What is an angioplasty (PCI) procedure?

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a specialized procedure to open up a coronary artery which is narrowed due to plaque build-up. A fine tube, or catheter, is threaded from the artery in the groin, up to the site of the blockage in the heart. The balloon-tip of the catheter is inflated to press the plaque back against the wall of the artery. When the catheter is removed, the artery remains open wider than before, allowing more blood and oxygen to get to the heart muscle.

In some cases, a tiny wire coil, or stent, is inserted with the catheter to help stabilize the newly opened area of plaque. Stents are not necessary for all patients and the Cardiologist makes the decision during the procedure.

Who performs an angioplasty procedure?

Specialized Cardiologists perform PCI procedures. They receive extensive training in both General Cardiology and Invasive Cardiology (performing angiograms and angioplasties). Cardiac surgeons are trained differently, for surgical procedures, and do not perform PCI.

Where does the angioplasty procedure take place?

It is performed in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, a specialized case room with advanced imaging technology.

How long does an angioplasty procedure usually take?

The average PCI takes approximately one hour to perform, followed by a recovery phase of 12-16 hours. Most patients remain in hospital overnight and go home the following day.

How does an angioplasty procedure treat heart disease?

PCI does not treat heart disease, which is a chronic disease process related to genetics, lifestyle, diet and other factors. However, it effectively treats the symptoms which result from the narrowing of arteries such as extreme fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients usually are able to resume their regular activities quickly following their PCI procedure, then follow-up with their physicians to ensure that they control the underlying factors which contributed to their disease process.

When is cardiac surgery recommended over angioplasty?

A number of patients cannot be effectively treated with PCI and require long-term medications or a coronary bypass operation. This could be due to the extensive nature of their disease or the location of a single narrowing in an artery. Also, some patients have other medical conditions which could make surgery a better option.

:: back to top ::