More About Angioplasty

Diagnosis for Coronary Angioplasty  

• Used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins, usually  to treat arterial atherosclerosis
• In severe cases of angina (chest pain ) a coronary angioplasty may be required to restore the blood supply to the heart .
• Sometimes performed as emergency procedure to minimize damage to heart muscle from heart attack .

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

• Bruising and bleeding where the catheter entered the artery.
• Excessive bleeding
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Factors Affecting Cost Of  Coronary Angioplasty

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

Coronary Angioplasty: 2:54 Min