Angioplasty is a procedure that is used to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease. It'll restore blood flow to the heart muscle without needing to undergo open-heart surgery. Angioplasty can be done in emergency settings, such as heart attacks. In the term angioplasty, “angio” means blood vessel, and “plasty” is opening up.
The cost for angioplasty surgery may vary based on the patient's specific surgical needs, surgeons' fees, and anesthesia and surgery center or hospital fees.
30 minutes to 2hours is expected for coronary angioplasty, although it can take longer. For this procedure, you’ll lay on your back on an X-ray table, while linked up to a heart monitor and given a local anesthetic to numb your skin.
Angioplasty is not considered major surgery. Usually, the patient is under conscious or moderate sedation in a cardiovascular catheterization laboratory. Angioplasty is done by threading a thin tube, called a catheter, through a small puncture in a leg or arm artery.
During this procedure, you may feel pressure where the catheter is inserted. Also, as the balloon is inflated and your artery is stretched, mild discomfort is expected. But overall there shouldn’t be any sharp pain felt during this procedure.
Angioplasty is done to open blocked coronary arteries. During this, blood flow is returned to the heart muscle without open-heart surgery. Angioplasty can be done in an emergency setting such as a heart attack. This procedure puts a long, thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel and guides it to the blocked coronary artery. A long, thin tube (catheter) is put into a blood vessel during angioplasty and guided toward the blocked coronary artery. The catheter has a tiny balloon at its tip. Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is inflated at the narrowed area of the heart artery; pressing the plaque or blood clot against the sides of the artery, making more room for blood flow. Not all coronary artery disease (CAD) can be treated with angioplasty.
Angioplasty is a medical procedure that is primarily used to treat conditions associated with narrowed or blocked blood vessels, particularly in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the coronary arteries, responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol and plaque on their inner walls. This condition can lead to serious complications such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and even heart attacks.
The angioplasty procedure involves the insertion of a catheter with a small balloon at its tip into the affected artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, thereby widening the vessel and restoring proper blood flow to the heart muscle. Often, a stent—a small wire mesh tube—is also placed during the procedure to help keep the artery open long-term.
Apart from CAD, angioplasty can also be used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, usually the legs, become blocked. Similarly, it can address renal artery stenosis, a condition where the arteries that provide blood to the kidneys are narrowed, and carotid artery disease, which involves blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Angioplasty, a medical procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries, is typically recommended for individuals experiencing significant heart-related symptoms or those who have suffered a heart attack. The primary candidates for angioplasty are those with coronary artery disease (CAD), where the coronary arteries become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
Patients who benefit most from angioplasty are those experiencing unstable angina or a heart attack. Unstable angina is a condition characterized by severe chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, signaling that a heart attack might be imminent. In such emergency situations, angioplasty can be life-saving, as it quickly restores blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing damage and improving survival rates.
Individuals who have stable angina, which is chest pain that occurs with activity or stress, may also be considered for angioplasty if their symptoms are not adequately controlled with medication. In these cases, angioplasty can significantly improve quality of life by reducing pain and increasing the ability to perform daily activities.
Angioplasty may also be advised after a stress test indicates a potential blockage in one or more of the heart's arteries. If the stress test results suggest that blood flow is significantly restricted during exercise, angioplasty can help prevent a heart attack by improving blood supply to the heart muscle.
It's important to note that not everyone with CAD needs angioplasty. Many individuals with mild symptoms or those whose condition is stable can manage their disease effectively with medications and lifestyle changes. These non-invasive treatments can be just as effective for preventing heart attacks and death as angioplasty in certain cases.
Possible risks linked to angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, and related procedures include:
Bleeding at the site where the catheter is put into the body (usually the groin, wrist, or arm)
Blood clot or damage to the blood vessel from the catheter
A blood clot within the treated blood vessel
Infection at the catheter insertion site
Abnormal heart rhythms
Heart attack
Stroke
Chest pain or discomfort
Rupture of the coronary artery or complete closing of the coronary artery, needing open-heart surgery
Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used
Kidney damage from the contrast dye
In case a patient goes under a planned coronary angioplasty, they should be able to return to work after a week. But for patients who need emergency angioplasty following a heart attack, it may be several weeks or months before they recover fully and can return to work.
The process begins with the patient receiving a mild sedative to help them relax, but they remain conscious throughout the procedure. The area where the catheter will be inserted, typically the groin or wrist, is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. The doctor then makes a small puncture in the skin and inserts a thin tube called a sheath into the artery. Through this sheath, a long, flexible tube called a catheter is threaded up to the coronary arteries using X-ray images as a guide.
Once the catheter reaches the narrowed section of the artery, a small balloon at its tip is inflated. This balloon pushes the fatty deposits, or plaque, against the artery walls, which helps to widen the artery and restore blood flow to the heart. The balloon is then deflated and removed. In many cases, a stent—a small, wire mesh tube—is placed in the artery to help keep it open. The stent is mounted on a balloon at the tip of the catheter. When the balloon is inflated, the stent expands and locks into place. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn while the stent stays in the artery permanently.
After the procedure, the sheath is removed, and pressure is applied to the entry site to prevent bleeding. The patient is then taken to a recovery area for monitoring. They may need to lie flat for several hours to avoid bleeding from the catheter insertion site. Most patients are able to go home the same day or the next morning.
Angioplasty significantly improves symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. It can also increase the patient's ability to perform physical activities that were previously too difficult. While angioplasty is less invasive than open-heart surgery, it still carries risks such as bleeding, blood clots, and artery damage. However, serious complications are rare, and the procedure has a high success rate in relieving symptoms of blocked arteries.
Preparing for an angioplasty is a critical step to ensure the procedure's success and minimize potential risks. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to prepare:
Medical Evaluation: Initially, the patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination and a review of their medical history. This assessment helps the cardiologist determine the patient's suitability for angioplasty and identify any potential risks.
Diagnostic Tests: Before the procedure, several diagnostic tests such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a coronary angiogram may be performed. These tests provide valuable information about the heart's condition and the extent of coronary artery disease.
Medications: The doctor may prescribe or adjust medications prior to angioplasty. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. It's crucial to follow the doctor's instructions regarding which medications to take or avoid before the procedure.
Fasting: Patients are usually required to fast for 6-8 hours before the angioplasty. This means no food or drink, except for small sips of water to take any necessary medications.
Arranging Transportation: Since patients are given sedatives during the procedure, they will not be able to drive afterward. It's important to arrange for someone to drive them home from the hospital.
Personal Items: Patients should bring a list of their current medications, insurance information, and personal items they may need during their hospital stay, such as glasses or dentures.
Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the hospital. Patients will change into a hospital gown for the procedure, but comfortable clothes will be needed for the journey home.
Allergies: Inform the medical team of any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye, which is commonly used during angioplasty to visualize the arteries.
Consent: The patient will be asked to sign a consent form explaining angioplasty's risks and benefits. They should read this form carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Emotional Preparation: It's natural to feel anxious before a medical procedure. Patients should discuss any fears or concerns with their doctor, who can provide reassurance and information.
By meticulously following these preparation steps, patients can help ensure a smoother angioplasty procedure and recovery. It's also a good opportunity to discuss any lifestyle changes that may be necessary post-procedure to maintain heart health and prevent future blockages.
Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure that has revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease. It involves the insertion of a catheter with a small balloon at its tip into a narrowed segment of a coronary artery. The balloon is then inflated to open up the artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Often, a stent, which is a small wire mesh tube, is placed in the artery to keep it open long-term.
The benefits of angioplasty are numerous and significant. Firstly, it can rapidly alleviate symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath, which can improve a patient's quality of life. By restoring blood flow, angioplasty can also reduce the risk of a heart attack and increase the chances of survival if one occurs. For many patients, the procedure allows them to return to their normal activities within a few weeks, with many reporting that they can do more and feel better than before the procedure.
Another advantage of angioplasty is that it is less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery. The procedure typically requires only local anesthesia, involves a shorter hospital stay, and results in a quicker recovery time. This particularly benefits older patients or those with other health conditions that make surgery riskier.
Angioplasty can also prevent the progression of disease in the treated arteries, potentially reducing the need for more invasive procedures in the future. It's an efficient way to get blood flowing to the heart again quickly, which is crucial after a heart attack to minimize damage to the heart muscle.
In terms of long-term outcomes, patients who undergo angioplasty often experience a significant reduction in the incidence of recurrent chest pain, and the need for additional medication may be decreased. The procedure also has a good track record of safety and effectiveness, with continual advancements in technology and technique further improving its success rate.
Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who suffer from coronary artery issues.
Angioplasty, a life-saving procedure that opens blocked arteries to restore blood flow to the heart, is not only a medical marvel but also an economic consideration for patients. In Iran, the cost of angioplasty is remarkably lower compared to many other countries, making it an attractive destination for medical tourism. The cost of coronary angioplasty in Iran ranges around 1500-2500 USD. This is a fraction of what patients might pay in the United States, where the same procedure can cost upwards of $28,000.
The affordability of angioplasty in Iran does not compromise the quality of care. Iran is recognized as one of the top 10 countries in cardiovascular treatment. The lower cost is attributed to several factors, including government subsidies, lower labor costs, and the favorable exchange rate for many foreign currencies against the Iranian Rial. These factors combine to make angioplasty and other medical procedures more accessible to both locals and international visitors.
Patients opting for angioplasty in Iran can expect state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced cardiologists, and the use of advanced techniques. The procedure typically involves the insertion of a catheter with a balloon at its tip into the narrowed artery, which is then inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow. Most angioplasties in Iran also involve placing a stent to keep the artery open long-term, ensuring sustained benefits for the patient.
The comprehensive care in Iran often includes pre-surgery consultations, the angioplasty procedure itself, post-operative care, and follow-up services. Some medical tourism packages even offer additional amenities such as airport transportation, interpreter services, and accommodation, all bundled into the cost, providing a hassle-free experience for international patients.