Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting
Coronary angioplasty and stenting—also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)—is a common procedure used to treat coronary artery disease caused by narrowed or blocked arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle and are essential for heart function.
Over time, plaque build-up can reduce blood flow, forcing the heart to work harder to meet the body’s demands. This can lead to chest pain, breathlessness, and increase the risk of heart attack or heart failure. Angioplasty involves inserting a thin, flexible catheter into the artery to open up the blockage, usually with the help of a small balloon. This is often followed by stenting, where a tiny wire mesh tube is inserted and left in place to keep the artery open.
What does it do?
The primary goal of angioplasty and stenting is to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps reduce symptoms such as:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
The balloon at the end of the catheter inflates to widen the narrowed artery, and the stent acts as a scaffold to hold the artery open, ensuring long-term blood flow and reducing the risk of recurrence.
How does it work?
Coronary arteries can become narrowed due to atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the vessel walls. This reduces the space available for blood to flow, which can trigger angina or lead to a heart attack.
During angioplasty:
- A catheter is inserted, usually via the groin or wrist, and guided to the affected artery.
- A contrast dye highlights the narrowed areas under X-ray.
- A balloon is inflated at the site to compress the plaque.
- A stent may then be placed to keep the artery open and reduce the chance of future narrowing.
This procedure is widely used to stabilise acute symptoms, restore circulation after a heart attack, and manage chronic coronary artery disease.
Why is it performed?
Your doctor may recommend coronary angioplasty and stenting for the following reasons:
- To treat blockages identified during testing (e.g., angiogram)
- To relieve chronic angina symptoms
- As emergency treatment during or after a heart attack
- To improve blood flow and prevent further cardiac events
While PCI is effective for many patients with one or two blockages, those with multiple or complex arterial disease may be better suited for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway based on your individual condition.
The procedure
- The procedure is typically done under local anaesthetic and light sedation.
- A catheter with a balloon is guided to the narrowed artery using imaging.
- The balloon is inflated to compress plaque and widen the artery.
- A stent is then deployed to support the artery wall.
- In some cases, tools may be used to remove plaque before stent placement.
The entire process may take 1 to 3 hours, depending on how many arteries are treated and the complexity of the blockages.
Recovery
If angioplasty and stenting is performed as a planned procedure, you’ll be monitored in hospital while your heart stabilises. Some patients can go home the same day, while others may need to stay overnight.
- Most daily activities can be resumed within 48 hours
- Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous activity for about one week
- A discharge plan will be provided, including medications, lifestyle advice, and follow-up care
Adhering to your recovery plan helps ensure the best possible outcome and reduces the risk of further cardiac events.