Have you or a loved one undergone a cardiac procedure for angioplasty and/or stent placement in Cincinnati, Ohio? Angioplasty, also known as balloon angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins, typically to treat arterial atherosclerosis. A coronary stent is a tube-shaped device placed in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, to keep the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart disease. A cardiac stent is used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It can also be used to improve blood flow immediately following a heart attack. Cardiac stents are expandable coils made of metal mesh. A physician can insert one during a coronary angioplasty, a nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedure. The device is designed to support your artery walls, keep your artery open, and improve blood flow to your heart.
Your doctor can insert a cardiac stent under local anesthesia. First, they will make a small incision in your groin, arm, or neck. Then, they will insert a catheter with a stent and balloon on the tip. They will use special dyes and monitors to guide the catheter through your blood vessels to the narrowed or blocked coronary artery. When they reach the narrowed or blocked area, they will inflate the balloon. This will expand the stent and stretch your artery, allowing for increased blood flow. Finally, your doctor will deflate the balloon, remove the catheter, and leave the stent behind. During this procedure, a filter will prevent plaque and blood clots from coming loose and floating freely in your bloodstream. Following the procedure, you will need to take medications to help prevent clotting within the stent. As your artery begins to heal, your own tissue will begin to merge with the mesh of the stent, adding strength to your artery.
If you have had an unnecessary stent placement or angioplasty, please call us at 513-496-0134 or contact our office to speak with one of our attorneys as you may be entitled to compensation.