Speciality

Angioplasty (Stent Placement)

Angioplasty is an important interventional cardiology procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and restore normal blood flow to the heart. It is commonly performed in patients suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD), chest pain (angina), or during a heart attack to quickly improve oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

During the procedure, a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually through the wrist or groin, and guided carefully to the blocked artery. Once the blockage is reached, a small balloon attached to the catheter is inflated. This balloon compresses the plaque against the artery walls, widening the passage and allowing blood to flow more freely.

In most cases, a stent (a small wire mesh tube) is placed at the site of blockage. The stent acts like a scaffold, helping to keep the artery open permanently and reducing the risk of it narrowing again in the future. Some stents are drug-coated to further prevent re-blockage.

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and is minimally invasive, meaning there is no major surgery involved. Patients often experience immediate relief from symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness after successful treatment.

Recovery time is generally short, and patients are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, take prescribed medications, and attend regular follow-ups to maintain heart health.

Overall, angioplasty with stent placement is a life-saving procedure that significantly improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of serious heart complications.