Angioplastía coronaria

Summary

Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, is a procedure designed to restore blood flow in narrowed or blocked coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis or blood clots. The process involves inserting a catheter through the femoral artery, guiding it to the heart, and using a balloon to expand the artery, thus reopening it. In some cases, a stent is placed to keep the artery open. The procedure is monitored using fluoroscopy, and patients typically remain in the hospital for observation for several hours or overnight, depending on their condition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure to restore blood flow in narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
• 😀 The procedure begins with the insertion of an intravenous line and a heart monitor, and the patient is given a sedative to help them relax.
• 😀 Most coronary angioplasty procedures last between 30 minutes and 3 hours.
• 😀 The doctor anesthetizes the skin in the groin area and inserts a needle into the femoral artery to begin the procedure.
• 😀 A flexible tube, called a sheath, is inserted into the femoral artery after the needle is removed, providing access to the artery.
• 😀 Blood thinners are administered to reduce the risk of blood clots during the procedure.
• 😀 A flexible catheter is carefully guided to the heart using a guide wire, and X-ray images are monitored with a fluoroscope.
• 😀 A special dye is injected to highlight blockages in the coronary arteries during the X-ray imaging (angiogram).
• 😀 The doctor uses a balloon catheter to inflate and deflate, clearing the blockage and restoring blood flow.
• 😀 Some patients may have a coronary stent placed to keep the artery open permanently after the procedure.
• 😀 After the procedure, pressure is applied to the femoral artery to prevent bleeding, and the patient must rest flat for several hours for observation.

Q & A

What is coronary angioplasty designed to treat?

Coronary angioplasty is designed to restore blood flow in coronary arteries that are narrowed or blocked by atherosclerotic plaques or blood clots.

How is a patient prepared for the coronary angioplasty procedure?

The patient is prepared by placing an intravenous line and a cardiac monitor. They are also given a sedative, either intravenously or orally, to help them relax.

What is the typical duration of a coronary angioplasty procedure?

Most coronary angioplasty procedures last between 30 minutes and 3 hours.

Where is the needle inserted during the procedure?

The needle is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin area.

What is a sheath, and what role does it play during the procedure?

A sheath is a small, flexible tube placed after the needle is withdrawn. It provides access to the femoral artery, allowing the insertion of a catheter and other instruments for the procedure.

What is the purpose of administering a blood thinner during the procedure?

A blood thinner is administered to reduce the risk of blood clot formation during the angioplasty procedure.

How does the doctor visualize the coronary arteries during the procedure?

The doctor uses a fluoroscope, a device that continuously projects X-ray images, to monitor the procedure and guide the catheter to the heart.

What is the purpose of injecting a contrast dye into the arteries?

The contrast dye is injected to allow the fluoroscope to create X-ray images (angiograms) of the inside of the arteries, helping to identify blockages.

What is the function of a balloon catheter during the angioplasty?

The balloon catheter is inflated and deflated at the site of a blockage to push the artery walls outward, restoring blood flow.

What is a coronary stent, and when is it used in the procedure?

A coronary stent is a small metal mesh tube used to keep the artery open after it has been treated with angioplasty. It is placed when necessary to ensure the artery remains open.

What post-procedure care is required after coronary angioplasty?

After the procedure, pressure is applied to the femoral artery to prevent bleeding. The patient must remain lying down for several hours, and they will be monitored for signs of bleeding or chest pain. Discharge may occur the same day or after one night in the hospital.