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Percutaneous
Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a specialized procedure to open up a coronary
artery which is narrowed due to plaque build-up. A fine tube, or catheter, is
threaded from the artery in the groin, up to the site of the blockage in the
heart. The balloon-tip of the catheter is inflated to press the plaque back
against the wall of the artery. When the catheter is removed, the artery
remains open wider than before, allowing more blood and oxygen to get to the
heart muscle.
In some cases, a tiny wire coil, or stent, is inserted with the
catheter to help stabilize the newly opened area of plaque. Stents are not
necessary for all patients and the Cardiologist makes the decision during the
procedure.
Specialized Cardiologists perform PCI procedures. They receive
extensive training in both General Cardiology and Invasive Cardiology
(performing angiograms and angioplasties). Cardiac surgeons are trained
differently, for surgical procedures, and do not perform PCI.
How long does an angioplasty procedure usually take?
The average PCI takes approximately one hour to perform,
followed by a recovery phase of 12-16 hours. Most patients remain in hospital
overnight and go home the following day.
PCI does not treat heart disease, which is a chronic disease
process related to genetics, lifestyle, diet and other factors. However, it
effectively treats the symptoms which result from the narrowing of arteries
such as extreme fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients usually
are able to resume their regular activities quickly following their PCI
procedure, then follow-up with their physicians to ensure that they control the
underlying factors which contributed to their disease process.
What does Stand-Alone Angioplasty mean?
Stand-Alone angioplasty means that the service is provided in
Centres without Cardiac surgery. In these cases, Centres must make arrangement
for surgical backup within a short time-frame and reasonable distance. TBRHSC
in partnership with the air and land ambulance systems has emergency back up in
Duluth, Minnesota.
When is cardiac surgery recommended over angioplasty?
A number of patients cannot be effectively treated with PCI and
require long-term medications or a coronary bypass operation. This could be due
to the extensive nature of their disease or the location of a single narrowing
in an artery. Also, some patients have other medical conditions which could
make surgery a better option.
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