Coronary Angioplasty

Introduction:

Coronary balloon angioplasty is an invasive method of opening blocked arteries that might impede flow to the heart. It is more formally known as percutaneous means “through the skin” Transluminal means “inside the blood vessel” Coronary means “relating to the heart” and angioplasty means “blood vessel repair”. Other technique to relieve coronary narrowing, such as tents, are called percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Angioplasty involves creating space in the blocked artery by inserting inflating a tiny balloon, which compresses some of the blocking plaque against the arterial wall.

Since angioplasty is a less invasive procedure than bypass surgery, it has less risk and a quicker recovery period than bypass. However it is not recommended for all patients age, physical history, and severing of blockage or damage.

1. Cause for angioplasty coronary artery disease (CAD).

2. The CAD affect due to diabetes, smoking habits, overweight,sedentary life style.

Symptoms:

Chest pain (angina) is an main symptoms myocardial disease.

Diagnosis

One of the most common test for finding out it you have heart disease is the stress test (exercise electrocardiogram). You may also hear this test called an exercise treadmill test.

1. The cardiac catheterization is the most definitive test for finding heart disease.

2. The x-ray will show any narrowing or blockage in the arteries. After catheterization your doctor will know how much heart disease you have. Your doctor will also know if you need a stent.

Treatment Angioplasty

Before coronary angioplasty

Meeting with your physician

A heart specialist performs the angioplasty. It your angioplasty is not as an emergency, you will meet with your cardiologist before the procedure to have a physical exam and discuss the procedure.

During the angioplasty and stent procedure

Your procedure will be done in a room that is has special instruments. It will also have a special x-ray machine that has a monitor.
After you are brought into the room, you will be moved to the x-ray table.  You will be covered with a sterile sheet.

Steps in angioplasty:

Once you are comfortable, the doctor will begin the procedure.

• A small cut in your groin or arm is made. The doctor threads a very thin catheter (or) tube through a blood vessel to the area of the coronary artery that is blocked.

A small amount of dye is injected into the tube. An X-ray is taken so that your doctor will be able to see the coronary arteries, valves, and chambers of your heart. This is called an angiogram.

• Once the blockage is reached, your doctor expands or inflates one balloon attached to the tube.

The balloon will widen the artery to increase the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

• A special device may be used to remove some of the plaque from the wall of the artery.
• A stent is usually placed at the site to keep the artery open. The stent remains in place forever.
• When the doctor finishes, the inner catheter and other tools are removed from one blood vessels.

Recovering

After the procedure, you will be moved to a special care unit pressure site until the bleeding has stopped. The nurse will watch your heart rhythm and blood pressure very closely. From time to time they will also check your puncture site for bleeding. After a short recovery period, you will be returned to your room. You may eat and drink. Your family will be allowed to visit.

For the first few days after receiving your stent, your activities will be restricted. You will be told that you must lie flat until the day after your procedure.

You must also take medication that will keep the blood flowing smoothly through your stent. Your blood will be tested frequently to see how quickly a clot will form. This called the clotting time.

Within a few days, your doctor will allow you to gradually increase your activities. Most proper who have angioplasty and a stent implant usually stay in the hospital for three to eight days.

When the doctor thinks you are ready, you will be discharged to the care of your family doctor. It you have any discomfort, pain, or bleeding of any kind after you get home, you should contact your family doctor or hospital right away.