Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) & Stenting
A procedure that opens a narrowed or blocked heart artery with a small balloon and usually places a stent, a tiny mesh tube, to keep it open.
What is angioplasty?
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) treats a narrowing in a heart artery from the inside, without opening the chest. A fine wire is passed across the narrowing, a small balloon is inflated to widen it, and in most cases a stent is placed. A stent is a tiny metal mesh tube that stays in the artery permanently. Most stents used today are drug-eluting: they slowly release a medicine that lowers the chance of the artery narrowing again.
When is it advised?
- During a heart attack, to reopen the blocked artery as early as possible.
- For angina that continues despite medicines, when angiography shows a suitable narrowing.
Some people are better treated with medicines alone or with bypass surgery. The choice depends on the angiography findings and your overall health.
What happens on the day
It is done in the cath lab in the same way as coronary angiography, through the wrist or groin under local anaesthesia, and you stay awake. You may feel brief chest discomfort while the balloon is inflated; tell the team if you do. If more detail is needed, FFR, IVUS or OCT may be used during the procedure.
Before the procedure
Tell the doctor about all your medicines, any bleeding problem, kidney disease, diabetes medicines such as metformin, and allergies. Blood-thinning tablets are usually started before the procedure.
Recovery and the months ahead
- A short hospital stay is usual. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and driving.
- Antiplatelet medicines prevent clots inside the stent. Never stop them without your cardiologist's advice, even before dental work or another operation. Ask first.
- A stent treats one narrowing, not the disease itself. Stop smoking, keep sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol under control, and join cardiac rehabilitation if advised.
When to seek help
Get urgent help for chest pain like before, breathlessness, fainting, or bleeding or swelling at the puncture site.
The right treatment for you is decided only after examination and your reports. This page explains the procedure; it does not replace a consultation.
For understanding only — the right test or treatment is decided after examination.
