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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.