What is Angio Surgery (Angioplasty)?

Comprehensive Guide to Angio Surgery: Types & Procedure

Angioplasty is a medical procedure that can restore blood flow to arteries clogged with atherosclerotic plaque, a buildup of plaque made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances. It is frequently used to relieve chest pain (angina) or to re-establish blood flow following a heart attack.

Read ahead to understand more about the types, risks, and other details about angio surgery.

What are the Types of Angio Surgery?

Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. Angioplasty comes in several forms, depending on the exact situation, such as:

1. Balloon Angioplasty: A small balloon is inflated inside the artery to press the plaque against its walls.
2. Stent Installation: Usually performed after a balloon angioplasty. A wire mesh tube (stent) is loaded into the artery to prop it open.
3. Drug-Eluting Stents:These stents are coated with medication to prevent the artery from narrowing again.
4. Laser Angioplasty:Uses laser energy to vaporize plaque.
5. Atherectomy: Removal of plaque with a rotating shaver or laser.
6. Cutting Balloon Angioplasty:A balloon containing tiny blades is passed through the artery to score and enlarge it.
7. Peripheral Angioplasty: Targets arteries outside the heart, such as those in the legs.
8. Carotid Angioplasty: Focuses on the carotid arteries in the neck to prevent strokes.
9. Renal Angioplasty: Addresses blockages in the arteries supplying the kidneys.

How is Angio Surgery Performed?

Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, most commonly caused by atherosclerosis. A doctor threads a long, thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist and guides it to the blocked artery in the heart.

A small balloon at the end of the catheter is also inflated to dilate the artery, pushing aside the plaque against its walls. A mesh tube known as a stent is typically inserted to hold the artery open. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn, leaving the stent behind.

This technique improves blood flow and relieves chest pain. Most patients are awake and are given local anesthesia.

What are the Risks of Angio Surgery?

Angioplasty, a process used to open partially or completely blocked arteries, also have some risks, such as:

1. Artery Re-narrowing (Restenosis): Treated arteries may narrow again, especially with bare-metal stents.
2. Blood Clots: Clots can form within stents, potentially leading to heart attacks.
3. Bleeding: Bleeding at the catheter insertion site is common; severe cases might require medical intervention.
4. Heart Attack: Though rare, a heart attack can occur during the procedure.
5. Artery Damage: The coronary artery may be torn or ruptured, necessitating emergency surgery.
6. Kidney Problems: Contrast dye used can harm kidneys, especially in those with pre-existing kidney issues.

Who Should Go for Angio Surgery?

Angioplasty is recommended for patients who suffer from chest pains (angina) that are not alleviated by medications, those who have a history of heart attack, or those with extensive blockage in their coronary arteries.

It is also considered when lifestyle changes and medications do not enhance heart health, for unstable angina, and for patients with high-risk markers like diabetes or a family history of heart disease.

Angioplasty may also be recommended for those who have left primary coronary artery disease or who repeatedly experience blockage following bypass surgery. It is based on the severity of the disease and overall health.

Since angioplasty is also quite an expensive treatment for the heart, it is essential to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times.

At Star Health, we offer comprehensive coverage for angio surgery under our Star Cardiac Care Insurance Policy. We also provide cashless claim settlements across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

Also Read:

→ How Serious is Cardiomyopathy

→ How to Check Heart Blockage at Home

→ Is Papaya Good for Heart Patients

→ What are the 4 Stages of Cardiomyopathy

→ How to Keep the Heart Healthy