Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Coronary Angiogram With Stent
Coronary Angiogram With Stent
Coronary angiogram with stent placement, also known as angioplasty, is a procedure to widen or open a narrow blood vessel of the heart (coronary artery). Arteries may become blocked by cholesterol build-up (plaques) in the lining of the artery wall. When a coronary artery becomes partially blocked, blood flow to that area decreases. This may lead to chest pain or a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
A stent is a small piece of metal that looks like mesh or spring. Stent placement may be done as treatment after a heart attack, or to prevent a heart attack if a blocked artery is found by a coronary angiogram.
Let your healthcare provider know about:
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Any allergies you have, including allergies to medicines or contrast dye.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal medicines, eye drops, creams and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any problems you or family members have had with anaesthetics.
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Any blood disorders you have.
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Any surgery you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have, including kidney problems or kidney failure.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
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Whether you are breastfeeding.
What are the risks?
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Damage to nearby structures or organs, such as the heart, blood vessels, or kidneys.
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A return of blockage.
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Bleeding, infection, or bruising at the insertion site.
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A collection of blood under the skin (haematoma) at the insertion site.
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A blood clot in another part of the body.
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Allergic reaction to medicines or dyes.
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Bleeding into the abdomen (retroperitoneal bleeding).
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Stroke (rare).
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Heart attack (rare).
What happens before the procedure?
Staying hydrated
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Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, and tea and coffee without milk or cream.
Eating and drinking restrictions
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8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
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6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
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2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.
Medicines
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to take them.
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Generally, aspirin is recommended before a thin tube, called a catheter, is passed through a blood vessel and inserted into the heart (cardiac catheterisation).
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines, and other supplements.
General instructions
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your healthcare provider.
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Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
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If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.
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You may have tests and imaging procedures.
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Ask your healthcare provider:
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How your insertion site will be marked. Ask which artery will be used for the procedure.
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What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These may include:
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Removing hair at the insertion site.
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Washing skin with an antibacterial soap.
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Taking antibiotics.
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What happens during the procedure?
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An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
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Electrodes may be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate during the procedure.
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You will be given one or more of the following:
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A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
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A medicine to numb the area (local anaesthetic) for catheter insertion.
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A small incision will be made for catheter insertion.
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The catheter will be inserted into an artery using a guidewire. The location may be in your groin, your wrist, or the fold of your arm (near your elbow).
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An X-ray procedure (fluoroscopy) will be used to help guide the catheter to the opening of the heart arteries.
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A dye will be injected into the catheter. X-rays will be taken. The dye helps to show where any narrowing or blockages are located in the arteries.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.
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A tiny wire will be guided to the blocked spot, and a balloon will be inflated to make the artery wider.
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The stent will be expanded to crush the plaques into the wall of the blood vessel. The stent will hold the area open and improve the blood flow. Most stents are coated with medication to reduce the risk of the stent narrowing over time.
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The artery may be made wider using a drill, laser, or other tools that remove plaques.
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The catheter will be removed when the blood flow improves. The stent will stay where it was placed, and the lining of the artery will grow over it.
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A bandage (dressing) will be placed on the insertion site. Pressure will be applied to stop bleeding.
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The IV tube will be removed.
This procedure may vary among healthcare providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
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Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
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If the procedure is done through the leg, you will lie flat in bed for a few hours or for as long as told by your healthcare provider. You will be instructed not to bend or cross your legs.
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The insertion site and the pulse in your foot or wrist will be checked often.
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You may have more blood tests, X-rays, and a test that records the electrical activity of your heart (electrocardiogram, or ECG).
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Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a sedative during your procedure.
Summary
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Coronary angiogram with stent placement, also known as angioplasty, is a procedure to widen or open a narrowed coronary artery. This is done to treat heart problems.
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Before the procedure, let your healthcare provider know about all the medical conditions and surgery you have or have had.
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This is a safe procedure. However, some problems may occur, including damage to nearby structures or organs, bleeding, blood clots, or allergies.
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Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and other lifestyle changes, such as quitting tobacco use before the procedure.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
