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Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), or balloon angioplasty of the coronary artery, is a relatively common procedure that relieves narrowing and obstruction of the arteries feeding the muscle of the heart (coronary arteries). This allows more blood and oxygen to be delivered to the heart. A catheter with a small balloon at the end is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm and advanced to the blocked portion of the coronary artery. Once at the correct location, the balloon is inflated to enlarge the artery. A stent may be placed to keep the coronary artery open. PTCA can potentially relieve chest pain of angina, improve the prognosis of patients with unstable angina, and minimize or stop a heart attack without having the patient undergo open-heart coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
PTCA is a common procedure that requires technical proficiency and the use of complex equipment. Errors in surgical technique or management may lead to clinically significant complications, such as coronary bypass graft and death. Better processes of care may reduce mortality from PTCA; lower mortality suggests better quality care.