Angioplasty

​Note: Please bring your Health Card and all of your medications in their original containers along with any vitamins or supplements that you take. Many of our patients also find it helpful to bring:

• A family member or friend to take notes or ask questions
• A list of your own questions to ensure that you have all the information

Before you have a coronary angiogram, expect to have:

• An assessment by a nurse that includes measuring your blood pressure and other vital signs
• A session to teach you about the procedure
• Review and signing of the consent form
• Blood tests and an ECG
• Specific instructions about your medications
• Cleaning and preparation of a small area of both groins or your wrist

Immediately before the procedure, you will be taken to the cardiac catheterization lab.

• You will be given medication to help you relax, but you will be awake during the procedure so that you can follow instructions from the doctor and nurses.
• The doctor will administer freezing to your groin or your wrist.
• A thin, flexible tube (balloon catheter) with a small inflatable balloon on the end is inserted. If a stent is being used, it will be placed over the balloon before the catheter is inserted.
• X-ray pictures will be taken and a special dye will be injected through the catheter to identify the narrowed sections or blockages in the arteries in your heart.
• The balloon catheter is guided to the narrowed section of the artery.
• The balloon is inflated for a short period of time to push the plaque back against the wall of the artery and implant the stent.
• Once the balloon has been deflated and removed, the stent stays in place, permanently holding the blood vessel open and improving blood flow.
• It is not unusual to experience some chest pain. Inform the nurse if you experience any discomfort or have concerns.
• The time for the procedure in the lab is usually 30 to 90 minutes.

After your procedure, you will be transferred back to the Day Unit.

• The nurse will frequently check your pulse, blood pressure, pulses in your feet or wrist, and the puncture site.
• You will be on bedrest for an hour if you had the catheter inserted in your wrist or up to six hours if the catheter was inserted in your groin. During this time, you may sleep or rest.
• If you experience discomfort, let the nurse know. You can be repositioned with help.
• If you are hungry, you will be given a snack.
• You will be encouraged to drink fluids to help flush the dye out of your kidneys. Ask your nurse for help if you need to go to the bathroom.
• The doctor will discuss the results of your angioplasty with you and make recommendations for any new treatments or medications at that time.
• Before you are discharged, you will be encouraged to walk around to ensure that you are feeling okay.