Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Hospital in Mumbai, India

An angiogram is a diagnostic test performed to find out which arteries supplying the heart are blocked or narrowed and also shows the degree of severity of blockage/narrowing. It is a special test that uses fluoroscopic guidance (X-rays) to show 'route maps' of arteries and blood vessels in the heart. It also provides detailed information about the functioning of the heart along with oxygen levels and pressure of the blood as it passes through the heart. The process is performed before the Angioplasty.

Coronary Angioplasty, also called Percutaneous Coronary Intervention is an invasive, interventional cardiac procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart by opening a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. The coronary arteries play a significant role in supplying blood to the heart. The Angioplasty process helps in relieving chest pain (known as angina) by expanding narrow arteries and restricting them from narrowing further, thereby preventing heart attacks and improving your overall quality of life by inserting a stent 

Some common reasons why your doctor may recommend that you have a Coronary Angiogram would be:

• Angina -Chest pain
• Atypical pain in the jaw, neck, chest, or arm
• Unstable Angina
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Abnormal results for a non-invasive heart stress test
• Chest injury
• Various blood vessel problems
• A heart valve problem that requires surgery
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Structural Heart Disease
• Endovascular Treatment
• Aortic Stenosis
• Unexplained Heart Failure

Some other names for Coronary Angiography are Cardiac Angiography, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) angiography; Angina Angiography, Heart disease Angiography. 

Alternate names for Coronary Angioplasty are Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and Balloon angioplasty.

The patient starts off with a local anaesthetic and the doctor proceeds to make an incision in either the groin or the arm to reach an artery. The doctor will insert a plastic tube called a sheath after which a catheter is inserted into this sheath, which goes into the blood vessel and the catheter is threaded to the heart. Then, to locate the blockage, a small amount of contrast material is injected through the catheter and photographed via X-ray. The dye is clearly visible in the X-Ray and the doctor then evaluates the patient’s condition.

A Coronary Angioplasty is performed in a similar fashion as an angiogram but the differentiating factor is that it is a treatment procedure for conditions like CAD (Coronary Artery Disease). An incision is made on the arm or groin, after which a sheath is installed and the catheter goes into the intended blood vessel.The initial catheter is replaced and at the end of this new catheter is a small balloon that can be guided and inflated. The surgeon administers the contrast material (dye) through the catheter, which enables them to see the blockage. At the site of the blockage, the balloon is inflated, which in turn pushes the plaque in the blood vessels to the side and widens them to increase blood flow. The balloon is consequently deflated and the catheter is taken out. In many cases, the surgeon may choose to place a thin metal tube, called a stent, to help keep the artery open.

The doctor will run a battery of tests to make sure the patient’s body is ready for the procedure. It is necessary to inform the healthcare providers about any allergies the patient may have with medications, anaesthesia, latex or contrast dye. It is advised that patients do not eat the night before the procedure/surgery. An area might be shaved if there is a lot of hair growing (like the groin). The patient should remove all body piercings, any other metallic items (like hair pins) and contact lenses.

Minimally Invasive, Invasive

Some risks of Coronary Angiography are:

• Bruising at the site of incision
• Injury to the catheterized arteries 
• Arrhythmia
• Allergy to Contrast Material (dye)
• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Cardiac Tamponade

Some risks of Coronary Angioplasty are:

• Serious bleeding
• Blood clots
• Heart Attack
• Coronary artery damage
• Strokes
• Arrhythmia

Recovery is generally comfortable. It is advised  to eat well, exercise, not take up strenuous activities like lifting heavy things, exercising and sex. If the incision was made at the groin, the doctor may ask you to lie down for a few hours before moving around. The doctor will give the necessary followup instructions.