Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting
Opening a narrowed heart artery with a balloon and stent, performed through the wrist or groin.
Stay
Inpatient
Duration
About 45-90 minutes
Anaesthesia
Local, at the access site
About Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting
Angioplasty widens a narrowed coronary artery using a small balloon, and usually leaves a stent in place to hold the artery open. It is performed through a catheter rather than open surgery, in the same cath lab used for angiography.
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about coronary angioplasty & stenting. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest coronary angioplasty & stenting.
- Significant narrowing found on angiography
- Ongoing angina despite medication
- Selected patients during or after a heart attack
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Decision and consent
Your cardiologist explains the findings from angiography and why stenting is being recommended.
Procedure
A balloon is guided to the narrowing and inflated, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open.
Monitoring
You are monitored on the ward, with the access site checked regularly.
Medication and follow-up
Blood-thinning medication is started and must be taken exactly as prescribed, with follow-up appointments arranged.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Blood tests, ECG and a review of your current medication
- Blood-thinning medication is usually started beforehand
- Fasting for a few hours before the procedure
- Arrange for someone to take you home after discharge
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Most patients stay one night for monitoring
- Blood-thinning medication must be taken exactly as prescribed
- Light activity within days; your cardiologist will advise on returning to work
- Cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up are arranged before you leave
Why choose Humayun?
What you can expect from us, whichever department you come in through.
Experienced specialists
Consultants who perform these procedures routinely, not occasionally.
Everything on one campus
Theatres, critical care, diagnostics and pharmacy in the same building, so care is not split across sites.
Safety you can check
Infection control, consent and clinical protocols audited against national accreditation standards.
In-house diagnostics
Laboratory and imaging on site, so results reach your doctor the same day rather than after a referral.
Clear about cost
You are told what a treatment involves and what it is likely to cost before you consent to it.
Support around the clock
A 24×7 emergency department and critical care units, whatever time you need us.
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in Cardiology
Coronary Angiography
A cath lab test that shows where the heart's arteries are narrowed, using contrast dye and X-ray imaging.
Stent Implantation
A small metal scaffold placed inside a narrowed coronary artery to hold it open after it has been widened.
Temporary Pacemaker
A short-term wire that keeps the heart beating at a safe rate while the underlying cause of a slow rhythm is treated.
Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
A small device implanted under the skin below the collarbone that keeps the heart beating at a safe rate for years.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Care
Emergency assessment and treatment for chest pain caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart.
Myocardial Infarction Management
Treatment of a heart attack, from opening the blocked artery to the medication and rehabilitation that follow.
Heart Failure Management
Long-term treatment for a heart that is not pumping efficiently, aimed at symptoms, admissions and life expectancy.
Arrhythmia Evaluation & Management
Investigation and treatment of an irregular, fast or slow heartbeat, including monitoring worn at home.