Balloon Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention – PCI)

Before undergoing balloon angioplasty, patients are evaluated through diagnostic tests such as ECG, blood tests, and coronary angiography to identify the location and severity of arterial blockages. The healthcare team reviews the patient's medical history, including conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, to ensure the procedure is safe and effective. Patients are advised to fast for several hours before the procedure and may need to adjust medications, especially blood thinners, under medical guidance. The insertion site, usually the wrist or groin, is prepared and sterilized. Proper counselling is provided to help patients understand the procedure, which reduces anxiety and ensures cooperation during treatment.

On the day of the procedure, the patient is taken to a specialized catheterization laboratory. Local anesthesia is administered at the catheter insertion site, allowing the patient to remain awake but comfortable throughout the procedure. A thin catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the blocked coronary artery. Once positioned, a small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated at the site of blockage. This compresses the plaque against the artery walls, restoring blood flow. In most cases, a stent—a small mesh tube—is placed to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing. The entire procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Patients may feel mild pressure during balloon inflation, but it is generally well tolerated. After completion, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.

After balloon angioplasty, patients are monitored in a recovery area where vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure are observed closely. If the procedure is performed through the wrist, recovery is quicker, allowing patients to sit up and walk within a few hours. For groin access, patients may need to lie flat for a longer period. Most patients are discharged within 24 to 48 hours, depending on their condition. Medications such as antiplatelet drugs are prescribed to prevent clot formation and ensure the stent remains open. Patients are also advised to follow lifestyle modifications, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation, to maintain long-term results.