Trust the skill & experience of Pinellas County's most advanced & fully capable cardiac electrophysiologist

516 Lakeview Road, Villa 5
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 587-6999 | Fax: (727) 259-7818
Coronary AngioplastyAngioplastia coronaria

Coronary Angioplasty

Your doctor will talk to you about your heart problem and explain how angioplasty can help. Angioplasty relieves symptoms of coronary artery disease by improving blood flow to your heart.

The blood flow to the heart muscle increases
The blood flow to the heart muscle increases.

The balloon compresses the plaque against the artery wall
The balloon compresses the plaque against the artery wall.
During the Procedure

  • A guide wire is inserted through the guiding catheter (a thin, flexible tube) and moved to the narrow spot in your artery. Your doctor tracks its movement on an angiogram, a special kind of x-ray.

  • A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted through the guiding catheter and threaded over the guide wire. It is positioned at the narrow part of the artery.

  • The balloon is inflated and deflated several times to compress the plaque against the artery wall. You may feel angina (chest pain) when the balloon is inflated. Tell your doctor if you do.

  • The balloon is deflated and the catheters and guide wire are removed. The artery is now open, and blood flow to the heart muscle increases.

After the Procedure

  • Image of patient having insertion site checked You'll need to remain lying down for 6-12 hours.

  • If the insertion site was in your groin, you may need to lie down with your leg still for several hours.

  • A nurse will check the insertion site and your blood pressure. Before going home, you may have a chest x-ray and other tests.

  • You usually remain in the hospital for several hours or overnight.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • You have angina (chest pain).

  • The insertion site has pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or drainage.

  • You have severe pain, coldness, or a bluish color in the leg or arm that held the catheter.

  • You experience blood in your urine, black or tarry stools, or any other kind of bleeding.

  • You have a fever over 101.0°F.

Publication Source: American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America

Publication Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Publication Source: Society for Vascular Surgery

Online Source: American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America

Online Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Online Source: Society for Vascular Surgery

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T00:00:00-06:00

 

Patient Reviews

I was diagnosed with persistent AFIB several months ago. I found Dr. Norris by a referral from another physician. Dr. Norris scheduled me for a cardiac ablation without delay. He thoroughly explained the procedure, risks and benefits prior to the procedure. Dr. Norris and his staff exhibited exceptional professionalism and interest in resolving my AFIB. One month post-op I am rhythm and feel great. Thank you Dr. Norris and staff. I truly feel like I have my life back again.
-Ken Afienko

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516 Lakeview Road, Villa 5
Clearwater, FL 33756 (Two blocks south of Morton Plant Hospital )

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