Coronary Angioplasty – The term Angioplasty is derived from the two Latin words “angio,” i.e., blood vessel, and “plasty,” i.e., opening up. In medical terms, when the blood vessels of the heart get chocked, the Angioplasty procedure is performed by the doctors. It is a very common procedure that takes place in many heart diseases like Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Acute Coronary Syndrome (i.e., Heart Attack).
Coronary Angioplasty is a method used for widening the narrowed and blocked coronary arteries, which are major blood vessels supplying the heart. It is not a major surgery, and it will not cause any serious issues or complications after the procedure.
There are two types of Angioplasty procedures:-
- 1. Stent Placement
- 2. Balloon Angioplasty
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Types
Stent Placement
A tube-like stent is placed inside the blocked artery to have a clear flow of blood. The Stent is made up of wire mesh which is commonly used for heart angioplasty. The failure of stent placement in the vessel leads to the second Angioplasty method.
Balloon Angioplasty
A blocked artery can open with the balloon angioplasty method, into which a dragger or pressure mechanism is created by inflating a bloon inside the artery blockage site. It is a rare type of Angioplasty only performed in case of failure of stent placement.
Both types of Angioplasty are safe and secure and only performed by experienced doctors. A very systematic angioplasty procedure assures the success rate of the surgery; hence, a well-adopted procedure of Angioplasty is discussed below.
Angioplasty Procedure
The angioplasty procedure starts with the entering of the Catheter inside the body generally, from the wrist or groin. The doctor ensures the sensitivity of the procedure by monitoring the path of the Catheter on the X-Ray Feed. The Catheter was first inserted into the artery and then approached the coronary artery. Once the Catheter is positioned into the artery, injection of contrast dye takes place. The contrast dye helps to identify the blockage, which is being Angioplasty, with the help of a guidewire and extra Catheter. An extra or second Catheter is used to place the Stent or inflate the balloon to clear the blockage from the artery. The entire process is generally a matter of 30 minutes to a few hours and 24 hours of observation.
Benefits Coronary Angioplasty
Treating blocked arteries through coronary angioplasty have the following benefits:
- 1. It helps in reducing the risk of stroke.
- 2. Helps in functioning of the kidneys.
- 3. Can also reduce th risk of heart muscle damage and save your life during heart attack though restoring the blood flow to your heart.
- 4. Helps in reducing the symptoms of chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
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Risks associated with Coronary Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a very safe procedure without any complications. However, it has been estimated that 5 in every 100 people have chances to have little risks. Although the complications or risks with angioplasty is rare, they entails the following:
- 1. An allergic reaction to the dye
- 2. Blood clot
- 3. Chest pain
- 4. Stroke
- 5. Death
- 6. Heart attack
- 7. Damage to blood vessels
- 8. Abnormal heart rhythm
- 9. Damage to artery
- 10. Prolonged bleeding
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Recovery
After angioplasty, the cardiologist removes the bandages and catheters. Bruising, soreness, and bleeding are normal near the area where catheters entered the body. Most probably, you will recover in the hospital only within a few hours before going home. It is recommeded you must not drive and lift weight for a week after the procedure.
Conclusion
Angioplasty is a less invasive procedure than a open heart surgery. You can get recovery more quickly and return to your normal routine in a day care procedure. However, it is recommended that you should avoid lifting and driving after a week of the surgery for preventing any kind of complications. Furthermore, if your are looking for Coronary Angioplasty Surgery, then get in touch with our expert ENT surgeons to undergo an advanced Angioplasty procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angioplasty a severe surgery?
No, an angioplasty procedure does not consider a severe or significant surgery, though it is performed under moderate sedation or conscious condition.
How long will it take to get proper recovery from Angioplasty?
It will take almost one week for proper recovery.
What is coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary Angioplasty is a method used for widening the narrowed and blocked coronary arteries, which are major blood vessels supplying the heart. It is not a major surgery, and it will not cause any serious issues or complications after the procedure.
Do I need to take bed rest after the surgery?
Yes, you will be prescribed to take 8 to 12 hours of bed rest after the procedure.
How long is the angioplasty procedure?
The coronary angioplasty procedure generally takes around 30 minutes to 2 hours.
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