CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES << BACK Angioplasty Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure in which a balloon catheter - a small, hollow, flexible tube with a balloon near the end of it - is used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart. Pain medication is usually given before the procedure begins and sometimes a blood thinning medication also will be given. A small incision is made, usually near the groin, and a catheter is inserted. The heart and arteries will be visible using an X-ray machine. Dye is injected into the body to highlight blood flow through the arteries, revealing any blockages in the vessels leading to the heart. The balloon catheter is moved into or near the blockage, and the balloon on the end is blown up (inflated). This opens the blocked vessel and restores proper blood flow to the heart. Risks for angioplasty include reactions to medications or problems breathing, both related to the risk of any anesthesia. Bleeding and infection are also a risk, as are obstruction of blood flow, damage to a valve or vessel. There is a slight risk of stroke, arrhythmia, kidney failure, and death associated with angioplasty. The procedure greatly improves blood flow through the coronary arteries and the heart in about 90 percent of patients. It may eliminate the need for coronary artery bypass surgery. Average hospital stay is less than two days. Sometimes an overnight hospital stay is not required. Complete recovery takes a week or less.