Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty or PTCA, more simply known as Angioplasty, is one of the most common and one of the least invasive procedures for restoring the flow of blood in blocked and damaged coronary arteries.
It is used to prevent coronary artery disease that can result when fat and cholesterol deposit form plaques in arterial walls.
PTCA is performed by inserting a tube called a catheter onto the narrowed area of the artery.
At the end of the catheter is a balloon, which is then inflated when the target area is reached.
The inflation creates a widening effect on the blocked area so that normal blood flow can be restored.
The action can also disrupt the plaque deposits and loosens them to lessen the build-up.
To ensure that the artery doesn't narrow down again, a stent (a small, expandable coil made of metal) is inserted in the area.
During the healing process, tissue will form over the stent as the blood flow normalizes.
The angioplasty procedure can be safely and effectively done with the help of a few technologies.
Interventional cardiologists make use of fluoroscopy, which is a special type of X-ray instrument, to determine the location of artery blockages.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) allows them to visualize the blood vessels in order to select the right sizes of catheters, stents and balloons.
Depending on the severity of the blockage, a typical PTCA procedure can last from less than an hour to a few hours.
They are usually performed with the patient awake, but subjected to sedatives to calm them down.
PTCA Note though that not all coronary artery diseases are suitable for an angioplasty procedure.
A patient has to undergo a series of blood tests, urinalysis, x-ray and other medical work-ups to determine whether he or she is suitable for angioplasty.
The best treatment for coronary diseases must be determined by your physician.
In cases such as when the blockage occurs in naturally narrow arteries or when there are too many blocked branches, more invasive procedures might be recommended.
The Risks Involved PTCA is effective in restoring normal blood flow in the arteries.
However, although fairly low, the procedure does entail some amount of risk.
In the hands of an experienced cardiologist, the chances that a patient would need emergency bypass is only about 2% or less, while the risk for fatality is less than 1%.
Serious complications can occur in 1 in every 2,000 procedures.
The risk of bleeding that necessitates transfusion is also significantly low.
Following a Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty procedure, you will be asked to take it easy in the next few days.
You will also be given medications and directions to help facilitate the healing process.
Note also that PTCA is not a permanent cure for heart disease.
If caution is not taken, arteries can narrow again and the original symptoms might appear again.
Should the pain persist, consult your cardiologist immediately.
Also talk to your doctor about how fish oil might help support a healthy heart, veins and blood flow.
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are famous for their potential health benefits as part of a heart-healthy diet.