Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a procedure to open up the clogged arteries and improve blood flow to the heart. Our heart specialists have years of experience performing angioplasty procedures.
Angioplasty: Advanced Care in Virginia
You may need angioplasty if you have coronary artery disease, a condition in which the coronary arteries are too narrow or blocked. Coronary artery disease prevents the heart from getting enough oxygen-rich blood. This lack of oxygen can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even heart attack. Learn more about coronary artery disease.
Angioplasty is, unfortunately, relatively common. More than 1 million people in the U.S. undergoing the procedure each year. You may also hear people refer to it as percutaneous coronary intervention or balloon angioplasty.
Angioplasty: What to Expect
The goal of angioplasty is to open up our arteries to allow blood to flow easily. During the procedure, we will:
- Insert a catheter (a small, flexible tube) with a balloon on its tip into the artery in your groin area.
- Thread the catheter to the affected coronary arteries.
- Expand the balloon to widen and stretch the artery. This process pushes plaque away and improving blood flow.
We may place a stent during angioplasty. The stent expands with the balloon, attaches to the artery wall and supports the artery to reduce the chance of future narrowing or blockage.