The coronary arteries are the arteries that feed the heart. When they become blocked, they can cause chest pain or even a heart attack. Roughly one-third of patients with blocked coronary arteries undergo balloon angioplasty with stenting, according to a 2002 article published in the journal "Circulation." This procedure involves the placement of a metal cage called a stent in the blocked coronary to keep the artery open after the angioplasty, according to the American Heart Association. This is usually a well-tolerated procedure, but there can be complications.
Coronary Artery Damage
Angioplasty requires that a balloon be inflated in the blocked coronary artery in order to open it up. After the angioplasty has opened the artery, stents are placed to keep the artery open. The stents must be wired through the arterial system into the coronaries. The risk of the stent or the balloon angioplasty tearing open the artery--called a coronary dissection--is small, but it is a devastating complication that requires immediate cardiac surgery.
Stroke
Blood clots can form on the balloon catheter as it is manipulated into the arteries. These clots can break loose and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. According to the American Heart Association, the angioplasty balloon or the stent can also break off existing plaques in the coronaries which can then travel to the brain. Special anticoagulation is used to prevent clot formation during the procedure, and the patient will remain on blood thinners for a period of time after the procedure.
Kidney Damage
According to the American Heart Association, kidney damage can occur due to the dye that is used during the procedure. This dye is particularly dangerous when a patient already has kidney disease or is diabetic. Prevention of kidney damage requires the patient to receive fluids and medications prior to the procedure.
