Caring for Blocked Coronary Arteries

Coronary arteries move blood into the heart so it can function. Blocked arteries that restrict blood flow to the heart are a sign of coronary artery disease (CAD). An angioplasty is a procedure that opens blocked coronary arteries and improves blood flow. Your Kettering Health cardiologist may recommend an angioplasty as part of your treatment plan.

About Angioplasties

To perform an angioplasty, the surgeon inserts a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in the leg. The vessel leads to the blocked coronary artery. The tube has a balloon-like tip that is inflated when it reaches the blockage. This pushes the blockage aside to help clear the artery.

Once the artery is open, the cardiologist may insert a stent (tiny mesh tube). This holds the arterial walls open and prevents another blockage.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition marked by a buildup of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other tissue) that blocks blood flow in the arteries. This may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Program

Kettering Health cardiac surgeons treat totally blocked (occluded) arteries with an advanced angioplasty procedure that does not involve open-heart surgery.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) angioplasty uses catheters (tiny tubes) to clear the blockage from more than one direction or angle. Surgeons then insert a stent (small mesh tube) to keep the artery open for proper blood flow.