Angioplasty & Stent Placement in Jaipur

Stents are small, mesh-like tubes commonly used in medical procedures to help keep arteries or other blood vessels open. They are often made of metal or a combination of metal and polymer materials. Stents are used in various medical contexts, including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and even in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal and urinary tract conditions.

These have greatly improved the effectiveness and safety of angioplasty procedures, reducing the risk of artery re-narrowing (known as restenosis) and the need for repeat interventions. There are different types of stents, including bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents. Drug-eluting stents are coated with medications that help prevent scar tissue formation and further reduce the risk of restenosis. Stents have revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease and have become a standard therapy for many patients with blocked or narrowed arteries.

You might need Angioplasty & Stent Placement in Jaipur if you have coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked. Angioplasty is often recommended in the following situations:

Angina:

If you experience chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to your heart muscle (angina), angioplasty can help improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.

Heart Attack:

If you have a heart attack (myocardial infarction) caused by a blockage in one or more of your coronary arteries, angioplasty may be performed urgently to restore blood flow and prevent further damage to the heart muscle.

Significant Coronary Artery Blockages:

If diagnostic tests such as coronary angiography reveal significant blockages in your coronary arteries that are causing symptoms or putting you at high risk for a heart attack, angioplasty may be recommended.

Unstable Angina:

If you have unstable angina—a type of angina that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and may indicate a higher risk of heart attack—angioplasty may be performed to stabilize the condition and reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Persistent Symptoms:

If you have persistent symptoms of CAD, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, despite medical therapy and lifestyle changes, angioplasty may be considered to improve your symptoms and quality of life.

Diagnostic Angiography Findings:

If diagnostic angiography reveals severe blockages in your coronary arteries that are deemed suitable for intervention based on their location and severity, angioplasty may be recommended to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.

Angioplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some risks. Some potential risks and complications of angioplasty include:

Bleeding:

Bleeding can occur at the site where the catheter was inserted (usually the groin or wrist). In most cases, the bleeding is minor and resolves on its own, but sometimes it may require medical intervention.

Blood vessel damage:

The blood vessel where the catheter was inserted may be damaged during the procedure, leading to bruising, swelling, or rarely, a tear (called a dissection) in the blood vessel wall.

Allergic reaction:

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during angioplasty, which can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, or, rarely, more serious reactions such as difficulty breathing or low blood pressure.

Kidney damage:

The contrast dye used during angioplasty can sometimes cause kidney damage, especially in people with pre-existing kidney problems.

Heart attack or stroke:

Although rare, angioplasty can sometimes trigger a heart attack or stroke, particularly in people with severe coronary artery disease or other risk factors for these conditions.

Arrhythmias:

Angioplasty can sometimes cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), although these are usually temporary and resolve on their own.

Restenosis:

In some cases, the treated artery may become narrowed again (restenosis) after angioplasty, requiring additional treatment.

Blood clots:

Blood clots can form in the treated artery or on the surface of the stent, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Infection:

There is a small risk of infection at the site where the catheter was inserted, although this is uncommon.

To prepare for angioplasty, there are some tips that you need to follow:

Medical Evaluation:

Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including reviewing your medical history and performing any necessary tests, such as blood tests and imaging studies.

Medications:

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medications. You may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure, especially blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs.

Fasting:

Typically, you will need to fast for a certain period before the procedure, usually starting midnight before the angioplasty.

Inform Your Doctor:

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially to iodine or contrast dye used during the procedure.

Arrange Transportation:

Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic, as you may not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

Follow Instructions:

Follow any other specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as showering with special soap the night before or the morning of the procedure.

Ask Questions:

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure or the preparation process, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for clarification.

There are some people who are confused about the process. But don’t worry it is a simple process:

Preparation:

You’ll be given a sedative to help you relax, and the area where the catheter will be inserted (usually the groin or wrist) will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

Insertion of Catheter:

A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the site of the blockage in your coronary artery using X-ray guidance.

Angiography:

A contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images (angiograms) are taken to visualize the blockage and surrounding blood vessels.

Angioplasty:

A smaller catheter with a deflated balloon on its tip is advanced to the blockage. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, pushing the plaque against the artery walls and widening the artery to improve blood flow.

Stent Placement (if needed):

In some cases, a stent—a small mesh tube—is placed in the newly widened artery to help keep it open. The stent is expanded using the same balloon catheter and remains in place permanently.

Post-procedure Evaluation:

After the angioplasty and stent placement (if performed), additional X-ray images may be taken to confirm the success of the procedure and ensure adequate blood flow through the treated artery.

Recovery:

After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. You’ll be monitored in a recovery area for a few hours before being discharged home. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation, depending on your condition and the specifics of the procedure.
Throughout the procedure, your healthcare team will closely monitor your vital signs and may administer medications or make adjustments as needed to ensure your safety and comfort.