another part of the body to create a graft that can bypass the blocked artery. The graft may come from the leg or an inner chest-wall artery.
9. Angioplasty and stent placement: A catheter is inserted into the narrowed part of the artery. A deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the affected area. When the balloon is inflated, it compresses the fatty deposits against the artery walls.
A stent, or mesh tube, may be left in the artery to help keep it open. Rarely, a heart transplant may be carried out, if the heart is badly damaged and treatment is not working.
Are you seeking more information about your treatment options? Consult with your doctor and find out more about coronary artery disease on our Health Conditions tab on BlackDoctor.org.