Advanced Treatment For Coronary Angioplasty And Stents Insertion
Coronary angioplasty, which is frequently combined with stent placement, is a medical technique used to treat heart arterial blockages. This minimally invasive procedure, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, has transformed the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Restoring blood flow to the heart muscle improves cardiac function and lowers the chance of having a heart attack.
Coronary Angioplasty And Stent Insertion Offer Several Key Benefits
Rapid Relief: The technique instantly eliminates angina symptoms (chest pain) and improves blood flow, allowing patients to resume regular activities soon after.
Reduced Heart Attack Risk: By treating blockages, the risk of heart attacks is lowered, enhancing overall heart health.
Minimally Invasive: The process is performed through a small incision, reducing the need for open-heart surgery.
Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients can be discharged within a day or two after the procedure.
Improved Quality of Life: Restored blood flow enhances heart function, leading to a better quality of life for many patients.
Who will Treat for Coronary Angioplasty and Stents Insertion?
Coronary angioplasty and stent insertion are typically performed by a specialized medical professional known as an interventional cardiologist. Interventional cardiologists have undergone additional training and specialization in performing minimally invasive process to treat various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease. Here’s more about the role of an interventional cardiologist in treating coronary angioplasty and stent insertion:
Interventional Cardiologist:
An interventional cardiologist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases using catheter-based techniques.
They are expertised in performing minimally invasive procedures through small incisions or blood vessels, avoiding the need for open surgery.
They use specialized tools and equipment to navigate blood vessels and perform procedures like angioplasty, stent insertion, etc.
Interventional cardiologists collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, technologists, and other cardiologists, to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
These professionals have extensive experience managing complex cases and making real-time decisions during procedures to optimize results.
Indications of Coronary Angioplasty And Stents Insertion
Coronary angioplasty and stent insertion are medical procedures used to treat coronary artery disease and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. These procedures are typically recommended when specific indications are met. Here are some typical indications for coronary angioplasty and stent insertion:
Angina or Chest Pain: Angina is chest pain or discomfort when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen. Angioplasty and stent insertion can relieve angina symptoms by opening blocked arteries.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): ACS includes conditions like unstable angina and heart attacks (myocardial infarctions). Angioplasty is often performed urgently to restore blood flow and prevent further heart damage during ACS.
Significant Coronary Artery Blockage: If testing, such as coronary angiography, reveal a severe blockage in one or more coronary arteries, impairing blood flow to the heart muscle, angioplasty with stent insertion may be advised.
High-Risk Plaques: Plaques in the coronary arteries are vulnerable to rupture, cause blood clots, and might require urgent treatment to prevent heart attack. Stent placement can stabilize these plaques and reduce the risk of fracture.
Single-Vessel Disease: If only one coronary artery is significantly blocked or narrowed, angioplasty and stent insertion may be a suitable treatment option.
Multivessel Disease: In some cases, when multiple coronary arteries are affected by blockages, angioplasty with stent placement might be used to treat the most critical blockages.
Poor Response to Medical Treatment: If medication and lifestyle changes fail to adequately control symptoms or improve blood flow, angioplasty and stents may be considered.
Positive Stress Test Results: A positive stress test indicates reduced blood flow to the heart during exertion, suggesting significant coronary artery disease and the need for intervention.
Ischemia or Reduced Blood Flow: Ischemia is defined as not sufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. If tests indicate significant ischemia, angioplasty and stents may be recommended to restore blood flow.
Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: Blockages in the left main coronary artery, which supplies a large portion of the heart, can be particularly serious and might warrant angioplasty and stent insertion.
Preparing for Coronary Angioplasty And Stents Insertion?
Preparing for a coronary angioplasty and stent insertion involves a combination of medical assessments, lifestyle adjustments, and communication with your healthcare team. Here’s a general guide on how to prepare:
Medical Assessments:
Your doctor will conduct multiple tests, such as blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), echocardiogram, and possibly a stress test, to evaluate your heart’s condition and determine the extent of blockages.
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare team, including any allergies, medications, and past surgeries.
Medication Review:
Review your current medications with your doctor. Some medicines might need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the procedure.
Your doctor will advise you changes to your medication regimen before the angioplasty.
Fasting: Typically, you’ll need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding fasting to ensure accurate results and reduce the risk of complications.
Hygiene: Shower the day before or the morning of the procedure using antibacterial soap to reduce the risk of infection.
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure. Hospital will provide gown to wear during the process.
Informing Your Doctor: Before the procedure, inform your doctor of any signs of illness, such as fever or cold.
Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting or at least reducing smoking before the procedure is recommended. Smoking can interfere with your recovery and increase the risk of complications.
Diet and Fluids: Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding drinking and eating before the procedure. You’ll most likely be asked to avoid food and drink for a specific period before the procedure.
Steps involved in Coronary Angioplasty And Stents Insertion Procedure?
Benefits of angioplasty include:
Preparation: Tests such as coronary angiography evaluate the blockages in the arteries to see if angioplasty and stent insertion needs to be done.
Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia may numb only the area of insertion, and mild sedation may be given to promote relaxation.
Guiding Catheter Insertion: Using X-ray imaging, a thin tube is inserted through the groin or wrist and advanced into the coronary arteries.
Angiography: A contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images guide a doctor to find blockages in the arteries.
Balloon Angioplasty: For this process, a deflated balloon is inserted into the blockage site, where it is then inflated so as to expand the artery and restore blood flow.
Stent Placement: A stent (a metal mesh tube) could be placed in the artery to help keep it open and prevent re-narrowing.
Deployment of Stent: The stent, which is folded on itself, expands when the balloon gets inflated, and fixes in place forever.
Deflation and Removal: Once the stent is in the right spot, the balloon deflates and the catheter is withdrawn.
Recovery and Observation: The patient is monitored for complications and may be in the hospital briefly.
Medications: Antiplatelet medications are used to decrease the chances of blood clots and aid with cardiac health.
Recovery after Coronary Angioplasty And Stents Insertion?
Recovery after a coronary angioplasty and stent insertion procedure can vary depending on individual factors, the procedure’s complexity, and overall health. Here are the general guidelines for recovery:
Hospital Stay: Stay for a few hours to a day for monitoring vital signs and to check for complications.
Bed Rest and Monitoring: Rest in bed for a few hours while the insertion site heals, with the medical team monitoring for issues.
Medications: Antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin) will be prescribed to prevent clots and manage heart health. Other medications may be given for cholesterol and blood pressure.
Physical Activity: Start moving slowly and resume normal activities, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until the artery heals.
Wound Care: Keep the insertion site clean and dry. Avoid pressure or excessive movement if it’s on your wrist or groin.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend follow-up visits to check the healing progress and assess the stent’s effectiveness with tests like stress tests or imaging.
Lifestyle Changes After Coronary Angioplasty And Stents Insertion Procedure
After undergoing a coronary angioplasty and stent insertion procedure, making positive lifestyle changes is crucial to support your heart health and reduce the risk of future heart problems. Here are some fundamental lifestyle changes to consider:
Heart-Healthy Diet:
Maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats.
Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Choose foods high in fibre to help manage cholesterol levels.
Regular Exercise:
Consult your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
Include activities that strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility.
Smoking Cessation:
Quitting smoking is one of the most significant steps to improve heart health.
Seek support from healthcare professionals, counselling, or smoking cessation programs.
Medication Adherence: Take prescribed medications as your doctor directs, especially antiplatelet drugs and other medicines to manage heart conditions.
Manage Stress:
Engage in stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.
Identify and address sources of Stress in your life.
Weight Management:
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your heart. Combine a balanced diet with regular physical activity for effective weight management.
Limit Alcohol Intake: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For most adults, this means up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol:
Keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as your healthcare provider recommends.
Take prescribed medications to manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support overall health and hydration.
Sleep Well: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to promote heart health.
Regular Follow-Up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your heart health and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Coronary Angioplasty Surgery Cost
Heart Angioplasty cost is different in different cities in India. The average cost of coronary angioplasty is in the range from 75,000 to 2 lakhs.
