reduces the flow of blood through the artery and over time can result in coronary artery disease and heart attack....more »

Profile: Patient Candidates for Coronary Angioplasty

Who are candidates for Coronary Angioplasty? Angioplasty is recommended to:

• Minimize damage to the heart muscle during a heart attack. This damage occurs when blood flow is totally cut off to an area of the heart.
• Relieve chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Coronary Angioplasty: Treatment Options

What are alternatives to Coronary Angioplasty? Treatment of coronary artery disease depends on many things such as the severity and extent of the disease, patient symptoms, and overall heart function. In some patients, alternative treatment of coronary artery disease includes medical therapy with specific medication or non-surgical treatment such as:

• Minimize damage to the heart muscle during a heart attack. This damage occurs when blood flow is totally cut off to an area of the heart.
• Relieve chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Coronary Angioplasty: Preparing for Surgery

How do you prepare for Coronary Angioplasty? Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

Depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may be instructed to do the following:

• Completely empty your colon and cleanse your intestines prior to surgery. You may be requested to drink clear liquids only for one or several days prior to surgery.
• Stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before the operation except medications that your doctor has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
• Stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior to surgery as smoking delays wound healing. Smokers are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery.

This description includes general information and does not, nor was it intended, to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. If you have questions pertaining to your medical condition, ask your doctor or healthcare provider....more »

Coronary Angioplasty: Recovery After Surgery

What is the Coronary Angioplasty recovery process? Most people go home one to two days after angioplasty. Your doctor will prescribe medications that will keep you from getting blood clots. In addition, you will be given specific instructions as to how much activity you can do and what to look for in terms of infection. Most people are able to return to work in a week. Angioplasty is not a cure for coronary artery disease (CAD). Lifestyle modifications including changes to your diet and level of physical activity are recommended. Your doctor may encourage you to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program which includes a series of educational classes on diet, stress, healthy living and physical activity....more »

Coronary Angioplasty: Recovery Time

Recovery period for Coronary Angioplasty: One week.

Coronary Angioplasty: Costs of Surgery

What is the cost of Coronary Angioplasty? A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Coronary Angioplasty, includes costs for:

• Coronary angioplasty with intracoronary stent in the first vessel or other vessels
• Balloon angioplasty in the first vessel or other vessels
• and Plaque removal using angioplasty in the first vessel or other vessels.

Surgery Cost Report for Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary Angioplasty: Find a Surgeon or Specialist

Where can I find a Coronary Angioplasty doctor or surgeon? Coronary Angioplasty is typically performed by doctors specializing in Cardiology. Nationally, there are 26268 practicing Cardiologists. HealthGrades offers detailed physician reports to help you find a qualified Coronary Angioplasty doctor or surgeon in your area, which includes disciplinary actions, patient feedback, background information, and more. Start your search now!

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Coronary Angioplasty: Other Names

Other names for this medical surgical procedures (Coronary Angioplasty) include:

• Percutaneous coronary intervention
• Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
• Balloon angioplasty
• Coronary artery angioplasty

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