Coronary angioplasty is a technique used to enlarge the coronary arteries (the main blood vessels supplying the heart) that are blocked or narrowed. The word "angioplasty" means to open a narrowed or blocked artery by using a balloon to stretch.
Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked heart blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply blood to the heart. This is done with the help of thin balloons within the blocked artery. A short, mesh-like tube called stent is expanded inside the coronary artery to retain the structure of the opened artery. The stent is immediately placed after angioplasty, in most people.
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive technique used to open small or blocked arteries accompanied with stent placement. Depending on the location of the artery affected, this technique is used in various parts of the body.
Coronary angioplasty presents a risk of complications, as in all forms of surgery. The risk of serious issues, however, is minimal. During or after angioplasty, complications may occur. Bleeding or bruising under the skin, where the catheter has been inserted is common.
Normally, it will take a couple of weeks to get back to regular activities after angioplasty. Before leaving the hospital patient would be given detailed instructions on exercise, medications and follow-up appointments.
In India, the average cost of angioplasty is approximately from Rs 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh. However, the prices may change based on the hospitals in each city.