Angioplasty
Angioplasty (also called percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. A thin catheter with a small balloon at its tip is guided to the blockage; the balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and in most cases a mesh stent is left in place to keep it open. At Iswarya Hospital our 24×7 Digital Cath Lab enables emergency angioplasty for heart attacks at any hour.
🔬 How the Procedure Is Performed
- 1
Local anaesthesia is applied to the wrist or groin where the catheter will be inserted.
- 2
A thin guide wire is advanced through the artery to the blockage under X-ray guidance.
- 3
A balloon catheter is inflated at the site of narrowing to compress the plaque.
- 4
A coronary stent (usually drug-eluting) is deployed to scaffold the artery open.
- 5
The catheter is removed; the entry site is closed with a small plug or manual compression.
- 6
The patient is monitored in the cardiac care unit before discharge.
✅ Benefits of Angioplasty
- ✓Rapidly restores blood flow — critical in heart attacks
- ✓Minimally invasive — no open-heart surgery required
- ✓Short hospital stay of 1–2 days
- ✓Immediate relief from chest pain in most patients
- ✓Drug-eluting stents significantly reduce re-blockage rates
📋 How to Prepare
- Fast for at least 6–8 hours before a planned procedure.
- Inform your cardiologist of all current medications, especially blood thinners.
- Kidney function tests and blood work are done beforehand.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Continue medications as advised — do not stop aspirin unless specifically told to.
⚠️ Possible Risks & Side Effects
- Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis) in a small percentage of cases
- Blood clot at the stent site — prevented with anti-platelet medication
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye (rare)
- Kidney strain from contrast agent, especially in patients with existing kidney disease
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise them.
💊 Post-Procedure Care
- Take all prescribed antiplatelet medications (aspirin + clopidogrel) without skipping.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least one week.
- Keep the catheter site clean and dry; watch for signs of infection or bleeding.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and repeat ECGs.
- Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle: low-salt diet, no smoking, regular walking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a coronary stent last?
Modern drug-eluting stents are designed to be permanent. They become incorporated into the artery wall over time and do not need to be replaced.
Can I live a normal life after angioplasty?
Yes. Most patients return to full normal activity within 1–2 weeks. Lifestyle changes and medications are essential to protect the treated artery and the rest of the heart.
Is angioplasty better than bypass surgery?
Each has its place. Angioplasty is preferred for single or double vessel disease; bypass (CABG) is better for complex triple-vessel or left main disease. Your cardiologist will recommend the right approach based on your angiogram.
Does Iswarya Hospital offer emergency angioplasty?
Yes. Our Digital Cath Lab operates 24×7, 365 days a year, so heart attack patients receive emergency angioplasty at any hour.
🏥 Angioplasty at Iswarya Hospital
Complete spectrum of cardiac services including non-invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. Emergency angioplasty available 24×7.
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.