Understanding Angioplasty and Stenting Cardiology Angioplasty This procedure uses a flexible tube with a balloon at the tip; it is inserted into the affected coronary artery through your leg. Once in place, the balloon is inflated and it compresses the plaque against the artery walls. The artery is widened and blood flow is improved. Stenting Often, a stent made of wire mesh will be applied to keep the artery patent. Some stent are drug-coated in which it will slowly release medication over a period of time whereas some are plain stents. The type of stent used depends on the suitability of your artery and condition. Your doctor will decide what is best for you.
Home advice Wound site • Keep the wound site clean and dry • It is common to have a bruise at the puncture site, it may also be slightly swollen or there may be a small lump • Do not use lotion, creams, ointment on the incision site Activities guideline • You should take things easy for the first 3 days after you get home. • Do not carry anything > 5kg for next 1 week • If the punture site is at the groin area, avoid putting too much pressure over the affected limb for 1 week.
Stent Balloon
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Do not strain during bowel movements for the first 3 - 4 days to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site. Use a stool softener if required. Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks (e.g jogging, badminton, swimming, etc.)
Medications • Take your medications as prescribed • Do not stop your blood thinning medications unless instructed by your cardiologist Go to A&E if you have: • Shortness of breath not relieved by rest • Bleeding from the wound site. Use clean gauze and apply pressure directly on the site, then seek medical help • Fainting spells • Unusual bleeding (e.g in your urine or black stool) • Sudden numbness, weakness in arms or legs • Signs of infection: redness, warmth, pus at the insertion site, fever >38oC
Re-stenosis This is a blockage in the treated coronary artery which may occur in the first 6 months after treatment. If you have angina similar to the one you experience before the procedure, it may be due to the re-narrowing of the coronary artery. Seek medical help immediately. Importance of a healthy lifestyle Even though your blocked artery is being treated, it is important to keep your risk factors under control. Make dietary changes, quit smoking, exercise regularly to prevent future disease progression. Follow-up Do not miss your appointment. You can call our appointment hotline to reschedule, but ensure you have sufficient medications. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme This will help you regain back your fitness and it will also teach how to manage your risk factors. During your clinic visits, ask your doctor if you are eligible for the programme.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
CARDIO.PE.10.0318