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Angioplasty

Know all about Angioplasty!

Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. It helps restore blood flow to the heart muscle and is commonly performed in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or after a heart attack.

Why Is Angioplasty Performed?

Angioplasty is typically recommended for:

  1. Chest pain (angina) not controlled with medication

  2. Blocked coronary arteries causing reduced blood flow

  3. Acute coronary syndrome (e.g., during a heart attack)

  4. Preventing further heart muscle damage

How the Procedure Works

  1. Access: A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel (usually in the groin or wrist) and guided to the heart.

  2. Balloon Inflation: A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage to compress the plaque against the artery walls.

  3. Stent Placement (if needed): A stent (a small wire mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open. Most modern stents are drug-eluting to help prevent future blockages.

  4. Balloon Deflation & Removal: The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the artery widened and blood flow restored.

Types of Angioplasty

    1. Balloon Angioplasty: Uses only the balloon to open the artery (less common today).

    2. Stent-Assisted Angioplasty: Most common; involves placing a permanent stent to support the artery.

    3. Rotational Atherectomy: Sometimes used to remove very hard plaque before balloon angioplasty.

Benefits of Angioplasty

✅ Rapid symptom relief (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath)
✅ Minimally invasive with quicker recovery compared to surgery
✅ Reduces risk of heart attack in certain high-risk patients
✅ Often avoids the need for open-heart surgery (CABG)

Risks and Considerations

While generally safe, angioplasty carries some risks, including:

  1. Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site

  2. Blood vessel damage or artery re-narrowing (restenosis)

  3. Blood clots or stent thrombosis

  4. Heart attack, stroke, or arrhythmia (rare)

After the Procedure

  1. Most patients go home within 24 hours

  2. Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) are usually prescribed

  3. Lifestyle changes and cardiac rehab are essential for long-term success

  4. Follow-up appointments and heart health monitoring are crucial

Is Angioplasty Right for Your Patient?

Angioplasty is most effective in select patients with significant artery blockage. It may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside medications, lifestyle modifications, and risk factor management.

If you’re considering angioplasty for a patient or want to refer someone for evaluation, contact our cardiology team to learn more or schedule a consult.

Heart Interventions

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