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Angioplasty and Stent Surgery in Kolkata

Angioplasty and Stenting

Angioplasty and Stent Surgery in Dhakuria, Kolkata

Angioplasty is a procedure used to treat blockages in the coronary arteries, which are caused by atherosclerosis—a condition where plaque (a buildup of fat and cholesterol) accumulates on the inner walls of the arteries. During an Angioplasty, the clogged artery is opened by inserting a small balloon into it and inflating it, thereby improving the heart's blood flow.

An Angioplasty is frequently followed by the placement of a stent, which is a small, metallic mesh tube. The coronary artery is kept open and prevented from narrowing again by expanding the stent inside of it. As an emergency heart attack treatment, this method can potentially be utilised.

Angioplasty is also known by several other names, including:

  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

  • Percutaneous Intervention

  • Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty

  • Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

  • Balloon Angioplasty

  • Coronary Artery Angioplasty

FAQ's

The formation of plaque can happen in any artery, including the coronary arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart. When atherosclerosis specifically affects the coronary arteries, it's known as coronary artery disease (CAD). Angioplasty and Stent placement are the most common medical procedures to treat this condition. They can also be used to:

  • Reduce angina and breathlessness, two common symptoms of coronary artery disease.

  • Remove blockage or narrowing of one or more coronary arteries that may lead to poor heart function (heart failure).

  • Sometimes, there may not be time to prepare. Stent Implantation and Coronary Angioplasty are occasionally used as emergency heart attack therapies.

  • If a non-emergency procedure is planned, several preparations must be made. 

  • A cardiologist is a medical professional with expertise in cardiac disorders who will evaluate you and thoroughly check your medical history. Additionally, your physician may request a few standard tests, such as:

    • Blood tests

    • An EKG (electrocardiogram)

    • A chest X-ray

These tests are done to check your heart health and other conditions that may increase the risk of complications.

  • In addition, the following actions could be required of you:

    • All medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies that you take should be listed, including their dosages.

    • Before having an Angioplasty, you must cease taking certain medications, including aspirin, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

    • Also, avoid eating or drinking anything a few hours before the surgery.

  • Electrodes, which are sticky patches, are applied to your chest to monitor your heartbeat.

  • Before, during, and after the procedure, your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen level are continuously monitored.

  • Any hair in the region of your body where a catheter or flexible tube will be placed may be shaved by a member of your healthcare team.

  • A small incision will be made (in your groin or wrist), and a thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the blocked coronary artery. This process is monitored using X-ray imaging.

  • At the tip of the catheter, there is a small balloon. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to widen the artery by compressing the plaque against the artery walls.

  • After the artery is widened, a stent (a small mesh tube) is often placed in the narrowed area to help keep the artery open. After that, the balloon is inflated and taken out, leaving the stent in place.

  • If there are multiple blockages, the procedure may need to be repeated for each affected artery.

  • You may feel some pressure at the site where the catheter is inserted, typically in the groin or wrist. Mild discomfort or chest pain might occur when the balloon is inflated, but it usually subsides once the balloon is deflated.

  • The Angioplasty usually takes about 30 minutes to two hours. If multiple blockages are treated or if complications arise, it can take longer.

The duration of the hospital stay following Angioplasty and Stenting is contingent upon the purpose of the procedure. You may return home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids to help remove the imaging dye from your body. Following Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting, you may have to incorporate the following regimen:

  • Blood-thinning medicines: You might need medication after receiving a stent to avoid blood clots. Your doctor may recommend taking aspirin with another medicine, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), or prasugrel (Effient). Aspirin recommendations vary, so check with your healthcare team before starting aspirin.

  • Activity limitations: After a Coronary Angioplasty and Stent Implantation, avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy things for at least 24 hours. 

  • Cardiac rehabilitation: A customised exercise and education programme known as cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended by your heart doctor. It usually entails heart-healthy lifestyle instruction, emotional support, and fitness training. The goal of the guided programme is to help people with heart disease live better lives. Following a heart attack or cardiac surgery, it's frequently advised.

  • A hospital stay often lasts two days or fewer. 

  • After Angioplasty, patients can usually resume their normal activities in a few hours, depending on the specifics of the treatment and the location of the catheter.

  • A complete recovery takes a week or less. You will be given information on how to care for yourself after Angioplasty.

After being discharged home, most patients recover from Angioplasty and go back to work in approximately a week. Following your discharge from the hospital, your doctor will want to see how you're doing, so they will schedule a follow-up appointment. Your doctor will examine you, perform any required tests, adjust your medication, and assess your general recovery during the follow-up visit. Use this time to discuss any concerns you may have or ask any questions you may have concerning activities, medications, lifestyle adjustments, or other matters.

The following are possible risks of Coronary Angioplasty with Stent Placement:

  • Bleeding can occur from where the catheter is inserted into the body, which is typically the wrist or arm.

  • Stents may develop blood clots within them. Heart attacks may result from these clots blocking the artery. Drugs can lessen the likelihood that blood clots will form.

  • At the location of catheter insertion, it may bleed, bruise, or become infected.

  • Abnormal heart rhythms: The heart may beat abnormally quickly or slowly during the process. It could be necessary to use a temporary pacemaker or medication to correct these heart rhythm issues.

  • Heart attack: It's uncommon for heart attacks to result in significant tissue damage or death.

  • Stroke: During Angioplasty, a fragment of fatty plaque could dislodge, travel to the brain, and block blood flow, potentially leading to a stroke.

  • Allergic response to the X-ray dye, the material of the stent (very uncommon), or the medication used in a drug-eluting stent.

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