Coronary angioplasty begins with a catheterization procedure, where a flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a vein in the patient’s arm or leg and threaded through the artery into the narrowed coronary artery. A small amount of contrast media, or dye, is injected through the catheter. This allows the provider to see the blood vessels, and valves and chambers of the heart on a monitor.

Once the catheter has entered the artery, and the dye has been injected, the provider will perform one of several procedures to help enlarge or clear the blocked artery. These procedures include balloon angioplasty and the placement of a stent to hold the artery open.

It’s important to remember that while the procedures performed during coronary angioplasty will open a blocked artery, they will not cure coronary artery disease. Lifestyle factors that can worsen coronary artery disease, such as smoking and diet, will still need to be modified. An exercise program may also be suggested to improve the patient’s cardiac health.