What is Percutaneous Coronary Intervention PCI?
Also called angioplasty with stenting, PCI involves inserting a catheter into a blocked artery and inflating a balloon to restore blood flow. A stent (mesh tube) is then placed to keep the artery open. This improves blood flow to the heart and reduces symptoms like chest pain.
This procedure helps to:
- Open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries
- Relieve chest pain (angina)
- Reduce heart attack risk
- Improve exercise capacity
- Avoid more invasive open-heart surgery
What to expect after PCI?
Recovery is quick compared to surgery. Most patients stay in the hospital for a day and then gradually return to normal routines.
- Observation for bleeding at catheter site
- Mild soreness in groin or wrist area
- Instructions on blood-thinning medication use
- Restrictions on strenuous activity for a few days
- Follow-up visits to monitor artery healing
