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Coronary Angioplasty (PCI / PTCA)
Cardiology & Cardiac SurgeryRecovery
1 to 2 weeks (Most patients can walk within hours and return to light activities within 3 to 4 days)
Hospital Stay
1 to 2 days (Typically includes a 1-night stay for monitoring after the procedure)
Success Rate
95% (Extremely high success rate)
Coronary Angioplasty, medically known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis. When plaque builds up inside the arteries, it restricts oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart, leading to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or a heart attack.
During this procedure, a specialized cardiac team widens the blocked artery from the inside out. In most cases, a tiny, expandable wire mesh tube called a stent (often a drug-eluting stent to prevent future re-narrowing) is permanently left in place to keep the artery propped open. This procedure offers a much faster recovery time and significantly fewer risks compared to major open-heart bypass surgery.
During this procedure, a specialized cardiac team widens the blocked artery from the inside out. In most cases, a tiny, expandable wire mesh tube called a stent (often a drug-eluting stent to prevent future re-narrowing) is permanently left in place to keep the artery propped open. This procedure offers a much faster recovery time and significantly fewer risks compared to major open-heart bypass surgery.
Procedure Details
The procedure is performed in a specialized cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab) under local anesthesia and mild sedation, meaning the patient remains awake but relaxed.
1. Access Point: The cardiologist cleans and numbs an area in the wrist (radial artery) or the groin (femoral artery).
2. Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery and carefully guided up to the heart using live X-ray imaging.
3. Angiogram: A special contrast dye is injected through the catheter, making the blockages clearly visible on the X-ray screens.
4. Balloon Inflation: A micro-catheter with a tiny balloon at its tip is advanced into the blockage. The balloon is briefly inflated, compressing the hard plaque against the artery wall to widen the channel.
5. Stent Placement: A stent wrapped around the balloon is expanded. The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent permanently in place to lock the artery open.
The entire process generally takes between 1 to 2 hours.
1. Access Point: The cardiologist cleans and numbs an area in the wrist (radial artery) or the groin (femoral artery).
2. Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery and carefully guided up to the heart using live X-ray imaging.
3. Angiogram: A special contrast dye is injected through the catheter, making the blockages clearly visible on the X-ray screens.
4. Balloon Inflation: A micro-catheter with a tiny balloon at its tip is advanced into the blockage. The balloon is briefly inflated, compressing the hard plaque against the artery wall to widen the channel.
5. Stent Placement: A stent wrapped around the balloon is expanded. The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent permanently in place to lock the artery open.
The entire process generally takes between 1 to 2 hours.
Cost Comparison
| Country | Estimated Cost | Savings vs. USA |
|---|---|---|
| India Best Value | $3,000 - $5,500 | Save up to 85% |
| USA | $35,000 | - |
| UK | $15,000 | - |
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