3 Types of Angioplasty

3 Types of Angioplasty:

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, typically arteries, to restore proper blood flow. It is most commonly performed on coronary arteries (heart arteries) but can also be used for peripheral arteries (legs, kidneys, or carotid arteries).

Types of Angioplasty

1. Coronary Angioplasty (PCI – Percutaneous Coronary Intervention)
   • Used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup).
   • Helps relieve symptoms like angina (chest pain) and prevent heart attacks.
2. Peripheral Angioplasty
   • Treats blockages in arteries outside the heart (e.g., legs, arms, kidneys).
   • Used for conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
3. Carotid Angioplasty
   • Opens narrowed carotid arteries (neck arteries supplying the brain).
   • Reduces stroke risk.

Procedure Steps

1. Preparation
   • Local anesthesia is applied at the insertion site (usually the groin or wrist).
   • A catheter (thin tube) is inserted into an artery and guided to the blockage using X-ray imaging.
2. Balloon Inflation
   • A small balloon at the catheter’s tip is inflated to compress the plaque and widen the artery.
3. Stent Placement (Optional)
   • Often, a stent (metal mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open.
   • Drug-eluting stents (coated with medication) help prevent re-narrowing.
4. Completion
   • The catheter is removed, and the insertion site is closed with pressure or a closure device.

Indications for Angioplasty

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) causing chest pain or heart attack.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causing leg pain or non-healing wounds.
• Renal artery stenosis leading to high blood pressure or kidney dysfunction.
• Carotid artery disease increasing stroke risk.

Risks & Complications

• Bleeding or bruising at the insertion site.
• Blood vessel damage or infection.
• Blood clots inside the stent (stent thrombosis).
• Restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery).
• Rare complications: Heart attack, stroke, or kidney injury (from contrast dye).

Recovery & Aftercare

• Hospital Stay: Usually 1–2 days for observation.
• Activity: Avoid heavy lifting for a few days.
• Medications:
  • Antiplatelets (Aspirin, Clopidogrel) to prevent clots.
  • Statins to control cholesterol.
  • Blood pressure medications if needed.
• Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking.

Alternatives to Angioplasty

• Medications (for mild blockages).
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) (for multiple severe blockages).
• Atherectomy (plaque removal using a special device).

Success Rates & Long-Term Outcomes

• High success rate (over 90% for coronary angioplasty).
• Stents reduce re-narrowing, but lifestyle changes are crucial.
• Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist are necessary.

Conclusion

Angioplasty is a life-saving procedure for blocked arteries, improving blood flow and reducing symptoms. While minimally invasive, it requires proper aftercare to prevent complications and recurrence.