Angioplasty

Treatment Description

Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries, most commonly the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. These blockages are usually caused by the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

During angioplasty, a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin and guided to the affected artery. At the tip of the catheter is a small balloon. Once positioned at the site of the blockage, the balloon is gently inflated, which compresses the plaque against the artery walls and widens the artery, allowing blood to flow more freely.

In most cases, a stent (a small wire mesh tube) is placed at the treated area to keep the artery open permanently and reduce the chances of re-narrowing (restenosis). The stent may be drug-eluting, releasing medication over time to prevent further blockage.

Why Angioplasty Is Performed

• Chest pain (angina)

• Shortness of breath due to reduced blood flow

• Heart attack (emergency angioplasty)

• Significant coronary artery blockage detected in angiography

Benefits

• Restores normal blood flow to the heart

• Relieves chest pain and other symptoms

• Reduces risk of heart attack

• Improves quality of life

• Faster recovery compared to open-heart surgery

Procedure Duration & Recovery

• Procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours

• Most patients can walk within 6–24 hours

• Hospital stay is typically 1–2 days

• Normal activities can usually be resumed within a week, as advised by the doctor

Risks (Rare but Possible)

• Bleeding or infection at catheter insertion site

• Blood clots

• Re-narrowing of the artery

• Allergic reaction to contrast dye

Post-Treatment Care

• Regular follow-up with a cardiologist

• Lifelong heart-healthy lifestyle

• Medications such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs

• Balanced diet, exercise, and smoking cessation