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Cardiology

Angioplasty and Stenting

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Angioplasty is used to re-open coronary arteries that have become narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques. This procedure is used to treat blocked coronary arteries as well as arteries in other parts of the body. Angioplasty requires only local anesthesia and perhaps mild sedation (relaxing medications). Patients typically spend the night in the hospital and are able to return to normal activity in a day or two.

During balloon angioplasty, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the groin. A tiny balloon is then passed through the catheter and is guided to the narrowed area(s), where the balloon is expanded to stretch open the artery.

In most cases, angioplasty is followed by the insertion of a stent — a metallic tubular mesh that acts as a scaffold, holding the artery open. At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, we offer the latest stenting technology, including drug-coated stents that help to prevent the blockage from re-forming at a later time.

Stenting

Coronary stents come in various sizes to match the size of the artery in which the stent will be placed. The stent, which is mounted on a small balloon, is guided to a coronary artery, and is expanded by inflating the balloon. The stent is left permanently in the artery. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital uses the latest in stent technology, including drug-coated stents whenever and wherever possible to maintain a very low risk of recurrent narrowing of the artery.

NewYork-Presbyterian also offers angioplasty and stenting in the arteries of the leg and the kidneys, the carotid veins of the neck, and in the abdominal vessels, such as the aorta and the iliacs. We perform hundreds of these procedures each year. In addition, for patients with highly calcified blockages, we offer an advanced technique called rotational atherectomy.

Some patients have a complex condition called chronically totally occluded arteries (CTOs). Our physicians are skilled in the treatment of CTOs. For symptomatic patients with this condition, we are often able to open the arteries with angioplasty and place a stent, alleviating symptoms and significantly reducing the risk of future cardiac events.

NewYork-Presbyterian is in the vanguard of development of new stents. In addition, upcoming studies will investigate the efficacy of the second generation of drug-coated stents.

Last Modified: 08/17/2009