PTCA and stenting :
The coronary arteries are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. In some people, these arteries can become narrow and hard, and can cause coronary heart disease.
PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography), or coronary angioplasty, is a procedure used to widen the narrowed, or blocked coronary arteries. During the procedure, a incision is made either on the groin, neck, or arm, and a small mesh tube called stent is inserted into the artery. The stent is then left in place permanently to allow the flow of blood more freely. PTCA, when combined with the placement of a stent, is called percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI.
Often times, PTCA and stenting procedure is used as an emergency treatment for heart attacks.
People in whom medication is ineffective, PTCA and stenting may be performed to restore the blood supply to the heart. The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours. After the procedure, you might be kept under observation for a day or so.