PTCA
Also written as: PTCA — percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, a catheter-based procedure to open blocked coronary arteries.
Full Definition
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is an interventional cardiology procedure where a balloon catheter is used to compress atherosclerotic plaque against arterial walls, restoring coronary blood flow. Originally performed as balloon-only angioplasty, modern PTCA typically includes stent placement to prevent vessel recoil. The procedure is performed via femoral, radial, or brachial arterial access and is guided by fluoroscopic imaging. PTCA is indicated for significant coronary stenosis causing symptoms or ischemia on stress testing.
Usage
Usage note: Largely synonymous with PCI in modern usage, though PTCA specifically refers to the balloon component.
In Context
- "Emergency PTCA was performed for acute anterior STEMI with door-to-balloon time of 78 minutes." — cardiac catheterization report
- "The patient underwent elective PTCA of the mid-LAD lesion with drug-eluting stent placement." — interventional cardiology procedure note