Details of the Procedure
Before angioplasty starts, your healthcare provider will thoroughly clean and numb the area where the catheter will be inserted into the body, usually the groin but sometimes the wrist. Then the doctor inserts the catheter into the artery and moves it towards the coronary artery, watching its movement on an X-ray feed.
Once the catheter is in the artery, the doctor will inject a contrast dye through the artery. This will help identify blockages around the heart. Once the dye detects the blockage, your doctor will insert a second catheter and a guide wire, usually with a balloon at the tip.
When the second catheter is in the right position, your doctor will inflate the balloon. This will push the plaque and open up the artery. The surgeon may also artery a stent to ensure the artery stays open.
According to the American Heart Association, angioplasty may occur for about 30 minutes to a few hours. In some cases, you may have to stay in the hospital overnight.