Coronary Angiogram & Angioplasty

 

How is Coronary Angiogram & Angioplasty performed?

  • Firstly, the patient is injected with local anaesthesia
  • A fine tube (catheter) is put into the artery in the groin or arm
  • The tube is carefully passed into the affected part of the artery using x-rays.
  • A tiny wire is passed down the artery to enable a sausage shaped balloon to be passed over it into the region that is narrowed or blocked.
  • To open up the artery, the balloon is blown up with fluid, which then presses against the plaque, pushing it out of the way.
  • Most of the time, one or more stents may be placed in the artery to help keep the artery open.

 

What is a stent?

  • A stent is a metal tube or spring coil.
  • This is passed into the diseased part of the artery using a balloon.
  • The balloon is removed once the stent is in place.
  • The stent stays implanted in the region for life.

 

After the procedure is completed, Dr Mani, Cardiologist in Kolkata, puts you on medical drugs/medication, which reduces the risk of blood clotting and blocking the stents. He ensures that the post-surgery affects do not refrain you from leading a healthy and normal life.

 

Risks of coronary angioplasty & stenting

In recommending this procedure, Dr. Mani, a Top Cardiologist in Kolkata balances the benefits and risks of the procedure, with a detailed discussion with you. He goes out of his way to have an in-depth knowledge about the patient, their lifestyle, their medical history/ background – discussing with them and their family members about the pros and cons of this surgery.

 

Dr. Mani believes there is a net benefit for you down the line going ahead with angioplasty & stenting.

Though this is a very complicated assessment, Dr. Mani assures that this surgery enables you to lead a healthy life.

However, the risks are higher if you have the probabilities for a heart attack.

 

Common risks and complications (more than 5%) include:

  • Minor bruising at the puncture site.
  • The coronary artery can become narrowed or blocked again.
  • Many factors can influence this which your doctor will discuss with you.
  • Loss of pulse in the arm after a radial artery (arm) procedure.
  • Major bruising or swelling at the puncture site.

 

Uncommon risks and complications (1- 5%) include:

  • Abnormal heart rhythm that continues for a long time. This may need an electric shock to correct.
  • A heart attack.
  • Surgical repair of the groin/arm puncture site or blood vessel.

 

 Rare risks and complications (less than 1%) include:

  • The stent may close within the first month. This can cause angina or heart attack. This can be treated with another angioplasty or with surgery.
  • Emergency heart surgery due to complications that arise with the procedure.
  • A reaction to the drugs given to prevent blood clotting.
  • Minor reaction to the x-ray dye such as hives.
  • Loss of kidney function due to the side effects of the x-ray dye. 
  • A stroke. This can cause long term disability that needs to be addressed with proper treatment.
  • An allergic reaction to the x-ray dye.
  • A higher lifetime risk from x-ray exposure.
  • Rupture of a blood vessel requiring surgical repair and blood transfusion.
  • Skin injury from radiation causing reddening of the skin.
  • Death as a result of this procedure is a rare case.