Coronary angioplasty with stenting OR Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a treatment used to widen and open up narrowed or blocked arteries supplying your heart muscle.
During angioplasty and stenting, the narrowed artery is stretched open with a balloon (angioplasty), and a metal strut (stent) is implanted into the coronary artery. This keeps the narrowing open and allows your blood to flow more freely through it.
What does the procedure involve?
During the procedure:
- A flexible tube called a catheter with a small inflatable balloon is passed through your artery.
- The balloon is inflated to widen your artery, a mesh tube known as a stent, may then be inserted into your coronary artery.
- The stent pushes against your artery walls, squashing fatty deposits against the artery wall so that blood can flow through it more freely.
The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, but it can take longer depending on how many sections of your artery need treatment. Besides, you’ll normally be able to go home the day the procedure.
How safe is the procedure?
The risk of complications from a coronary angioplasty varies depending on individual circumstances. Risk increases slightly with age and if you have certain conditions. All risks will be fully discussed with you prior to your consent to the procedure.
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