Angioplasty
Angioplasty Procedure: Medical Overview and Steps
Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat narrow or blocked blood vessels, primarily arteries. The procedure involves the use of a balloon catheter to widen the narrowed portion of the blood vessel, improving blood flow and restoring proper circulation.
Procedure Steps:
Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient’s medical history is reviewed, and any allergies, medications, or existing medical conditions are assessed. Blood tests may be performed to evaluate kidney function before using contrast dye.
Informed Consent: The patient receives information about the procedure, its purpose, potential risks, and benefits. Informed consent is obtained, ensuring the patient’s understanding and agreement.
Numbing the Area: A local anesthetic is applied to the area where the catheter (thin, flexible tube) will be inserted. In some cases, a larger artery may require general or regional anesthesia.
Insertion of Catheter: A small incision is made at the entry site (commonly in the groin or arm). The catheter is then guided through the blood vessels using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) to reach the narrowed or blocked area.
Guidewire Placement: A thin guidewire is advanced through the catheter and positioned across the blocked area. The guidewire serves as a pathway for the balloon catheter.
Balloon Inflation: The balloon catheter is threaded over the guidewire to the narrowed segment of the blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque or material causing the blockage against the vessel walls, widening the artery and improving blood flow.
Balloon Deflation and Catheter Removal: After the balloon is inflated for a few seconds to a minute, it is deflated, and the catheter is removed. The process may be repeated several times to achieve the desired widening of the vessel.
Completion and Recovery: The patient is closely monitored for a period after the procedure to ensure there are no complications, such as bleeding or allergic reactions to the contrast dye. If a closure device or sutures were used, they are properly secured.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Angioplasty. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/angioplasty/about/pac-20384782
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). (2020). Angioplasty and Vascular Stenting. RadiologyInfo. Retrieved from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angiovascularstent
American Heart Association. (2021). Angioplasty. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/angioplasty
MedlinePlus. (2021). Angioplasty and stent placement – carotid artery. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007393.htm
Society for Vascular Surgery. (2021). Angioplasty and Stent Placement. Retrieved from https://vascular.org/patient-resources/vascular-treatments/angioplasty-and-stent-placement
Please note that the specifics of angioplasty procedures may vary based on the patient’s condition, the location of the blockage, and the healthcare provider’s experience. Always consult with qualified medical professionals for personalized advice and information regarding angioplasty procedures.
Below are eight Cardiologists that can assist with Angioplasty Medical Procedure
Dr Pat Mahungwane Ntuli
Cardiologist
- Phone:(021) 764 7158
- Email:Website form
Dr Anthony Stanley
Cardiologist
- Phone:011 234 3155
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Rentia Fourie
CardioThoracic Surgeon
- Phone:016 130 4144
- Email:[email protected]
Dr. John Benjamin
Cardiologist
- Phone:(011) 883-3460
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Laurence J Disler
Cardiologist
- Phone:011 485 4815
- Email:Website form
Dr Warren Muller
Cardiologist
- Phone:+27(0) 81 739 9066
- Email:[email protected]
Dr RJN van Tonder Jnr
Physician cardiology
- Phone:012 742 6450
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Deseta
Specialist Physician-Cardiologist
- Phone:011 482 3315/6
- Email:[email protected]
Medical Aids that cover Angioplasty medical procedure
🔎 Provider | ▶️ Covers Angioplasty | ⏩ Top Plan Covering Angioplasty |
🥇 Bestmed | ✅ Yes | Beat 4 |
🥈 Bonitas | ✅ Yes | BonComplete |
🥉 Cape Medical | ✅ Yes | HealthPact Select |
🏅 CompCare | ✅ Yes | DYNAMIX |
🎖️ Discovery Health | ✅ Yes | Discovery Health Classic Delta Core |
🏆 FedHealth | ✅ Yes | FlexiFED 3 |
🥇 Genesis | ✅ Yes | Med 200 PLUS |
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed | ✅ Yes | Platinum Enhanced |
🥉 KeyHealth | ✅ Yes | Gold |
🏅 Makoti Medical | ✅ Yes | Comprehensive Option |
🎖️ Medihelp | ✅ Yes | MedMove! |
🏆 Medimed | ✅ Yes | Alpha |
🥇 MedShield | ✅ Yes | PremiumPlus |
🥈 Momentum | ✅ Yes | Extender |
🥉 Suremed | ✅ Yes | Shuttle |
🏅 Thebemed | ✅ Yes | Fantasy |