Balloon Angioplasty: Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Balloon angioplasty is a minimal invasive technique used to widen the arteries which get narrowed so as to improve the flow of blood. A special type of dye is injected in the bloodstream by making use of a catheter. This step allows the medical expert to have a clear picture and view of the arteries on an X-ray monitor.

Thereafter, a small device which has a balloon on its tip is put through the arteries which then reaches across the narrowed area. The inflated balloon helps in removing the plaque present around the wall of the artery. Due to this, the narrowing of artery is reduced and blood flow is improved. The balloon is further deflated and removed from the body of patient.

Angioplasty is performed by cardiologists to open the narrowed arteries. They use a long, slim cylinder called a catheter that has a little balloon at its end. They blow up the balloon at the site of blockage in the artery to compress or pack the plate against the wall of the artery. On the other hand, a stent is a little gadget looking like metal work, is put inside a coronary artery to help or framework and keep the vessel open. The stent improves blood flow to the heart muscle and diminishes the pain of angina. Stent methodology is commonly used with balloon angioplasty.

The procedure starts with giving a general dose of anesthesia after which the surgeon does an incision. A catheter or a tube is used to insert another device which has a balloon on its tip. The device is then guided across the narrowed area. The balloon is inflated so as to remove the plaque present around the wall of the artery to restore the flow of blood.

The balloon is further deflated and removed from the body of the patient and a stent is kept at the part where the angioplasty is being done to keep the artery open. The procedure is completed by stitching the tiny incision that was made. After this, the patient is kept under observation for at least a day to monitor their blood pressure and heart rate.

The procedure of angioplasty generally takes about 2 hours post which the patient stays in the hospital for a day to keep a check on the heart rate and blood pressure. The duration also depends on the severity of the condition. The procedure takes less time if only one section of the artery has to be widened.

Angioplasty is helpful for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, angina and stroke. Those who condition is quite severe and medications are not providing any relief should go for this procedure. If a person has a blockage in the arteries of the heart or had a mini heart attack, then he/she should consult an experienced cardiologist to know more about angioplasty.

Angioplasty has some side effects if it is not performed professionally or performed at a complex state. The side effects are such as bleeding, clotting, or bruising at the point of insertion, infection, irregular heartbeat, arrhythmia, heart attack, scar tissue or blood clots forming in the stent, damage to a blood vessel, heart valve, or artery and kidney damage, especially in people who have preexisting kidney problems.

The recovery after angioplasty and stenting is usually fleeting. Hospital discharge usually takes 12 to 24 hours after removal of the catheter. Many patients can return to work a few days to a week after the procedure. Though it is advised to follow the procedure and rest duration, your doctor has prescribed you for the post-surgery period.

Physicians have found that the stents which are used to clear the artery blockages stop working after a period of time. Over 50% of patients having stents have experienced the blockage again in nearly 2 years. It is advised that if you have gone through the stenting and it's been more than 2 years then you should consult a surgeon for further operations.

The price of angioplasty in India will lie somewhere between 1.2 lakh INR and 3.68 lakh INR. The angioplasty rate in India includes the cost of a stent, the surgeon's fee and a 2-3 day hospital stay, patient’s food, medications and other consumables.

Balloon angioplasty success rate:

The advancement in technology has ensured that the risk of complications is minimal. The procedure is performed all over the world and can be regarded as relatively safe. Research suggests that the probability of death during an angioplasty procedure is less than 1%. However, the safety of the procedure also depends on the surgeon, hence one consult an experienced cardiologist for carrying out balloon angioplasty. Other related issues such as emergency bypass surgery, heart attack, bleeding and impaired kidney function are less probable if extra precautions have been taken.

The alternative treatment for coronary artery disease is to change the lifestyle to improve the health of your heart. Becoming or staying physically active and making informed decisions about what foods you eat are choices that help you better control if you develop coronary artery disease or if it has already caused a heart attack. Intake of foods involving Omega-3 fatty acids, Phytosterols, Vitamin D can help to recover from CAD. It is advised to consult your doctor before beginning any alternative treatment for CAD.