Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary Angioplasty abroad 

When coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, a coronary angioplasty might be essential in order to guarantee the blood supply to the heart. This procedure is performed using a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. However, it could involve a stent (a short wire-mesh tube), which is left in place permanently to allow blood to flow more freely. This is considered as the most modern angioplasty procedure.

As the the blood flow through the coronary arteries improves considerably after this procedure, many people find their symptoms get significantly better and they are able to do more than they could before the treatment. For patients who suffered of a heart attack, an angioplasty can increase the chances of surviving more than clot-busting medication (thrombolysis). This procedure is also aimed at reducing ake during the procedure.

A thin flexible tube, (catheter), will be inserted into one of the arteries through an incision in the groin, wrist or arm and will be guided using a X-Ray video. When the catheter is in place, the thin wire is guided down the length of the blocked coronary artery, leaving a small balloon that will be inflated exactly in the right spot where the block is and then inflated to widen the artery. This will move the fat deposits against the artery wall, making the blood flow more freely when the deflated balloon is removed. If a stent is being used, this will be around the balloon before it's inserted.

The stent will remain permanently in place after the balloon is deflated and removed during the surgery. To perform a coronary angioplasty usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours. If the patient is being treated for angina, it would be possible to go home the same day or the day after the procedure. If the patient is undergoing this procedure after a heart attack, he will need to stay in hospital for several days after the angioplasty procedure and will have to avoid heavy lifting, tiring activities and driving for at least a week.

Which other Cardiology procedures can I find abroad?

There are many accredited and modern hospitals providing high standard Cardiology treatments abroad. Cardiology Consultation hospitals abroad, Pacemaker Implantation hospitals abroad, Heart Valve Replacement hospitals abroad,