It refers to a medical intervention used to allow the correct circulation of blood in the arteries when they have narrowed or are obstructed by atheromas or fatty plaques. To do this, an instrument that is inflated like a balloon is inserted into the blocked artery, allowing it to expand and restore a better blood flow. Later, the balloon is removed and a metallic device called a stent is placed, which will help keep the artery widened to allow better blood flow to the rest of the body.
Angioplasty and stenting is recommended when a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure due to the occlusion of a major artery has occurred or is likely to occur.
Preoperative protocol:
Your ABC doctor will review your medical history, do a physical examination, and explain the risks of the procedure. Please remember the following:
- Avoid food and drinks at least four hours before the surgery.
- You should consult your doctor to find out whether or not you should continue with any previous drug treatment.
- Tell him or her about your allergies.
Postoperative recovery:
You will be under local anesthesia for 30 minutes, which is the approximate time of the procedure, although it could be extended if more arteries need to be intervened.
When the procedure is finished, the wound will be closed and you will remain under medical supervision to monitor your vital signs, attend to any complications and/or discomfort. It is important that you rest and ensure that someone remains with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
When you leave the hospital, remember that you will not be able to do some activities, for at least a week, while you are recovering, such as: carrying heavy objects, driving, or doing exhausting physical activity.
If your doctor prescribed any medication after the procedure, it is essential that you take it as prescribed and that you promptly inform him or her in case the wound presents any bleeding, swelling, hardening, or causes intense pain.
Potential complications:
Although angioplasty is normally safe, as in any intervention, there could be complications such as:
- Stroke.
- Arrhythmias or heart attack.
- Allergic reactions.
- Kidney problems.
- Bleeding.
- Clots.
At the Cardiovascular Center we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.
Related centers and departments
Fuentes:
- Fundación española del corazón
- msdmanuals.com
- clinicamayo.org
- medigraphic.org
- González-Díaz B, Garduño-Espinosa J, Salinas-Escudero G, et al. Economic Evaluation of the Use of Drug-Eluting Stents versus Bare-Metal Stents in Adults with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Requiring Angioplasty. Rev Invest Clin. 2015;67(4):219-226
- Munayer CJ, Zabal CC, Ledesma VM, et al. Angioplastía con balón en la coartación aórtica. Estudio multicéntrico en México. Arch Cardiol Mex. 2002;72(1):20-28.
- Torres CBL, Pérez RJ, Mantilla HJF. Manejo endovascular de la estenosis ilíaca-bilateral mediante la técnica de kissing stent . Revista Cubana de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular. 2020;21(3):1-7.
