The following information is a brief description about Coronary Angioplasty. If you have any questions after reading this information, please speak with your nurse.

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What is an Angioplasty?

• A small tube (catheter) with an inflatable balloon near the tip is inserted into the coronary arteries.
• At the site of a blockage, this balloon is inflated to flatten the blockage.
• Directional atherectomy, rotational atherectomy and coronary stents are included in this category.
  • Directional Atherectomy: plaque is shaved down and removed.
  • Rotablator: uses a diamond tip burr to eliminate calcified lesions which it pulverizes.
  • Stent: mesh-like device which keeps the artery open that is left in permanently.

What happens during the procedure?

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• You will lie on an x-ray table.
• EKG leads and blood pressure cuffs will be attached.
• The area used for the catheter insertion will be cleansed. The soap used will feel cold. A local anesthetic is then injected to numb the area.
• The doctor will insert the catheter and use x-ray to position it.
• Dye will be injected and x-rays taken.
• Pressure readings are also obtained.
• The balloon may be inflated one or more times. Tell the Catheterization Lab staff if you have pain or any other unusual symptoms.

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What you may feel:

• You will feel a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected.
• You may feel a hot sensation or flushed at the time the dye is injected.
• You may feel chest pain with inflation of the balloon. Tell the staff what you are feeling.

What happens after the procedure?

• You will be transferred to the Step Down Unit on the 17 th floor, to the Observation Unit in the Cooperative Care Unit or to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
• You must stay in bed with the affected limb straight while the introducer sheath remains in place and you are receiving IV anticoagulants. This will depend on which procedure is done. In addition, you must keep the affected limb straight for a period of time after the sheath is removed.
• You blood pressure, pulse and area around insertion site will be checked by the nurse.
• You can eat after the procedure and should increase your fluid intake to at least 2-4 cups an hour unless instructed otherwise.
• Your nurse will give you prescribed medication.
• Your urinary output will be measured.
• The nursing staff will tell you when you can get up and will help you the first time.
• The nursing staff will review activity recommendations with you.
• Notify your nurse immediately of bleeding, chest pain or other unusual symptoms.

Discharge information

• Prior to discharge, the doctor from the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory will meet with you and review discharge instructions.
• It is usually recommended that you avoid heavy lifting or excessive movement of the limb used for catheter insertion for 1-2 days after the procedure. Check with the doctor from the Catheterization Laboratory regarding specific activity restrictions including when you may return to work.