What is angioplasty?

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure during which the coronary arteries are imaged in order to define their anatomy and identify stenoses, or blockages, within the arteries. Coronary angioplasty, or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), is a therapeutic procedure geared toward treating coronary stenosis or occlusion. During this procedure, the cardiologist advances an angioplasty balloon into the coronary artery and, under x-ray guidance, positions the balloon over the site of the blockage, or stenosis. Inflation of the balloon stretches the artery, compressing the plaque against the artery wall, thereby enlarging the artery channel. While the balloon is inflated, it occludes the artery channel and blood cannot pass. During this time, the patient may experience chest discomfort, until the balloon is deflated. Following angioplasty, the artery channel is enlarged. However, since the artery contains elastic tissue, there is always some degree of "recoil" after the balloon is deflated. Over the ensuing weeks, as the artery heals, the recoil process may continue. In some cases (30-40%), severe recoil can cause "restenosis," or renarrowing of the arterial channel. This is a drawback to angioplasty. Fortunately, a device known as a "stent" has been developed that overcomes the recoil phenomenon.

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