Angioplasty Health Article

Risks

There is a danger of puncturing the vessel with the guidewire during an angioplasty, although the risk is very small. Patients must be monitored for hematoma or hemorrhage at the puncture site. There is also a small risk of heart attack, stroke, and, although unlikely, death—all related to vessel spasm (transient vessel narrowing from irritation by the catheter), or from emboli (as plaque can be dislodged by the catheter or and travel to the heart or brain). Abrupt closure of the coronary artery occurs in about 4% of patients.

Recurrence of stenosis is an additional potential complication. The risk of recurrence is highest in the first six months after angioplasty, with rates as high as 35% reported in some studies.

The length of the patient's hospital stay following an angioplasty depends on his or her overall condition, the occurrence of complications, and the availability of home care.

Health care team roles

Physicians often have specially trained assistants for vascular procedures. These assistants may be nurses, surgical technicians, or x ray specialists. Cardiac catheterization laboratories will include someone specially trained in monitoring EKG equipment and vital signs. Either a nurse, nurse anesthetist, or anesthesiologist will administer sedation or anesthesia for the procedure.

BOOKS

"Diagnostic Cardiovascular Procedures: Invasive Procedures." Section 16, Chapter 198 in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, edited by Mark H. Beers, MD, and Robert Berkow, MD. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.

Schneider, Peter A. Endovascular Skills: Guidewires, Catheters, Arteriography, Balloon Angioplasty, Stents. St. Louis, MO: Quality Medical Publishing, Inc., 1998.

PERIODICALS

Carnall, Douglas. "Angioplasty." Western Journal of Medicine 173 (September 2000): 201.

"New Imaging Technique Could Improve Outcome of Popular Heart Procedure." Heart Disease Weekly (May 13, 2001): 3.

Schiele, F. "The 'Angioplastically Correct' Follow Up Strategy After Stent Implantation." Heart 85 (April, 2001): 363-364.

"Success Clearing Clogged Arteries." Science News 159 (February 3, 2001): 72.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Heart Association (AHA), National Center. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231. (800) 242-8721. <www.americanheart.org>.

OTHER

American Heart Association. Heart & Stroke Guide: Laser Angioplasty. [cited July 5, 2001]. <www.americanheart.org/Heart_and_Stroke_A_Z_Guide/angiol.html>.

MayoClinic.com. Coronary Angioplasty: Opening Clogged Arteries. [cited July 5, 2001]. <www.mayoclinic.com>.

Miami Heart Research Institute. Cardiovascular System, 2001. [cited July 5, 2001]. <www.miamiheartresearch.org/LearningCenter/YourCardiovascular../Cardiovascular.htm>.

Elaine R. Proseus MBA/TM, BSRT, RT(R) Lee A. Shratter, M.D.