Angioplasty is the technique of mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel; typically as a result of atherosclerosis. Sometimes called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), balloon angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels. Using a guide wire called a balloon catheter, physicians insert a very small, empty and collapsed balloon into the narrow portion of the target blood vessel and momentarily inflate it to a fixed size using water pressures some 75 to 500 times normal blood pressure (6 to 20 atmospheres). The balloon crushes the fatty deposits, so opening up the blood vessel to improved flow, and the balloon is then collapsed and withdrawn. Balloon angioplasty can be used to unblock clogged arteries in the legs, arms, kidneys, brain and other parts of the body. Angioplasty has come to include all manner of vascular interventions typically performed in a minimally invasive or percutaneous method.

After angioplasty, most of the patients are monitored overnight in the hospital but if there are no complications, the next day, patients are sent home.

The catheter site is checked for bleeding and swelling and the heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. Usually, patients receive medication that will relax them to protect the arteries against spasms. Patients are typically able to walk within two to six hours following the procedure and return to their normal routine by the following week.

Angioplasty recovery consists in avoiding physical activity for several days after the procedure. Patients are advised to avoid any type of lifting or other strenuous physical activity for a week. Patients will need to avoid physical stress or prolonged sport activities for a maximum of two weeks after a delicate balloon angioplasty.

Patients with stents are usually prescribed a blood thinner medication, which is taken at the same time with acetylsalicylic acid. These medications are intended to prevent blood clots and they are usually taken for at least the first months after the procedure is performed. In most cases, patients are administrated this type of medication for one year. Also, patients who are doing dental work are advised to cancel it because there is a risk of endocarditis, an infection of the heart.

Patients who experience swelling, bleeding or pain at the insertion site, develop fever, feel faint or weak, notice a change in temperature or color in the arm or leg that was used or have shortness of breath or chest pain should immediately contact their doctors.