Coronary Angioplasty is a procedure used to widen narrowed coronary arteries. Opening up the arteries improves blood flow to the heart and may improve symptoms.

Performed in the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) by a Cardiologist and cardiac team, it takes approximately 60 minutes. It is classified as a Day Case procedure.

The patient receives a mild sedative and remains conscious throughout.

The procedure

A catheter with a small balloon at the tip is guided through a blood vessel into the heart artery. The balloon is inflated at the site of the narrowed artery, widening its diameter. (Balloon angioplasty).

Often a small metal stent is placed from another balloon and deposited into the narrowed artery. It is expanded to the required size and usually remains permanently. Some new stents are dissolvable. Most stents have a drug coating to help reduce reoccurrence of the condition. (Balloon angioplasty with stenting).