Procedure of Coronary Angioplasty
Before Procedure
The physician will review your medical history, trying to understand your past and present medical and surgical condition
Routine blood tests and ECG performed
Inform the doctor about medication you are taking , and stop or adjust medication as directed by physician
Inform if you are allergic
If you have history of bleeding problems
During Procedure
Angioplasty is performed using local anesthetic & the procedure can take 30min to 3hrs.
You are made to lie flat on your back , blood pressure and heart rate is continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
Usually catheter is inserted through the artery in the groin or through arm or wrist , local anesthesia is given and skin incision made , hollow needle is inserted into the artery .
Following which the catheter is inserted and manipulated through the blood stream to the blocked artery while viewing continuously through the x- ray imaging device.
A deflated balloon is present at tip of catheter , later as the tip of catheter reaches blocked vessel , balloon is inflated and with inflation the plague is flattened and blood vessel opened up , soon balloon deflated and removed.
After angioplasty there is a risk that artery may become narrow or blocked at same site , so the doctors use stent in order to keep the blood vessel open , if stent is being used a new catheter with balloon and stent is inserted .
The stent will expand when the balloon is inflated and remains in place when the balloon is deflated and removed. Stent is left in the blood vessel permanently.
After the procedure
The catheter is removed and pressure applied to the puncture site for 10-15 minutes to ensure no bleeding occurs from the artery
A bandage is tightly applied and you must lie with back in bed for 6-8 hrs
Patient is monitored in the recovery room, checked for bleeding or chest pain.
Adviced to keep the dressing clean and dry to prevent infection
Regularly Check for signs of infection – swelling , redness , discharges
Avoid lifting anything heavy for 3-5 days.
Patient will be able to resume their normal activities after about a week.
Risks of Coronary Angioplasty
Its generally considered to be safe procedure, the risk of serious complications from a coronary angioplasty are generally rare, can include
The cost to the patient depends on a variety of factors like
The hospital, the patient chooses.
Room –Standard single room, deluxe room, super deluxe room for the number of nights specified (including nursing fee, meals, room rate, and room service).
Fee for the team of doctors.
Medicines and cost of stent if used
Standard test and diagnostic procedures.
Cost of the follow –up care if required after the procedure