Heart blockages are opened via coronary angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention. An artery is temporarily widened by inserting and inflating a tiny balloon. The patient should ideally have an angioplasty done in the first one to two hours following a heart attack. The ‘golden hour’ is when a heart attack happens. Cardiac muscle cells suffer irreparable harm. Primary angioplasty is what such angioplasty is called.
Why is angioplasty surgery necessary?
Surgeries for angioplasty aid in alleviating the effects of clogged arteries. Breathing difficulties and chest discomfort are among these symptoms. It unblocks an artery during a heart attack quickly and aids in minimising cardiac damage. The benefit of angioplasty surgery is that there is no need for extensive surgery because the artery recovers to its natural size. The doctor advises angioplasty for several reasons.
- It eases chest discomfort
- It aids in the battle against respiratory issues
- Angioplasty also addresses additional causes of heart failure
- Angioplasty reduces blood clotting frequency
- It lowers mortality and cardiac muscle injury rates
- It enhances life quality and lessens weariness
- It improves kidney performance
Who requires angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty may be necessary for those with cardiovascular conditions. The neck, arms, legs, kidneys, and pelvis are a few of the body areas that might benefit from angioplasty surgery. An artery that is too thin or clogged with plaque might get more blood, thanks to an angioplasty procedure.
How are they carried out?
Despite its apparent ease, angioplasty surgery is a complicated technique. The steps that surgeons take while they conduct the surgery are:
- In the wrist or crotch artery, the physicians insert a long, thin catheter-like device
- The catheter is inserted into the injured artery through X-ray imaging
- The surgeon then administers a liquid dye to look for obstructions
- The second catheter is inserted through the first one and directed towards the heart
- The surgeon deflates the balloon when the second catheter arrives at the obstruction location
- The obstacle is then removed together with the balloon
- If necessary, the surgeon inserts the stent after adding another tiny tube
- The insertion of stents stops the artery from narrowing and the blockage from growing again
- The catheter is successfully withdrawn in the last phase
- Most likely, your doctor recommends medications to avoid blood clots after the procedure ends
- After a week, most people may resume their regular activities. It is recommended that patients remain in the hospital for some days if they have an emergency angioplasty done
Summary
Angioplasty surgery is a joint, minimally invasive surgery used by surgeons to open blocked arteries and enhance cardiac blood flow. Doctors routinely suggest angioplasty to address serious heart issues. Although arteries can get clogged again, and there is a slight risk of severe consequences in specific individuals, the treatment is typically safe.