Dr. Pirwitz is a graduate of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Dr. Pirwitz is board certified in cardiology. He is a member of the Seton Physician Hospital Network. Angioplasty is the process that opens arteries by inflating a miniature balloon that compresses the blockage. The work is done by threading tools through the arteries to reach the block and only a tiny incision is needed.
Recovery usually takes only a day or two.
Bypass surgery, however, requires weeks for recovery. Part of the decision is based on whether the patient can tolerate surgery. If the vessels are on the rear of the heart, however, bypass surgery requires the more traumatic version. Sometimes, the patient elects to try angioplasty first because he or she doesn't want to be off work any longer than necessary. If only one or two vessels are involved, angioplasty is usually the better way to go.