Baloon Angioplasty

Balloon Angioplasty is a technique used to widen a narrowing in your artery without surgery.  The basic idea of angioplasty is to position a catheter with a small inflatable balloon on the end within the narrowed section of the artery.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

• Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to your appointment time.

How is the procedure performed?

Cardiac catheterization is usually performed in a hospital. A mild sedative is given to keep you comfortable during the procedure. A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm, groin or neck area and then guided to the heart.

Inflation of the balloon catheter causes the balloon to push outward against the narrowing and surrounding wall of the artery.  This process reduces the narrowing until it no longer interferes with blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the artery.

It is a safe procedure with little to no pain and a low risk of complications.