What Is Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedure- Insights from Cardiology Physicians

Chest pain, shortness of breath, or the fear of a heart attack has become common nowadays. It is because millions of people are dealing with blocked arteries. However, they have all found relief through a less invasive treatment known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). More than 1 million PCI procedures are done per year in the U.S. alone.

It underscores the role of addressing heart conditions. So, if your doctor has recommended this process, don't be afraid. It is a safe process that can help alleviate your cardiac condition. But what can you expect before and after the process? Is there any risk? Let's know!

An Overview of the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedure

A Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a straightforward and minimally invasive process. Cardiology physicians recommend the process to open blocked heart arteries. It is also called angioplasty or coronary angioplasty with stenting. Arteries are the vessels that convey blood full of oxygen from your heart to the rest of your body. When the vessels become obstructed, blood flow decreases.

A small balloon is employed during PCI to expand the blocked artery and enhance blood flow. After that, a small metal tube, known as a stent, is inserted to keep that artery open. The vast majority of stents release medicine slowly to prevent the artery from narrowing again. This helps your heart get the oxygen it needs and lowers future heart risks.

When Do You Need It?

PCI is frequently recommended when blood flow to the heart is blocked or severely restricted by narrowed arteries. It can cause chest pain, fatigue, or even bring on a heart attack. Therefore, PCI reduces the risk of severe heart problems. It restores normal blood levels and eases symptoms. Doctors typically recommend PCI after testing reveals blockages in the coronary arteries.

You may need PCI if you have:

• Plaque that clogs your arteries.
• Chest discomfort during physical exertion or stress.
• Unstable angina results in intense chest pain occurring at rest.
• Blockage in your blood flow

Details of the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Process

The idea of getting a PCI may sound daunting. However, cardiology physicians and surgeons sometimes collaborate to plan their execution safely. This ensures safety and optimal results.

Now, here, we will take a walk through how the experts perform PCI. After reading this, you will gain confidence. So, let's know what to expect before and after your treatment.

What Happens Before PCI?

Before your PCI, you need to know a few things. First things first, your doctor may instruct you to follow specific guidelines. Whether your PCI is planned or emergent, your healthcare team follows the exact measures mentioned below. They put you in the best possible position to ensure the safety of your treatment:

Fasting: The doctor may ask you to avoid food for 6–8 hours. However, you can have clear liquids 2 hours before the procedure.

Medication Alterations: You need to stop blood thinners (warfarin) and drugs like metformin or SGLT-2 inhibitors, as your doctor says. However, you must continue taking antiplatelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor).

IV Insertion and Monitoring: A nurse will insert an IV and shave the hair over the insertion site (typically on the wrist or groin). Then, the nurse will apply heart monitors and oxygen sensors.

Sedation and Numbing: You'll be given a mild sedative and local anaesthetic. This way, you will remain calm and pain-free.

Things Happen After the Procedure

After your Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), recovery and long-term care are essential. It improves your heart health faster. The hospital stay at first is brief, but continuing medication and lifestyle changes are necessary. This will keep your arteries open and prevent recurrent blockages. However, here's what to know about the post-PCI phase:

Hospital Stay and Monitoring: Following PCI, you'll spend a few hours in a recovery area. Most patients go home the same day or the next, depending on their condition.

Blood Thinner Medication: Your doctor will recommend dual antiplatelet therapy. They are aspirin and another blood thinner. This combination can prevent the formation of clots in the new stent.

However, never stop without consulting Arizona heart doctors. This is because stopping them prematurely could cause serious complications.

Risks and Benefits of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Like any other medical process, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) also has its pros and cons. Therefore, while PCI can alleviate heart-related complications, it's necessary to be mindful of potential side effects. Here's a quick overview:

Advantages

• Opens the blood vessels in the heart
• It may reduce the severity of symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath.
• The least invasive process with a quick recovery period
• Reduces the risk of a heart attack for some patients

Risks

• There is an occasional risk of bleeding or bruising at the insertion site.
• Blood clots or stent blockage
• Allergic reactions

These side effects are common. But some severe side effects can be a heart attack or stroke during the procedure.

Conditions That Can Be Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a vital treatment for heart disease. It results from narrowed or blocked arteries. So, the process can enhance blood flow and prevent life-threatening complications.

Here are two common heart diseases in which the treatment and recovery process involve PCI.

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome is a state in which blood flow to the heart suddenly stops or is reduced. As a result, it causes your coronary arteries to narrow and stiffen. This is when the medical expert asks you to go for PCI. It reopens the blocked artery as soon as possible. Also, it can spare the heart muscle from irreparable damage. Additionally, it reduces the incidence of more severe complications and improves your survival chances.

Coronary Artery Disease

This is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the arteries, narrowing them over time. PCI serves to open those narrowed arteries and alleviate any chest pain or pressure. It can also help lower the risk of open-heart surgery. Lifestyle changes, medication, and PCI can help manage long-term symptoms and improve heart function.

Conclusion

PCI is a life-saving process that has saved millions of lives. It can unclog arteries, eliminate heart condition symptoms, and prevent life-threatening heart events, such as a heart attack. With lifestyle changes and proper care, the results will be long-lasting.

Are you looking for expert heart care? Visit the Advanced Cardiovascular Centre, where we have an experienced team of Arizona heart doctors. So, book your consultation today!

FAQs

Who cannot go for a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?

People who have severe blockages in their arteries, kidney problems, or bleeding disorders may not be the best candidates. Also, individuals having difficulties with sedation must ask their cardiologists for safer options.

Is there any diet you need to follow after PCI?

Yes. Doctors ask their patients to follow a heart-healthy diet. They may ask you to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Additionally, avoid consuming saturated fats, excessive salt, and sugary foods. Eat small, healthy meals frequently and stay hydrated for a quicker recovery.

How long does the procedure last?

PCI generally lasts 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. However, the time may depend on the number and site of blockages. Recovery in the hospital begins immediately after the procedure is completed.

Is there any risk of getting a PCI done?

Yes, but the risks are low. Potential problems include bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions. Therefore, discuss your health history with the doctor to reduce these risks.

How to prepare for PCI?

Your doctor will give you instructions. You need to fast for 6–8 hours beforehand. Additionally, adjustments to blood thinners or diabetes medications may be necessary.