Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), also known as balloon angioplasty, is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which are blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.

 

During a PTCA, a small, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, and guided to the site of the blockage in the coronary artery. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated, pushing aside the plaque buildup that is causing the blockage and widening the artery.

After the artery has been widened, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed. In some cases, a small metal mesh tube called a stent may be inserted to help keep the artery open.

PTCA is a common treatment for coronary artery disease and can be an effective way to relieve symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and sedation and has a relatively low risk of complications.