Percutaneous coronary intervention

What is a PCI?
A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the insertion and inflation of a balloon or a stent (metal, mesh tube) inside a narrowed coronary artery (artery supplying your heart with blood and oxygen). It is performed for symptoms like chest pain that develop in consequence of your heart muscle being starved of oxygen, or to prevent heart muscle from dying when a coronary artery closes off completely during a heart attack.

How does the procedure work?
The procedure is performed in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. A catheter is inserted via your
wrist or groin, whereafter a coronary angiogram is performed (contrast dye injected and X-rays
taken to see where the narrowing is). Thereafter, a thin wire is passed through the narrowing and a balloon or stent (mounted on a balloon) is placed inside the coronary artery. The balloon is expanded to open the narrowing and if a stent is used, it remains in the artery, keeping it open like a scaffold. Most patients can be discharged the next day.

What are the risks?
Complications can occur, including a heart attack in 3-5%, stent thrombosis (blockage of the stent due to a blood clot forming inside the stent) in 1-2% and a stroke in 0.5%.

What to expect after the procedure
You will be prescribed blood thinners for six months to a year to prevent clots forming inside the artery. Your wrist or groin may be bruised or tender for a few days after the procedure.