Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting are advanced, minimally invasive procedures used to treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a condition where plaque buildup blocks blood flow in the arteries leading to the heart. These procedures are performed to restore normal blood flow and prevent serious heart conditions, such as heart attacks.

At Kurnool Cardiac Center, we specialize in providing comprehensive coronary care, including angioplasty and stenting. Our expert team, led by Dr. Nagendra Prasad Thota, offers state-of-the-art treatments to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

What is Coronary Angioplasty?

Coronary Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. During the procedure, a catheter with a small balloon at the tip is inserted through a blood vessel (usually in the groin or wrist) and guided to the site of the blockage. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to widen the artery, allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart.

This procedure is used to treat coronary artery disease, alleviate symptoms like chest pain (angina), and reduce the risk of a heart attack by restoring blood supply to the heart muscle.

What is a Stent?

A stent is a small, mesh-like device that is used in conjunction with angioplasty to keep the artery open after the balloon is inflated. It is usually made of stainless steel or a similar material and is inserted into the artery during the angioplasty procedure. Once the artery is widened, the stent is expanded and left in place to help maintain proper blood flow and prevent the artery from narrowing again (restenosis).

Stents may be bare-metal or drug-eluting.

• Bare-Metal Stents (BMS): These are simple metal devices that provide structural support to the artery.
• Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): These stents are coated with medication that helps prevent the artery from narrowing again by inhibiting the growth of scar tissue.

Why is Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting Done?

The primary goal of angioplasty and stenting is to improve blood flow to the heart, which can become restricted due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. This blockage can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, including:

• Angina (Chest Pain): Discomfort or pain in the chest that occurs when the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
• Heart Attack: A severe blockage can cause a heart attack, which occurs when part of the heart muscle is damaged due to insufficient blood supply.
• Shortness of Breath: Insufficient blood flow to the heart can cause difficulty in breathing.
• Fatigue: Chronic reduced blood flow can result in unexplained tiredness or weakness.

How is Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting Performed?

Coronary angioplasty and stenting are typically performed in a specialized area called a catheterization lab (or cath lab) under local anesthesia and sedation. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

• Preparation: The procedure is performed through a small incision, usually in the groin or wrist. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the blocked artery.
• Balloon Inflation: A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage to widen the artery.
• Stent Placement: Once the artery is widened, a stent is placed in the artery to keep it open. The stent is expanded by the balloon and remains in place.
• Post-Procedure Monitoring: After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period before being discharged. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours to ensure that the stent is functioning properly and there are no complications.

Benefits of Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

• Improved Blood Flow: The primary benefit is restoring normal blood flow to the heart, which reduces symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is performed through a small incision, which means a faster recovery time compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
• Reduced Risk of Heart Attack: By removing blockages in the arteries, angioplasty and stenting help prevent future heart attacks.
• Faster Recovery: Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure, depending on their individual health and the extent of the treatment.

Risks and Complications

Although coronary angioplasty and stenting are generally safe, there are some risks involved, including:

• Bleeding: At the site of catheter insertion (groin or wrist).
• Blood Clots: Clots may form around the stent, increasing the risk of heart attack.
• Restenosis: In some cases, the artery may narrow again after the procedure, particularly if a bare-metal stent is used.
• Damage to Blood Vessels: There is a slight risk of damage to the artery or blood vessel during the procedure.

To minimize these risks, your doctor may recommend the use of blood-thinning medications or other measures, depending on your condition.