Risks of the Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

Possible risks associated with PTCA, atherectomy, and/or stent include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Bleeding at the catheter insertion site (usually the groin, but the arm may be used in certain circumstances) 
• Blood clot or damage to the blood vessel at the insertion site 
• Blood clot within the vessel treated by ptca/stent 
• Infection at the catheter insertion site 
• Cardiac dysrhythmias/arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) 
• Myocardial infarction 
• Chest pain or discomfort
• restenosis (blockage in the blood vessels after PTA procedure)
• Rupture of the coronary artery, requiring open-heart surgery

The amount of radiation used in fluoroscopy during a PTCA or stent procedure is considered minimal; therefore, the risk for radiation exposure is very low.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician due to risk of injury to the fetus from a PTCA. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you are lactating, or breastfeeding, you should notify your physician.

There is a risk for allergic reaction to the dye. Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dye, iodine, or shellfish should notify their physician. Also, patients with kidney failure or other kidney problems should notify their physician.

For some patients, having to lie still on the procedure table for the length of the procedure may cause some discomfort or pain.

There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.