Re-Opening Blocked Coronary Arteries
Cardiac Catheterization or Angioplasy and Stinting
Opening and maintaining blood flow to the heart muscle

What to Expect
Your physician makes a tiny puncture to access an artery in the leg. Through the incision, a guide wire is inserted in the artery. A short hollow tube (catheter sheath) is then guided over the wire, and then a hollow guide catheter through the arterial system to the site where angioplasty is needed. The balloon catheter is passed through the guide catheter or over the guide wire to the point of blockage in the artery and is inflated. The balloon may be deflated and re-inflated until the blockage is flattened and the artery has been adequately opened.
After angioplasty, physicians often insert drug-coated stents to prevent the artery from collapsing or being closed by plague again.
To place a stent, a new stent carrying catheter is advanced through the artery to the site of the blockage. The balloon is inflated, expanding the stent. The balloon is then deflated and the catheter withdrawn, leaving the stent in place permanently.
Angioplasty and stenting takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to complete.

Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Before the procedure, your physician may order tests including:
· An x-ray
· An electrocardiogram (EKG)
· Blood tests
You may also be asked to:
· Avoid eating or drinking after midnight on the night before the procedure
· Take any medications the physician orders in connection with the procedure
· Notify his or her physician of any allergies to iodine, which is used in contrast dye for some x-ray tests.
· Bring a detailed list of your medications to the hospital

Post-Procedure Guidelines and Care
You’ll be asked to remain in bed for 6 to 24 hours following the procedure. During the post- operative period, you will be closely monitored for any complications. Your physician may prescribe aspirin or Plavix to prevent blood clots. Follow-up blood tests may also be ordered to monitor your progress.

Other guidelines to follow after angioplasty or catheterization include:
· Avoid lifting more than 5 to 10 pounds for the first few days
· Drink plenty of water and other and other clear liquids for 2 days unless otherwise instructed
· Avoid showering for 24 hours
· Avoid baths for a few days, especially if a collagen plug is used to seal the artery
· Read the instruction sheet from the hospital.

Your physician may also prescribe a cardiac rehabilitation exercise program, such as walking...continue to next page.