Cardiac catheterization involves placing a thin tube, called a catheter, into the blood stream. Dye is introduced into the blood stream through the catheter, and X-rays show the dye flowing through the coronary arteries.

Examples:

• Cardiac catheterization
• Coronary angiogram

Angioplasty is a treatment that is also performed during cardiac catheterization. During angioplasty, the catheter is advanced into the narrowed part of the coronary artery. A balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated, in order to force open the narrowed artery. Additional techniques include cutting or burning away the blockage with a tiny blade or laser.

Examples:

• Angioplasty with balloon
• Angioplasty with laser
• Angioplasty tool

After angioplasty, a stent is used to help hold the artery open. Stents are tiny struts that expand against the inside wall of the artery. They prop open the blood vessel after it has been opened.

Examples:

• Coronary artery stent
• Coronary artery stenting

Rare complications of angioplasty include:

• Allergic reaction to the dye
• Heart attack
• Coronary artery rupture
• A small number of opened arteries become narrowed again. However, stents are used to protect against this complication.