Expertise
Angioplasty
At ARAVIND HEART CARE, we specialize in angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure used to restore blood flow to the heart by opening blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
Angioplasty is a life-saving treatment for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks if left untreated. Dr. C.S. Aravind, an expert in interventional cardiology, performs angioplasty with precision, offering patients a quick recovery and improved heart function.
What Is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. During the procedure, a small balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen it, allowing blood to flow more freely. In many cases, a stent (a small metal mesh tube) is placed in the artery to keep it open permanently.
Angioplasty is an effective treatment for patients with chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or those who are at risk of heart attacks due to blocked arteries.
How Does Angioplasty Work?
Angioplasty is performed using a catheter, a thin, flexible tube inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided to the coronary arteries. Once the catheter reaches the blockage, a small balloon is inflated at the site, compressing the plaque against the artery walls to open the artery and improve blood flow. A stent is often inserted to help keep the artery open and prevent future blockages.
Types of Stents
There are two main types of stents used in angioplasty:
- Bare-metal stents (BMS): A simple metal stent used to keep the artery open.
- Drug-eluting stents (DES): A stent coated with medication that slowly releases into the artery to reduce the risk of re-narrowing (restenosis).
Dr. C.S. Aravind will recommend the most appropriate type of stent based on your condition.
Benefits of Angioplasty
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike open-heart surgery, angioplasty is performed using small incisions, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery.
- Restores Blood Flow: Improves oxygen supply to the heart, reducing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Prevents Heart Attacks: In emergency cases, angioplasty can quickly restore blood flow during a heart attack, reducing damage to the heart muscle.
- Short Recovery Time: Most patients are discharged within 24 hours and can return to normal activities within a week.
Recovery After Angioplasty
Recovery after angioplasty is typically quick, with most patients able to leave the hospital within a day or two. However, it’s important to follow post-procedure care instructions, including:
- Avoiding strenuous activities for a few days.
- Taking prescribed medications, including blood thinners, to prevent blood clots.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart health and ensure the stent is working properly.
- Aldosterone antagonists: To help the body eliminate excess fluid.
Lifestyle Changes After Angioplasty
While angioplasty restores blood flow, it’s essential to make lifestyle changes to prevent further blockages. Dr. C.S. Aravind will recommend:
- Heart-healthy diet: Reduce salt, fat, and cholesterol intake to prevent plaque buildup.
- Regular exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity to strengthen the heart.
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking is crucial to improving overall heart health.
- Medication adherence: Take prescribed medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
FAQs
No, angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve open-heart surgery. It is performed using a catheter inserted through a small incision, allowing for quicker recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.
The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the blockage. However, you will be monitored for a few hours after the procedure to ensure there are no complications.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days after the procedure for monitoring. In emergency cases, such as during a heart attack, the stay may be slightly longer.
While angioplasty is generally safe, there are some risks, including bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to the dye, blood clots, or re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis). Dr. C.S. Aravind will take steps to minimize these risks.
Most patients can resume normal activities, including work, within a week of the procedure. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a few weeks. Dr. Aravind will provide specific instructions based on your recovery.
Stents are designed to be permanent. Once implanted, they remain in place for life, but patients must follow up with regular medical check-ups and take medications to prevent complications like blood clots.
Yes, after angioplasty, you will likely need to take antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin or clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots, as well as medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and other heart conditions.
Angioplasty is highly effective in restoring blood flow and reducing the risk of future heart attacks. However, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking, is essential for long-term heart health.
In some cases, if the artery becomes blocked again (restenosis), angioplasty can be repeated. Drug-eluting stents help reduce the risk of re-narrowing, but lifestyle changes and medication adherence are crucial in preventing future blockages.
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure using a catheter to open blocked arteries, while bypass surgery is an open-heart surgery that creates a new route for blood to flow around a blockage. Angioplasty is often preferred for less severe blockages, while bypass surgery is used for more complex or multiple blockages.