What is it?
During angioplasty a very thin wire is passed across the narrowing through the same route as angiography; the narrowing is opened with a balloon and a drug-eluting stent is implanted to keep the artery open.
Who needs it?
Patients with acute heart attack, unstable angina, or significant narrowings confirmed by FFR/iFR or symptoms.
How is it done?
In complex lesions we use IVUS or OCT to size the vessel precisely and IVL or rotational atherectomy for calcium so that the stent expands fully — the strongest predictor of a durable result.
Before the procedure
Start dual antiplatelet therapy as prescribed, fast for 6 hours and bring all previous angiography CDs and reports.
After & recovery
Taking your antiplatelet medicines without interruption is vital. Cardiac rehabilitation and control of cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and smoking make the result last.
Risks & safety
Serious complications in planned PCI are uncommon: bleeding, vessel injury, stent thrombosis if medicines are stopped and, rarely, emergency surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Why a drug-eluting stent?
It releases medicine gradually and markedly reduces the risk of re-narrowing compared with a bare-metal stent.
When can I return to work?
Desk work usually after a few days; heavy work after 1–2 weeks as advised by your doctor.
This content does not replace an examination by your physician. For chest pain or severe shortness of breath, call your local emergency number immediately.