Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), is a medical procedure used to treat heart blockages or coronary artery disease. It involves inserting a small balloon or stent into narrowed or blocked arteries to restore blood flow to the heart.
Types of Angioplasty
1. Balloon Angioplasty: A deflated balloon is inserted into the artery and inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery and restoring blood flow.
2. Stent Placement: A small mesh tube called a stent is inserted into the artery to keep it open after the balloon is inflated and removed. Stents can be bare-metal or drug-eluting, which release medication to prevent re-blockage.
Why is Angioplasty Needed?
Angioplasty with stent placement helps treat a condition called atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the artery walls, causing blockages. This condition is common and can lead to coronary artery disease, which narrows the blood vessels supplying the heart. Angioplasty improves blood flow to the heart and may be recommended if:
– Medications or lifestyle changes haven’t improved heart health.
– Chest pain (angina) from blocked arteries is getting worse.
– Quick restoration of blood flow is needed to treat a heart attack.Sometimes, if angioplasty isn’t suitable, doctors may recommend open-heart surgery called coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to create a new path for blood flow around blocked arteries.
Importance of Health Insurance
Health insurance is crucial for covering the costs associated with angioplasty, which can be significant. It provides financial protection and ensures access to quality healthcare without burdening individuals with high out-of-pocket expenses.
Average Costs of Angioplasty (PTCA) in India
| Procedure | Average Cost (INR) |
| Balloon Angioplasty | 1,00,000 – 2,00,000 |
| Stent Placement | 1,50,000 – 3,00,000 |
Data Sources: ClinicSpots
Procedure in Simple Steps
1. Preparation: The patient is given local anesthesia, and the surgeon accesses the artery typically through the wrist or groin.
2. Insertion of Catheter: A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery and guided to the blocked area using X-ray imaging.
3. Balloon Inflation: A deflated balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to compress the plaque and widen the artery.
4. Stent Placement (if needed): A stent may be inserted into the artery to keep it open after the balloon is deflated and removed.
5. Completion: The catheter is removed, and the artery is checked for proper blood flow. The incision site is then closed.
Angioplasty offers several advantages over traditional heart surgery, including:
1. Minimally Invasive: Angioplasty is performed through a small incision, resulting in less pain, shorter recovery times, and reduced risk of complications compared to open-heart surgery.
2. High Success Rate: Angioplasty has a success rate of over 95%, effectively relieving symptoms and preventing future heart attacks in most patients.
3. Personalized Treatment: Angioplasty can be tailored to each patient’s specific needs, with options for different types of stents and procedures.
By understanding the significance of angioplasty and the importance of health insurance coverage, individuals can ensure timely access to this life-saving procedure without financial strain.
Understanding the Risks of Angioplasty:
When undergoing coronary angioplasty and stent placement, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, which include:
– Re-narrowing of the artery, known as re-stenosis, especially if a stent is not used.
– Formation of blood clots within stents, leading to heart attacks.
– Risk of bleeding or infection at the site where the catheter is inserted.
Additionally, there are rare risks such as heart attack, damage to coronary arteries, kidney injury, stroke, and irregular heartbeats.
Preparing for the Procedure:
Before the angioplasty procedure, certain steps are necessary:
– Provide a detailed list of all medications, supplements, and herbal treatments you are taking.
– Follow instructions to adjust or stop certain medications as advised by your healthcare team.
– Fast for several hours before the procedure as directed.
– Take prescribed medications with small sips of water on the morning of the procedure.
– Make arrangements for transportation home after the procedure.
During the Procedure:
Angioplasty and stent placement usually take place in a hospital setting with specialized equipment. Here’s what happens during the procedure:
– An IV is inserted into your arm or hand to administer medications.
– The area where the catheter will be inserted is numbed.
– A catheter is guided to the heart artery using X-ray imaging.
– Dye is injected to visualize blockages in the heart arteries.
– A balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a stent may be placed if necessary.
You may feel some pressure and mild discomfort during the procedure, which typically lasts a few hours.
After the Procedure:
Following angioplasty and stent placement, you may need to:
– Take medications to prevent blood clots.
– Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours.
– Consider participating in cardiac rehabilitation for recovery and improving heart health.
It’s crucial to watch for any complications and seek medical help if you experience chest pain, weakness, bleeding, infection, or any other concerning symptoms.
Results of Angioplasty:
Angioplasty and stent placement effectively enhance blood flow through previously blocked arteries.
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your recovery progress. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels can help maintain heart health in the long run.