$Unique_ID{BRK01246}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System, Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{What is Angioplasty?}
$Subject{coronary test angioplasty}
$Volume{G-3, P-3}
$Log{
Coronary Arteries*0008901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Angioplasty?


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QUESTION:  Would you please explain the surgical procedure known as
angioplasty?  My father's doctors are advising this operation for him, but we
don't know enough about it to be able to advise my Dad who has asked our
opinion.  Please help us make a sound decision.

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ANSWER:  Angioplasty is an effective treatment for coronary artery disease
where the coronary arteries--those blood vessels that bring nutrients to the
heart itself--are partially or totally "closed."
     Angioplasty is accomplished by inserting a narrow balloon attached to a
guiding catheter through the circulatory system to the affected coronary
artery.  The balloon is place at the narrowest part of the artery and then
inflated at high pressure.  The expansion of the balloon forces open the
material that closed the artery, creating a wider channel for blood to flow
through.
     Benefits from angioplasty--as opposed to bypass surgery--are that it:
does not require surgery; can improve your ability to exercise without
heart-related pain; may increase the so-called "quality of life"; can reduce
pain caused by angina; requires much shorter hospital stays than bypass
surgery; and costs much less than bypasses.
     Patients most likely to be considered for angioplasty include those:
with coronary "closings" that have occurred within the past six months; who
are also candidates for bypass surgery; who have "closings" in several
separate parts of arteries--but not in major sections of those vessels.
     There are some risks associated with angioplasty, such as:  serious
coronary complications can happen during or after it; it is more dangerous for
women, particularly those over 65 years who have had bypass surgery than for
any other group; the arteries may "close" again at some point; and bypass
surgery must be done if the angioplasty fails.
     Nevertheless, angioplasty is a major advance in medicine.  It gets safer
and more practical as experience is gained in its applications.  It is
altogether possible that this operation will provide your Dad with a new lease
on life, and much more pleasure while living it.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
