Coronary Angioplasty

What is a Coronary Angioplasty?
A coronary angioplasty procedure is used to open clogged or widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries (the main blood vessels supplying the heart). It is also called percutaneous coronary  intervention or “PCI” for short.

The term “angioplasty” means temporarily using a balloon which is inserted to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. However, most modern angioplasty procedures also combine this with inserting a short wire mesh tube, called a stent, to help keep the artery open during the procedure. The stent is left in place permanently to allow blood to flow more freely. Most stents used currently are coated with medication to help keep the artery open (drug-eluting stents) while others are not (bare metal stents).

When is a Coronary Angioplasty needed?
Angioplasty is used to treat a type of heart disease known as atherosclerosis. Like all organs in the body, the heart needs a constant supply of blood. This is supplied by the coronary arteries. In some people, these arteries can become narrowed and hardened with slow buildup of fatty plaques in your heart’s blood vessels known as atherosclerosis.

If the flow of blood to the heart becomes restricted, it can lead to chest pain known as angina, which
is usually triggered by physical activity or stress.

While angina can often be treated with medication, a coronary angioplasty may be required to restore the blood supply to the heart in severe cases where medication and lifestyle changes are not sufficient to improve symptoms or if symptoms worsen in spite of the above.

Coronary angioplasty is also often used as an emergency treatment for a heart attack. Angioplasty isn’t for everyone. If the main artery that brings blood to the left side of your heart is narrow, if your heart muscle is weak or if you have multiple diseased blood vessels and/or have diabetes then coronary artery bypass surgery may be a better option than angioplasty.

In coronary artery bypass surgery, the blocked part of your artery is bypassed using a blood vessel from another part of your body. The decision of angioplasty versus bypass surgery will depend on the extent of your heart disease and overall medical condition.

How should I prepare for a Coronary Angioplasty?

You’ll receive instructions about eating or drinking before angioplasty. Usually, you’ll need to stop eating or drinking four to six before the procedure is scheduled.

Your preparation may be different if you’re already staying at the hospital before your procedure. During your pre-operative assessment, you may also have an ECG, CXR, blood tests and a general health check to ensure you’re suitable for surgery.

The night before your procedure, you should follow your doctor’s instructions about adjusting your current medications before angioplasty.

Take approved medications with only small sips of water (this may vary so please check with your doctor).

You’ll usually be able to take most medications as normal up to the day of the procedure, with the exception of blood-thinning medication such as warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, apixaban. You may also need to alter the timing of any diabetic medication you take.

Arrange for transportation home. Angioplasty usually requires an overnight hospital stay, and you
won’t be able to drive yourself home the next day.