A Cardiologist inserts a thin plastic tube (catheter) through an artery (usually in the leg) and guides it into the coronary arteries, enabling the physician to "map" the dye's flow and idenifying blocked areas.

Pre-Treatment

Post-Treatment

In certain cases where blocked arteries are found, the cardiologist may perform a procedure called Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angiogram (PTCA) or Angioplasty. Using a similar technique, the physician guides the catheter towards the blocked area. A second, smaller catheter with a balloon tip is passed through the first catheter into the blockage where it is inflated, compressing the plaque build-up and opening the artery. Occasionally, a "stent" is used during this procedure to stabilize the dilated vessel to aid in preventing the blockage from reoccurring.