Over time, the arteries supplying blood to your heart muscle can become blocked or narrowed from a buildup of cholesterol or plaque. This can reduce blood flow and cause chest discomfort. Sometimes a blood clot can suddenly form or get worse and completely block the blood flow, leading to a heart attack.
Angioplasty is a procedure that opens blocked arteries and restores normal blood flow to your heart muscle. It’s performed by threading a thin tube (catheter) to the heart through a small puncture in a leg or arm artery. An expandable balloon is inserted into the clogged artery and inflated. This opens the artery by pushing the plaque against the artery wall.
During angioplasty, an expandable tube called a stent is often placed in the artery. When the balloon inside the stent is inflated, the stent expands and presses against the walls of the artery. This traps any fat and calcium buildup and allows blood to flow more freely. The balloon is then removed.
Our cardiac specialists have the expertise and technology to provide you with the very best care, whether the problem is routine or complex. We’ll develop a complete and personalized treatment plan to repair your heart and get you back to living a healthy, active life.
Related to this Treatment
At Mercy, we offer comprehensive services to diagnose and treat a full range of conditions, including:
