Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) refers to a minimally invasive procedure performed by a healthcare professional to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels within the heart. It is commonly known as an angioplasty or coronary stenting.
During a PCI, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or arm, and guided towards the coronary artery. This catheter is equipped with a small balloon and, sometimes, a metal stent. The balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage, compressing the plaque and widening the artery, thereby restoring blood flow to the heart. In some cases, a stent is implanted to maintain the artery's patency.
Percutaneous coronary intervention is primarily used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even heart attack. PCI is aimed at relieving these symptoms, improving blood flow to the heart, and preventing further cardiac complications.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake, and the recovery time is often shorter compared to traditional open-heart surgery. However, as with any medical intervention, there are potential risks and complications associated with percutaneous coronary intervention, such as bleeding, blood clots, or damage to the blood vessels.
Overall, percutaneous coronary intervention has become a widely used technique for managing coronary artery disease, providing patients with an effective and less invasive treatment option in comparison to more invasive surgical procedures.
