If an Angiogram confirms a blockage in an Artery, Angioplasty and Stenting may be the treatment of choice.  These procedures widen the channel (lumen) where blood flows in an Artery.  Like Cardiac Cath, they are also performed in a Cath Lab, often right after Angiography.  One or both procedures may be done, depending on the blockage.

For the procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the affected Coronary Artery.  Once in place, the balloon is inflated.  This compresses the plaque against the Artery walls. As a result, the lumen is widened.  When the balloon is inflated, blood flow stops for a moment.  As this happens, you may have angina for a short time.  Tell your doctor if you feel symptoms or discomfort.  In most cases , Angioplasty is followed by Stenting.

After a Catheter-Based procedure, call your doctor if you have any of the following: 

• Increasing pain, swelling, redness, bleeding or warmth at the insertion site
• Drainage from the insertion site
• Fever
• Angina or shortness of breath
• Inability to urinate or blood in the urine

• Severe pain, coldness or a bluish colour in the leg or arm where the catheter was inserted

A Stent is a flexible tube made of wire mesh.  The Stent, in a collapsed form, is mounted onto a balloon catheter.  The balloon and Stent are guided across the lesion.  Once in place, the balloon is inflated.  This pushes plaque against the artery wall and opens the Stent.  The balloon is then deflated and removed.  The Stent remains as a permanent support, helping to hold the artery open.  Some Stents are drug eluting.  They slowly release medication over a period of time.  The medication reduces the amount of scar tissue that forms inside the artery.  This helps to prevent Re-Stenosis (a re-narrowing of the artery at the same site)

The sheath in your groin, wrist or arm will be removed and the insertion site closed.  This may be done while you are still in the Cath Lab.  Or it may be done after you have been moved to a hospital room. 

You may need to keep still, with your leg or arm straight for 2 to 6 hours.  How long depends partly on the insertion site and the type of closure performed.  You’ll be closely monitored until you’re ready to go home.  Most people stay in the hospital overnight.

Many people feel relief from their heart disease symptoms right away. You can go home when:

• Your condition appears stable.
• The insertion site is not bleeding.
• Your blood tests are cleared by your doctor.
• You have no signs of infection.
• You can urinate.