- The angioplasty and stenting procedure is designed to re-open the inside of a blocked
coronary artery and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. - During angioplasty, a tiny balloon is inflated and deflated to crack and compress plaque
buildup inside a diseased artery. - Once an angioplasty has widened the artery, a tiny mesh-metal tube called a stent can be
placed inside the artery to prevent the artery from collapsing or being closed off by plaque
again. - Angioplasty is indicated for people who have one or more of the following:
o Significant blockage in one or two coronary arteries
o Angina pectoris
o A risk of having a heart attack
In less advanced cases, medication is the first line of treatment; when atherosclerosis is
advanced or does not respond to medication, angioplasty and stenting are
recommended.
