Coronary Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting: An Effective Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a common health problem that can be life-threatening. When the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, the heart muscle receives insufficient blood and oxygen, causing chest pain and potentially leading to a heart attack.
Balloon angioplasty and stenting are highly effective medical procedures for treating coronary artery disease, helping patients recover faster.
Patients Who Should Receive This Treatment
1. Presence of Abnormal Symptoms
- Chest pain, especially during exertion or stress
- Shortness of breath or breathlessness during activities
- Decreased exercise capacity
- Unusual fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
2. Abnormal Diagnostic Test Results
- Coronary angiography showing more than 70% artery narrowing
- Abnormal findings in CT Coronary, Cardiac MRI, or Exercise Stress Test (EST)
3. Conditions Requiring Urgent Treatment
- Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Severe narrowing of coronary arteries at critical locations
Benefits of Balloon Angioplasty
- Quickly relieves chest pain
- Reduces the risk of acute myocardial infarction
- No need for open-chest surgery, leading to faster recovery
- Short procedure time, approximately 30-90 minutes
Coronary Stenting
A stent is a medical device made of metal or special plastic, shaped like a small mesh tube, designed to support the artery and keep it open after balloon angioplasty.
When Is Stenting Needed?
Doctors consider stenting when:
- The narrowed artery does not widen sufficiently after balloon angioplasty alone
- There is a risk of artery re-narrowing
- To improve long-term treatment effectiveness
Types of Stents
Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) are coated with a special polymer drug that gradually releases medication to the treated area, reducing tissue growth around the stent and lowering the risk of re-narrowing. They are more effective than bare-metal stents.
Stenting Procedure
- Stent Preparation: The stent is mounted on the tip of the balloon while still unexpanded
- Positioning: The stent is guided to the target location through a catheter
- Stent Expansion: The balloon is inflated, expanding the stent and pressing it against the artery wall
- Balloon Removal: The balloon is removed, leaving the stent permanently fixed to the artery wall
Balloon Angioplasty Treatment Process
- The doctor prepares the patient by administering local anesthesia, cleaning the procedure site, and setting up monitoring equipment to track vital signs during treatment
- A small, flexible catheter with a tiny balloon at the tip is inserted through the radial artery at the wrist or the femoral artery at the groin
- Contrast dye is used to visualize the arteries via X-ray imaging
- When the catheter reaches the narrowed artery, the balloon is inflated to compress the fatty deposits and calcium against the artery walls, widening the artery and improving blood flow
Preparation Before Treatment
- Fast from food and drink for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure
- Inform the doctor about all medications being taken, especially blood thinners
- Stop smoking at least 24 hours before the procedure
Post-Treatment Self-Care
- Take blood-thinning medications as prescribed, and consistently take medications for cholesterol and blood pressure control. Do not stop medications without consulting your doctor
- Adopt healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, controlling intake of high-fat, salty, and sugary foods
- Follow up with continuous medical care
If you experience any abnormal heart-related symptoms, promptly consult a specialist for evaluation and appropriate advice. Phyathai Sriracha Hospital is ready to provide comprehensive cardiac care with a specialized medical team and advanced technology, available 24 hours a day.
