Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or Coronary Angioplasty is a minimally invasive Procedure aimed at reopening the flow of blood through constricted or blocked blood vessels. It is performed most often on coronary arteries, but is also done on other arteries, such as those in the legs-peripheral angioplasty. Here’s a detailed look at the procedure:

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is the process of widening narrowed or blocked arteries by threading a catheter with a balloon on the end through the artery, thus opening the artery and improving blood flow. It may also be performed with the placement of a stent (a small metal mesh cylinder that remains after the balloon is inflated and removed). The stent keeps the artery open.

Types of Angioplasty

• Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty (PCI)
  Purpose: The purpose of the test is to treat coronary artery disease or CAD by opening blocked coronary arteries.
  Procedure: A catheter with a balloon in the tip is passed into a blood vessel via the groin or wrist and guided to the coronary artery. The balloon inflates to widen the artery, followed by the potential placing of a stent to keep the artery open.
  
  

• Peripheral Angioplasty
  Peripheral arteries included those that supply the lower extremity.
  Procedure: Similar to the procedure of coronary angioplasty but deals with all arteries except those of the heart. It relieves symptoms of peripheral artery disease, including claudication-pain while walking.
  
  
• Renal Angioplasty
  The renal arteries bring blood to the kidneys. Angioplasty can be used to treat blockages in these arteries.
  Procedure: A balloon catheter is being advanced in the narrowed renal artery to dilate it and therefore improve blood flow to the kidneys.
  
  
• Carotid Angioplasty
  Carotid Artery Angioplasty/Stenting is done to treat blockages in the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain. Procedure A balloon is inflated in the carotid artery to improve the flow of blood and to reduce stroke. Steps of the Procedure Preparation There is need for fasting for some hours before the test is started. A local anaesthetic is often used to stun the area in which the catheter will be inserted. Insertion of the Catheter

  An inserted catheter in a blood vessel, usually in the groin or at the wrist, is advanced to the site of obstruction under the guidance of an imaging modality, usually fluoroscopy. Inflating the Balloon After the catheter reaches the site of the blockage, a balloon at the catheter tip inflates and compresses the plaque against the artery wall, expanding the vessel and reestablishing flow.

• Stent Placement
  In most cases, a stent is implanted in the course of the angioplasty. The stent is loaded onto the balloon catheter and inflated with the balloon. When the balloon is deflated and pulled out, the stent stays in the artery and maintains the opening of the artery.
  
  

• Completion
  The catheter is removed, and the point of entry is closed. The patient is then observed for complications and may be obliged to stay in bed for a short time.
  
  
• Applications
  Angioplasty has been used to manage symptoms of CAD that can be life-threatening, such as chest pain or angina, in order to avoid having a heart attack. Symptoms of PAD are relieved and mobility is improved. Renal angioplasty treats renal artery stenosis and improves renal function. Carotid Angioplasty The risk of stroke can be minimized since this angioplasty improves blood flow in the brain. Risks and Complications Allergic Reaction: The contrast dye used in the procedure can cause an allergic reaction. Bleeding: This can occur at the catheter site of insertion or internally.
  Infection: This may occur at the site of insertion.
  Re-narrowing of the Artery: The artery may narrow again over time in some cases. Heart Attack or Stroke: These are severe occurrences that might occur in the rare event of complications arising during the procedure.
  Benefits Restoring Blood Flow: Restores adequate blood flow to the concerned area.
  Relief from Symptoms: Relieves symptoms of chest pain or leg pain.
  Reduced Risk: Reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications due to blocked flow.

  Angioplasty is minimally invasive with a rather short convalescence period in comparison with open surgery; therefore, this is an option for many patients with one form of arterial blockage or another.