Jinkushal Hospital: Your Complete Guide to Angiography and Angioplasty in Thane

 

Welcome to Jinkushal Hospital, best hospital for Angioplasty and Angiography in Thane. Whether you're considering a coronary angiography test, MR Angiography, or CT angiography for the heart, we provide detailed information on these procedures. Let's delve into the world of heart health.

Distinguishing Angiography and Angioplasty

Angiography

Definition:  A diagnostic procedure to visualize the inside of blood vessels, especially to identify blockages or narrowing.

Procedure: Involves injecting a contrast agent into the blood vessels and capturing images using X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.

Outcome: Provides detailed images to help diagnose vascular conditions.

Angioplasty

Purpose:  A therapeutic procedure for treating narrowed or blocked blood vessels, primarily in the coronary arteries.

Procedure:  Involves guiding a catheter with a small balloon to the narrowed area. The balloon is inflated to open the vessel, often followed by placing a stent to keep the artery open.

Outcome:  Relieves symptoms of reduced blood flow, such as chest pain, and improves blood flow to the affected area.

Understanding Angiography

What is Angiography?

Angiography is a diagnostic medical imaging technique to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs. It provides crucial information about the condition and integrity of blood vessels, especially those supplying the heart.

Types

·        Coronary Angiography: Examines the heart arteries, crucial for diagnosing coronary artery disease.

·        Cerebral Angiography: Targets brain blood vessels, useful for detecting aneurysms or malformations.

·        Pulmonary Angiography: Focuses on lung vessels, mainly to check for pulmonary embolisms.

·        Renal Angiography: Examines kidney arteries, often to check for stenosis or blockages.

·        MR Angiography (MRA): Provides pictures of blood vessels using MRI without catheters or recovery time.

·        CT Angiography (CTA): Uses CT scanning to gather images of blood vessels, less invasive than standard angiography.

Why is Angiography Done?

Angiography is performed to visualize and assess blood vessels, especially to identify blockages, diagnose vascular diseases, evaluate coronary artery disease severity, determine the need for further treatments, and guide interventions.

Who Performs Angiography?

A specialized doctor, either a radiologist or a cardiologist, depending on the examined body area, conducts angiography.

How Does the Angiography Test Work?

Angiography is a diagnostic procedure allowing cardiologists to visualize blood vessels. It involves accessing a blood vessel with a catheter, injecting a contrast agent, capturing images, and analyzing the results for diagnosis and treatment decisions.

What to Expect on the Angiography Date?

·        Arrival: Reach the hospital/clinic; you might be asked to wear a hospital gown.

·        Preparation: Fast for a few hours before the procedure.

·        Consent: Discuss the procedure, risks, and sign a consent form.

·        Procedure: Lie on an X-ray table, receive local anesthesia, insert a catheter into a blood vessel (often in the groin or wrist), and inject contrast dye.

·        Imaging: Take X-ray images as the dye flows through blood vessels.

·        Duration: The procedure typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

·        Post-Procedure: Short recovery period under observation. You might be advised to drink fluids to flush out the contrast dye.

 

What to Expect After an Angiogram Test?

·        Monitoring: A brief period of observation to check for any reactions to the contrast agent or procedure-related complications. 

·        Rest: You might be advised to lie flat for a few hours to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site.

·        Discharge Instructions: You'll receive guidance on caring for the catheter insertion site and recognizing potential complications.

·        Follow-up:  A scheduled appointment with your cardiologist to discuss angiography results.

·        Results: The cardiologist will review the images to determine if further treatment is needed.

 

What are the Risks of Angiography?

While risks are generally low, possible complications include:

·        Allergic Reaction: Some patients may be allergic to the contrast dye.

·        Bleeding:  The catheter insertion site may bleed or bruise.

·        Infection:  Though rare, the catheter site could become infected.

·        Arterial Damage:  The catheter may potentially damage an artery, leading to complications.

·        Kidney Damage:  Contrast dye may cause kidney issues, especially in those with pre-existing kidney conditions.

·        Radiation Exposure: There's a slight exposure to radiation due to X-rays.

·        Vascular Complications:  A small risk of blood clots or plaque disruption, potentially causing a stroke or heart attack.

Patients are closely monitored during and after the procedure to address immediate complications.

 

Recovery from Angiography:

After angiography, patients typically recover swiftly, considering:

Rest: Some hours of rest post-procedure, especially to let sedation effects wear off.

Observation: Medical staff monitors vital signs and the catheter insertion site for bleeding or swelling.

Hydration: Patients are encouraged to drink water to flush the contrast dye from their bodies.

Instructions: Before discharge, patients get instructions on caring for the catheter site and recognizing signs of complications.

Activity:  Normal activities can usually resume within a day, with brief avoidance of strenuous exercise as advised.

Follow-up: A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled to discuss angiography results.

Most patients leave the hospital on the same day, provided there are no complications. Home recovery is generally short, with many returning to their routine within 24 hours.

Understanding Angioplasty

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels, primarily the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart, aiming to restore adequate blood flow.

Types

·        Balloon Angioplasty: Involves inflating a tiny balloon inside the artery to push aside blockages.

·        Stent Placement (Coronary Angioplasty): Places a mesh-like tube (stent) after balloon angioplasty to keep the artery open.

·        Drug-eluting Stent: Releases medication to prevent artery narrowing.

·        Atherectomy: Uses a catheter with a blade to remove plaque from a blood vessel.

Who Needs Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is recommended for individuals with significant coronary artery blockage, heart attack, narrowed arteries, symptoms unmanaged by medications or lifestyle changes, and high risk of a heart attack.

What Does Angioplasty Treat?

Angioplasty treats blocked or narrowed blood vessels, especially in coronary arteries, to restore blood flow and reduce heart attack risk, addressing conditions like coronary artery disease.

Commonality of Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a common procedure and has been a primary treatment for coronary artery disease for decades.

Preparation Before Angioplasty:

1.     Medical Review: Your medical history is thoroughly examined to understand your overall health.

2.     Physical Examination: A comprehensive check-up is conducted to assess your current health status.

3.     Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests and other diagnostic examinations may be performed to gather essential information.

4.     Fasting: You may be required to fast for several hours before the procedure.

5.     Medication Review: Your current medications are reviewed, and adjustments may be made as necessary.

6.     Consent: The risks and benefits of the procedure are discussed, and you will sign an informed consent form.

7.     Preparation: The area where the catheter will be inserted (usually the groin or wrist) is cleaned and, if needed, shaved.

 

Angioplasty Procedure Overview:

1.     Local Anesthetic: You will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area.

2.     Incision:  A small incision is made, usually in the groin or wrist.

3.     Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery.

4.     Guidance with X-ray Imaging: The catheter is guided to the narrowed or blocked coronary artery using X-ray imaging.

5.     Balloon Inflation: A small balloon attached to the catheter is inflated to widen the artery.

6.     Stent Placement: Often, a stent (a small wire mesh) is placed in the artery to keep it open.

7.     Balloon Deflation and Catheter Removal: Once the procedure is successful, the balloon is deflated, and both the balloon and catheter are removed.

The goal of this entire process is to restore normal blood flow to the heart.

Post-Angioplasty Care:

1.     Recovery Room Monitoring: You are moved to a recovery room where vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate are closely observed.

2.     Entry Site Check: The entry site of the catheter is checked for any signs of bleeding or swelling.

3.     Lying Flat: To prevent bleeding, patients may need to lie flat for several hours.

4.     Discomfort Management: Any mild discomfort or chest pain should be reported to the medical staff.

5.     Discharge Within 24 Hours: Most patients are discharged within 24 hours after the procedure.

6.     Follow Doctor’s Advice: It's crucial to follow the doctor’s advice regarding medication, wound care, and physical activity.

7.     Follow-up Appointment: A follow-up appointment is scheduled to ensure the artery remains open and healing progresses as expected.

Advantages of Angioplasty

·        Minimally Invasive: Less invasive than open-heart surgery.

·        Quick Recovery: Shorter hospital stay, faster return to daily activities.

·        Immediate Relief: Provides immediate relief from symptoms.

·        Reduced Heart Attack Risk: By restoring blood flow, reduces the risk of a heart attack.

·        Heart Muscle Preservation: Prevents or limits damage to the heart muscle.

·        Flexible: Drug-eluting stents can prevent artery narrowing.

 

Risks and Complications of Angioplasty:

·        Bleeding: Bleeding at the catheter insertion site or hematoma formation.

·        Blood Clots: Formation of clots in the stent that can block the artery.

·        Re-narrowing of the Artery (Restenosis): Despite a successful procedure, the artery may re-narrow over time.

·        Coronary Artery Damage: The artery may tear or rupture during the procedure.

·        Kidney Damage: Contrast dye used might cause kidney problems, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.

·        Heart Attack: Rarely, the procedure might trigger a heart attack.

·        Stroke:  Although uncommon, a stroke can occur if plaque breaks off during the procedure.

·        Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): The heart may develop irregular rhythms post-procedure.

·        Allergic Reaction: Some individuals may be allergic to the contrast dye or medications used during angioplasty.

 

Recovery Time After Angioplasty

Recovery is quick, with most patients discharged within 24 hours. Complete recovery may take several days to a week. Following the doctor's advice and attending follow-up appointments are essential.

 

Cost of Angiography and Angioplasty in Thane

The costs vary based on the procedure and individual needs. Contact our team for detailed pricing on angiography and angioplasty in Thane.

Understanding the difference between angioplasty and angiography is crucial for heart health. For the best CT Angiography or Angioplasty in Thane, choose Jinkushal Hospital. Book an appointment today and prioritize your heart health.

 

Discover Comprehensive Cardiac Care in Thane at Jinkushal Hospital

At the forefront of cardiovascular health, Jinkushal Hospital is a beacon for those seeking the best in heart care. Our commitment to excellence is embodied in specialized treatments, including TAVI, and our recognition as one of the Best Heart Hospitals in Thane. Dr. Mayur Jain, a renowned Interventional Cardiologist in Thane, leads our esteemed cardiology team. Learn more about our cardiac care and why we are a trusted name in heart health.