Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at unblocking coronary arteries to flow the blood supply to the heart. The doctor injects a local anesthetic in the groin and inserts a needle into the femoral artery ( vessel that runs along the leg), then place a guide wire that will serve to introduce a catheter through blood vessel, reaching the aorta. When the catheter is inside the coronary arteries dye is injected and an x-ray is performed. In the event that a treatable blockage is detected, the catheter displace the obstacle that is in the interior of the vessel outward against the wall of the artery, widening the vessel and restoring circulation. Thus, attempts to widen the passage through which blood must flow.