Coronary angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to widen the blocked or narrowed lumen of a coronary artery. The term angioplasty refers to the widening of sections of narrowed or blocked arteries by means of a balloon. However, the modern method of angioplasty also involves inserting a spiral mesh called a stent into the artery during the procedure. It constantly stays in the bloodstream to ensure blood flow freely.Coronary angioplasty is known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The combination of coronary angioplasty with stenting is usually called coronary intervention.
When is coronary angioplasty used?
Like all organs, the heart needs a constant supply of blood. This is performed by blood vessels called coronary arteries. In older people, the arteries may narrow or calcify (known as atherosclerosis), leading to coronary artery disease. When blood flow is reduced in the heart, pain develops in the chest area, known as angina pectoris.
What are the advantages of coronary angioplasty?
In most cases, blood flow to the coronary arteries improves after angioplasty. Patients notice an improvement in symptoms. In the event of a heart attack, angioplasty greatly increases your chances of survival rather than treatment with medication. The procedure reduces the likelihood of heart attacks in the future.
How is coronary angioplasty performed?
Coronary angioplasty is performed under local anesthesia, which means you will be awake during the procedure. During angioplasty, a thin, elastic tube-catheter is inserted through a radial or femoral artery. The process is managed, and the coronary arteries are examined continuously using X-rays.
After diagnosis, a special coronary wire goes to the damaged coronary artery. A stent is then inserted through which the damaged segment is repaired and the blood supply is improved. Coronary angioplasty usually lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You will be able to return home the next day after the procedure. You are prohibited to lift heavy items, do strenuous activities and drive for at least a week.
How safe is coronary angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty is one of the most common methods of treating heart. The procedure does not involve a large incision on the body and is usually performed safely in most cases. Doctors consider this method as a form of less invasive treatment.
The risk of serious complications is quite small, although this depends on factors such as age, general state of health, previous heart attack. Serious problems that arise during the procedure may include heavy bleeding, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Are there other alternatives?
If multiple damages are observed in the coronary arteries, angioplasty is not advisable or poses a high risk to the patient’s safety, then the patient is recommended to undergo the coronary artery bypass surgery.
It is a type of invasive surgery in which healthy blood vessels are taken from different parts of the body and connected to the coronary arteries. This creates a new passage through which blood flows to the heart.
How is coronary angioplasty and stenting performed?
Immediately before the procedure it is necessary to inspect the coronary arteries to make sure that surgery is technically possible. This is done using a test called a coronary angiography.During coronary angioplasty, a long, flexible, plastic tube called a catheter (having a width of about a pencil core) is inserted into a blood vessel from the groin or forearm. The tip of the catheter goes to the heart, or to the arteries that supply the heart, using X-rays. A special liquid that is illuminated by rays is known as a contrast agent. It is inserted through a catheter. The resulting images are called angiograms. During the preoperative assessment, blood tests are done and the general state of health is checked. 4-6 hours before coronary angioplasty you will be asked to take no food and no drink.
Surgery
Coronary angioplasty is performed in a catheterization laboratory. The room is equipped with X-ray and video equipment so that the doctor can monitor the procedure on the screen. Coronary angioplasty usually lasts from 30 minutes to two hours, although it may take longer time.
Recovery
Usually, in the case of coronary angioplasty, you will be able to leave the hospital the same day or the next day after the scheduled procedure. Before leaving the clinic, you should get information about what medications you will need to take. Doctor will give you advice to improve your diet and lifestyle, it is also necessary to take care of the wound and follow the hygienic norms during the rehabilitation period. You will be informed about further consultation dates to assess treatment progress.
The highly qualified team of New Hospitals Cardiology Department, using the latest equipment, ensures the diagnosis and treatment of a full range of heart diseases in accordance with modern standards. To book a consultation contact us: 032 2 190 190
