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Angioplasty and stents

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What is an angioplasty?

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty, is a medical procedure used to widen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery, which can be caused by the build-up of plaque made of fat and cholesterol. During the procedure, a tiny balloon is inserted into the blocked artery through a catheter, which is typically placed in the groin or wrist. The balloon is then inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls, creating more space for blood to flow through. A stent, a small tube-like structure, may be inserted to keep the artery open.

To help the cardiologist guide the catheter through the blood vessels, X-rays are used to visualize the blocked artery, and a dye is released through the catheter to make the blood vessels more visible. Once the catheter reaches the blocked or narrowed artery, a wire and balloon catheter are inserted to perform the angioplasty. The inflated balloon pushes the plaque out of the way, which creates more space for the blood to flow through the artery.

After the procedure, patients typically stay at the hospital for several hours or overnight for monitoring and recovery.

stint in veins

What is a coronary stent?

Following an angioplasty procedure, a stent, which is a small metal tube, is inserted into the artery to maintain its open position and improve blood flow. The stent is a permanent device that helps prevent the artery from narrowing again.