Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

The percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with coronary stenting is a non-invasive surgical treatment directed to selected patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. Its clinical applications are still controversial, but if the initial success rates still persist in time, the institutions that currently perform coronary bypass may think of expanding their services to include PTCA. Cardiovascular nurses are preparing for the role they will play in assisting the patient undergoing PTCA. It is necessary that the patient has a detailed knowledge of the procedure, its risks and alternative forms of treatment in order to sign the informed consent. An environment of trust and rest is essential. The procedure involves a high degree of technical difficulty and the nurse has a key role in its success. The nurse agrees to assess the patient as a whole and to monitor the vital and haemodynamic parameters. The nurse identifies the need for a cardiac rehabilitation program. The significant nursing interventions are, therefore, required before, during and after the angioplasty procedure.