Details of Angioplasty and Stent Placement

Angioplasty and stent placement are common procedures to open arteries in the heart that are clogged. These procedures are formally known as coronary angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention.

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heart attack
• Atherosclerosis
• Coronary heart disease
• Blockage of an artery and angina 

Angioplasty involves the use of a tiny balloon to widen the artery. A stent is a tiny wire-mesh tube that your doctor inserts into the artery. The stent stays in place to prevent the artery from closing. A cardiologist typically performs both procedures at the same time.

The risks associated with the procedure include:

• Allergic reaction to medication or dye.
• Breathing problems.
• Bleeding.
• Blockage of the stented artery.
• Blood clot.
• Heart attack.
• Infection.
• Re-narrowing of the artery.