Can Angioplasty Restore Blood Flow in a Completely Blocked Artery?
Hearing that an artery is “completely blocked” can immediately make a patient think that blood can no longer pass through it and that nothing can be done. In cardiology, however, a complete blockage does not always mean the artery is beyond treatment. Some coronary blockages develop suddenly, while others build gradually over months or years. The treatment approach can be very different in each situation. Angioplasty may be able to reopen certain completely blocked coronary arteries, but whether it is suitable depends on the location, length, age and complexity of the blockage, along with the patient's overall heart condition. Understanding what doctors mean by a completely blocked artery can help patients approach treatment decisions with greater clarity. What Does a Completely Blocked Heart Artery Mean? The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When plaque accumulates inside these vessels, the passageway can gradually become narrower. In some cases, the...