Coronary angioplasty and stents

This is usually preceded by the angiogram (Mostly through the wrist) to confirm the site of severe narrowing in arteries of the heart. Stents are small tubular metallic spring like devices that maintain the patency of the arteries varying in size between 2.25–4.0 mm generally although smaller and larger sizes may be needed. The balloon used for expanding the blocked arteries is inflated to crush the plaques and then removed. Following the stents deployment, specific instructions about medicines to be continued and other life style changes will be explained in details and medication list with discharge summary provided. Generally, overnight stay in the coronary care unit is advised.