Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention, is a procedure used to open clogged heart arteries. Angioplasty involves temporarily inserting and inflating a tiny balloon where your artery is clogged to help widen the artery.

Angioplasty is a procedure often paired with placing a small wire mesh tube, known as a stent, to help keep the artery open and reduce the risk of it narrowing again. Stents can be either drug-eluting, which release medication to maintain openness, or bare-metal without medication.

The procedure can alleviate symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath caused by blocked arteries. During a heart attack, angioplasty can quickly reopen blocked arteries, minimizing heart damage. The heart receives blood through coronary arteries, which are normally flexible and smooth, allowing unobstructed blood flow. However, cholesterol and other substances can build up, causing arteries to stiffen and narrow, potentially leading to partial or total blockages, impeding blood flow and essential oxygen delivery.

Coronary angioplasty is an invasive technique to clear blockages in coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to heart tissue. However, it may not be suitable for all blockages; factors like the number and location of blockages influence treatment choice. A cardiologist will decide the best approach based on coronary angiography results.

Reduced blood flow may result in symptoms like chest pain, known as angina. Both partial and complete blockages can lead to heart attacks. Angina treatment includes:

The duration of the angioplasty procedure, typically between 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depends on the number of blockages. Electrodes are attached to your body to track heart rhythm, and your blood pressure and oxygen levels are continuously monitored.

General anaesthesia is not required, so you remain awake.
However, you may receive medication for sedation or pain relief through an IV in your arm.

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