Angioplasty: Procedure, Risks, Benefits & more

When the arteries in the heart get narrowed or blocked due to the presence of substances such as plaque, cholesterol, cells or other substances, the blood flow to the heart gets disrupted. The disrupted blood flow results in chest discomfort or pain. In some cases, a clot may also form, which causes a heart attack. Doctors may suggest an Angioplasty, to aid the normal blood flow to the heart by surgically opening the blocked arteries. You may get angioplasty from any reputed hospital. These days many renowned hospitals have online websites. You may look for Angioplasty Surgery Packages Online.

We shall discuss the procedure, risks and benefits associated with angioplasty.

Procedure

Once your doctor establishes that you require angioplasty, the following procedure will be followed:

1. The doctor establishes the spot for the insertion of the catheter (arm or groin). After numbing the spot and making the insertion, the catheter is inserted into the artery.
2. The catheter is navigated in the artery till it reaches the heart (coronary artery).
3. The doctor watches the catheter on the x-ray screen and inserts a thin wire with an expandable balloon into the catheter.
4. On reaching the blockage site, the inflated balloon pushes the arteries open by clearing the plaque. This action may be repeated a couple of times. The blood flow becomes normal.
5. In some cases, a stent may be inserted permanently into the artery to keep it open.
6. The balloon and the catheter are removed from the artery, after the procedure.

You may feel some pressure or discomfort at the sight of the catheter. The doctor will prescribe medicine to ease discomfort and relaxation. The catheter site may be sore for a couple of days. In case there is any bleeding or intense pain, you may get in touch with your doctor.

There are many options for angioplasty surgery available across the country. You may also opt for Angioplasty Surgery in Mumbai, as Mumbai has some of the best hospitals in the country.

Risks

Though angioplasty is an extremely safe procedure, just like any other invasion procedure angioplasty may also pose certain risks, such as:

• Allergic reaction to the dye
• Bruising, clotting or bleeding at the place of insertion of the catheter
• It may cause kidney damage (common in people who already have kidney problems)
• It may cause heart attack
• Blood clotting or scar tissue in the stent
• Arrhythmia or irregular heart beat
• Infection

In order to have minimal risk, it is advisable to get angioplasty from an experienced surgeon. There are many Doctors for Angioplasty in Mumbai. You may consult any good doctor for the surgery.

Benefits

Following are some of the benefits of angioplasty:

• It helps reduce the risk of heart attack
• It helps to restore the blood flow to the heart
• It helps in improving the functioning of the kidneys
• It helps is relieving the symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, tiredness etc.
• It also helps in restoring blood flow to the legs.
• This surgical procedure is less invasive as compared to open heart surgery. It also has shorter recovery time as compared to open heart surgery.

Angioplasty is an effective surgical procedure that helps to restore your blood supply to your heart. Though this procedure helps in restoring the blood flow but this is not the permanent cure for the blocked arteries.