PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty)

When the coronary arteries are narrowed or obstructed, parts of the heart may be deprived of blood, causing angina pectoris. If the blood vessels are totally blocked, a myocardial infarction might occur unless the artery has been naturally bypassed by new blood vessel growth. To prevent angina pectoris or, in selected situations, improve the pumping function of the heart, opening or bypassing these blocked or partially blocked vessels might help. A common non-surgical treatment for doing this is percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), which is performed during a cardiac catheterization. During this procedure, a balloon is inserted into the narrowed area of the artery and inflated to widen the narrowed segment. When the balloon is expanded, the artery can be damaged and actually collapse when the balloon is deflated. Because of this, a metal reinforcement ("stent") that holds the artery open may be inserted over the balloon and left in place when the balloon is removed.

The continuing problem with PTCA is that up to 30% of the arteries may narrow or close off much later on. In addition, many heart attacks occur because plaque that appears not to be important at the time of the cardiac catheterization later breaks open and causes clots that occlude the artery.

Pregnant women are not candidates for PTCA since X-rays are used during the procedure.

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