Coronary Angioplasty

What is Coronary Angioplasty?

Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart. It is commonly performed to treat coronary artery disease, a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques.

benefits of coronary angioplasty;

• Immediate Relief: Angioplasty is an effective and rapid procedure to relieve symptoms of blocked or narrowed arteries, such as chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath.

• Restoration of Blood Flow: Angioplasty restores proper blood flow to the heart muscle by widening narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, improving overall heart function.

• Minimally Invasive: Angioplasty is performed using a thin catheter inserted through a small incision, resulting in faster recovery and fewer complications compared to open-heart surgery.

• Shorter Hospital Stay: Most angioplasty patients experience shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times than those who undergo more invasive procedures.

• Lower Risk of Future Heart Events: Angioplasty decreases the risk of future heart attacks and other cardiovascular events by improving blood flow to the heart.

• Customized Treatment: During angioplasty, stents (small metal tubes) can be inserted to keep the arteries open, reducing the chance of future blockages.

• Prevention of Heart Failure: By improving blood flow and preventing heart muscle damage, angioplasty can contribute to the prevention of heart failure.

What are the top 5 HEART Treatment hospitals in India?

• Manipal Hospitals

• Max Hospital

• Apollo Hospital

• Artemis Hospital

• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Pre-procedure

• Evaluation: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like angiography to assess the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries.

• Fasting: The patient is usually asked to fast for several hours before the angioplasty procedure.

• Informed Consent: The healthcare team explains the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient, and obtains informed consent.

Procedure

• Anesthesia: The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted, or in some cases, mild sedation may be given to help the patient relax.

• Catheter Insertion: A small incision is made in the wrist or groin, and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the artery and guided to the blocked coronary artery using X-ray guidance.

• Balloon Inflation: A deflated balloon at the tip of the catheter is positioned at the site of the blockage. The balloon is then inflated, which compresses the plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery.

• Stent Placement: In some cases, a stent, a small mesh tube, is placed at the site of the blockage to help keep the artery open. The stent is inserted over the balloon and expands when the balloon is inflated. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place.

Post-procedure

• Recovery: After the procedure, the patient is taken to a recovery area to be closely monitored. Most patients can return home on the same day or the next day.

• Medications: The patient may be prescribed medications to prevent blood clots and manage any discomfort or other medical conditions.

• Rest and Activity: Patients are advised to rest for a few days and avoid strenuous activities. Gradually, they can resume normal activities based on the healthcare provider's recommendations.