Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary Angioplasty in Vijayawada
Coronary Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure designed to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries and restore normal blood flow to the heart. At Dr. N. Subbarao Center for Cardiac Care, Vijayawada, our skilled interventional cardiologists perform this life-saving procedure using advanced imaging technology and world-class equipment. During angioplasty, a tiny balloon is inserted through a catheter and inflated at the site of blockage, followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open. This modern approach ensures quicker recovery, minimal discomfort, and excellent long-term outcomes for patients suffering from coronary artery disease.
Benefits of Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty offers multiple benefits that make it one of the most effective treatments for heart blockages. The procedure not only relieves symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath but also prevents heart attacks and improves overall heart function. Key advantages include:
- Restores Blood Flow: Immediately improves circulation and oxygen delivery to the heart.
- Minimally Invasive: Short hospital stay and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
- Symptom Relief: Reduces chest pain (angina) and improves exercise tolerance.
- Emergency Use: Can quickly restore blood flow during an acute heart attack.
Why Choose Dr. N. Subbarao Center for Cardiac Care
For coronary angioplasty in Vijayawada, Dr. N. Subbarao Center for Cardiac Care is a trusted name in advanced interventional cardiology. Led by renowned specialists Dr. Nallamothu Murali Krishna and Dr. Varun Nallamothu, our team ensures the highest standards of expertise, precision, and compassionate care. With a fully equipped cardiac catheterization lab and 24×7 emergency cardiac services, we are committed to providing life-saving interventions when every second counts. Choose our center for cutting-edge angioplasty procedures that combine technology, teamwork, and trust to safeguard your heart's health.
Key Benefits
Procedure Process
- Pre-procedure evaluation and informed consent
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure
- IV access placement for medications
- Local anesthesia at insertion site (groin or wrist)
- Catheter insertion and advancement to the heart
- Diagnostic angiography to visualize blockages
- Guidewire crossing of the blockage
- Balloon inflation to compress plaque
- Stent deployment to maintain vessel patency
- Final angiography to confirm results
- Catheter removal and closure of insertion site
- Recovery period with monitoring
- Post-procedure care instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during angioplasty recovery?
Most patients stay overnight in the hospital for observation. You can typically resume light activities within a day or two and return to work within a week. You'll need to take prescribed medications, especially antiplatelet drugs, to prevent blood clots.
What medications are needed after angioplasty?
You'll need to take dual antiplatelet therapy (usually aspirin plus another antiplatelet drug) for at least 6-12 months to prevent stent clotting. Other medications may include statins, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors depending on your condition.
How successful is coronary angioplasty?
Angioplasty is successful in opening blocked arteries in over 95% of cases. The risk of restenosis (re-narrowing) is significantly reduced with drug-eluting stents, occurring in less than 10% of cases.
Can I exercise after angioplasty?
Yes, but gradually. Most patients begin light walking the day after the procedure. A structured cardiac rehabilitation program is often recommended to safely increase activity levels and improve cardiovascular fitness.