Heart artery dilation

Alternative names:

angioplasty of the heart; balloon angioplasty; coronary angioplasty; coronary artery angioplasty; percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; PTCA

Expectations after surgery:

This procedure can greatly improve the blood flow through the coronary arteries and to the heart tissue in about 90% of patients and may eliminate the need for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The outcome is relief from chest pain symptoms and an improved exercise capacity. In 2 out of 3 cases, the procedure is considered successful with complete elimination of the narrowing or blockage.

This procedure treats the condition but does not cure the cause and recurrences happen in 1 out of 5 cases. Patients should consider diet, exercise, and stress reduction measures.

If adequate widening of the narrowing is not accomplished, heart surgery (coronary artery bypass graft surgery, also called a CABG) may be recommended.

Convalescence:

The average hospital stay is less than 3 days and sometimes hospital stay is not required. Complete recovery takes a week or less.