“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), also known as coronary balloon angioplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. It involves using a small balloon catheter that is threaded through an artery in the groin or wrist and up to the blocked or narrowed area of the coronary artery.
Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque or fatty deposits against the walls of the artery, widening the artery and improving blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a small, mesh-like tube) may also be inserted into the artery to help keep it open.
PTCA is often used to treat angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease, as well as to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with significant blockages in their coronary arteries. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and most people can go home the same day or the day after the procedure.
Complications from PTCA are rare, but can include bleeding or bruising at the site of the catheter insertion, allergic reactions to the contrast dye used during the procedure, and in rare cases, damage to the coronary artery or heart muscle.
Overall, PTCA is a safe and effective treatment option for many people with blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right option for individual needs.