Coronary Angioplasty: Overview
Coronary Angioplasty is also referred to as percutaneous coronary intervention. It is one of the many minimally invasive surgical modalities that have added to the efficiency of heart care. The procedure is recommended for patients with obstructed coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscles. The aim of the procedure is to remove any obstruction that hampers the normal flow of blood. Angioplasty uses cardiac catheterization techniques and detailed imaging guidance to address the problem. The procedure is highly recommended by the leading cardiologists in Gurgaon.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease or CAD is one of the most common types of cardiovascular disease that is marked by the development of plaque within the arteries. These are waxy deposits of fats and cholesterol, that accumulate on the arterial walls and block the path of blood. As time passes by, the plaque tends to become harder and the arteries continue to become narrower. Experts specializing in angioplasty surgery in Gurgaon suggest that coronary artery disease if left untreated, can prove to be life-threatening. This is because, when the blood supply to the heart is limited, the heart muscles get deprived of oxygen and nutrients and tend to become weaker. This can give rise to serious complications like heart attack and stroke.
It is pertinent to understand that many patients suffering from coronary artery disease may not experience any symptoms initially or may be completely asymptomatic. Angina or chest pain is the classic symptom of coronary artery disease. This pain can radiate towards your shoulder, arm, neck and even jaw. Apart from this, the patient may also feel other symptoms like breathlessness, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, cold sweats and anxiousness
All these symptoms may not necessarily be linked to coronary artery disease and these could be triggered by some other underlying factor. The best way to know is by going for proper evaluation and assessment.
When do doctors usually recommend Angioplasty?
Experts specializing in the best cardiac surgery in Gurgaon suggest that not every patient suffering from coronary artery disease requires immediate surgical intervention. Mild cases of coronary artery disease can be managed with medication and lifestyle modifications and surgery may be recommended only if:
What does the procedure involve?
By now you must have understood what is angioplasty and why it is performed. Now it is time to answer the most important question, i.e. what does the procedure involve? If we talk about conventional surgery, it is understandable that the procedure involves a large incision via which the doctors access the affected artery. However, things are completely different in the case of coronary angioplasty.
The procedure is performed under the influence of anaesthesia to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort. Once you are under the influence of anaesthesia, doctors will make a small incision on your arm or the side of your chest and insert a catheter via it. The catheter may also be introduced via the groin.
Detailed imaging guidance is used to carefully guide the catheter towards the blocked artery, with the help of a guide wire.
The catheter has a tiny balloon fitted on one of its ends. Once it is in the right position the balloon is slowly inflated to open the arteries that have become narrow.
If the doctors feel that the arterial walls are not able to stay open on their own, they may introduce a stent to support it. Normal blood flow is then restored via the affected artery. The surgical equipment are removed and the incision is closed.
How long does it take to recover?
The time taken for recovery depends upon various factors and since coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure it does not take more than a couple of weeks. If the procedure is pre-planned or performed on a non-emergency basis, the patient may take a week or two to get back to work, however, if the procedure is performed on an emergency basis it may take a couple of weeks or even months to get into good shape. During this period it is very important to stay in touch with your doctor and follow all the recommended guidelines related to your diet, lifestyle and medication.
If you wish you know more about coronary angioplasty you can consult the experts from the best hospital in Gurgaon today.
Dr. D.K. Jhamb, Director & Head of the Department
Interventional Cardiology
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