The right inguinal region will be anesthetized as a result of the local injection of lidocaine. This will ensure that the procedure is associated with no more discomfort than that which would be expected if a first-rate phlebotomist were to skillfully obtain a sample of blood with a very slight “poke” using the smallest needle available. A very small incision (the size of this underscore mark __) is made in the inguinal region. An intra-arterial sheath is placed in the right femoral artery. The sheath is similar to that which a nurse ordinarily places in one’s arm to give intravenous medications. A small amount of colorless, iodine-containing contrast material (dye) is injected through a catheter that allow Dr. Scuderi to clearly illuminate your coronary anatomy. Digital images are studies and stored. After several minutes, Dr. Scuderi will discuss the results of your angiogram with you and determine whether any intervention (angioplasty/stenting) is required in order to restore normal blood flow to a potentially vulnerable portion of your heart muscle by opening a blocked coronary artery if present. If a significant blockage is found, then Dr. Scuderi will place a very small guidewire across the narrowed portion of the coronary artery. A balloon dilatation catheter is advanced over the guidewire in a meticulous fashion. The balloon is precisely positioned within the area of blockage and inflated to recommended specifications. The balloon is removed and substituted with a stent-balloon catheter (laser-cut, stainless steel tube) wrapped around a balloon. Again, the second catheter is precisely positioned and the balloon is inflated. The deployed stent is expanded and circumferentially supports the arterial wall in order to provide the best possible result whereby complete blood flow is restored. If no significant blockage is found, then you will be able to leave the hospital approximately four hours later. If angioplasty/stenting is performed, then you will leave the hospital the following morning.