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    Angioplasty & Stent Placement

    At Apex Heart Hospital, we specialize in advanced cardiac care, and one of the most effective and commonly performed procedures we offer is angioplasty with stent placement. This life-saving, minimally invasive procedure is used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, restoring proper blood flow to the heart muscle and reducing the risk of heart attacks and other serious complications.

    What is Angioplasty?

    Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a non-surgical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. When they become clogged with fatty deposits called plaque (atherosclerosis), it can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.

    During angioplasty, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a small incision in the groin or wrist. This catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the affected artery. Once in place, a balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated, compressing the plaque against the artery walls and widening the artery to improve blood flow.

    What is a Stent?

    In most cases, a stent is placed during angioplasty. A stent is a small, mesh-like metal tube that acts as a scaffold to keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated and removed. The stent remains in the artery permanently, helping to prevent the artery from narrowing again (restenosis).

    There are two main types of stents:

    • Bare-metal stents (BMS)
    • Drug-eluting stents (DES) – coated with medication to reduce the risk of re-narrowing
      At Apex Heart Hospital, we use the latest generation of drug-eluting stents to ensure optimal long-term results for our patients.

    When is Angioplasty Recommended?

    Angioplasty and stent placement are typically recommended for patients who:

    • Have significant narrowing in one or more coronary arteries
    • Suffer from stable or unstable angina
    • Are experiencing a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
    • Have abnormal results in a stress test or cardiac imaging

    The Procedure: What to Expect

    • The patient is given a mild sedative and local anesthesia.
    • A catheter is inserted into the artery through the wrist or groin.
    • Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is moved to the site of the blockage.
    • The balloon is inflated to open the artery, and a stent is deployed.
    • The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the entry site.
    • The entire procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    Recovery and Aftercare

    • After the procedure, patients are monitored in a recovery area and typically stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight. Most people can return to normal activities within a week. Medications, such as blood thinners, are prescribed to prevent clot formation in the stent.