What is angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to increase blood flow through a narrowed blood vessel. Usually this is an artery — a blood vessel that carries blood away from your heart.

During angioplasty, a long thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel. The catheter is used to inflate a small balloon at the site of the blood vessel blockage. This allows the blood vessel to open up and restores healthy blood flow.

If your doctor is concerned that the artery will not stay open by itself, they may insert a stent. This is a small metal tube, which is left inside the artery to help keep it open.

Why might I need angioplasty?

Angioplasty can help treat a narrowed artery that is restricting blood flow to a part of your body.

Angioplasty can be used on the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle — your coronary arteries. This is called 'coronary angioplasty' or 'percutaneous coronary intervention'. It can help:

• relieve the symptoms of angina
• treat a heart attack

Other areas where angioplasty can help restore blood flow are in your:

• neck or head — to help prevent a stroke
• legs — to treat peripheral vascular disease
• kidneys — to help treat high blood pressure caused by problems with your kidney's blood vessels

Coronary angioplasty is usually performed by a specially trained cardiologist (heart doctor). Other angioplasty procedures can be performed by an interventional radiologist or a vascular surgeon.

How can I prepare myself for an angioplasty?

Your preparation will depend on:

• your medical condition at the time of the procedure
• your general health
• any medicines you are taking

Your doctor might ask you to stop taking certain medicines before the procedure.

You may need to fast (stop eating and drinking) for several hours before the procedure.

Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any history of kidney disease or abnormal kidney function. This is because the dye used during angiography (part of the procedure) is processed by the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, you may need extra fluids around the time of the procedure. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

What happens during an angioplasty?

During an angioplasty, a catheter (thin tube) is inserted into a large blood vessel. This is usually in your groin or wrist. Local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.

The catheter is then inserted and threaded through your blood vessels to reach the right area. A special dye is injected through the catheter so that it shows up on an x-ray (an angiogram). This helps your doctor see the blood vessel blockage.

A balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage. This clears the blockage and opens up the blocked artery. After a short time, the balloon is deflated and removed. In some cases, a small wire mesh tube called a stent is placed in the artery. This is to help keep it open after the procedure.

The catheter is then removed. Pressure will be put on your groin (or wrist) to stop any bleeding and reduce bruising.

Angioplasty usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

What should I expect after an angioplasty?

You will need to lie flat for 2 to 4 hours after an angioplasty.

Some people have angioplasty done as day surgery. Others stay in hospital overnight, or for longer if angioplasty was done as an emergency procedure.

You might have pain or bruising where the catheter was inserted. It's important to rest on the day of the procedure. After that you can return to your usual activities if you feel well enough.

You should have a follow-up appointment with your specialist.

What are the risks and complications of angioplasty?

Angioplasty is generally regarded as safe. But as with all procedures, there are some possible risks. Your doctor will discuss these with you before the procedure.

You may have some bruising where the catheter was put in (usually your groin).

Rarely, people have allergic reactions to the dye used in the x-ray procedure or other medicines. The doctors performing the procedure are equipped to handle this, if it happens.

On rare occasions, blood vessels are accidentally damaged during the procedure, needing treatment.

If you have severe pain or bleeding after angioplasty, you should see your doctor right away.

Resources and support

The Heart Foundation has information on heart procedures and devices, including coronary angioplasty.

Inside Radiology has information on angioplasty and stent insertion.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.