What is PTCA? According to medical definition, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty – or PTCA for short – is used to widen narrowings (stenoses) in the coronary arteries with the aid of a balloon catheter. This is necessary if the vascular stenoses obstruct the flow of blood to the heart or stop it completely in the … PTCA: Procedure & Risks
Before the actual procedure, several preliminary tests are needed to assess the number, extent, and location of the narrowings, as well as risk factors. These include ECG and exercise ECG, blood tests, and a chest x-ray to evaluate the heart and lungs. Special attention is paid to the question of an existing allergy, hyperthyroidism or … PTCA: Procedure of the Examination
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart; narrowing or occlusion can have life-threatening consequences. One method of dilating narrowed vessels in a relatively gentle manner is PTCA or balloon dilatation. In many cases, balloon dilatation can avoid open-heart surgery. Like any other muscle, the heart muscle needs oxygen-rich blood to perform its pumping function. … PTCA for Coronary Artery Dilation
The primary success rate of PTCA is very high, exceeding 90%. Except for the puncture site, the patient has no wound to heal and is virtually immediately free of symptoms and able to perform better. This can already be seen in the stress ECG the day after the examination. The downside of the comparatively simple … PTCA: Advantages and Disadvantages