Angioplasty

When arteries become narrowed or clogged, angioplasty can open the vessels and restore good blood flow. Specialists at the Abington Heart and Vascular Institute – Jefferson Health conduct this minimally invasive procedure with advanced technology in our cardiac catheterization laboratories.

Conditions Benefitting From Angioplasty

Angioplasty is used to treat coronary artery disease, heart attack, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and other heart-related problems. The procedure often opens arteries clogged with the cholesterol plaque build-up of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

Angioplasty Treatment Process

During angioplasty, a thin, flexible catheter with a balloon tip is guided into the blockage. The balloon tip inflates, opening the vessel and allowing blood to flow. Because of this special tip, the procedure is sometimes called “balloon angioplasty.”

A wire mesh stent (small tube) may be inserted to support the artery walls and keep them apart. Some stents are drug-coated with medication, to help maintain free blood flow.

A Sudden Change of Heart

Read how angioplasty treated a heart attack emergency.

Read Frank's Story