Angioplasty

There are numerous risk factors that can lead an individual to experience cardiovascular disease. To address this problem, heart doctors will first identify the condition of the heart and decide what necessary treatment to perform. One such treatment is angioplasty.

Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, is a procedure that is administered to open coronary arteries that are either narrowed or blocked. During this treatment, a tiny balloon catheter is inserted into a blocked blood vessel to restore blood flow or widen it. Nowadays, modern angioplasty integrates the use of a stent, which is a wire mesh tube that is inserted into the arteries to help the arteries open by allowing the blood to flow more freely and minimizing the chance of narrowing again. Usually, stenting is performed when patients have one or two minor blockages. After the procedure, patients are quickly discharged, and within a week, they can go back to their day-to-day activities.

Possible candidates for angioplasty surgery in the Philippines are individuals who are diagnosed with atherosclerosis, a condition wherein plaque builds up inside the arteries, severe angina or chest pain, or heart attacks. Individuals who also have conditions that reduce blood flow because of the narrowing of the coronary or peripheral arteries are also viable candidates for the said treatment.

Angioplasty surgery is considered a safe procedure due to its minimally invasive nature. However, risks and complications can occur, such as:

• Heart attack or stroke
• Re-narrowing of the artery
• Bleeding or bruising under the skin where the sheath was placed
• Allergic reaction due to the dye used during the procedure
• Damage to the coronary artery from the catheter
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Blood clots
• Excessive bleeding

Preparing for Angioplasty

There are some preparations that patients might go through before having an angioplasty. These include talking with the healthcare provider to discuss any matters regarding the surgery, such as allergies, as well as sharing medical histories. They will also go through some blood tests, x-rays, and a general checkup to verify if they are fit for the surgery. Patients will also undergo an angiogram in the Philippines to check for blockages in the arteries.

Other preparations might include adjusting or stopping medications such as aspirin, blood thinners, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as these can affect the surgery. Asking for help from family members or friends is also needed to assist patients in going home after the surgery.

The Angioplasty Procedure

During the procedure, the surgeon will create a small incision in the patient’s groin, wrist, or arm. Local anesthesia will be given to numb the skin, and sedatives will be given to make the patients relaxed as the treatment is performed. A sheath or a small tube is inserted into the artery to keep it open. After that, a catheter will be passed through the sheath to reach the left or right coronary artery. To help the surgeon have an easier time looking at the inside of the blood vessels and locating the blockage on angiograms or x-ray images, contrast dye is injected into the catheter. At the tip of the catheter, a tiny balloon is attached that will be inflated at the blocked arteries to widen them. Once the artery is widened, the balloon will be inflated, followed by the removal of the catheter.

Stent

During the procedure, the surgeon will create a small incision in the patient’s groin, wrist, or arm. Local anesthesia will be given to numb the skin, and sedatives will be given to make the patients relaxed as the treatment is performed. A sheath or a small tube is inserted into the artery to keep it open. After that, a catheter will be passed through the sheath to reach the left or right coronary artery. To help the surgeon have an easier time looking at the inside of the blood vessels and locating the blockage on angiograms or x-ray images, contrast dye is injected into the catheter. At the tip of the catheter, a tiny balloon is attached that will be inflated at the blocked arteries to widen them. Once the artery is widened, the balloon will be inflated, and the catheter will be removed.

Choosing Asian Hospital for Angioplasty

Asian Hospital is a medical institute that offers international-standard medical services to every Filipino. One of its premier services is the Asian Cardiovascular Institute, which is an advanced cardiovascular facility that provides patients with complete and personalized diagnostic and treatment services in regards to heart problems. It has a professional and experienced staff, which includes some of the top-notch cardiologists in the Philippines, making sure that patients receive a holistic medical approach. Additionally, as a heart surgery hospital in the Philippines, it uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the safety and recovery of patients.

So, if you are looking for a cardiology hospital in the Philippines, call 8771 1198 and visit Asian Hospital today.

What happens after angioplasty?

Once the procedure is done, the catheter will be taken out, and a bandage will be used to cover the incision. A sore or bruise may occur on that area of the patient’s skin. In terms of the patient’s health, they will experience improved blood flow in their coronary arteries.

What is the recovery time of angioplasty surgery?

Patients may have varying recovery rates. For those who have non-emergency angioplasty, it will take one week to return to their normal day-to-day activities. On the other hand, patients who have angioplasty due to a heart attack may need weeks or months for their full recovery and to resume their daily activities.