Understanding Angioplasty And Stent Placement

Angioplasty and stent placement are two common medical procedures adopted to cope with coronary artery disease. CAD is a severe heart condition where the blood supply to the heart is reduced or entirely stopped due to plaques. Given inadequate blood supply, the heart cannot function efficiently, leading to several complications. Sometimes, it even leads to a heart attack and ultimately death. 

Angioplasty is a medical procedure involving a tiny balloon to widen the artery. Post this, an angioplasty stent is placed to keep the blocked passage open, restoring normal blood supply to the heart. The stent is usually coated with medication to prevent the artery from closing again. Both these procedures are generally performed together

Preparing for the surgery

Angioplasty and stent placement are used as an emergency procedure during heart attacks. If this is the case, you have little time in hand to prepare for the surgery. However, if the surgery is planned well before, here is a checklist to follow.

Inform the doctor about the medications and supplements you take.Avoid medications like aspirin, Clopidogrel, Naproxen, and the ones the doctor mentions make blood clots harder.Quit smoking and consuming excessive alcohol.Consider medicines the doctor prescribes before the surgery.Admit a day before the surgery to avoid last-minute panic and hassles.

Angioplasty and stent placement procedures

Thanks to advances made by modern medical science, Angioplasty and angioplasty stent placement are now minimally invasive procedures. Here is how the entire surgery unfolds:  

A small incision is made in your groin to access the artery.A thin, flexible tube, a catheter, is inserted through this incision.The catheter is then navigated up to your coronary artery. This gives the doctor a better view of the blocked site.A small wire gets inserted as the catheter. A second wire is then inserted following the guide wire. This catheter has a balloon attached to its free end.The balloon is inflated once it reaches the blocked artery.The stent gets inserted when the balloon does. This allows the doctor to clear the blockage and keep the artery open with the help of the stent.The catheter is removed once the stent is secured in its place.

Post angioplasty

Post the surgery; you will remain unconscious for a few hours because of the anaesthesia effect. Initially, you may experience soreness at the incision site, for which the doctor prescribes painkillers. They may also prescribe medications to prevent your blood from coagulating.  Generally, most patients are advised to remain hospitalised for a couple of days to monitor changes and help the body get accustomed to the angioplasty stent.

The hospitalisation period would be longer than usual if you have experienced a heart attack and other health complications. Remember, surgery only works for your body's betterment if you keep a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy food and exercise regularly.

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