Coronary angioplasty
Overview
Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a non-surgical procedure used to treat the stenotic (narrowed) coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary heart disease. These stenotic segments are due to the buildup of cholesterol-laden plaques that form due to atherosclerosis.
History
The first coronary angioplasty procedure was performed in 1977 by a German cardiologist, Andreas Gruentzig. He used a balloon-tipped catheter to enlarge a narrowing in a patient's coronary artery. Since then, the procedure has evolved and improved with the development of new technologies and techniques.
Procedure
Coronary angioplasty involves the use of a balloon-tipped catheter inserted through a small puncture in a leg or arm artery. This catheter is guided to the heart with the aid of a special x-ray machine. Contrast material is injected through the catheter to create a video image that helps the doctor see the blockages in the coronary arteries.
Types of Coronary Angioplasty
There are several types of coronary angioplasty procedures, including:
- Balloon angioplasty: This is the most common type of angioplasty. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the blockage site in the coronary artery to compress the plaque against the artery wall.
- Atherectomy: In this procedure, a shaver on a catheter is used to remove plaque from the artery.
- Laser angioplasty: This involves using a laser to "vaporize" the blockage in the artery.
Risks and Complications
Like any medical procedure, coronary angioplasty has potential risks and complications. These may include:
- Re-narrowing of the artery: This is the most common complication of angioplasty. It occurs when the artery narrows again after the procedure.
- Blood clots: Blood clots can form within the stents placed during angioplasty. These clots can block blood flow and cause a heart attack.
- Bleeding: Bleeding at the catheter insertion site is a common complication of angioplasty.
Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, patients are usually monitored in the hospital for several hours or overnight. During this time, it's important to rest and avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous physical activity. Patients are usually prescribed medication to prevent blood clots after the procedure.
Future Developments
The field of coronary angioplasty continues to evolve with advancements in technology and medical knowledge. Future developments may include the use of drug-eluting stents and bio-absorbable stents, which could potentially improve the long-term outcomes of the procedure.