Angioplasty

The diagnostic tests done before Coronary Angioplasty are-

• CBC (Complete Blood Test)
• ECG 
• ElectroCardioGraphy
• Liver Function Tests
• Kidney Function Tests
• Anaesthesia trials ( to check for any allergic reactions )

• The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the site of the cut.
• The catheter is inserted into the leg or arm artery with the help of the sheath. 
• The coronary artery is injected with the contrast dye to get a clear image of the affected sites while operating. A special camera is inserted through the coronary arteries to get a clear picture of the heart while operating. 
• The balloon catheter is placed near the blockage, this breaks the fat deposits. The balloon is inflated to widen the blocked artery and the stent ( small metal mesh coil that can expand ) is placed at the site, to allow easy flow of the blood to the heart. This prevents the coronary artery from getting blocked again.
• After the stent is placed, the balloon is deflated and removed. Some stents also have medicines in them which also prevents the risk of blocked arteries. The 2 types of stents are- Bare metal stents and Drug-eluting stents. 

Angioplasty can be an elective procedure ( pre-planned ) or can be an emergency procedure in conditions like heart attack or stroke. 

The various risks of angioplasty are- 

• Allergic reactions

• Bleeding at the site of catheter insertion

• Blood clots

• Blood vessel injury

• Nerve injuries

• Heart attacks

• Kidney damage

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Chest pain

• Stroke
  

• The patient is kept in the hospital under observation for a week after the angioplasty. The  patient is discharged 12-24 hours after the catheter is removed.

• Medications must be strictly followed as prescribed by the doctor, like blood thinning agents are given. 

• Patients must follow a healthy diet, exercise routine, maintain cholesterol levels, quit smoking and drinking, and take a lot of fluids. 

• In case the chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, infections, weakness and swelling continues for a longer time period, one must contact the doctor immediately. In such cases, a patient may be advised a heart- bypass surgery. 

• Patients must strictly attend their follow up appointments in 3-6 months, must get routine investigations done like CBC, Kidney and liver function tests periodically.