What is Angioplasty Surgery?

Everything You Need to Know About Angioplasty Surgery

Angioplasty surgery is the least invasive procedure for removing plaque ( a layer of fat ) from arteries and promoting blood flow. A thin tube with a balloon-like attachment is inserted into blocked arteries to push apart the fatty walls and allow blood flow.

It is one of the safest ways to improve cardiovascular health if one has had a heart attack recently. According to the Times of India, around 4.5 lakh patients opt for an angioplasty surgery each year to open up clogged arteries.  
Keep reading for a detailed insight into angioplasty surgery. 

What is the Procedure for Angioplasty Surgery? 

Here are the steps of an angioplasty surgery: 

1. A doctor uses an anaesthetic or sedative to numb you for the procedure that is about to take place. 
2. The blocked artery is accessed through a needle, which they place into your skin through an incision near the groin or arm. 
3. Wires and catheters are inserted through a tube into the enlarged artery. 
4. With the help of an X-ray machine, the catheter provides real-time images of the tissues and movements of the body. This is known as the fluoroscopy procedure. 
5. Once the blocked artery is located, a special dye is introduced to flush the blocked area. 
6. The catheter, a narrow long tube with a balloon at its tip, is guided towards the blocked artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, which opens up the artery by pushing any accumulated fat against its walls. 
7. This process is repeated a few times till the healthcare provider sees a significant improvement in the blood flow. 
8. A small, expandable mesh tube called a stent may be inserted into the artery. This is a more permanent solution that can prevent further blockages or narrowing. 
9. You might feel slight pain and soreness at the site of the incision. However, it should subside in a week. 

What are the Different Types of Angioplasty? 

There are two types of angioplasty, depending on the artery being targeted: 

• Coronary Artery Angioplasty - This procedure targets coronary arteries, or arteries carrying blood from various parts of your body to your heart. 
• Peripheral Artery Angioplasty - This procedure targets arteries that carry blood from your heart to various parts of your body. 

Angioplasty can also be carried out via different methods:

• Balloon Angioplasty - A balloon placed at the end of a catheter is inflated to push off plaque or fat to the side walls of an artery.
• Placement of Stents - While stents are not mandatory, they are most commonly placed after an angioplasty surgery to keep the artery open and promote blood flow. 
• Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA) - It is a rarer alternative to traditional angioplasty. This procedure uses a laser instead of a balloon to remove the plaque build-up in arteries. 

How Long is the Angioplasty Surgery and Recovery Time? 

While the actual angioplasty surgery is a quick and safe procedure that can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours, you may be required to stay overnight at the hospital to monitor your vitals and primary recovery. 

Unless you underwent surgery for a heart attack, the hospital is most likely to discharge you the day after the surgery. Avoid stressful activities for a few weeks till you are fully recovered. However, you can start carrying out daily tasks within a week. 

Why Do You Need Angioplasty Surgery? 

You may need an angioplasty surgery for any of the following reasons: 

1. Kidney Disease - Excessive fat build-up in your kidneys can prevent blood and oxygen from reaching them. An artery near the kidney can be selected for angioplasty surgery to correct this issue. 
2. Heart Attack - A heart attack is one of the most common reasons for angioplasty surgery. It might be an emergency procedure recommended by the doctor to clear the blockage and prevent further attacks. 
3. Carotid Artery Disease - Accumulation of fat in the arteries by your neck may lead to a sudden stroke if unmonitored. Angioplasty may be recommended to prevent such an occurrence. 
4. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - Such arteries are responsible for pumping blood from your heart to other organs of the body. If these arteries get blocked, a person might suffer from a heart attack or severe chest pain and hence require immediate angioplasty surgery. 
5. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - Peripheral arteries transport blood and oxygen from extremities in your body, like arms and legs, to your heart. Angioplasty is a correctional surgery that is recommended to widen the artery and remove plaque build-up. 

What are the Risks of Angioplasty Surgery? 

There might be a few risks or downsides of an angioplasty surgery:

1.Allergic reaction to the dye used in the procedure
2.Erratic heartbeats 
3.Infection and bleeding at the site of incision
4.Heart attack 
5.Chest pains 
6.Stroke 
7.Unusual blood clots 
8.Damage to the kidney and blood vessels
9.Recurring blockage if a stent is not placed initially 

It is essential to be aware of your health history and monitor any changes to your physical health. Selecting Star Cardiac Care Insurance Policy may be wise, especially if you have a history of cardiac ailments. 

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