Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It is also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).
How Does Angioplasty Work?
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist (radial) or groin (femoral). The catheter is guided to the blocked coronary artery using X-ray imaging. A small balloon at the tip is inflated to compress the plaque and widen the artery. In most cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open.
Types of Angioplasty
- Balloon Angioplasty: Uses only balloon dilation without a stent.
- Stent Angioplasty: A stent is placed after balloon dilation — the most common approach today.
- Drug-Eluting Stent (DES): Stents coated with medication to prevent re-narrowing.
- Primary PCI: Emergency angioplasty during a heart attack.
Radial vs Femoral Approach
Dr. Ruchi Gupta specializes in the radial approach (through the wrist), which offers several advantages:
- Less bleeding risk
- Faster recovery — patients can sit up immediately
- Same-day or next-day discharge possible
- Greater patient comfort
What to Expect After Angioplasty
- Most patients go home within 1-2 days
- Resume light activities within a week
- Medications (blood thinners, statins) are prescribed
- Regular follow-up with your cardiologist is essential
- Lifestyle changes are crucial for long-term success
