Angioplasty

Coronary Angioplasty /PTCA / PCI

A Coronary Angioplasty also known as PTCA or PCI, is an interventional procedure performed to widen narrowed or blocked arteries that supply blood to the heart.

The term angioplasty means using a balloon to wide open a narrowed or blocked artery. In the latest coronary angioplasty procedures, a stent is used, which is a small wire mesh tube, to insert into the artery. The stent is placed permanently to allow blood to flow more freely and to prevent the re-closure of recoil of blood vessel. Another term for Coronary angioplasty is Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

Coronary Angioplasty procedure can improve symptoms of arterial blockage, such as shortness of breath and chest pain. Coronary angioplasty is also recommended during a heart attack to quickly open blocked arteries and reduce the amount of damage to the heart.

It is a common procedure, also used to treat atherosclerosis (a collection of plaque made of fat and cholesterol) in the arteries at various body areas.

  • Coronary artery disease - Coronary angioplasty can improve symptoms of CAD if you have a narrow or blocked coronary artery that’s keeping your heart from getting the oxygen it needs, causing chest pain and/or a heart attack.
  • Peripheral artery disease - Atherosclerosis in the major arteries can be treated by angioplasty in your arms, legs and pelvis.
  • Carotid artery disease - Angioplasty can also help to widen blocked arteries in your neck. If it is left untreated, it may lead to stroke as your brain may not get enough oxygen.
  • Renal artery stenosis - When plaque made of fat and cholesterol collects in the arteries in your kidneys, it can affect how much oxygen can reach your kidneys. A renal artery angioplasty can also help with this problem.

Advantages of Angioplasty includes

  • Angioplasty has fewer risks as compared to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
  • It’s a minimally invasive treatment not a surgery, so it won’t require a large cut.
  • Only local anaesthesia is used to numb the area and help you relax. Compared to CABG in which general anaesthesia is used, you won't be put to sleep during treatment and will not be placed on ventilator
  • Has quick recovery time.

How is Angioplasty done?

Coronary Angioplasty is carried out through blood vessels in the wrist, or groin. Our cardiologist will

  • Make a small opening in the area to insert a small catheter into the arteries
  • Insert a tube into the vessel and your heart, using x-ray images
  • The contrasting dye is injected into your blood vessels. The dye highlights the blood flow in your heart and blood vessels in x-rays

The doctor will then direct the balloon inside the block and inflate it to push the plaque flat into the artery wall. This widens the artery more and improves the flow of blood. Doctors may sometimes insert a stent, a small mesh tube into the bloodstream to keep it open. In recent procedures, drug coated stents are used to help prevent blood clots from forming in a stent that prevent further narrowing inside it in future.

Recovery and Recuperation

It is observed in hospital for a day or two after successful angioplasty. If everything is fine, patient is generally discharged after that. Most patients recover and return to their day to day activity in about one week after being sent home. During the follow-up visit, our cardiologist will examine you, make changes to your medicines if needed, do any necessary tests and check your overall recovery. The patients may ask questions about activities, medicines or lifestyle changes, and talk about any other concerning issues.