What is PTCA and how is it performed?

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or PTCA is a medical procedure that is performed to unblock the blood vessels to your heart. This allows blood to flow freely to your heart, preventing serious consequences.

A mild sedative is given to help you through the PTCA procedure. A puncture is made in your groin to access the femoral artery. In some cases, the puncture is made in your forearm to use the radial artery. A stent mounted on the balloon is passed over the wire and advanced towards the blocked or narrowed area in the coronary artery. The balloon is inflated after ensuring proper positioning of the sent, pushing the stents against the arterial walls. Blood flow is restored and the catheter is removed. The area of catheterization is sealed with sutures or manual compression.

Why do you need PTCA?

Coronary arteries or the blood vessels leading to the heart are some of the most crucial parts of your circulatory system. They develop blocks when a thick, hard substance called cholesterol plaque begins to accumulate along the arterial walls. As more plaque collect over time in a process known as arteriosclerosis, the blood flow within the artery becomes restricted.

As the arteriosclerosis progresses, more and more of the coronary artery becomes blocked. This results in a lack of oxygen to your heart, which is a serious condition called coronary artery disease (CAD). People with CAD have to undergo PTCA to prevent heart attacks. People who have diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are at high risks of developing CAD.