Coronary angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention, opens a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. A thin catheter is guided to the artery, a tiny balloon is inflated to widen it, and a small mesh tube called a stent is usually left in place to keep it open. Most stents release medicine slowly to reduce the risk of re-narrowing.

Patients looking for an interventional cardiologist in Mumbai for angioplasty at Apex are first assessed with an ECG, blood tests and, usually, an angiogram that shows exactly where the blockages lie. In a heart attack, angioplasty is performed urgently to restore blood flow. In stable angina, the cardiologist discusses whether stenting, bypass surgery or medicines give the best result.

The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, through the wrist or groin, and may take thirty minutes to a couple of hours. Patients usually stay in hospital for one to two days. Blood-thinning tablets such as aspirin and a second antiplatelet drug are taken for months after stenting, and stopping them early can cause a dangerous clot in the stent.

How the Procedure Can Help

Angioplasty relieves chest pain, improves exercise ability and, in a heart attack, limits damage to the heart muscle. Recovery is much quicker than after surgery.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include bleeding or bruising at the entry site, reaction to contrast dye, kidney strain, re-narrowing of the artery, clotting in the stent, rhythm changes and, rarely, heart attack, stroke or emergency surgery. Chest pain, breathlessness or swelling at the entry site afterwards needs urgent attention.