Angioplasty

Angioplasty in Begur

Sometimes unhealthy lifestyle leads to the formation of fatty buildups along the inner lining of the artery, narrowing the passage. This buildup is called atherosclerosis, causing chronic heart diseases. Angioplasty  in Bengur is a procedure to widen or open the blocked arteries to ensure smooth blood flow to the heart. It is often practised when an individual is facing a heart attack to quickly stretch the arteries and minimise the damage caused by clogged arteries. It utilises a balloon catheter inserted into the artery, which inflates on reaching the narrowed portion to broaden the passage and ensure the free flow of blood. However, modern Angioplasty utilises a stent that is a small wire mesh tube to open up the artery. This prop stays there permanently and ensures the artery is not narrowed again.

Before the surgery begins, the doctor will run some blood tests and seek information regarding the patient's medical history and allergy, including a chest x-ray.

The doctor might perform a coronary angiogram of the heart area to get detailed images of any blockages of veins and arteries to determine whether he can proceed with angioplasty or will have to conduct an open bypass surgery.

To start with the process, the doctor might give you certain guidelines which must be strictly followed to ensure a safe surgery. 

1. Your doctor might prohibit you from consuming any drugs, blood thinning medicines, or aspirin at least for a week before surgery. But also make sure to share details of any other supplements you have taken.

2. Generally, one must not consume any food or water at least 6 hours before the angiography

3. It is advisable to arrange for home transportation beforehand, as the individual won't be able to drive home alone.

Procedure

• You will be taken to a special room called the cardiac catheterisation laboratory, where a cardiologist will surround you and a team of specialist nurses and technicians to assist with the surgery.

• You will receive local anaesthesia and other medications to relax before the surgery starts. 

• A thin, flexible tube ( catheter) will be admitted into the veins to conduct Angiography, as explained above, so that the surgeon can access the blocked coronary artery by viewing the x-ray images and video of the same on a monitor screen.

• When the catheter tip comes in contact with the blocked area, it glides further and inflates a small balloon. The fatty build-up is pushed against the inner walls of the artery, widening the passage to ensure the free movement of blood without any hindrances. Then the balloon is deflated and gently removed.

• However, if a stent is being used, it will be wrapped around the balloon. The balloon, upon reaching the site of the blockage, will be inflated, which will expand the stent, and it will get permanently hooked onto the walls of the artery to hold the artery open.

• Sometimes the stent is dipped in a chemical that dissolves the fatty buildup and also protects the now newly widened site from future build-up. Once the stent is in place, the balloon is removed and discarded.

An angioplasty usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. Mostly one may be asked to spend a night or two so that the nurses can monitor your vitals and heart. One can get back to their daily routine in 3-3 days post-surgery. However, it is advisable to keep away from performing any strenuous activity or lifting anything heavy. 

But if you were admitted on account of a heart attack, you may be asked to stay back at the hospital for a longer duration. Book an appointment at Manipal Hospitals now.