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Angioplasty Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide To Procedure, Benefits, And Recovery

What Is Angioplasty Surgery, And How Is It Done?

Angioplasty surgery is performed to treat coronary artery disease and restore blood flow in the body. In This procedure, a thin tube containing a balloon at the end is inserted through the blood vessel to help push out the substances clotting the blood vessel.

Angioplasty can also be done in combination with stent placement. This combination helps reduce chest pain, breathing problems, and stroke risk.

What Is An Angioplasty Of Heart 

Angioplasty of the heart, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. During the procedure, a catheter with a small balloon at its tip is inserted into the blocked artery through a small incision, typically in the groin or wrist. The balloon is then inflated at the site of the blockage, which compresses the plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery and restoring blood flow to the heart. Angioplasty is commonly done to relieve symptoms like chest pain (angina) and reduce the risk of heart attacks. In many cases, a stent is also placed to keep the artery open after the balloon is inflated.

How Is Angioplasty Surgery Done?

The procedure to perform angioplasty might seem easy, but it is not that simple. While performing this surgery, doctors go through the following steps that are discussed below:

1. The doctors insert a long, thin tube-like catheter in the crotch or wrist artery. 
2. The catheter is threaded into the affected artery using X-ray imaging.
3. The surgeon then injects a liquid dye to check for a blockage.
4. Next, a catheter with a balloon is pushed through the first catheter and steered to the heart. 
5. The surgeon opens the balloon when the second catheter reaches its destination, which contains the blockage.
6. After that, the balloon and blockage are removed. 
7. If required, the surgeon will push another thin tube called the stent. 
8. This stent placement prevents the blockage’s re-growth and the narrowing of the artery.
9. In the last stage, the catheter is successfully removed.

Is Angioplasty A Major Surgery?

Angioplasty surgery is not considered major surgery and is usually performed under the supervision of good cardiac doctors. Unlike other surgeries, angioplasty has some risk factors that can be managed with proper care and medications. Some of the risk factors included are:

• Artery e-narrowing
• Blood clotting
• Internal Bleeding
• Swelling and soaring 
• Breathing problem
• Allergic Reaction
• Damage of the Kidney
• Heart failure 
• Stroke (Brain Attack)
• Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia

Angioplasty may have risk factors, but they are not very common. It is a successful form of surgery, and 90% of cases have seen a positive impact after following this surgery. 30-40% of people have also successfully dealt with artery re-narrowing.

What Is Angioplasty And Stenting 

Angioplasty and stenting are procedures used to treat blocked or narrowed arteries. In angioplasty, a balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen it and restore blood flow to the heart. Stenting involves placing a small mesh tube (stent) to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing. Stents can be bare metal or drug-eluting to release medication for additional protection. These minimally invasive procedures help relieve chest pain and reduce the need for more invasive surgeries.

How Is Angioplasty Beneficial After A Heart Attack?

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions says that performing angioplasty is highly beneficial after having a heart attack. A heart attack can happen for several reasons, but the main reason is blood clotting in the arteries. Therefore, angioplasty helps quickly rebound the blood flow in the heart and the body or organs. If not treated, it can create severe damage to your heart muscles. 

When Do You Need Angioplasty?

The doctor suggests angioplasty because of several reasons. Some benefits of performing Angioplasty surgery are:

• It helps to reduce chest pain.
• It helps to fight breathing problems.
• Angioplasty also deals with other heart failure factors.
• Angioplasty lowers the rate of blood clotting.
• It reduces the rate of mortality and heart muscle damage
• It reduces fatigue and improves the quality of life
• It improves kidney function  
• This procedure also eliminates the need for amputation. 

What Are The Measures Suggested By The Doctors After Surgery?

Angioplasty helps your body in several ways, but it mainly corrects the blood flow in the body. Doctors further suggest taking some special precautions to avoid further damage. They provide medications that reduce the possibility of complications.

Proper medication and exercise bring faster recovery from the surgery. Some things that your doctor will suggest you include:

• Avoid smoking and drinking
• Maintain the Cholesterol Level
• Follow a healthy lifestyle 
• Eat a nutritious and balanced diet 
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Follow the medications from time to time
• Do regular exercises or yoga as suggested by your doctor

Conclusion

Angioplasty is performed by a heart specialist (interventional cardiologist). Your care team will also include nurses and catheterization lab technicians. Angioplasty is a common form of surgery, and many people have gone through it, after which they have seen life from a different perspective again.

This form of surgery is highly beneficial to the body. The process can help you achieve a normal lifestyle. But make sure you take proper rest and care post-surgery. Also, take the prescribed medicines on time to avoid any complications.

At Sahyadri Hospitals, we are committed to providing top-tier cardiac care, ensuring each patient receives personalised attention during and after the procedure. Our experienced cardiology team is here to support your journey toward a healthier life.

FAQ’s 

1. What is the purpose of angioplasty surgery?
   Angioplasty is primarily performed to treat coronary artery disease by restoring blood flow to the heart. This procedure is crucial for patients experiencing blockages in their arteries, which can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks.
2. What are the potential risks associated with angioplasty?
   While angioplasty is generally safe, it carries some risks, such as artery re-narrowing, blood clots, and in rare cases, heart failure or stroke. Most complications can be managed effectively with proper medical care.
3. What steps should patients take for recovery after angioplasty?
   Post-operative recovery includes following a healthy lifestyle, adhering to prescribed medications, and engaging in regular physical activity. Patients should also monitor their cholesterol levels and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to ensure optimal healing.

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