Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Angioplasty)

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also called angioplasty, can clear blockages in your arteries and help you feel better. It will also reduce your risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Our highly trained cardiologists have extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures to open blocked arteries safely and effectively.

Types of PCI

PCI uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. While you’re relaxed but awake with sedation and a local anesthetic, your cardiologist will insert it into a small incision in your groin or wrist.

They’ll thread the catheter through the artery to your blockage and choose their approach based on your specific condition. Techniques could include:

• Atherectomy: The catheter is fitted with a tiny blade or laser that clears plaque from the artery walls.
• Balloon angioplasty: A balloon on the end of the catheter inflates to compress arterial plaque and widen the artery.
• Stenting: After your blockage is cleared, your cardiologist may place a stent. This small mesh tube will hold the artery open.

Whichever procedure you have, you should feel better immediately afterward, with less chest pain and more ability to do physical activity.

It’s likely that you’ll stay in the hospital overnight for observation and go home the next day.