Angioplasty(Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty or PTCA) refers to a
variety of procedures that are performed to open a blockage in one or more of your heart's coronary arteries. Angioplasty is done in the catheterization
laboratory by a cardiologist who specializes in what is called interventional cardiology. Assisting in the procedure are specially trained technologists
and nurses. These angioplasty procedures include:
The cardiologist determines which type of angioplasty is appropriate by evaluating the type of blockage in the artery
that is being treated. Angioplasty is performed using the same approach, through the groin or wrist, that is used for diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
Sometimes, angioplasty is performed immediately after the cardiac catheterization procedure. There are, of course, new procedures being introduced
regularly. You can be assured that your doctor will provide you with the latest in appropriate technology.
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