Cardiac Catherization Procedures

• Angioplasty may be done if the arteries of the heart become clogged from a buildup of cells, fats and cholesterol called plaque. Angioplasty is the procedure that allows a cardiologist to use a balloon technique to open up the artery, allowing blood to flow to the heart tissue again, without opening the chest.
• Stenting involves inserting a small, coil-like device, or stent, at the site of the blockage to help keep the artery open and reduce the likelihood that a new blockage will develop.
• Atherectomy may be an option for patients who have have hardened blockages. A high-speed drill on the tip of a catheter is used to "shave" plaque from artery walls.