Angioplasty

Description

Pre-Procedure

A blood test will be performed as well as an electrical tracing of the heart (EKG).
A nurse will ask you questions about yourself, including what pills you are taking, any allergies, as well as any pills to take prior to the test. Questions about the test will also be answered by a nurse. If you have diabetes, the nurse will direct you regarding your medications/insulin. If you are on blood thinners you may be given directions on when to take them.

Procedures

Your groin or wrist will be used for the angioplasty.
A tube with a balloon on the tip is placed in the narrowed part of the artery(s) in your heart.
When the balloon inflates, it opens up the narrowed artery. This will increase blood flow to your heart.
During the procedure, when the balloon is inflated, you may feel some pressure or chest pain. This is NORMAL and may last a few minutes. If the pressure or chest pain persists longer, make sure you let the nurse or doctor know.
A stent is a small, spring-like device that helps keep the artery open. The stent is placed over the balloon that is used for your angioplasty. When the balloon is inflated the stent expands and is placed in the heart artery. The balloon is removed and the stent will stay in the artery permanently. This acts like a culvert in a ditch. The artery will cover the stent with cells over a few weeks which will incorporate it into the wall of the artery. The current stents used are all drug eluding stents.

Post Procedures

Right after the test, you will be taken to a recovery area.
Upon returning to your room, you will be on bed rest for a period of time, and your nurse will let you know when you can get up. The nurse will check on you often. Please inform the nurse if any pain, swelling or discomfort arises at your groin/wrist site.
Do not bend your hip, leg or wrist on the side of your test.
Someone will help you the first time you get out of bed and a snack will be provided.
You may spend the night in the hospital but the vast majority of patients will be discharged home the same day. You will need a ride home. DO NOT drive yourself.
You will be given a prescription for antiplatelet medications to prevent the stent from clotting off which can lead to a heart attack. It is imperative that you take these as prescribed.
On your first night home, have someone stay with you.

Arrangements

Arrange for a ride home from the hospital. You cannot drive yourself home. You can return home as long as you live within 30 minutes from an emergency room.

What to Bring/Not to Bring

Bring your Manitoba Health Card.
Bring your pills in their original bottles with you as given by the pharmacy, and take your pills as directed by the nurse in the Cardiac Clinic.
Bring a pair of slippers, housecoat, toiletries and something to read.
Do not bring any valuables (including money and jewelry). The hospital is not responsible for the loss or damage of such items.
Bring a cell phone number(s) of an emergency contact person.
Ensure you and your visitors do not use scented products (talcum, lotion, perfume, cologne, aftershave, etc.).

Mandatory Pre Test Measures

Remove nail polish and do not apply makeup.
You may shower and brush your teeth the morning of your test.
Cell phones may be on, but set on vibrate, with calls answered outside of the unit.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation programs offer education and support to patients who have heart disease. Depending on your angiogram results, you may be contacted by staff members from a cardiac rehabilitation program informing you of their services to improve your heart health.

Cancelling Appointment

Living Well with Heart Disease: A guide for people with coronary artery disease