English
Angioplasty and Stent Surgery in Gurgaon

Angioplasty and Stenting

Angioplasty and Stent Surgery in Gurgaon

Angioplasty is a surgical process to open clogged heart arteries. It is also known as a percutaneous coronary intervention. It helps to reduce the symptoms of blocked blood vessels, like chest pain and shortness of breath. Cardiac surgeons use this procedure to minimize damage to the heart during a heart attack. 

The angioplasty procedure uses two main techniques- ballooning and stenting to open the blocked arteries. In the ballooning method, the doctor inserts a small balloon catheter in the blocked artery to open it and improve the blood flow. In the stenting procedure, a small wire mesh tube (stent) is placed inside the blocked artery and helps to keep it open. The stents used are medicine-coated and biocompatible to ensure acceptance by the body.

Why It's Done?

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 and cause blockage in the artery. It can cause a heart attack. The doctors usually prescribe medicines to avoid the risk of blood clots after the surgery. 

  • Bleeding: Bleeding may occur at the site of catheter insertion. 

Preparation

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 and a team of cardiovascular nurses and technicians perform the angioplasty procedure in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory. 

  • The procedure occurs through an artery in the arm, wrist or groin area. The patient is given a local anaesthetic to relax and may remain awake through the procedure without any sense of pain or discomfort.

  • The team of doctors monitor vitals such as the heart rate, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels of the patient during the surgery to ensure patient safety.

  • 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 guidewire into the blood vessel. A catheter gets threaded through the artery with the help of live X-rays, or endoscopic device to ensure precision.

  • 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 few hours, 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.

  • Rest 

  • Take prescribed medications on time.

The patients must immediately contact the hospital if they feel discomfort, difficulty in breathing, swelling inside the body 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 constricted artery.

  • Angioplasty or stenting 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 as advised 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long is the recovery after angioplasty?

Planned angioplasty surgery 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 extent of damage the patient has already suffered before surgery and how much the aftercare advice the patient follows.

  • How long does the angioplasty surgery take?

Coronary angioplasty can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The procedure may take longer depending on the severity and number of blockages.

  • What are some risks associated with angioplasty?

While angioplasty is a safe procedure, patients might develop further risks if they continue with their stressful lifestyle and unhealthy habits. Some of the associated risks which may arise even after the procedure include:

  • Re-narrowing of the artery.

  • Bleeding.

  • Blood clotting.

  • Irregular heartbeat.

  • Is the patient awake during angioplasty?

Yes. The patient gets a local anaesthetic, which means numbness is localized 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. 

  • What are the Dos and Don'ts after the angioplasty?

  • Quit smoking

  • Avoid driving until the doctor allows for it.

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Lower cholesterol levels

  • Eat a healthy diet with low saturated fats.

  • Keep a tab on diabetes and blood pressure.

  • Take prescribed medicines 

  • Exercise regularly

Visit our hospital if you require angioplasty & stenting in Gurugram. 

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.

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.

Home Gurugram Specialities Radiology Angioplasty-and-stenting

Appointment
Health Check
Home Care
Contact Us
review icon
Review Us
Call Us