Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Overview

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is commonly known as angioplasty, it is a medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This treatment helps restore blood flow to the heart, which is crucial for heart health. The procedure may involve the use of a balloon angioplasty or the placement of a stent to keep the artery open. PCI is often recommended for patients experiencing chest pain or those who have suffered a heart attack due to coronary artery disease (CAD).

Why Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Treatment is Required?

• Restores Blood Flow: PCI is essential for restoring the blood supply to the heart muscle when an artery is blocked or narrowed.
• Relieves Symptoms: It helps in alleviating symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Prevents Heart Attack: PCI is often performed to prevent heart attacks, especially when there is a risk of a complete artery blockage.
• Improves Heart Function: By opening up the blocked artery, PCI improves the heart's overall function and reduces the strain on the heart.
• Reduces the Risk of Complications: Early intervention can minimize the risk of severe complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

Key Advantages of PCI Treatment

• Minimally Invasive: PCI is less invasive compared to open heart surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times.
• Faster Recovery: Most patients experience a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery, allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.
• Effective in Treating Coronary Artery Disease: PCI is a proven method for treating coronary artery disease by unblocking arteries and improving blood flow.
• No Need for Open-Heart Surgery: PCI can avoid the need for more complex and invasive procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
• Long-Term Heart Health Improvement: After PCI, many patients experience a significant improvement in heart function and reduced symptoms.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Treatment

• Medical Evaluation: Before the procedure, your doctor will assess your overall health, review your medical history and conduct tests such as an ECG or angiogram.
• Medications: Your doctor may recommend stopping certain medications that affect blood clotting such as aspirin or blood thinners, before the procedure.
• Fasting: You will be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure to ensure the best conditions for PCI.
• Family or Friends Support: Arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you to the hospital as you may need assistance after the procedure.
• Inform Your Doctor About Any Allergies: Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies you may have, especially to medications or contrast dyes.

How Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Treatment is Performed?

• Preparation: The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, and you will be sedated for comfort. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted to administer medications.
• Accessing the Artery: A small incision is made, often in the groin or wrist, through which a catheter is inserted into the artery. The catheter is guided to the heart under the guidance of X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).
• Balloon Angioplasty: A tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage to widen the artery.
• Stent Placement: If necessary, a coronary stent (a small mesh tube) will be inserted to keep the artery open and prevent it from narrowing again.
• Completion: Once the blockage is cleared and the stent is placed, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before Procedure:

You will undergo tests and assessments. You may be asked to stop certain medications.

You may feel anxious, but the medical team will explain everything clearly.

2. During Procedure:

You will be awake but sedated, so you won’t feel pain. You may experience some pressure or discomfort at the catheter insertion site.

X-rays will be used to guide the doctor throughout the procedure.

3. After Procedure:

The doctor will monitor you closely for a few hours in the recovery room.

You may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for observation.

You may experience mild bruising at the insertion site but should feel improvement in your chest pain.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding at the catheter insertion site.
• Infection: Infection is possible but rare at the insertion site.
• Damage to the Artery: Although rare, the catheter or stent can cause damage to the artery.
• Restenosis: The artery may narrow again after the procedure, although stents help reduce this risk.
• Heart Attack: In very rare cases, a heart attack may occur during or after the procedure.
• Stroke: A small risk of stroke exists if a clot breaks loose during the procedure.

Results/Outcomes

• Relief from Symptoms: Many patients experience immediate relief from symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
• Improved Heart Function: PCI improves blood flow to the heart and may enhance heart function.
• Long-Term Heart Health: Most people have a favorable long-term outcome, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and medications.
• Stent Longevity: Stents generally last for many years, but some people may require a follow-up procedure.