Treatment

Angioplasty and Stenting

Inside the cardiac catheterization lab, specialists use advanced imaging to visualize coronary arteries

A Wake-Up Call Before the Heart Attack

At 52, Mr. Lim seemed the picture of health—no smoking, no major weight issues, and only mildly elevated cholesterol. So when he felt a bit of chest tightness after climbing stairs, he shrugged it off. But during a routine company health screening, his ECG showed abnormalities, prompting a referral to our clinic. A detailed evaluation, including a coronary CT angiogram, revealed significant coronary artery disease (CAD)—blockages in two major heart arteries. Though he had no alarming symptoms, his heart was at risk.

We began with conservative CAD treatment: cholesterol-lowering medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. But when symptoms lingered and stress testing showed reduced blood flow, we recommended a minimally invasive coronary angioplasty. Using a tiny catheter and drug-eluting stents, we restored blood flow—without open-heart surgery or stitches. The entire procedure took less than an hour.

Today, Mr. Lim is back to work, exercising, and living confidently—because his blocked arteries were found and treated before they caused a heart attack. This is prevention done right. This is cardiology with foresight

What Are Coronary Interventions?

Coronary interventions are non-surgical procedures used to treat blocked coronary arteries caused by atherosclerosis—a buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the arterial walls. These procedures improve blood flow to the heart muscle, relieve symptoms like angina (chest pain), and reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart failure.

When medications and lifestyle changes are no longer enough, interventional cardiologists perform these procedures using thin tubes (catheters) guided through blood vessels to treat the blockage directly—without the need for open-heart surgery.

Types of Coronary Interventions We Offer

1. Balloon Angioplasty and Coronary Stenting

A balloon-tipped catheter is guided to the blocked artery, where it inflates to widen the vessel. A coronary stent (a tiny metal mesh tube) is then inserted to keep the artery open and restore long-term blood flow. This is the most common treatment for acute and chronic coronary artery disease.

2. Rotational Atherectomy

Used for calcified or hard plaque, this technique removes the blockage using a diamond-coated burr. It prepares the artery for stenting and is ideal for patients with severe artery narrowing.

3. Thrombectomy for Acute Heart Attack

In emergency settings like ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), thrombectomy removes blood clots from the coronary arteries to quickly restore circulation and limit heart muscle damage.

4. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

For patients with multiple or complex blockages, CABG surgery creates a new route for blood flow using grafted vessels. It’s typically recommended when angioplasty isn’t suitable.

5. FFR and IVUS Imaging

We use Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) to precisely measure blood flow and artery wall thickness. These advanced tools guide treatment decisions and ensure optimal stent placement.

Signs You May Need a Coronary Intervention

• Chest pain (angina) during activity or rest
• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
• Abnormal stress test or EKG findings
• Heart attack or previous stenting
• Poor response to heart medications
• Blockages seen on a coronary angiogram
• Fatigue, dizziness, or reduced exercise tolerance
• High-risk profiles: diabetes, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol

If any of these apply, you may be a candidate for angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.

Benefits of Coronary Interventions

✅ Restore blood flow to the heart muscle

✅ Relieve chest pain and breathlessness

✅ Prevent future heart attacks and heart failure

✅ Avoid open-heart surgery with catheter-based treatment

✅ Shorter recovery times and hospital stays

✅ Personalized heart care from expert cardiologists

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Procedure

Before the procedure:

• Comprehensive evaluation including EKG, echocardiogram, and angiography
• Review of your symptoms, medications, and risk factors

During the procedure:

• Performed in a catheterization lab under sedation and local anesthesia
• Catheter inserted through the wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery)
• Real-time X-ray guidance used for precise placement of balloon or stent

After the procedure:

• Monitoring in recovery unit for 4–24 hours
• Discharge instructions on medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up care
• Start or continue cardiac rehabilitation for long-term heart health

Lifestyle Changes After Coronary Interventions

To keep your heart healthy and your arteries open:

• Quit smoking
• Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fat and processed sugar)
• Exercise regularly, as advised by your cardiologist
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
• Take antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin or clopidogrel) to prevent stent clotting