Angioplasty and Stent Implant Learn more about coronary
angioplasty on the Northwest Regional Heart Center website.
Coronary angioplasty is a process that opens up blocked or
narrowed arteries in the heart. Over time plaque can build up in
arteries. An angioplasty can restore blood flow to the heart.
Angioplasty can improve the symptoms of a blocked artery,
including shortness of breath and chest pain. During an
angioplasty a tiny balloon is inserted into the blocked artery
and then inflated to widen the artery. Often a stent is placed
in the artery after the angioplasty. A stent is a small wire
mesh tube that helps keep the artery open. Some stents are
coated with a medication that helps keep the artery open.
Angioplasty and stent implant procedures are performed through
cardiac catheterization. This process involves inserting a thin
hollow tube into the artery. This tube typically goes through an
artery in the groin and is guided through x-ray visualization.
Our cath labs are state-of-the-art and designed t