What is coronary angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart. It typically involves the use of a balloon catheter and often includes the placement of a stent.
Why is coronary angioplasty performed?
It is performed to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which is caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This procedure helps relieve symptoms such as chest pain (angina), improves heart function, and reduces the risk of heart attacks.
How is the procedure performed?
- Preparation: You will be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted, usually the groin or wrist.
- Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the coronary arteries using X-ray imaging.
- Balloon Inflation: A balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to compress the plaque and widen the artery.
- Stent Placement: A stent (a small mesh tube) may be placed in the artery to keep it open.
- Completion: The balloon is deflated and removed, along with the catheter.
What should I expect during the procedure?
You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the balloon is inflated, but the procedure itself is usually not painful. Some people experience a warm sensation from the contrast dye.
What are the risks of coronary angioplasty?
Possible risks include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Blood vessel damage
- Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis)
- Heart attack or stroke (rare)