Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to open up blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Percutaneous: This means the procedure is performed through the skin, typically using a small puncture in the wrist or groin.
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Coronary: This refers to the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle.
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Intervention: This indicates a medical procedure is being performed to correct a problem.
How PCI Works
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
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Access: A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the wrist or groin.
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Guidance: Using X-ray imaging (angiography), the catheter is guided to the blocked or narrowed coronary artery.
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Angioplasty: A balloon-tipped catheter is advanced to the blockage. The balloon is inflated, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and widening the artery.
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Stenting (Often): A small, expandable mesh tube called a stent is usually placed in the opened artery to help keep it open. The stent acts as a scaffold, providing support to the artery wall.
Why is PCI Performed?
PCI is performed to:
- Relieve chest pain (angina)
- Improve blood flow to the heart
- Reduce the risk of heart attack
- Treat a heart attack in progress
Types of Stents
There are two main types of stents:
- Bare-metal stents (BMS): These are made of metal and have no coating.
- Drug-eluting stents (DES): These are coated with medication that helps prevent the artery from narrowing again (restenosis). DES are now more commonly used than BMS.
Potential Risks and Complications
While PCI is generally safe, potential risks and complications can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye
- Blood clots
- Artery damage
- Restenosis (narrowing of the artery again)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Example
Imagine a pipe (coronary artery) that's become clogged with debris (plaque). PCI is like using a tool to clear the blockage and then inserting a support structure (stent) to keep the pipe open.
In summary, percutaneous coronary intervention is a vital procedure for treating coronary artery disease, using minimally invasive techniques to restore blood flow to the heart and alleviate related symptoms.
