Treating And Recovering From A Heart Attack

Coronary Angioplasty And Stenting

Coronary angioplasty and stenting are surgical procedures that help reopen blocked arteries. These procedures can often be done with the patient fully awake. Typically, doctors begin the coronary angioplasty and stenting procedure by numbing the skin around an artery in the patient's wrist or groin. A catheter is carefully inserted into the artery and travels until it reaches the blocked vessel in the patient's heart. X-rays and other images are taken during the procedure to help doctors see blockages and guide the catheter to the correct location. Once they have properly assessed the damage to the vessel, surgeons will decide to use an inflatable balloon or a metal piece (a stent) to hold the blocked artery in an open position. If arteries in the groin were used, patients usually need to lie flat for six hours after the procedure. Sometimes, patients may be admitted to the hospital overnight for observation.