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What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty, Balloon Angioplasty, or Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure to open up narrowed or blocked blood vessels or obstructed veins and arteries. Angioplasty is typically used to treat atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque inside the arteries that can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Coronary angioplasty is carried out in more than 2 million patients annually worldwide. A small balloon is inserted into the affected blood vessel and inflated. The balloon forcefully expands the blood vessel and the surrounding muscular wall, improving the blood flow. Along with the balloon, a stent may also be inserted to ensure the blood vessel remains open and the blood continues to flow without any obstacle. Later, the balloon is deflated and withdrawn.

Overview

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Who Can Undergo Balloon Angioplasty?
  • Symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath that cannot be relieved by medication or lifestyle changes.
  • Blockages or narrowings in their coronary arteries that are causing reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • A blockage that cannot be widened by any procedure other than angioplasty.
  • No major bleeding disorders or allergies to the medications used during the procedure.
  • No severe kidney or liver disease that might alter the outcome of the procedure.
  • No severe heart valve disease or heart failure.
  • No extensive blood clots or scar tissue that could make the procedure difficult or dangerous.
What Does Angioplasty Treat?
  • Atherosclerosis - a condition in which plaque made of fat and cholesterol builds up on the walls of the arteries. In simple terms, angioplasty treats blocked arteries. The procedure can treat atherosclerosis or artery blockage in different body parts.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease - Atherosclerosis in the arms, legs, and pelvis arteries.
  • Coronary Artery Disease - Blockage in arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
  • Carotid Artery Disease - Blocked arteries in the neck. Blockage in the neck arteries can lead to stroke.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease - Build-up of plaque in the kidneys' arteries.
Risks and Complications of Balloon Angioplasty?
  • Bleeding or bruising at the site where the catheter is inserted
  • Blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke
  • Damage or tear in the arteries
  • Restenosis, or the re-narrowing of the artery that was treated
  • Coronary artery dissection (tear in the artery wall)
  • Kidney damage due to the contrast dye used during the procedure
  • Irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias
  • Infection at the catheter insertion site
  • Heart attack or stroke
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What Happens in Angioplasty - Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis Before Angioplasty

Angioplasty does not typically require any diagnostic tests. But the cardiovascular doctor might have to run a few tests to confirm if the patient is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Before confirming an angioplasty, your doctor may perform the following tests to diagnose your overall health condition and determine if angioplasty is appropriate for you. Common tests recommended before angioplasty include:

  • Physical exam – Your doctor will perform a physical exam to evaluate your symptoms and medical history.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) – An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify any irregularities in the coronary system.
  • Echocardiogram – An echocardiogram creates images of the heart and can show any abnormalities in the heart’s structure or function.
  • Stress test – A stress test measures your heart’s response to physical activity and can help diagnose coronary artery disease. It is not a prerequisite for angioplasty, but knowing the vitals may help the doctor prepare better for the surgery.
  • Coronary angiogram – A coronary angiogram is an X-ray of your heart that uses dye to show the blood flow in the arteries. This test helps to determine the location and severity of any blockages.

Angioplasty Treatment

  • Before the procedure, the doctor will give a sedative and a local anesthetic to help you relax and numb the area where the catheter will be inserted. The surgeon will make you lie on an x-ray table and check for your vitals, including the heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, etc.
  • The surgeon will make a small incision in your skin and insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in your groin, arm, or wrist. The doctor will use X-ray imaging to guide the catheter to the blood vessels at the site of the blockage in your artery. The catheter will have a small balloon at the end.
  • Once the catheter reaches the site of the blockage, the balloon at the end of the catheter shall be inflated to push the plaque against the artery wall. This will widen the narrowed passage and allow blood to flow freely. In some patients, this part of the treatment might be required to repeat multiple times.
  • In some patients, a tiny stent may be placed in the artery to help keep the arteries open. The stent supports the artery walls and prevents them from collapsing in the future.
  • Once the blockage is cleared and the stent is placed, the surgeon removes the catheter and closes the incision site with a small bandage or compression device.

Why Pristyn Care?

Delivering Seamless Surgical Experience in Bangladesh

01.

Consultation For 50+ Diseases Across Bangladesh

Pristyn Care provides consultation for 50+ diseases and treatments such as Piles, Hernia, Kidney Stones, Cataract, Gynecomastia, Circumcision etc. across 3+ major cities in Bangladesh.

02.

Medical Expertise With Technology

Our surgeons spend a lot of time with you to diagnose your condition. You are assisted in all pre-surgery medical diagnostics. We offer advanced laser and laparoscopic surgical treatment. Our procedures are USFDA approved.

03.

Assisted Surgery Experience

A dedicated Care Coordinator assists you throughout the surgery journey from insurance paperwork, to free commute from home to hospital & back and admission-discharge process at the hospital.

04.

Post Surgery Care

We offer follow-up consultations and instructions including dietary tips as well as exercises to every patient to ensure they have a smooth recovery to their daily routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is balloon angioplasty safe?

Angioplasty is considered safe and effective for treating blocked or narrowed blood vessels. The procedure has been performed for many years and has a high success rate, with few complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with balloon angioplasty. The complications may include bleeding, infection, allergic reaction to contrast dye, damage to blood vessels or organs, or anesthesia-related complications.

It is crucial to consult with an experienced cardiac expert to prevent any surgical complications involved with angioplasty. Contact Pristyn Care to get in touch with some of the best cardiovascular surgeons in Bangladesh for balloon angioplasty.

What does the stent in angioplasty do?

The stent helps keep the arteries open after the balloon angioplasty procedure. The stent is a small, mesh-like metal tube placed in the artery to keep it open and prevent the arteries from narrowing again. The stent is usually inserted over a balloon catheter during the angioplasty procedure. Stenting has become a standard treatment for artery blockages and is often performed along with balloon angioplasty.

Is balloon angioplasty a permanent treatment?

Angioplasty results may be temporary or permanent, depending on the individual case. In some cases, if the blockage is small or the underlying condition that caused the blockage has been addressed, balloon angioplasty can provide a permanent solution, especially. However, the blockage may recur over time in severe cases, requiring additional procedures or surgeries. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your case and discuss the potential for recurrence and the need for follow-up procedures or medications. Following your doctor’s instructions carefully after balloon angioplasty is important to minimize the risk of recurrence and ensure the best possible outcome.

How is Bypass Surgery different from angioplasty?

Angioplasty and Bypass Surgery are both treatments for blocked arteries. However, the difference between the two lies in how the procedures are performed. As the name suggests, bypass surgery is a surgical treatment to open clogged arteries. On the other hand, angioplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure to treat blockage of the arteries.
Angioplasty is performed to treat small arterial blockages. But bypass surgery is typically used to treat extensive blockages.

How long does angioplasty take?

A typical angioplasty procedure takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. However, the preparation time before the procedure, which can include administering anesthesia and preparing the patient for the procedure, may add additional time.

What is the cost of balloon angioplasty (angiogram) in Bangladesh?

The cost of balloon angioplasty or angiogram in Bangladesh may range from ____ to ____. However, the cost is subject to change depending on the extent of the blockage treated, the hospital where the treatment is done, the experience and expertise of the cardiovascular surgeon, other healthcare complications, etc.

What are the Benefits of Balloon Angioplasty?

Balloon angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat blockages or narrowings in the coronary arteries. Some benefits of balloon angioplasty include:

  • Improved blood flow – Balloon angioplasty can widen a narrowed or blocked artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This can reduce symptoms such as chest pain.
  • Minimally invasive – Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, balloon angioplasty is minimally invasive. The procedure does not require a large incision or prolonged recovery time.
  • Shorter recovery time – Since the procedure involves no incision, the recovery time is comparatively much shorter.
  • Shorter hospital stay – Most patients can go home the same day or within a day or two after balloon angioplasty. The shorter hospital stay reduces healthcare costs significantly.
  • Lower risk of complications – Balloon angioplasty treatment is associated with a lower infection risk or bleeding risk.
  • Improved quality of life – For people with coronary artery disease or artery blockages, balloon angioplasty can help improve quality of life.

Questions To Ask Your Cardiologist Before Balloon Angioplasty

Getting answers to your concerns from a cardiologist can help you better prepare for the proceure. You may ask your cardiovascular surgeon these questions before undergoing balloon angioplasty.

  • What is the purpose of balloon angioplasty, and how does it work?
  • What are my alternatives to balloon angioplasty?
  • Will angioplasty and stenting save my life?
  • What kind of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  • How long does the procedure take?
  • How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
  • What kind of care will I need after the procedure, and what should I expect during my recovery?
  • Are there any restrictions or limitations on my activities after the procedure?
  • What are the chances of the blockage recurring after balloon angioplasty?
  • How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the procedure, and what tests will be performed?
  • What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem after the procedure, and when should I contact my doctor?

Recovery After Angioplasty Surgery?

After Balloon Angioplasty, the doctor will monitor the vital signs and let you head home in a day or two, once he deems fit.

  • You must rest several hours after the procedure to allow the anesthesia to wear off and monitor for any complications. The recovery time will depend on the extent of the procedure and your overall health.
  • There might be some pain or discomfort at the site of the procedure, which can be managed with medication.
  • You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or other activities that could stress the affected area for a certain period of time after the procedure.
  • Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of complications. It is important to take these medications as prescribed.
  • You must schedule follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor the progress and assess the procedure’s effectiveness.

Following your doctor’s instructions carefully ensures a successful recovery after balloon angioplasty.

Lifestyle Changes After Angioplasty

Lifestyle modifications are essential for the long-term success of angioplasty. Here are some recommended lifestyle changes after angioplasty:

  • Quit smoking – This is the most important thing a person can do to improve their heart health.
  • Follow a healthy diet for the heart – Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
  • Stay physically active – Indulge in mild to moderate cardio exercises to improve heart health and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
  • Maintain a healthy weight – Maintain a healthy body weight to cut down the risks of suffering heart disease.
  • Take medications as prescribed – Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and other conditions that can contribute to heart disease.
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