Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting are performed to unblock a coronary artery that has developed a narrowing due to build-up of fatty deposits.
The fatty deposits are called by a number of different names, all of which mean the same thing: atherosclerosis, or atheroma, or “plaque”. When these deposits form inside the arteries of the heart, we call this coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease.
Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting are collectively known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). These procedures are performed to improve the blood supply to your heart and may be recommended to manage the following conditions: heart attack, angina, an abnormal stress test, congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias.
How is a Coronary Angioplasty performed?
Coronary Angioplasty is performed via a needle puncture through the skin, into an artery in the groin or arm. A special balloon catheter is then positioned inside the artery, across the narrowing, and inflated to stretch up the coronary artery. The plaque is not removed, but instead it is “pushed back into the artery wall”.
The long-term success is improved by inserting a stent. This can be thought of as a piece of metal scaffolding that is positioned at the site of the plaque and prevents the plaque protruding back into the artery lumen (the lumen is the channel through which blood flows). Once the coronary stent has been deployed, it cannot be removed. Your cardiologist performing the procedure will choose the appropriate stent for your specific situation.
Your preparation for Coronary Stenting is similar to that for diagnostic Coronary Angiography. However, there are some important differences that you need to know about:
- You must fast for at least 2 hours prior to the procedure
- You will be required to stay in hospital overnight
- If you are not already taking Aspirin, this will be commenced prior
- In addition to Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) will be required
There is a slightly higher risk than diagnostic Coronary Angiography.
