Angioplasty opens blocked heart arteries using a tiny balloon and stent — without open chest surgery. Learn how we perform this procedure at Iswarya Hospital, Chennai.

At Iswarya Hospital, Chennai, many patients arrive with chest pain, breathlessness, or abnormal heart test results caused by blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. One of the most effective treatments for this condition is angioplasty — a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore blood flow and protect the heart muscle from damage.

What Is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty, medically known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart.

At our hospital, we explain angioplasty as: "A way to gently widen a blocked heart artery using a small balloon and support it with a stent, without opening the chest."

The goal is simple: improve blood flow, reduce chest pain, and prevent heart attacks.

Why Do Patients Need Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is commonly recommended for patients with:

Persistent chest pain (angina)

Significant coronary artery blockage

Heart attack or warning signs of one

Poor response to medications alone

How We Perform Angioplasty

Our cardiology team follows a structured approach:

A thin catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin

The blocked artery is identified using imaging

A balloon is gently inflated to open the blockage

A stent is placed to keep the artery open

Blood flow to the heart is restored

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia in our advanced cardiac catheterisation lab and usually takes 30 to 90 minutes.

Types of Angioplasty

Balloon Angioplasty: Used to widen narrowed arteries

Stent Angioplasty: A stent is placed to prevent re-narrowing

Drug-Eluting Stents: Release medication to lower the risk of future blockage

Benefits Patients Experience

Immediate relief from chest pain

Improved blood flow to the heart

Short hospital stay (usually 1–3 days)

Faster recovery compared to open surgery

Reduced risk of heart attack

Recovery and Ongoing Care

Recovery does not end with the procedure. At Iswarya Hospital, we guide patients through post-procedure monitoring, medication management, lifestyle and dietary advice, and regular cardiac follow-ups.

When Angioplasty May Not Be the Best Option

Angioplasty may not be ideal if multiple major arteries are severely blocked or the main coronary artery is involved. In such cases, we discuss alternative treatments like bypass surgery.

FAQs

Is angioplasty a major surgery?

No. It is a minimally invasive procedure and does not involve opening the chest.

How long will I stay in the hospital?

Most patients are discharged within 1–3 days.

Will angioplasty cure heart disease?

Angioplasty improves blood flow, but long-term heart health depends on lifestyle changes and medication adherence.

Is angioplasty painful?

The procedure is usually painless and done under local anaesthesia.

When should I consult a cardiologist?

If you experience chest pain, breathlessness, or abnormal heart test results, early consultation is advised.

What Is Angioplasty? Procedure and Benefits