What To Expect While Undergoing PCI?
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a type of heart procedure that is used to improve blood flow to the heart and is used to treat coronary artery disease. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a hospital setting or in a cardiac catheterization lab. The procedure involves the placement of a stent, which is a small tube that helps to keep the artery open. It is typically used in people who have blocked arteries or who have had a heart attack.
The procedure involves the insertion of a thin catheter into the femoral or radial artery and is guided to the coronary arteries. Once in position, a balloon is inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a metal mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open. PCI can be used to treat a number of conditions, including:
- Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Chronic total occlusion of the artery or arteries
Types of PCI (Percutaneous coronary intervention)
There are several different types of PCI, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of PCI that is right for you will depend on your individual situation.
- Balloon angioplasty is the most common type of PCI. It is quick, effective, and carries a low risk of complications. The main disadvantages of balloon angioplasty are that it is less effective at treating complex blockages and that the balloon can sometimes rupture the artery.
- Angioplasty with a stent is a more invasive form of PCI in which a coronary stent is placed inside the artery and left in place so that it can remain open. This procedure is more effective at treating complex blockages, but it carries a higher risk of complications, such as stent thrombosis (a blood clot forming around the stent).
- Rotational atherectomy is a newer type of PCI that is used to treat complex blockages. This procedure involves the use of a rotating tool to remove plaque from the arteries. Rotational atherectomy is less invasive than angioplasty with stent, but it is more expensive and has a higher risk of complications.
- Impella is a small device that is placed into the left ventricle through a catheter. Impella-supported PCI is a newer technique that is less invasive than traditional PCI. In this procedure, the Impella device is inserted before the stent is placed. This helps to improve the blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.
What To Expect While Undergoing PCI?
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, which means that the patient is awake but does not feel any pain. It is generally considered to be safe, but as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. These risks include bleeding, infection, and arrhythmias. It is usually an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient can go home often the same day, its recovery time is typically short, and most people can return to their normal activities within a week.
Dr. Arun – A Highly Skilled & Experienced Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist Well Known For His Success with PCI Surgeries!
If you are contemplating this type of procedure due to your cardiac condition or you have any queries related to the procedure, you can contact Dr. Arun who is a cardiac specialist at doing all types of PCI surgeries with a high success rate.
