Explore The Advancements in Stenting Procedures for Blocked Heart Arteries
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad has a leading team of cardiologists who have done more than 1,00,000 Cath procedures overthe past 35 years.
Apollo Hospital is the first and only hospital to introduce Robotic Angioplasty for submillimetre precision in stent placement. We also have a range of cutting-edge technology like OCT, IVUS, FFR, IVL, Rota, Orbital, Impella to provide high-precision, effective block removal and ensuring safety during high-risk procedures.
We at Apollo Hospitals have unmatched expertise in performing all kinds of complex and high risk angioplasties like multi-vessel stenting,total arterial revascularization, left main stenting, bifurcation stenting, peripheral stenting and endovascular grafts.
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), also known as stenting or angioplasty, is a minimally invasive medical procedure utilised to address blockages or obstructions within the coronary arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart. This procedure facilitates the restoration of normal blood circulation to the heart muscle, relieving symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Consiquently, it enables individuals to resume their regular activities.
Angioplasty is preceded by a diagnostic procedure known as Angiogram, specifically Coronary Angiogram. This diagnostic step involves the exploration and visualisation of the blockage, aiming to completely understand the nature and characteristics of the obstruction. The information gathered during the Angiogram is crucial for determining the necessity and methodology of the subsequent angioplasty procedure.
PTCA involves the utilisation of stents, composed of either metal or plastic, that are strategically inserted into the obstructed pathway with the purpose of sustaining the patency of coronary arteries.
Our healthcare team, led by an interventional cardiologist delicately inserts a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groyne and sometimes in the arm, guiding it to your heart.
A specialised contrast dye is introduced for enhanced clarity, followed by the acquisition of X-ray images to visualise constricted arteries. On occasion, advanced technologies such as Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), or Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) may be employed to furnish high-resolution visibility, frequently mitigating the necessity for, or minimising the usage of contrast dye.
A balloon-tipped tube is then used to inflate and widen the narrowed artery, promoting improved blood flow to the heart, alleviating chest pain, and enhancing circulation. For complex cases, high end technologies like Rotablator, Orbital Atherectomy or IVL may be used to effectively remove blocks that may have hardened over time and are hence difficult to remove by using just a standard balloon. This entire process may also be done through robot-assisted means.
Better Blood Flow
Less Invasive
Quick Relief
Faster Recovery
Lower Costs
Improved Quality of Life
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) is recommended for individuals diagnosed with obstructive coronary artery disease, particularly those experiencing chest pain (angina) or deemed at high risk for heart-related complications. To ascertain the necessity of angioplasty, a series of screening tests, including ECG, Echo, Treadmill Test (TMT), X-Ray, and relevant blood tests, are initially prescribed by the attending cardiologist.
Any identified suspicion is corroborated through a comprehensive diagnostic procedure, such as a coronary angiogram or CT angiogram, to determine the specific indications and methodology for the angioplasty procedure. Following a thorough evaluation of these results, the cardiologist will provide informed recommendations tailored to the individual's medical condition.
Not all angioplasty cases are simple and straightforward. About one-third of the cases seen at Apollo Hospitals are those that are classified as complex or high-risk cases. This risk or complexity can be due to multiple blocks, hardened blocks or fragile patient conditions as a result of multiple comorbidities.
To perform such cases safely, the cardiology team requires strong expertise and access to advanced technology for clear visualisation of blockages, smooth treatment of hardened blocks, and maintaining patient vital stability during lengthy procedures. It is advisable to select a hospital with a well-established Emergency Department proficient in promptly managing heart attack cases.