The nurse's role in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is an invasive, nonsurgical, palliative treatment available to a few select patients suffering obstructive coronary artery disease. Clinical applications remain controversial, but if initial success rates persist, those institutions which currently perform catheterization and coronary artery bypass grafting can expect to expand their services to include PTCA as well. Cardiovascular nurses are preparing for the role they will play in PTCA. The patient requires a detailed understanding of the procedure, its risks, and alternative forms of treatment (informed consent). An environment of confidence and rest are essential. The procedure carries a high degree of technical difficulty and the nurse shares responsibility for its success. In assessing the total patient, the nurse identifies the need for an ongoing cardiac rehabilitation program. Significant nursing intervention is, therefore, required before, during, and after the angioplasty procedure.
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000451:nursing*; D003325:Coronary Care Units; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D011300:Preoperative Care; D000078329:Workforce