Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI, is a technique that dilates constricted arteries in the heart using a flexible plastic catheter with a balloon at the end. A metal stent is frequently used to keep the artery open during the surgery. Angioplasty aids in the restoration of blood flow to the heart muscle in this way.
The catheter is removed from the artery after the angioplasty process, and pressure is given to the spot. A suction device may be used to control bleeding at the wound site in some instances. In other circumstances, after the catheter is removed, the artery is sealed shut.
To limit the danger of bleeding, the patient must lie flat and remain still for several hours. The patient will be kept in a recovery area where his or her blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, temperature, and puncture site will be closely monitored. If pain medication is required after the sedative drug wears off, it will be administered.
After angioplasty, the majority of patients will spend the night in the hospital. The patient must be driven home by a friend or family member. The majority of patients is able to walk the day following their angioplasty and can resume their typical activities within a week, including returning to work. For a few days, driving, heavy lifting, and pushing or pulling is prohibited. Specific restrictions on activities should be negotiated with a physician.
The majority of medications must be taken before the process may be restarted; your cardiologist will provide you with a detailed list of all medications you must take. Blood thinners, also known as anti-platelets, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, are the most crucial medications to begin after the surgery.
Antiplatelet medications: One of the most serious complications that can develop after stent placement is the development of a blood clot (thrombosis) inside the stent; this is called stent thrombosis. It is thought that the metal of the stent in contact with components of the blood leads to clotting.
A stent thrombosis can potentially block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack or even death. Stent thrombosis can occur within 24 hours, 30 days, or as late as one year or more after stent placement, although most episodes occur within 30 days.
Fortunately, stent thrombosis is rare because aspirin and a second blood-thinning drug (which can be clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel) that prevents clotting are given before and after stent placement.
Typically, your doctor will contact you after a few weeks of the procedure. He will then call you for periodic visits every 3-4 months during the first year of the procedure.
If any of the following symptoms arise after angioplasty, seek medical help right away:
