Percutaneous Transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a procedure to provide unobstructed blood supply to arteries hardened because of plaque deposition. Through a PTCA procedure, normal flow to blood-deprived heart tissue is ensured, reducing the need for medication, and reducing bouts of angina.
The PTCA procedure commences with the doctor administering general anesthesia into the groin and inserting a needle into the femoral artery which is the blood vessel that runs down the feet. Thereafter, a wire is placed through the needle and the needle is removed. After that, an introducer is placed over the guide wire, after which the wire is removed. A different sized guide wire is put in its place.
A long narrow tube-like structure known as a diagnostic catheter is passed through the introducer into the blood vessel. This is then passed to the aorta after which the guide wire can be removed. The doctor is able to inject a contrast material for taking x-ray once the catheter is placed in the opening of any of the coronary arteries. A balloon is inserted around the catheter. The balloon facilitates removing of plaque deposited around arteries. A stent may be used to keep the blood vessel open. Contrast material is again injected for taking an X-ray, after which the procedure is over.
Experiencing even one of the following: High fever, undue fatigue, tiredness or dizzy feeling along with an irregular pulse, loss of sensation in the skin area around the catheter, pain in chest and persistent shortness of breath need to be reported to the doctor without wasting time.
The surgery cannot be avoided as it is necessary for improving blood supply to the heart and reducing advancement of coronary artery disease.