CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY & STENTING

Explore the operation further

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty works like a traffic cop, using a tiny balloon to clear the blockage and allow blood to flow freely again. Skilled cardiologists perform this procedure in a specialised catheterisation lab.

When Do You Need It?

Angioplasty is often recommended when someone experiences chest pain (angina) or during a heart attack. These symptoms can occur when the blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted due to artery blockages. 

By opening up these blocked arteries, angioplasty can relieve chest pain and prevent further damage to the heart.

What About Stenting?

Sometimes, clearing the blockage with angioplasty isn't enough to keep the artery open. That's where stenting comes in. A stent is a tiny mesh tube inserted into the artery during angioplasty. It acts like a scaffold, holding the artery open and preventing it from collapsing again. Stents can be made of metal or, in some cases, a special material that dissolves over time.

The Procedure

Before the Procedure

Before angioplasty and stenting, your medical team will take several preparatory measures to ensure your safety and the procedure's success. Sticky patches, known as electrodes, will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart's rhythm, while your blood pressure will also be checked. Additionally, your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be continuously monitored throughout the process, from pre-procedure preparations to post-procedural recovery.

Sometimes, a flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into a blood vessel in your wrist or groin area to access your heart. Before this insertion, any hair in the region where the catheter will be placed may need to be shaved to ensure a clean and sterile environment for the procedure. This step helps to minimise the risk of infection and ensures smooth catheter insertion and manipulation during the angioplasty and stenting process.

During the procedure

As the procedure begins, the doctor will insert an intravenous (IV) line into your arm or hand to administer medications. These medications help you relax and remain comfortable throughout the procedure. 

The amount of sedation required varies depending on your health status and the specific reasons for undergoing angioplasty and stenting. While some individuals may be fully awake during the procedure, others may require a combination of medications that induce sleep, known as general anaesthesia.

In addition to sedation, fluids and other medications, such as blood thinners, may be administered through the IV to optimise the procedure's safety and efficacy.

Before inserting the catheter, the area where it will be placed is numbed with a local anaesthetic. A small incision is then made to access the blood vessel, typically in the wrist or groin area. The catheter is carefully inserted and guided to the heart through this incision under X-ray imaging guidance.

A special dye is injected once the catheter is positioned within the coronary arteries. This dye enhances the visibility of the blood vessels on X-ray images, allowing the medical team to identify any blockages or narrowing within the arteries precisely. These images provide crucial information that guides the decision-making process during the procedure, helping the doctor determine the best course of action for the angioplasty and stenting.

After the procedure

The duration of your hospital stay following angioplasty and stenting depends on the specific reasons for undergoing the procedure and your recovery progress.

Once you return home, it's essential to prioritise rest and hydration to facilitate the elimination of the imaging dye from your body. Here's what you can expect after coronary angioplasty and stenting:

Blood-thinning Medicines:

After receiving a stent, your doctor may prescribe medications to prevent blood clots. This typically involves taking aspirin along with another drug, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), or prasugrel (Effient). Aspirin recommendations may vary, so it's essential to consult your healthcare team before starting aspirin therapy.

Activity Restrictions:

It's advisable to refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects for at least 24 hours following coronary angioplasty and stenting. Your healthcare team can guide you through additional activity restrictions based on your circumstances.

Cardiac Rehabilitation:

Your cardiologist may recommend participating in a personalised cardiac rehabilitation program. This program typically combines exercise training, emotional support, and education on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to improve overall heart health, particularly in individuals with heart disease, and is often recommended following a heart attack or heart surgery.

After undergoing coronary angioplasty and stenting, it's crucial to remain vigilant for any potential complications. Contact your doctor or hospital staff immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Weakness or fainting.
• Bleeding or swelling at the site where the catheter was inserted.
• Pain or discomfort at or below the catheter site, such as pain in the hand if the catheter was inserted into a blood vessel in the arm.
• Signs of infection include redness, swelling, drainage, or fever.
• Changes in temperature or colour of the leg or arm used for the procedure.
• You will have follow-up appointments to monitor your heart health as you recover. These appointments may include blood tests and imaging studies to assess your heart's function and condition. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential components of ensuring optimal recovery and long-term heart health.

Are There Risks?

• Angioplasty is generally considered safe, but discussing potential complications with your doctor is important. Risks associated with angioplasty and stent placement include:
• Allergic reaction to the drug used in a drug-eluting stent, the stent material (very rare), or the x-ray dye.
• Bleeding or clotting at the site where the catheter was inserted.
• Formation of a blood clot.
• In-stent restenosis is the narrowing of the artery within the stent. It can be a severe condition.
• Damage to a heart valve or blood vessel.
• Heart attack.
• Kidney failure, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney issues.
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias).
• Stroke, though this is rare.

Results

For many people, angioplasty and stenting can significantly relieve chest pain and improve overall heart function. These procedures can also reduce the risk of future heart attacks and other complications related to CAD. With proper follow-up care and lifestyle modifications, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, you can enjoy better heart health and a higher quality of life in the long term.

Is there an alternative to coronary stent placement?

In some cases, coronary stent placement may not be feasible or suitable for certain patients. Alternative treatments for coronary artery disease may include medication therapy, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, or lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.

Is coronary stent insertion considered a major surgery?

Coronary stent insertion, or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a catheterisation lab rather than through open-heart surgery. While it carries some risks, it is generally considered less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery, making it a preferred option for many patients.

What is the recovery period like following a coronary angioplasty?

The recovery period following a coronary angioplasty and stent placement can vary depending on individual factors such as overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and any complications that may arise. In general, most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure, with full recovery typically occurring within a few weeks. Following your healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication, lifestyle modifications, and follow-up appointments is essential to optimise your recovery and long-term heart health.