Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure to reopen a blocked coronary artery. Fat and harmful cholesterol can get stuck in the coronary arteries and prevent smooth blood flow throughout the body. A coronary angioplasty is a less invasive surgery that utilises a surgical balloon or stent to maintain a steady blood flow.

Patients require coronary intervention when plaque which is waxy fat, builds inside the arteries and solidifies. Plaque building up and hardening within the restricted space of the arteries is a condition referred to as atherosclerosis. The accumulation of fat in the arteries increases the risk of heart disease and reduces the steady flow of blood throughout the heart. The poor flow of blood causes chest pain that can become difficult to manage.

Percutaneous coronary intervention is a common form of treatment for a sudden heart attack. This is because the procedure is done to open the blood vessels quickly to speed up blood flow. 

How do you perform a percutaneous coronary intervention?

A calming sedative helps keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. While conscious, you will not feel anything during the coronary angioplasty. First, Dr Hassen passes a sheath, a tube, into the blood vessel in the arm or upper thigh. Then, he guides a catheter via the sheath to the heart. Next, he injects a contrast agent using x-ray imaging to see where the catheter is. Next, a balloon at the edge of the catheter is inflated to widen the blocked artery. If a stent is needed to keep the artery open, Dr Hassen will place one there. Finally, he removes the catheter and seals the site using a compression bandage if the incision was made on the arm or stitches and a collagen plug if it was made on the thigh.

Percutaneous coronary intervention enhances blood flow and treats chest pain and shortness of breath, typical symptoms of a blocked coronary artery that needs to be treated immediately.