For more information or to make an appointment, call (615) 515-1900.
When plaque builds up on artery walls, blood flow is restricted. If this blood flow is interrupted for any reason, heart attack occurs. Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open a narrow artery. A tiny balloon is inflated and deflated to create pressure to clear the blockage. An atherectomy is another technique to clear blocked arteries. This procedure uses a tiny device or laser to shave, sand or vaporize plaque from coronary or peripheral arteries. These quick procedures can prevent further plaque buildup and heart attack.
How it works:
- A local anesthetic will numb the area where your doctor will make a small incision.
- Your doctor will insert a small tube (about the size of a pencil) through the artery to clear the blockage.
- The delivery tube will inflate and deflate a tiny balloon to stretch the artery.
- A mesh stent may also be inserted to hold the artery open.
- When the artery is clear, your doctor will remove the tube.