Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. Coronary angioplasty is performed to improve blood flow to the heart, relieve symptoms such as chest pain (angina), or treat a heart attack.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and threaded to the coronary arteries. A specialised balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage, compressing the plaque and widening the artery to restore blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) may be placed at the site to keep the artery open and prevent it from re-narrowing.
Recovery from a coronary angioplasty procedure varies from person to person, but it is generally a relatively quick process. After the procedure, the patient is monitored for a few hours to ensure stability before being discharged.
Mr. Gowtham Bhattcharjee from Agartala successfully underwent Coronary Angioplasty at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Jagadesh Madireddi, Consultant Cardiologist.