Inside the Angioplasty Lab: How PCI Restores the Heart’s Blood Flow
A percutaneous coronary intervention procedure begins with a small puncture, usually in the wrist or groin, where a catheter is inserted and guided through blood vessels to the heart. Using imaging such as fluoroscopy, the cardiologist identifies the blockage and positions a balloon-tipped catheter inside it. The balloon is briefly inflated to widen the artery before a stent is deployed to maintain long-term openness. This carefully coordinated process happens within minutes, making it an essential option during heart attacks.
PCI does more than physically reopen arteries—it significantly reduces the chances of future cardiac events. Many patients experience immediate relief from chest pain, improved physical endurance, and reduced anxiety about their heart health. Cardiologists choose PCI based on factors like the type and location of the blockage, the patient’s symptoms, and overall heart condition. Patients receive medications afterward to prevent clot formation on the stent. The workflow inside an angioplasty lab involves precision teamwork among nurses, technicians, and physicians, all working as one to restore life-sustaining blood flow to the heart.