Health Resource Center
Angioplasty Procedure
Aug 21st 2008
PTCA
is a catheterization technique meaning that it uses catheters to perform.
Catheters are long, thin, flexible hollow tubes, about a yard long and as thick
as a strand of spaghetti. The first step in the procedure involves
inserting a short catheter, about eight inches long, into an artery, usually in
the right groin, in a manner very similar to starting an I.V. This is
called a “sheath” and allows the physician to insert, remove and change PTCA
catheters easily. Through the sheath a “guiding” catheter is advanced to
the heart and inserted just a few millimeters into the blood vessel of the
heart. Pictures of the blood vessel (angiograms) can be taken to show the
cardiologist where the blockages are. A thinner balloon catheter is then
inserted through the guiding catheter using one of several types of wire
systems. The wire systems guide the balloon catheter down the blood vessel
and through the blockage. The balloon is positioned within the blockage
and inflated. When inflated, it “pushes” the blockage aside and widens
the inside of the vessel improving blood flow. When the cardiologist is
satisfied that the blockage is relieved, the balloon catheter, wire and guiding
catheter are removed. If no other procedures are needed the sheath is
removed and the puncture in the artery is closed with one of several sealing
techniques and applied pressure.
This procedure is performed in a special room commonly called a “cardiac cath
lab”. It contains special X-ray equipment that helps the cardiologist
place the catheters and balloons in the proper position as well as allowing
angiograms of the blood vessel to be taken.
In most cases, cardiac
stents are
placed in the area of blockage. Stents are described in another section.