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Coronary angiogram with stent is a procedure to open a narrow artery in the heart and then place a stent to keep the artery open. When an artery becomes partially blocked, blood flow to that area decreases. This may lead to chest pain or a heart attack.

A stent is a small piece of metal that looks like mesh or spring. The stent may have the outside layer coated with medicine to help prevent the artery from getting blocked again. This is called a drug-eluting stent.

The stent may be put in as treatment after a heart attack or to treat symptoms from a blocked artery found during a coronary angiogram.

Tell your health care provider about:

1. Any allergies you have, including allergies to medicines, contrast dye, or iodine.
2. All medicines you take. These include vitamins, herbs, eye drops, and creams.
3. Any problems you or family members have had with anesthesia.
4. Any bleeding problems you have.
5. Any surgeries you've had.
6. Any other medical problems you have or have had, including kidney problems or an untreated infection.
7. Whether you're pregnant or may be pregnant.
8. Whether you're breastfeeding.
9. Any health problem that may increase your stress and prevent you from lying still.

What are the risks?

Your health care provider will talk with you about risks. These may include:

1. Bleeding, infection, or bruising.
2. Allergies to medicines or dyes.
3. Damage to nearby structures, such as blood vessels, or damage to kidneys from contrast dye.
4. A return of the blockage.
5. Uneven heart rhythms.
6. Stroke, heart attack, or death. These are rare.

What happens before?

When to stop eating and drinking

           Eat and drink only as you've been told. If you don't, your procedure may be delayed or canceled.

Medicines

           Ask about changing or stopping:

1.  Any medicines you take.
2. Any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you take.
3. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen unless you're told to.

Surgery safety

           For your safety, you may:

1. Need to wash your skin with a soap that kills germs.
2. Have your procedure site marked.
3. Have hair removed at the procedure site.

General instructions

1. Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.
2. You'll have blood tests and imaging, such as X-rays.
3. If you'll be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult:
4. Take you home from the hospital or clinic. You'll not be allowed to drive.
5. Stay with you for the time you're told.

What happens during a coronary angiogram with stent?

1. You'll lie on your back on an X-ray table.

2. Electrodes may be placed on your chest to monitor your heart.

3. An IV will be put into a vein in your hand or arm.

4. You may be given:

1. A sedative to help you relax.
2.  Anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain.

5. A small cut will be made in your wrist or your groin area.

6. The catheter will be inserted into the artery through the cut.

7. X-ray (fluoroscopy) will be used to guide the catheter to the opening of the heart arteries.

8. Contrast dye will be put into the catheter. X-rays will be taken.

1. You may have a warm feeling as the contrast dye is put into the body.
2. Tell your provider if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.

9. A tiny wire will be guided to the blocked spot, and a balloon will be inflated to make the artery wider.

10. The stent will be placed to hold the area open and improve blood flow. The inside of the artery will grow over the stent.

11. The catheter will be removed.

12. Pressure will be put on the cut to stop any bleeding.

13. A bandage will be placed over the cut.

These steps may vary. Ask what you can expect.

What happens after?

1. You'll be watched closely until you leave. This includes checking your pain level, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.
2. You'll lie flat in bed for a period of time. If the catheter was placed in the groin area, you'll be told not to bend or cross your legs.
3. The cut and the pulse in your foot or wrist will be checked often.
4. You'll be told to drink plenty of fluids. This will help flush the contrast dye out of your body.
5. If you were given a sedative, do not drive or use machines until you're told it's safe. A sedative can make you sleepy.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.