Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Specialist
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Cardiovascular Institute of America
Cardiovascular Disease Specialist & Vein Specialist located in Citrus Park, Tampa, FL & Lutz, FL
When it comes to heart health, lifestyle changes are an important part of your treatment plan. However, in some cases, interventional cardiology procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention, are needed too. The experienced team at Cardiovascular Institute of America, led by Muthu Velusamy, MD, FACC, ABVM, includes board-certified interventional cardiologists who perform this nonsurgical procedure to alleviate symptoms and improve heart health. To learn more about the procedure and how it may benefit you, contact the office in Tampa or Lutz, Florida, by phone, or request an appointment online today.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Q & A
What is percutaneous coronary intervention?
A percutaneous coronary intervention, also referred to as coronary angioplasty, is an interventional cardiology procedure aimed at improving blood flow to your heart. During the procedure, your interventional cardiologist guides a special catheter to your blocked artery and then inflates a balloon at the tip of the catheter to widen the blood vessel.
Your specialist may also place a metal mesh, referred to as a stent, after inflating your blood vessel to keep it open.
Why would I need percutaneous coronary intervention?
Your interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of America can explain to you why you need a percutaneous coronary intervention during your consultation. You may benefit from the procedure if you’re experiencing symptoms related to coronary artery disease (CAD), such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
CAD is the most common type of heart disease in the United States and occurs when your blood vessels narrow and stiffen due to a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel walls. As CAD worsens, the flow of blood to your heart decreases and may lead to chest pain, referred to as angina, or a heart attack.
You may also benefit from a percutaneous coronary intervention after you’ve had a heart attack to prevent further damage to your heart.
What happens during percutaneous coronary intervention?
The interventional cardiologists at Cardiovascular Institute of America perform your percutaneous coronary intervention at the hospital. You will be awake during the procedure, but the team provides sedation to help you relax.
During the procedure, your interventional cardiologist inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in your arm or groin and threads it through to your heart, then a dye is injected, and diagnostic imaging is used to determine the exact location of your blockage.
Your interventional cardiologist then inserts another catheter with a balloon tip, which is inflated at the spot of the blockage to open the blood vessel. Your doctor may then place a stent.
What happens after a percutaneous coronary intervention?
After your percutaneous coronary intervention, you may remain in the hospital for monitoring for a few hours or overnight. The team recommends you arrange a ride home following your procedure and provides guidelines for activity modifications. They also schedule a follow-up visit to monitor your progress.
If a stent is placed, you will need to take anticoagulant medication to prevent the formation of blood clots for three to 12 months.
To learn more about percutaneous coronary intervention and if it may benefit your heart health, contact the Cardiovascular Institute of America office today by phone or request an appointment online.
