Primary Angioplasty

Primary Angioplasty, also known as Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a life-saving emergency procedure performed to restore blood flow to the heart during a heart attack (myocardial infarction). It is the most effective and preferred treatment to quickly open blocked coronary arteries, reduce heart muscle damage, and improve survival outcomes.

Dr. Jaydutt B Tekani and his cardiac team perform Primary Angioplasty with precision and urgency, ensuring patients receive timely and expert care during critical cardiac events.

What Is A Primary Angioplasty?

Primary Angioplasty is an emergency coronary intervention done immediately after a heart attack is diagnosed.

The procedure involves using a thin tube called a catheter, inserted through an artery (usually in the wrist or groin), to reach the blocked coronary artery. A balloon at the catheter’s tip is inflated to open the blockage, and in most cases, a stent (a small metal mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open and maintain normal blood flow.

This rapid restoration of circulation minimizes heart muscle damage and significantly improves long-term heart function.

Why A Primary Angioplasty Is Recommended

Primary Angioplasty is recommended as the first-line treatment for patients experiencing a ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), a severe type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery.

Common Reasons for Performing Primary Angioplasty

To quickly restore blood flow to the heart muscle during a heart attack.
To reduce complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias
To improve survival rates and reduce hospital stays
When thrombolytic (clot-busting) drugs are not suitable or ineffective
To prevent recurrent blockages with stent placement

Early intervention, ideally within 90 minutes of arrival at the hospital, is critical for saving heart muscle and lives.

How The Procedure Works

Primary Angioplasty is performed in a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) under sterile conditions by a trained interventional cardiologist.

Before the Procedure

You will be assessed with an ECG, blood tests, and an emergency coronary angiogram to confirm the blockage.
Medications such as blood thinners and pain relievers may be given.
Consent will be taken for the emergency procedure.

During the Procedure

A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the wrist or groin area.
A thin catheter is inserted into the artery and guided to the heart.
A contrast dye is injected to visualize the blockage on an X-ray screen.
A small balloon is inflated at the site of blockage to open the artery.
A stent is placed to keep the artery open permanently.

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes. Continuous monitoring ensures patient safety throughout.

After the Procedure

You’ll be moved to a Cardiac ICU for observation for 12–24 hours.
Blood pressure, ECG, and heart rhythm are closely monitored.
Most patients can start walking within a day and are discharged in 2–3 days.
Lifestyle advice and medications will be prescribed to prevent future blockages.

Benefits of Primary Angioplasty

Immediate restoration of blood flow to the heart
Higher survival rate compared to clot-dissolving medications
Less heart muscle damage and improved heart function
Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
Lower risk of recurrent heart attacks

Is Primary Angioplasty Safe?

Primary Angioplasty is considered a safe and highly effective emergency treatment when performed by an experienced cardiologist.

As with any procedure, minor risks can exist, but these are outweighed by its life-saving benefits.

Possible Risks (Rare)

Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis)
Allergic reaction to contrast dye
Very rare chance of heart attack, stroke, or vessel damage

Dr. Jaydutt B Tekani ensures all safety protocols are strictly followed, minimizing risks and ensuring optimal outcomes.

Recovery and Follow-Up

After discharge, patients are advised to:

Take prescribed medications regularly (antiplatelets, statins, etc.)
Adopt a heart-healthy diet.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Engage in cardiac rehabilitation and light physical activity as advised
Attend regular follow-up visits for check-ups and monitoring

With proper care and lifestyle changes, most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Expert Cardiac Care with Dr. Jaydutt B Tekani

Dr. Jaydutt B Tekani is an accomplished Interventional Cardiologist with extensive experience in performing Primary Angioplasty and advanced cardiac interventions.

He and his team prioritize speed, precision, and patient safety, ensuring that every patient receives immediate and comprehensive care during critical cardiac emergencies.