Why Would One Need Angioplasty?

Cardiac Surgery | by Dr. Manoj Kumar Daga | Published on 10/01/2022

Introduction

In this era of technology, medical advancement is evolving rapidly and the cardiovascular field is also among the areas which are seeing significant growth. Nowadays, people don’t have to suffer from heart diseases and conditions as there are treatment options available like angioplasty. It is one such breakthrough that has hugely enhanced the outcomes for patients suffering from heart disease. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is different from traditional open-heart surgeries. 

If you are suffering from blocked arteries, then consult the best cardiac hospital in Kolkata, BM Birla Heart Research Center without delay. You will find the most experienced and highly trained cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. 

In this blog, we are aiming to explore and understand the angioplasty procedure and why its intervention is required for different heart conditions.

What is angioplasty?

Angioplasty is also referred to as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedure which is performed for widening narrowed or blocked blood vessels, primarily the coronary arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscles. The procedure is performed by using a small catheter with a balloon on its tip. The surgeon ensures inserting it into the affected artery so that proper blood flow to the heart muscle is restored. 

What are the types of angioplasty?

There are different types of angioplasty and it is very important to be mindful of them before choosing the procedure to treat coronary artery blockage. Let’s have a look at the types: 

• Coronary Angioplasty: One of the most common types of angioplasty which helps in treating coronary artery disease. 
• Peripheral Angioplasty: It is used for the treatment of peripheral artery diseases causing numbness, reduced circulation, and pain in the feet and legs. This type of angioplasty is used for treating the blockages that exist outside the heart, mainly in the lower extremities like feet and legs. It helps in restoring blood flow. 
• Carotid Angioplasty: Carotid angioplasty benefits in treating the carotid artery blockages supplying blood to the brain. 
• Renal Angioplasty: Renal angioplasty is considered for the treatment of renal arteries blockage supplying blood to the kidney. It helps in opening the blockage and restoring the blood flow. 
• Aortic Angioplasty: This type is used to treat aorta narrowing or blockage. It might involve the use of balloon angioplasty or stent placement based on the particular condition.

What are the benefits of angioplasty?

Angioplasty is among the procedures for cardiac-related issues which is considered primarily because of the following benefits: 

• Angioplasty helps in restoring blood flow by widening the blocked arteries. It also reduces angina symptoms, enhances heart function, and decreases the risk of heart attacks. 
• It is a minimally invasive procedure which means there is no chance of traditional open-heart surgery. There are no large incisions and reduces the risk linked to invasive approaches. It doesn't require an excessive recovery period. 
• An angioplasty stent procedure is a quick and efficient way for patients who are experiencing coronary symptoms. The procedure is performed within a few hours and offers immediate relief to the patient. 
• With advancements in medical technology, the angioplasty procedure success rate is improving rapidly. The rate of complications is very low and also reduces the infection risk when compared to traditional surgeries. 
• Long-term results: Angioplasty stent placement offers long-term results to the patient and also the best part is the procedure is now a standard practice.

Why is angioplasty surgery performed?

The primary reason for performing angioplasty is to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), the leading cause of heart-related deaths worldwide. CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrow or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques. As these blockages restrict blood flow, they can lead to chest pain (angina) or even cause a heart attack. 

There are other reasons as well which lead to increasing the need for angioplasty surgery. An individual who has been recommended angioplasty often experiences the following symptoms: 

• Angina or chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Cold sweats
• Accelerated heart rate

What happens during the angioplasty procedure?

Before the angioplasty stent procedure is initiated, a healthcare expert will ensure cleaning and numbing of the area where the catheter will be inserted in the body, often the groin but at times the wrist as well. Once it is done, the catheter is inserted into the artery and directed towards the coronary arteries and the doctor keeps a watch on an x-ray feed. After the catheter is inserted, the doctor will inject a dye through the artery which benefits in identifying the blockage across the heart. After locating the blockage, a catheter is inserted a second time, often having a balloon at the tip. Then, the doctor will initiate balloon inflation after the second catheter is in position pushing the plaque accumulation away and opening up the artery. There might be an insertion of a stent for keeping the artery propped open. This entire procedure usually is performed within 30 minutes.

What does recovery look like after angioplasty surgery?

After the angioplasty surgery is performed, it is recommended for the patient to stay at the hospital for a few hours and the stay can be overnight as well. The doctor provides information about all the medications and gives post-recovery instructions. It is recommended to take complete rest and drink plenty of fluids. The patient is also asked not to indulge in any type of exertion for around 24 hours. It is also suggested that the patient must continue the medications as directed and shouldn’t stop them without consulting a doctor.

Conclusion

Angioplasty has evolved as an important intervention in the cardiovascular medicine field, offering the best option for treatment to individuals who are suffering from coronary artery disease. This minimally invasive procedure not only helps in alleviating the symptoms, preventing heart attacks, and improving cardiac health but also restoring blood flow efficiently in the blocked arteries. The success of angioplasty procedures is a vital tool that helps in saving lives and improving the quality of life for people across the world. If you are suffering from coronary artery disease, and your doctor has recommended the angioplasty procedure to you, then consult BM Birla Heart Research Centre in Kolkata, one of the best cardiac hospitals. You will find proficient and highly-skilled cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who will ensure the timely diagnosis and treatment that’s suitable for your condition.

FAQs

What should we not do after angioplasty?

It is recommended to take complete rest, drink plenty of fluids, not exert yourself after the angioplasty procedure, and continue the medications as directed by the doctor. 

Is angioplasty very painful?

No, angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure and does not cause any pain during the procedure. 

Who needs angioplasty?

People who experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, cold sweats, light-headedness, and chest pain might require angioplasty.