Angioplasty and Stenting

Angioplasty and stenting are two separate treatments which are used together to treat coronary artery disease (CAD).

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) develop a buildup of plaque in their arteries, which slows blood flow and can lead to a heart attack and other medical conditions.

Our interventional cardiologists can remove the plaque (angioplasty) and insert mesh in the artery to help the artery stay expanded (stenting), all in one minimally invasive procedure.

At the University of Maryland Heart and Vascular Center, our team performs a high volume of angioplasty and stenting cases and are experts in the procedure, both to treat coronary artery disease and for heart attack patients.

To make an appointment or to learn more about our program, call 410-328-7877.

Angioplasty

Also called balloon angioplasty, this is a minimally invasive procedure to clear the buildup of plaque in your artery, allowing blood to flow more normally to the heart.

Using a small incision, our surgeon will insert a thin tube (catheter) and camera into your blood vessel to access and see the part that is blocked. A tiny balloon at the end of the tube is inflated and expands, compressing the plaque against the artery wall to restore blood flow.

To reduce risk of the artery closing again, you will likely have a stent placed where the balloon opened your artery.

Stenting

When plaque in your arteries is cleared, the walls of the blood vessel may be weak and can collapse. To prevent this from happening, a mesh tube (stent) is placed in the artery to keep it from closing again.

A catheter guides the stent to the affected part of the artery and expands, remaining in the artery permanently.

Stenting takes a similar approach as balloon angioplasty, and is usually performed during the same procedure, immediately after angioplasty.

Angioplasty and Stenting Candidates

At University of Maryland Heart and Vascular Center, we provide angioplasty and stenting to treat heart arteries narrowed by atherosclerosis (CAD). While it is an option for many patients, not everyone is a candidate.

Our team will give you a complete evaluation and will discuss treatment options with you to find the best treatment plan for you.

If angioplasty isn't an option, our team may also refer you to a surgeon for heart bypass surgery.

Angioplasty and Stenting Recovery

You will likely go home the next day. Follow your doctor’s instructions about medication and follow-up appointments. We may recommend you to our preventive cardiology program. Dedicated to your overall heart health, the program combines a thorough assessment, heart screenings and a personalized treatment plan to help you live a heart-healthy life.

Make an Appointment

Make an appointment with one of our heart surgery specialists. Call 410-328-7877.