Angioplasty is a medical, minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating narrowed or blocked blood vessels, mainly arteries, in different parts of the body. It is also known as balloon angioplasty. The main objective of angioplasty is to enhance blood flow and bring back normal circulation by expanding the affected vessel.
Angioplasty is used to treat various conditions such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), and Carotid Artery Disease. The procedure is carried out in different parts of the body, including the heart, legs, neck, and kidneys, depending on the location and severity of the blockage.
Angioplasty is Recommended For
Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. It is commonly recommended for individuals who:
- Have coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Experience chest pain (angina) due to reduced blood flow
- Have had a heart attack and require immediate vessel opening
- Have narrowed arteries that restrict oxygen-rich blood flow
Angioplasty - Quick Overview
- Type of Procedure: Minimally invasive cardiac procedure involving the insertion of a balloon-tipped catheter to widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Often combined with stent placement to keep the artery open.
- Duration: Typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number and location of the blockages.
- Anesthesia Used: Local anesthesia with sedation is commonly used. The patient remains awake, relaxed, and pain-free during the procedure.
- Recovery Time: Most patients stay in the hospital for 12 to 24 hours. Recovery is generally quick, with patients resuming normal activities within 1 week, though strenuous activity should be avoided for a few weeks.
Angioplasty Procedure Types & Indications
Angioplasty is indicated for various conditions involving narrowed or blocked arteries:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Treats blockages causing chest pain (angina) or prevents heart attacks (PTCA/PCI)
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Opens blocked leg arteries to relieve pain and cramping
- Carotid Artery Disease: Reduces stroke risk by opening neck arteries
- Renal Artery Stenosis: Improves kidney function and blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis: Treats atherosclerosis blockages throughout the body
- Heart Attack: Emergency treatment for heart attacks to restore blood flow
- Restenosis: Treats the re-narrowing of previously treated arteries
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Get Second OpinionPurpose of Angioplasty Procedure
Angioplasty improves blood flow in narrowed arteries to:
- Relieve symptoms (chest pain, leg pain, shortness of breath)
- Reduce the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and complications
- Improve organ function (kidneys, heart)
- Provide emergency treatment for heart attacks
- Enhance quality of life
- Avoid more invasive open surgeries
Preparing for the Angioplasty Procedure
Essential steps to ensure a safe procedure:
- Consultation: Comprehensive consultation with your interventional cardiologist, including medical history review and tests.
- Medications: Inform about all medications; some may need adjustment (especially blood thinners).
- Fasting: Fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Allergies: Disclose any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye.
- Personal Items: Wear loose clothing and leave valuables at home.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere strictly to all pre-procedure instructions.
- Understand the Procedure: Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives with your doctor.
- Arrange Care: Plan for rest and recovery time post-procedure.
Advanced Angioplasty at Medicover Hospitals
Medicover Hospitals is a leading angioplasty center with:
- Well-equipped cardiology department
- Next Generation Cath Lab technology
- Expert cardiologists with extensive experience
- Comprehensive interventional cardiac services
How is Angioplasty Done?
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedure steps:
- Preparation: Cleaning and sterilizing the access area (typically groin or wrist).
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with possible light sedation.
- Guidewire Insertion: Thin guidewire inserted through small incision and threaded to blockage.
- Catheter Insertion: Balloon-tipped catheter threaded over guidewire to blockage site.
- Balloon Inflation: Balloon inflated to compress plaque and widen the artery.
- Stent Placement (if needed): A Mesh tube stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
- Completion: Balloon deflated, catheter removed, access site closed.
- Recovery: Patient monitored before discharge (often same day).
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Who Performs the Angioplasty Procedure?
Performed by specialized interventional cardiologists with additional training in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures.
Recovery After Angioplasty Procedure
- Immediate Post-Procedure: Monitor vital signs and the insertion site; lie flat for several hours.
- Hospital Stay: Typically outpatient (go home same day) or brief overnight stay.
- Pain Management: Medications provided for insertion site discomfort.
- Wound Care: Proper care of the puncture site is necessary to prevent infection.
- Medications: Prescribed blood thinners and other medications as needed.
- Activity: Gradual return to light activities; avoid heavy lifting.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: Supervised exercise and education program recommended.
- Diet: A heart-healthy diet is low in fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
Precautions After Angioplasty
- Medication: Take prescribed blood thinners on time
- Diet: Heart-healthy eating with reduced salt/sugar/fats
- Activity: Light walking initially; avoid strenuous exercise
- Lifestyle: Quit smoking and reduce alcohol
- Stress: Practice relaxation techniques
- Checkups: Regular doctor visits to monitor health
- Symptoms: Seek immediate help for chest pain or breathing issues
Lifestyle Changes After Angioplasty
- Dietary Adjustments
- A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Control sodium intake
- Reduce saturated/trans fats
- Moderate sugar consumption
- Physical Activity
- Start with low-impact exercises like walking
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly
- Consult a doctor before new regimens
- Quit Smoking: Essential for heart health; seek cessation programs if needed.
- Medication Adherence: Take all prescribed medications as directed without changes
- Stress Management: Practice deep breathing, meditation, and yoga
- Weight Maintenance: Achieve a healthy weight through diet and exercise
- Alcohol Moderation: Limit to 1-2 drinks per day (men) or one drink (women)
- Regular Checkups: Attend all follow-up appointments
- Hydration & Sleep: Drink plenty of water; get 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly