Angioplasty

Posted: May 1, 2004

Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to open narrowed or clogged blood vessels. Angioplasty uses a tiny balloon threaded into the area of blockage. Once in this area, the balloon is inflated. As it expands, it forces the fatty plaque against the artery wall, opening the vessel.

Balloon angioplasty is widely used to open blocked heart arteries, but also is used for clearing neck and brain arteries. In some cases, a miniature wire tube called a stent is left behind after angioplasty to keep the artery propped open.

Angioplasty was first used in 1977. Since then, new devices and medications have improved the procedure and made it appropriate for more people. The improvements include:

• Stents: A stent is a tiny mesh tube that looks like a small spring. It is inserted in the area where the artery is narrowed to keep it open. Some stents are "coated" with medication to help prevent the artery from closing again. Most people will have a stent placed unless the artery is too small.
• Plaque remover: These devices are used to cut away plaque that narrows the inside of the arteries. There are many kinds.
• Laser: A laser is used to dissolve or vaporize plaque. The first laser device was approved in 1992. It is used in many major U.S. medical centers.

Today, over 1 million people in the U.S. receive angioplasty each year. Research on angioplasty continues to:

• Make it even safer
• Prevent the artery from closing again
• Make it an option for more people.

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

We Have Answers Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare can help. Click here.