11 Angioplasty Doctors in Chennai

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure that restores the normal blood flow throughout the arteries by widening the narrowed blood vessels and removing the blockages in the blood vessels. Based on the type of plaque [sticky deposit], shape and size of the artery, multiple Angioplasty methods are available and they are:

1. Peripheral Angioplasty
2. Carotid artery Angioplasty
3. PTA of the femoral artery
4. Stent implantation
5. Laser Angioplasty [Excimer laser coronary angioplasty-ELCA]
6. Renal artery Angioplasty
7. Coronary artery stent
8. Cerebral Angioplasty
9. Valvuloplasty
10. Balloon Angioplasty

What are the advantages connected with Angioplasty?

Following are the advantages of Angioplasty:

1. Restores the normal blood flow
2. Lowers the risk of recurrence of a heart attack
3. Decreased blood loss
4. Less invasive procedure
5. Short hospitalization
6. Widens the narrowed blood vessels or arteries

What are the indications of Angioplasty?

Following are the indications of Angioplasty:

1. Angina
2. Ischemia
3. Obstruction of the blood flow in the renal artery
4. Coronary heart disease
5. Proximal lesion
6. Heart attack

What is the preparation needed for Angioplasty?

1. The doctor may ask the patient about the present and past medical and medication history.
2. Some tests may be advised by the doctor to check the condition of the blockages.
3. The patient should stop eating or drinking before 6 hours of the procedure.
4. Discuss with the doctor about all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with Angioplasty.
5. The patient may be asked to sign a consent form before undergoing this procedure.

What are the steps involved in Angioplasty?

Following steps are involved in Angioplasty:

1. The patient will be sedated and then, a catheter or small tube will be inserted into the large artery.
2. The catheter is slowly directed throughout the artery until the tip approaches the vessel that needed to be checked.
3. Now, the contrast dye is injected into the blood vessel through the catheter, and the X-rays of the blood vessels will be taken.
4. These X-ray images may be examined by the doctor and a small balloon at the end of the catheter will be inflated and widens the narrowed artery.
5. After widening the artery, the balloon will be deflated. In a few cases, a stent will be placed in the obstructed artery for normal blood flow.

What is the Postprocedure care for Angioplasty?

1. The patient may need to stay in the hospital for at least 4 hours.
2. The patient may feel faint or weak, chest pain, and/or shortness of breath.
3. If bleeding is noticed at the incision site, consult the doctor immediately.

Who can perform Angioplasty?

Angioplasty may be performed by:

1. Vascular surgeon
2. Interventional Cardiologist

What is the cost of Angioplasty in Chennai?

The Cost of Angioplasty in Chennai depends on:

1. Area of the body to be treated
2. Age of the patient
3. Doctor fee
4. The admission room that you opted for
5. Type of the hospital
6. The medical condition of the patient

The minimum cost for Angioplasty in Chennai may be Rs.84,900

An average cost for Angioplasty in Chennai may be Rs.1,90,100

The maximum cost for Angioplasty in Chennai may be Rs.3,50,000

Is Angioplasty a major surgery or minor surgery?

Angioplasty is a major procedure as it involves inserting a catheter directly into the blood vessel. 

Who can undergo Angioplasty?

Angioplasty may be recommended to the people who are: 

1. Suffering from severe atherosclerosis [the blockage of blood vessels]
2. With severe chest pain during rest or stress
3. Suffering from angina
4. At the risk of developing heart disease

Who cannot undergo Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is not done in the individuals who are:

1. With a known cause for heart disease and chest pain.
2. Currently on medications such as blood thinners and antiplatelets.
3. Suffering from severe kidney disease.

What are the risks and complications involved in Angioplasty?

Risks and complications that are involved in Angioplasty are:

1. Irregular heartbeats
2. Damage to the artery or the heart muscle
3. Heart attack or stroke may occur
4. Blood clots
5. Bleeding at the site of catheter insertion
6. Infection
7. Blood clots

How long does it take to complete Angioplasty?

It may take almost 30-60 minutes to complete the procedure and sometimes more time depending on the condition of the patient.

What is the recovery time for Angioplasty?

People who undergo Angioplasty along with a stent may be able to walk after 6 hours of the procedure. 

What is the success rate of Angioplasty?

The success rate of Angioplasty depends on:

1. Experience of the doctor in performing Angioplasty
2. The medical condition of an individual
3. Age of the patient

However, the success rate of Angioplasty may be approximately 92%.

Is Angioplasty painful?

As it involves the insertion of a catheter in the larger artery, it may cause mild-moderate pain. In a few cases, the patient may be sedated and does not feel any pain during the insertion and extraction of the catheter from the artery.

Is Angioplasty Permanent?

Angioplasty may be a permanent procedure as the stent will remain permanently in the artery.

What are the long-term results associated with the Angioplasty?

The following are the long-term results of Angioplasty:

1. Improves the quality of life of the patient.
2. Decreases symptoms of cardiac disease.
3. Improves the blood supply.

However, in the future, Angioplasty may cause hypertension and requires revision procedure. 

Can Angioplasty be detected in the future?

A stent may be placed in the blocked blood vessel and it can be detected under X-ray examination.

What if Angioplasty fails?

If Angioplasty fails, the doctor may perform open surgery to widen the narrowed or blocked blood vessels. 

What are the alternatives available for Angioplasty? 

Some of the alternatives for Angioplasty are:

1. Anticoagulants
2. Anti-cholesterol drugs
3. Enhanced External Counterpulsation [EECP]