How Does the Angioplasty Procedure Work?
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels — especially those that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries). A thin tube (catheter) with a small balloon on its tip is guided into the blocked artery and the balloon is inflated to push the plaque outward. A stent (a tiny mesh tube) is often placed during the procedure to help keep the artery open and improve blood flow. This method is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease or restore blood flow during or after a heart attack.
Purpose & Benefits of Angioplasty
Angioplasty is done to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce symptoms of blocked arteries:
• Restores blood flow: Opens narrowed arteries so more blood reaches the heart, relieving blockages.
• Relieves symptoms: Reduces chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue caused by poor circulation.
• Quick recovery: Less invasive than open-heart surgery, with shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
• Can be lifesaving: Used in emergencies like heart attacks to quickly restore blood flow and reduce heart damage.
• Improves quality of life: Helps people return to normal activities with fewer heart-related symptoms.
Who May Benefit from Angioplasty?
Angioplasty may be recommended for people who:
• Have chest pain (angina) or discomfort that does not improve with medicines.
• Have confirmed blockages in heart arteries on tests such as angiography.
• Are at risk of heart attack or have experienced one.
• Have reduced blood flow to the heart causing shortness of breath.
• Need a less invasive alternative to bypass surgery.
Angioplasty Treatment Process
1. Preparation:
You may be asked not to eat or drink for some hours before the test. Doctors check your health and explain the procedure.
2. Access Point:
A small cut is made in an artery in the wrist or groin, and a catheter is inserted.
3. Balloon Inflation:
The catheter’s balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage to widen the artery.
4. Stent Placement:
A stent is often placed to support the artery walls and help prevent re-narrowing.
5. Completion & Recovery:
After the procedure, the catheter is removed, pressure is applied to prevent bleeding, and you are monitored as the body adjusts.
Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay, and recovery typically continues over a few days with activity increasing gradually.
Duration & Therapy Setting
Angioplasty is performed in a hospital cardiac catheterization lab (Cath lab) by trained cardiologists.
• The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on complexity.
• Most people stay in the hospital a few hours to one night after angioplasty, although some may need longer based on their condition.
Safety, Precautions & Risks
Angioplasty is generally safe, but like all medical procedures, it has some risks:
Common or mild effects:
• Bruising or bleeding at the catheter site.
• Mild discomfort around the incision.
Possible risks:
• Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis).
• Blood clots forming in the stent.
• Allergic reaction to the dye used.
• Damage to blood vessels or arteries.
• Heart attack, irregular heartbeat, stroke, or kidney problems: Rare but serious.
Doctors will evaluate your overall health, heart condition, and risks before recommending angioplasty and explain precautions to take before and after the procedure.
Dr. Yashoda Ravi
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, MRCP (UK)
Family Medicine
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Family MedicineDr. Yashoda Ravi is a Doctor in Cunningham Road, Bangalore and has an experience of 10 years in this field. Dr. Yashoda Ravi practices at Fortis Hospital in Cunningham Road, Bangalore. She completed MBBS from J.S.S Medical College, Mysore in 1993,MD - General Medicine from Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore in 1999 and MRCP (UK) from Royal College Of Physician, London in 2008. She is a member of Member of British society of Cardiology,Member of British society of Cardiac Magnetic resonance imaging,Member of Royal college of Physician –London and Member of British society of Echocardiography. Some of the services provided by the doctor are: Heart Transplant,Cardiac Ablation,Pacemaker Implantation,Ergometric test and Ventricular Septal Defect Surgery etc.
14, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560051
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- DocIndia Verified
- 1 Award
- 800
- Fortis Hospital
Dr. Amit Singh
Consulting Cardiologist & Heart Failure Specialist
Cardiology
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CardiologyInterventional Cardiology
Preventive Medicine
Trained in Cardiology & Medicine from one the finest & prestigious institute in the country I.e. Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai. Also, Fully certified in Heart Failure by European Society of Cardiology. Also, Certified in interventional cardiology by European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI).
12th floor, Shagun Insignia building, Shagun Corner, Sector 19, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 410206
Dr. Amit Singh
Consultant Cardiologist & Heart Failure Specialist
Cardiology
Interventional Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
I'm Dr. Amit Singh, a Consultant Cardiologist and Advanced Heart Failure Specialist. With a background in medicine, I have dedicated my career to providing exceptional cardiac care and promoting heart health. Having undergone rigorous training at one of the best and most prestigious institutes in the country, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my practice. My qualifications include an M.D. and a D.M. in Cardiology, equipping me with the necessary skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. While I am dedicated to providing excellent patient care, my true passion lies in the prevention of cardiac diseases, especially among Indian youths.
Thane - Belapur Rd, opp. Kopar Khairane Ghansoli Station Road, next to Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City, Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City,, MIDC Industrial Area, Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 400710
Dr. Manish Rajput
Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
Radiology
RadiologyInterventional & Vascular Specialist, Master in Varicose Veins LASER, Prostate Artery Embolization(BPH), Thyroid Ablation, Uterine Artery Embolization I am an Interventional Radiologist with the biggest team of Interventional Radiologists in Rajasthan. I've been trained at Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, India and have worked in so many government and corporate hospitals across the country.
6/267, Sector 6, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, 302017
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- DocIndia Verified
- 500
- Panacea Interventions
Dr. Hasmukh Ravat
MBBS, MD - Medicine, DM - Cardiology
Interventional Cardiology
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Interventional CardiologyMulund Goregaon Link Road, Industrial Area, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Chetan Bhambure
MBBS, MD - Medicine, DNB - Cardiology
Cardiology
Asmita Enclave, Nayan Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Haresh Mehta
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DNB - Cardiology
Cardiology
Raheja Rugnalaya Marg., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Ritu Dhawan Bhatia
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Cardiology
Cardiology
32, Sassoon Road, Bund Garden Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Dr. Sashikant
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Cardiology
Cardiology
18, SP Road, Alexander Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Dr. Amit Sinkar
MBBS, DNB - General Medicine, DNB - Cardiology
Cardiology
Office Number 203, 2nd Floor, Kalpvishwa, Ghole Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
