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Our interventional cardiologists expertly perform coronary angioplasty and stenting to unclog blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Telehealth appointments are available.
Atherosclerosis is a common condition that causes blocked or narrowed blood vessels due to a buildup of cholesterol, fat or other substances. Coronary angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive procedure frequently used to treat this condition.
Coronary angioplasty removes the collected cholesterol and fat from your blood vessels. A stent is a small, expandable mesh tube that holds your vessel open. It decreases the likelihood that your artery will become blocked or narrowed again.
This procedure, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a treatment for coronary artery disease that restores blood flow without open-heart surgery. It may be planned, but it can also be an emergency treatment for heart attack. Our interventional cardiologists use the most advanced technologies and minimally invasive approaches to treat your atherosclerosis and get you back to the activities you enjoy most.
If you need coronary angioplasty and stenting, we will check your blood pressure before your procedure. We also connect you to an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) monitor and place electrodes — sticky patches that monitor your heart’s activity — on your chest. During your procedure, these electrodes will track your:
We will place an IV in your arm or hand to give you medication to help you relax. Most people are awake during angioplasty. But, if you need it, we can give you general anesthesia to help you sleep during the procedure. We also deliver fluids and other medicines, like blood thinners, through your IV.
For the procedure, your interventional cardiologist makes a small incision (cut) in your blood vessel. Using X-ray guidance, they thread a balloon attached to a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through your blood vessel. They inject dye that makes blockages more visible.
Once they reach a blockage, your interventional cardiologist may need to perform a coronary atherectomy, a procedure that grinds away and removes the plaque clogging your blood vessel. When your artery is clear, they will inflate and deflate the balloon, widening your blood vessel. After removing the balloon, they place a stent in the narrowed area to keep your vessel open for better blood flow. The stent is often coated with special medications that keep the vessel from closing. Your interventional cardiologist will repeat this process if you have more than one blockage.
After the procedure, you will remain in the hospital. The length of your stay will depend on the reason behind your coronary angioplasty and stenting placement. We will ask you to drink plenty of fluids to flush the imaging dye from your body. During this time, we will monitor you for complications. Let us know if you experience:
Once you return home, you can expect:
A full recovery can take a few weeks. However, your PCI stent placement can’t prevent blockages in other blood vessels. So, it’s important to take steps to keep your heart healthy and your blood vessels clear. These strategies include:
Our fellowship-trained interventional cardiology experts are national leaders recognized for their sophisticated approach to patient-centered care.
Our advanced technologies and minimally invasive procedures make us a destination of care for complex conditions.
You can count on a personalized care plan designed for your specific condition and goals. As your health care partner, we’ll be by your side throughout your journey.
