Heart procedure
Coronary Angioplasty & Stent
A coronary angioplasty widens a narrowed or blocked heart artery using a tiny balloon, usually leaving a small mesh tube (stent) to keep it open. It is a key emergency treatment for heart attacks.
Quick answer
Coronary Angioplasty & Stent: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Angioplasty threads a fine tube through an artery (in the wrist or groin) to the heart, where a balloon opens the narrowed section and a stent holds it open.
- Why it is done: It restores blood flow in narrowed or blocked coronary arteries — used urgently during many heart attacks and to relieve angina.
- What happens: Usually under local anaesthetic with sedation, a catheter is guided to the heart artery using X-ray, the balloon is inflated, and a stent is placed.
What it is
Angioplasty threads a fine tube through an artery (in the wrist or groin) to the heart, where a balloon opens the narrowed section and a stent holds it open.
Why it is done
It restores blood flow in narrowed or blocked coronary arteries — used urgently during many heart attacks and to relieve angina.
What happens
Usually under local anaesthetic with sedation, a catheter is guided to the heart artery using X-ray, the balloon is inflated, and a stent is placed. It often takes 30–90 minutes.
Recovery
Many people go home within a day or two. Medicines (including blood thinners) and heart-healthy lifestyle changes are important afterwards.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Angioplasty is generally safe and often life-saving in a heart attack, with small risks including bleeding at the access site or artery problems. It treats the narrowed segment but not the underlying disease, so lifestyle and medicines still matter.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Coronary Angioplasty & Stent: frequently asked questions
What is a stent?
A stent is a small mesh tube left inside a widened artery to hold it open and keep blood flowing after angioplasty.
Is angioplasty used for heart attacks?
Yes. Emergency angioplasty to reopen the blocked artery is a key treatment for many heart attacks, and the sooner it is done, the more heart muscle is saved.
Related
Other heart procedure
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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