Emergency No: 08062136599Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve blood flow by opening a clogged or narrowed artery. The procedure involves using a tiny balloon catheter to stretch open the blocked blood vessels and prevent damage to the heart. Most patients suffering from chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, weak heart muscles, and an increased risk of a heart attack often benefit from an angioplasty procedure.
There are different types of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) that can be recommended for different cardiac disorders. Types of angioplasty include -
Angioplasty is used to treat the build-up of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. While mild to moderate symptoms can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes, angioplasty is effective in treating chronic symptoms which are immune to non-surgical methods. A patient may have to undergo an angioplasty procedure if -
Get in touch with a cardiologist if you are diagnosed with coronary artery disease or in case of a heart attack. Angioplasty can also be effective for treating blocked or narrowed arteries in other body parts such as your neck, arms and legs, kidneys, and pelvis.
Before the angioplasty procedure, the cardiologist reviews the medical report and recommends diagnostic tests to determine the cause and extent of the blockage. Subsequently, the doctor also provides a set of pre-surgery tips to help you prepare for the surgery and prevent any complications. Here are a few tips before the angioplasty procedure to ensure a smooth surgery and a quick recovery-
An angioplasty procedure can be done as an elective procedure or in case of an emergency. Depending on the severity of the congestion and the locations, the surgeon may choose the most effective procedure. The anesthesiologist gives anesthesia before the procedure to sedate the patient. Subsequently, the surgeon makes a small incision in blood vessels in the arm, wrist or groin area and inserts a thin tube (a catheter). Then, a tube is threaded through these vessels all the way to the heart using x-rays as a guide.
A small deflated balloon attached to the other end of the tube is replaced with the former tube. The surgeon then guides the balloon inside the blockage and inflates it to expand the narrowed arteries or push the plaque flat against the artery wall. This makes the artery wider and improves blood flow. At times, the surgeon may also put a small, mesh tube (stent) into the artery to keep it open. Some stents have a coating of medicine that helps prevent blood clots from forming.
After the procedure, you will be shifted to the recovery room where the doctor will monitor your recovery process. A medical team will keep a check on your vitals such as blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, etc. and watch for signs of infections. Subsequently, the doctor will also give you dietary tips and preventive measures for a swift and smooth recovery. Here are some recovery tips which can help you prevent complications after the surgery -
BM Birla Heart Research Centre is a super speciality hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology in Kolkata. BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital offering super speciality cardiac care in the entire eastern India. With a 200+ bed capacity, cardiac rehabilitation services, cath labs and modular OTs, BM Birla Heart Research Centre has made a mark with its singular focus on the treatment of a variety of cardiac ailments. Here are a few advantages of choosing BM Birla Heart Research Centre for angioplasty treatment in Kolkata:
Get in touch with our expert heart specialists at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata for complete cardiac care.
Get in touch with a cardiologist if you are experiencing chest pain, breathing issues, and other symptoms of congested arteries. Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart. Since clogged arteries are common in older people, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist who specializes in treating patients with co-morbidities to ensure negligible chances of complications.
Depending on the severity of the cardiac disorder, the doctor may recommend angioplasty to -
The advantages of the angioplasty procedure include -
You must be able to resume your work or daily routine one week after the angioplasty surgery. However, depending on the patient’s recovery period, the severity of the condition, and the type of surgery, it can take longer to return to work. Consult a cardiologist before resuming your work to avoid complications.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following after your angioplasty procedure -
.webp)
This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a higher risk or are too sick, or too old for open heart surgery. It was first tested in 2002 on patients with severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve opening), who were considered unfit for open heart surgery.
Heart failure is a serious condition marked by the inefficiency of the heart muscles to pump blood to different parts of the body. Also referred to as congestive heart failure, the condition can prove to be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Such patients are often recommended to undergo a heart transplant, a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a diseased or non-functional part of the patient’s heart with a healthy heart taken from a deceased donor.
Over the past few decades, various innovations and advancements in the field of cardiology have helped us to learn more and more about the human heart, its functioning, and the diseases that affect it.
