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.
Choose a topic at left and click for more information on Cardiac Procedures.
