Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

Overview

Coronary angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), widens the arteries that supply blood to the heart. A thin tube (catheter) is passed through an artery in the wrist or groin to the heart. A small balloon is inflated at the narrowed area, and a mesh tube called a stent is usually placed to keep the artery open.

Why it is done

• To relieve chest pain (angina) caused by narrowed arteries
• To restore blood flow quickly during a heart attack
• To improve blood supply to the heart when medicines alone are not enough

Before the procedure

Your doctor will review your tests, which usually include an angiogram. You may be asked not to eat for several hours beforehand, and some medicines may need to be adjusted. Tell your doctor about any allergies, especially to contrast dye.

During the procedure

Angioplasty is done in a catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) using a local anaesthetic and mild sedation. X-ray imaging and contrast dye guide the catheter, balloon and stent into place.

After the procedure

Many patients go home within one or two days after a planned procedure. You will need to take blood-thinning medicines exactly as prescribed to prevent clots forming in the stent. Healthy lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation help protect your heart.

Risks

Angioplasty is generally safe. Possible risks include bleeding or bruising at the catheter site, reaction to the contrast dye, damage to the artery, strain on the kidneys and, rarely, heart attack or stroke.

At KIH

KIH's cardiology service offers coronary angioplasty in its catheterisation laboratories, along with interventions on peripheral, carotid and renal arteries.