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Home > Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting (PTCA)

Overview

Published with the inputs from Dr Balakumar K, Cardiologist,   Baby Memorial Hospitals - Thodupuzha

Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty – PTCA) is a minimally invasive heart procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease. During angioplasty, a balloon is used to open the artery, and in most cases, a stent (a small wire mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open, restore blood flow, and reduce chest pain or risk of heart attack.

What is coronary angioplasty and stenting?

Coronary angioplasty is a procedure where a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into a blocked heart artery and inflated to widen it. A stent is then placed to hold the artery open, ensuring long-term blood flow to the heart muscle.

Why is angioplasty with stenting done?

It is performed to relieve symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or fatigue, and to treat heart attacks by restoring blood supply quickly to prevent heart muscle damage.

How is the procedure performed?

A catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin artery and guided to the heart. A balloon is inflated at the blockage site to open the artery, and a stent is deployed to keep it open. The stent may be:

  • Bare-metal stent (BMS)
  • Drug-eluting stent (DES): Coated with medication to prevent re-narrowing
  • DEB: Drug Eluting Balloon
Is angioplasty and stenting safe?

Yes. It is a common and generally safe procedure, especially when performed by experienced cardiologists. Risks include bleeding at the catheter site, blood clots, artery re-narrowing (restenosis), or, rarely, heart attack or stroke.

What is recovery like after angioplasty and stenting?

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–2 days. Normal activities can usually be resumed within a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided until cleared by the doctor. Long-term recovery includes cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, and medications (such as blood thinners, cholesterol, and blood pressure medicines).

How long do stents last?

Stents are designed to be permanent. Drug-eluting stents significantly reduce the risk of re-narrowing compared to bare-metal stents. Patients must take prescribed medications (like antiplatelet drugs) to prevent clots from forming inside the stent.

What are the benefits of angioplasty with stenting?
  • Relieves angina and improves quality of life
  • Reduces the risk of a heart attack
  • Minimally invasive compared to bypass surgery
  • Quick recovery and short hospital stay
  • in ECHO: Reduced Elution fraction Patients- Improvement expected, Regular follow ups
What lifestyle changes are needed after stenting?

Patients are advised to quit smoking, eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, control diabetes and blood pressure, and attend follow-up visits. These steps are crucial to prevent new blockages.

Connect with Our Experts Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or experienced chest pain or a heart attack, our Interventional Cardiology Team at Baby Memorial Hospitals specializes in advanced angioplasty and stenting (PTCA) procedures for safe and effective treatment.

📞 Call us or book an Appointment Online to discuss your heart care options.

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