Coronary angioplasty (PCI)
Confirm and address significant narrowing in the coronary arteries with invasive coronary angiography, a diagnostic procedure crucial for guiding treatment decisions. This procedure may reveal areas in need of intervention, such as coronary angioplasty with stent insertion, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Coronary angioplasty is a targeted approach to alleviate angina and manage heart attacks in emergency situations by directly addressing arterial blockages. Following coronary angiography, this procedure is conducted under local anesthesia, utilizing real-time X-ray guidance and contrast dye for precision. A guide catheter is advanced to the affected coronary artery, accessed either through the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery at the groin. A specialized wire is then navigated through the narrowed segment, facilitating the inflation of a small balloon to widen the artery and subsequent placement of a coronary stent to maintain patency and enhance blood flow.
Post-procedure, patients typically stay overnight in the hospital and adhere to a regimen of long-term dual antiplatelet therapy, including medications like Aspirin and Clopidogrel, alongside statins and anti-anginal drugs. While coronary angioplasty offers significant benefits, it's essential to consider potential risks such as heart attack, stroke, and bleeding, which will be thoroughly discussed by your cardiac specialist to ensure informed decision-making.
