RESTORING CORONARY BLOOD FLOW

In some circumstances, coronary blockages can be reduced with specially designed catheters. Various methods and techniques are available.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA; balloon dilation). In this procedure, the cardiologist passes a catheter with a small balloon into the coronary artery. The deflated balloon is positioned at the site of the blockage.

The balloon is then inflated, pressing the atherosclerotic plaque aside and widening the artery.

Atherectomy. A special device at the tip of the catheter actually shears the plaque off the artery wall. This material is compressed into a small compartment and removed when the catheter is pulled out.

Laser angioplasty. A laser beam emitted from the end of the catheter vaporizes the plaque or heats the tip of the catheter so that the plaque is "burned "melted" away.

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Cardio & Blood-holesterol