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Angioplasty, also called Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) or Balloon Angioplasty, is a procedure that involves the insertion of a balloon-tipped catheter inside narrowed blood vessels, especially coronary arteries, that supplies blood to the heart. The procedure is done with the help of guided scans, such as X-rays, and contrast dye to visualise blood vessels. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used primarily to treat conditions such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. However, the procedure can be used in other vessels that are blocked, such as the neck, arms, legs, kidney, and pelvic region. Angioplasty is often done with stenting to enhance blood flow and minimise risks related to heart failure.
Stenting is a mesh tube that is permanently inserted inside blocked blood vessels to prevent the artery from narrowing again. Stents are of various types, and insertion is based on the severity of the blockage, age, medical history, and so forth.
At Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, our interventional radiologists have tremendous expertise and background in addressing various types of cardiac-related and other conditions that require Angioplasty and Stenting, providing effective treatment, and ensuring better outcomes.
Angioplasty and Stenting are minimally invasive procedures, and therefore, incisions made for the insertion of catheters and stents are generally small, facilitating quick recovery and discharge from the hospital. Moreover, the procedure can be performed by administering local anaesthesia, avoiding the need to transition to the recovery room. It bypasses traditional open surgeries, such as Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in cardiac-related ailments, with minimal complications. All the benefits could enhance the flow of your blood vessels, which leads to a better quality of life.
Potential risks or complications can vary based on parameters such as age, general condition, the presence of other comorbidities, or whether the procedure was planned or performed as emergency treatment. Complications are rare, and their occurrence is quite low. Risks generally include:
Allergic reaction due to contrast agent being used
Redness, swelling, bruising, or infection at the site of catheter insertion
Arterial damage during the procedure
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Restenosis, i.e., the narrowing of previously treated blood vessels
Rare occurrence of cardiac failure, heart attack, or stroke
Respiratory failure or blockage, in case of airway stent
Unexpected change in stent position
Excessive bleeding
Your interventional radiologist will let you know of possible complications or risks that may arise and will provide on-time treatments to minimise them.
Your interventional radiologist will initially explain and prepare you for the procedure by providing you with the necessary instructions and medications. During the procedure, a sedative is given at a moderate dose, and local anaesthesia is administered to the site after sterilisation. With the help of a guided image, your radiologist will insert a balloon catheter through a small insertion made in the skin. The balloon catheter is passed through the vessel and eventually reaches the site where the blood flow is blocked. The balloon present in the catheter is inflated for 3 minutes and then deflated to expand the arteries and enhance blood flow. A stent may be placed permanently, supporting the expanded artery.
Your recovery period depends on your general condition and the results of your procedure. Typically, the procedure is minimally invasive, and you should be able to get discharged on the same day. Your medical healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your results, provide medications, and give you individualised instructions to ensure recovery at home. General instructions include the following:
Avoiding smoking or drinking.
Following prescribed medications and schedules and monitoring blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, particularly food that is plant-based. You may be restricted to consuming low-saturated or junk foods.
Performing regular exercise and stretching.
Limiting yourself in performing heavy and strenuous activities.
Keeping the incision site clean and dry, and seeking medical attention if any side effects such as infection, swelling, pain, abnormal discolouration, or constant bleeding manifest.
Your medical healthcare provider will prescribe you blood-thinning medications along with aspirin for a certain period after angioplasty and stenting. In cases of other comorbidities, such as cholesterol and blood sugar, medicines are prescribed to address them. It is essential to follow your medication schedule as prescribed by your doctor. Failure to adhere to the schedule, or skip medications increases your chances of arterial blockage.
An interventional radiologist decides the type of stent by assessing factors such as the complexity of your blockage, your medical history, your age, and so on. Three main types of stents are generally used to treat blockages. They are:
Bare-metal stents (BMS): The wire meshes are made of cobalt chrome or stainless steel, and offer a rigid support to the arterial wall. While BMS aids in reducing symptoms, it can lead to scarring and restenosis.
Drug-eluting stents (DES): DE stents have coated medicine adhered to the stent, which is released over time. The DES aids in enhancing blood vessel flow and reducing inflammation.
Bioabsorbable stent: This type of device expands the blocked blood vessels, and gets dissolved or absorbed over time.
Advancements are being made in stents to treat blockages at various vessels, such as gene-eluting stents (GES), DNA (plasmid) eluting stents, vascular endothelial growth factor -paclitaxel co-eluting stents, and integrated self-reporting stent sensors.
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