Can chelation therapy be used in place of angioplasty for blocked arteries?

No: Chelation therapy is not a part of the therapy behind atherosclerosis when you have blocked arteries. When you do have a blockage, you need to mechanically reduce the obstruction. That can be done through angioplasty and potentially putting a stent in to keep that artery open. Subsequently one should be on cholesterol lowering medicine to prevent this from occuring again.

Terrible idea: Chelation therapy is useful for heavy metal poisoning. It has been debunked for atherosclerosis and its use is generally considered of no benefit and inappropriate. You should consider getting another opinion if this has been recommended.

Not if 100% blocked: Although chelation therapy is very effective for improving blood flow, it will not "unclog" a completely blocked artery. However, atherosclerosis does not effect single arteries. It is a systemic problem. Therefore, for those with complete or near-complete blockages, i recommend stents or bypass, followed by chelation to improve blood-flow throughout the body and prevent progression.

Chelation Study Here: The tact nih study on IV chelation is one of the few large clinical trials that showed some benefit. See links below: 1) http://www.Nhlbi.Nih.Gov/news/press-releases/supplement/questions-and-answers-the-nih-trial-of-edta-chelation-therapy-for-coronary-heart-disease.Html 2) http://www.Forbes.Com/sites/larryhusten/2012/11/04/nih-trial-gives-surprising-boost-to-chelation-therapy/.