Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

At HeartCare Texas, we specialize in providing advanced angioplasty and stenting procedures to treat coronary artery disease and restore optimal heart function. Our team of experienced cardiologists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to utilizing cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

What are coronary stenting and angioplasty?

All the major blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle can sometimes get clogged due to plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries. Fats, calcium, and cellular waste residue accumulate on the artery walls and adversely affect the blood flow in the heart. Such heart conditions significantly increase the risk of blood clot formation in the arteries. This process is called ‘atherosclerosis’, the main culprit behind narrowed or blocked arteries.

To remove these blockages in the heart, cardiologists bank on Angioplasty and Stenting, two primary procedures that open up a narrowed artery and restore efficient blood flow.

Angioplasty is an efficient, minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery. It uses a thin tube with a tiny balloon on the end. The balloon is inflated right where the blockage is, pushing the artery open and letting blood flow freely to the patient’s heart again.

Coronary artery stents are frequently employed with angioplasty to provide long-term patency, or openness, of the treated vessel. These stents are minimally invasive, consisting of expandable metallic mesh tubes. During angioplasty balloon inflation, the stent expands and conforms to the vessel wall. Over a period of 3 to 12 months, the body encapsulates the stent with endothelial tissue, promoting its integration with the native vasculature.

Why may you need stenting and angioplasty?

With time, many people can develop plaques in the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow. As the blood flow is restricted, the patient will experience chest pain or angina, which in mild cases is treated with medication. But where medicine seems ineffective, a coronary angioplasty may be the right treatment option for you.

Improving blood flow:
 

• Angioplasty: This procedure directly addresses the blockage. A catheter with a balloon tip is inserted into the artery and inflated at the blockage site. This widens the narrowed artery, allowing for improved blood flow to the heart.
   
• Stenting: While angioplasty opens the blockage, stents provide long-term support. These tiny, expandable mesh tubes are placed within the artery during angioplasty. The stent expands with the balloon and remains in place, acting as a scaffold to prevent the artery from re-narrowing.
   

Addressing symptoms and preventing complications:
 

• Reduced angina: Inadequate blood flow due to CAD can cause chest pain (angina). Angioplasty and stenting improve blood flow, alleviating anginal symptoms and improving quality of life.
   
• Mitigating heart attack risk: Severe CAD can lead to heart attacks. By opening blocked arteries, these procedures can help prevent heart attacks.
   

Minimally-invasive approach:

Compared to traditional open-heart bypass surgery, angioplasty and stenting offer a less invasive approach to treating CAD. This translates to quicker recovery times, less scarring, and potentially lower complication risks.

Not a Cure, But a Key Tool:

It's important to remember that angioplasty and stenting don't cure the underlying cause of CAD, which is often atherosclerosis. Lifestyle modifications and medications are crucial for managing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other risk factors to prevent future blockages.
 

What are the risks of coronary angioplasty and stenting?

The possible risks of angioplasty and stenting include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Re-narrowing of the arteries
• Irregular heartbeat
   

Other rare complications include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney problems
• Excessive bleeding
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Forming of scar tissue within the stent
• Allergic reaction to the medication or material used
   

Angioplasty is less invasive than bypass surgery, but there are certain risks. Not everyone is eligible to undergo the procedure, and that depends on factors such as:

• The number of arteries that are blocked
• The fragility of the heart muscles
• If you have diabetes
• The age and general health of the patient
   

How to prepare for the procedure at HeartCare Texas

Talk to your physician about your concerns, the medication you are taking, and the allergies you have. Some of the preparatory processes that you must follow under the physician's instruction include:

• Adjust or stop certain medications like aspirin, blood thinners, etc.
• Refrain from eating and drinking six to eight hours before the procedure
• You may also need an angiogram before the angioplasty to see inside the arteries and look at the area of blockages
• Tell your provider if you have a pacemaker or other implantable devices
• Make sure to discuss the medicines you take with your physician
   

At HeartCare Texas, our skilled cardiologists and healthcare team are dedicated to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to effectively manage coronary artery disease and help our patients live healthier, happier lives. Contact us today to learn more about our stenting and angioplasty procedures and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced cardiologists.