What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is used to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease. Angioplasty can help to restore blood flow to the heart without the need for open-heart surgery. Angioplasty is commonly implemented for serious conditions, such as heart attacks. Angioplasty is also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

When Do You Need An Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is suggested for a patient with heart disease to restore the coronary artery blood flow. Most coronary artery diseases (CAD) need angioplasty, in a few times, CADs can be treated without an angioplasty.

Angioplasty is considered a useful surgery for patients facing the following conditions:

• You have found blockages in your heart vessel
• You have tried medications or lifestyle changes but these have not enhanced your heart health.
• You have chest pain (angina).
• You have a heart attack. Angioplasty can quickly open a blocked artery, reducing injury to your heart.

Types of Angioplasty:

There are two types of angioplasty:

• Balloon Angioplasty: Here an inflatable balloon is placed in the blocked artery/arteries. The pressure of the inflated balloon allows the doctor to clear the target artery/arteries from blockage.
• Stent Angioplasty: Here the doctor would place a stent in the area where the artery is blocking the artery thus restoring regular blood flow.

How Is Angioplasty Performed?

Before coronary Angioplasty is done, Dr. Jayesh Sharma tries to know which arteries are clogged, how many of them are blocked, and what is the severity of the blockages. For this purpose, an Angiography test is done. The X-ray picture will show any blockages, how many, and where they’re located. Once your doctor gets this information, the Angioplasty can proceed. Your doctor will engage the catheter to Coronaries through the Hand Or Groin. Then a wire will be passed through the blockage. Your doctor will blow up the balloon in the blockage and push the blockage outward against the artery wall. this opens the artery more and enhances blood flow. After the artery is widened, a small mesh tube called a Stent generally made of metal is kept inside the artery to keep it widened. These stents are coated with medicines that are continuously and slowly released into the artery. These medicines help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again. After the angioplasty is completed, the patient is in ICU for the next 24 hours and then discharged.

Advantages of Angioplasty:

• Can save your life and reduce heart damage during a heart attack by reviving blood flow to the heart
• May immediately reduce symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, making you feel better
• Can reduce the risk of stroke
• Can enhance the functioning of the kidneys
• Can restore blood flow to the legs to prevent gangrene and eliminate the need for amputation

What is the recovery time after angioplasty?

Getting back on your feet after angioplasty is usually faster and less limiting than after traditional open-heart surgeries. Following Dr. Jayesh Sharma’s advice and attending all your follow-up appointments is crucial for a successful recovery and keeping your heart healthy. Keep in mind that the length of your recovery can vary, so discuss your specific situation with Dr. Jayesh Sharma’s Cardiologist team.