Instructions and Information for Procedures / Tests
Please Note - What you see here is for information purposes only. While physicians have been consulted on this information, your specific condition may require additional instructions. ALWAYS consult with your physician to obtain specific information about the procedure or the instructions for your procedure.
See All Tests and Treatments
Procedure Name: Coronary Angioplasty
Department Responsible for performing Procedure:
Cardiology
Department Contact Information:
(770) 991-8295
Where to Report:
Please enter at the Outpatient Entrance (view map) and go to the Admissions desk (view map) two hours before your scheduled procedure. You will be directed to the Cardiology Department (view map) where your procedure will be done.
What to Bring:
- Physician Order
- Any forms from your physician
- Your insurance / Medicaid / Medicare card
- Driver's License / Photo Identification
- List of current medications along with the dosages and times taken, including over-the-counter drugs and herbals
- A complete listing of all of your allergies
- Please check with your insurance carrier for any authorization requirements.
Patient Instructions:
- No food or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
- Shower or bathe prior to your arrival the day of the procedure.
- A private area is available for changing at the hospital.
- Please read the Procedure Information for additional instructions and information.
Procedure Information:
Coronary angioplasty is a procedure that is intended to improve blood flow to your heart muscle. During coronary angioplasty, a catheter with a balloon at the tip is placed into the narrowed blood vessel. The balloon is used to open the narrowed blood vessel and increase the blood flow to your heart muscle. In some cases, a stent (small metal coil or mesh tube) is placed into the narrowed or blocked blood vessel. The stent will stay in the artery to hold it open and improve blood flow to your heart muscle. During the procedure, a sheath is placed in a blood vessel in the arm or leg to feed a catheter toward your heart. You will not feel the catheter inside your body. X-ray dye is injected into the coronary arteries and observed under x-ray. You will be given a medication that will make you sleepy and help you relax. You will be awake so that you can assist us should we need you. The most uncomfortable part of the procedure will be the injection of the local anesthesia at the puncture site. This will sting and burn for a short time until it becomes numb. The area where the sheath is inserted will be completely numb. You will feel a little pressure, but this feeling will soon pass.
Additional Information:
The waiting area (view map) is located in the Cardiology Department for family members.