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Angioplasty (Agp)

Angioplasty (Agp): Understanding the Procedure and Its Role in Treating Heart Conditions

Angioplasty (Agp) is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart. It involves using a balloon catheter to compress plaque against the artery walls, thereby restoring blood flow.

Procedure Overview

1. Preparation:
   The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, with the patient awake. An IV line is inserted for administering medications if needed.
2. Catheter Insertion:
   A catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin, wrist, or arm and guided to the blocked coronary artery using X-ray imaging.
3. Balloon Inflation:
   A thin wire with a deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the narrowed area. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, compressing plaque against the artery walls.
4. Stent Placement:
   Often, a stent—a small wire mesh tube—is placed in the artery to keep it open. Stents may be bare-metal or drug-eluting, releasing medication to prevent re-narrowing.

Role in Treating Heart Conditions

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
   Angioplasty is used to treat CAD by improving blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing symptoms like angina and improving cardiac function.
2. Heart Attack:
   It can be performed as an emergency procedure during a heart attack to quickly restore blood flow.
3. Chronic Angina:
   Angioplasty helps manage chronic angina by improving blood flow and reducing chest pain.

Conclusion

Angioplasty is a valuable treatment option for managing coronary artery disease and other heart conditions. Its minimally invasive nature and ability to restore blood flow make it a preferred choice for many patients.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing cardiovascular health. If you have questions about angioplasty or would like more information on our services related to cardiovascular care, consult with our experts today!

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

References

1. NHS: Coronary Angioplasty
   Discusses the procedure and its use in treating coronary artery disease.
2. Mayo Clinic: Coronary Angioplasty
   Explains how angioplasty and stent placement improve blood flow to the heart.
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Angioplasty and Stent Placement
   Highlights the role of fluoroscopy in guiding the catheter during the procedure.
4. NHS: How Angioplasty is Performed
   Describes the use of local anesthesia and X-ray imaging during the procedure.
5. MedlinePlus: Angioplasty and Stent Placement
   Discusses the use of contrast dye to visualize blood flow and identify blockages.
6. Bangkok Heart Hospital: Cardiac Catheterization and Angioplasty
   Explains how balloon angioplasty is combined with stent placement to maintain artery patency.
7. Cleveland Clinic: Angioplasty
   Highlights the use of a balloon to compress plaque and improve blood flow.
8. Bumrungrad International Hospital: Balloon Angioplasty
   Discusses the procedure as a treatment for narrowed or blocked heart vessels.