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Angioplasty is an invasive procedure to open clogged heart arteries with a balloon and stent without open heart surgery. It is also known as a percutaneous coronary intervention. It is done as an emergency lifesaving procedure in case of a heart attack and also electively for treating blockages causing chest pain or breathlessness on exertion. It is performed by Interventional Cardiologists. The coronary arteries are accessed through the wrist or groin to insert a tube through which a wire is passed into the artery across the blockage which is then dilated with a balloon followed by deployment of a stent which is also done using a balloon.
WHY IT'S DONE?
Development of atherosclerosis.
The blood vessels get narrow or blocked due to the buildup of fatty plaques. In cardiology, this buildup is called atherosclerosis.
Cardiologists recommend this procedure, if:
The patient has worsening angina.
The patient has a heart attack.
Changes in lifestyle and medications have not improved the heart.
RISKS
Some risks associated with angioplasty are:
Re-narrowing of the artery: The chances of re-narrowing the treated blood vessel are high if bare metal stents are used instead of the drug-eluting ones.
Blood clots: Clotting can occur within the stents most commonly up to 1 month after stenting causing complete blockage of the artery, cause blockage in the artery. It can cause a heart attack. The doctors usually prescribe medicines (blood thinners) to avoid the risk of blood clots after the surgery.
Bleeding: Bleeding may occur at the site of catheter insertion.
PREPARATION
Patient 1st undergoes angiography which is a test to evaluate the blockages in the arteries and depending on the result the patient is advised medical management and stenting or bypass surgery. The doctors check the patient's medical background and perform tests like an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and blood tests before the procedure.
The doctors will perform angiography to check for clogged and constricted arteries and if angioplasty can open them. If the angiogram shows a blocked artery, the doctors perform the angioplasty immediately.
Patients are given the following instructions before the procedure:
Stop certain medications like blood thinners, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before the procedure.
Not to eat and drink six to eight hours before an angiography.
Get all the prescribed medicines along at the hospital.
Approved medications need to be taken only with a little water.
EXPECTATIONS
During the Procedure
A cardiologist performs angioplasty with assistance from a team of cardiovascular nurses and technicians perform the angioplasty procedure in a cardiac catheterization laboratory.
The procedure occurs through an artery in the arm, wrist or groin area. The patient is given a local anaesthetic to relax and remains awake.
The doctor monitors the heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse and oxygen level during the surgery.
The patients get sedatives and blood-thinning drugs intravenously.
The procedure begins with the doctor preparing the area in the patient's leg, arm or wrist with an antiseptic solution.
A sterile sheet covers the patient's body.
Next, a local anaesthetic helps to numb the area.
The doctors make a small incision and insert a thin guide wire into the blood vessel. A catheter gets threaded through the artery with the help of live X-rays.
Once the catheter is in place, the doctors inject a contrast dye which helps them identify the blockages in the angiogram.
Next, the doctor opens the blocked artery using the ballooning technique.
Depending on the number of blockages, the procedure gets repeated several times.
The patient may experience discomfort when the doctor inserts the catheter and balloon.
STENTING
The doctors usually perform the ballooning and stenting procedures together. A stent looks like a tiny wire mesh coil and can be bare metal or have medicine coated over it. It works by supporting the walls of the artery and preventing its re-narrowing.
During stent placement
The catheter's tip has a balloon over which the doctor collapses the stent. The catheter guides the stent to the blocked site.
As the balloon inflates at the blockage site, the stent expands and places itself inside the artery.
The stent stays inside the artery permanently and prevents re-narrowing or collapse of the artery.
The doctor deflates and removes the balloon catheter post the stent placement.
Doctors use angiograms to check the blood flow through the newly widened artery.
Medications are given to the patients to avoid the formation of blood clots on the stent.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
After the surgery, the patient stays under observation for a day in the CCU and depending on the patient's condition he/she is shifted to a room after 24 hours followed by discharge the next day. And the medications are adjusted. They are required to stay at the hospital for a night under observation.
After returning home, the patient needs to:
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid heavy exercises.
Avoid driving for some time.
Take Rest
Take prescribed medications on time.
Report to emergency in case of any symptoms.
The patients must immediately contact the hospital if they feel discomfort, swelling or chest pain.
RESULTS
After the coronary angioplasty, the symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath get better. The procedure results in increasing the blood flow through the blocked artery.
Angioplasty in Delhi treats symptoms of blocked arteries and releases blockages, and it does not heal your heart. Taking prescribed medicines on time and maintaining a healthy lifestyle prescribed by your doctor and palliative care team is the only way to avoid further damage.
A successful angioplasty saves you from more invasive procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery.
If the symptoms persist or reappear, rush to the hospital immediately.
WHY CHOOSE MANIPAL HOSPITALS?
Manipal Hospital offers one of the best cardiology treatments near me. Our interventional cardiologists are well-equipped to tackle all types of cardiac cases. The state-of-the-art cardiac unit at our hospital ensures seamless treatments under the guidance of the esteemed cardiology team. Our team of best cardiologists perform coronary angioplasty techniques through the arm, thigh or wrist to reduce the associated risks. We are known for our patient service and take utmost care to ensure a smooth heart treatment.
SUMMARY
An angioplasty is a surgical process to open the blocked arteries supplying blood to the heart. The process is also called balloon angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). It involves the widening of narrowed or blocked arteries by attaching a deflated balloon placed over a guided wire to a catheter and then passing it over the narrowed vessel and inflating it to a fixed size. Expansion of the balloon causes the opening of the blood vessel for improved blood flow.
If required, the doctors may insert a stent to ensure the blood vessel remains open. The insertion of a stent inside the obstructive blood vessel is called stenting. The patient stays awake during the procedure, and medication numbs the area where the catheter will be inserted with anaesthesia. Few blood tests, angiography and ECG tests are performed on the patient before the angioplasty. After the procedure is complete, the patient is kept under observation at the hospital for 1- 2 days. Visit the best cardiology hospital in Delhi to get the finest treatment.
Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.
Planned Angioplasty in Delhi has a recovery time of over a week. If the surgery occurs after a heart attack, the recovery may take a few weeks to months. Healing depends mainly on the aftercare and how much the patient follows the medical advice.
Coronary Angioplasty in Delhi can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The procedure may take longer depending on the severity and number of blockages.
While angioplasty is a safe procedure, patients might develop further risks if they continue their stressful lifestyle and unhealthy habits. Some of the associated risks which may arise even after the procedure include:
Yes. The patient gets a local anaesthetic, which means numbness is localised to the body region where the procedure is being carried out. They will be awake but blissfully unaware of any pains that may occur during the surgery.
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