Coronary Angioplasty

Dr Iqbal Malik explains why coronary angiograms are done as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure.

Dr Sunthar Kanaganayagam, Consultant Cardiologist at Imperial College London, talks about how narrowing develop in the arteries to the heart (Coronary Artery Disease). He talks about how these narrowing develop and what problems they can cause for instance angina. Then he talks about treatment for Coronary Artery Disease ranging from tablet therapy to Coronary Angioplasty (balloon-ing and inserting Stents) to surgical bypass surgery.

JR, a 62 year old male, presented with crescendo angina (increasing frequency of chest pain – acute coronary syndrome). His past medical background included chronic kidney disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). He was offered a coronary angiogram through the right femoral artery. The test revealed significant disease within the right coronary artery. The lesion was predilated with the PT XS balloon (balloon angioplasty) and Resolute Onyx 3.5x26mm (stent) was implanted concluding with a good result.

SA, a 59 year old male, underwent a coronary angiogram as part of the work up for a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). He had a background of high blood pressure, obesity, ischaemic heart disease (with previous coronary angiogram) and smoking. He underwent a further coronary angiogram through the right radial artery (in the wrist) with a 6F TIG catheter. The test showed severe disease in the left circumflex and right coronary arteries, as well as a patent (opened) stent in the left anterior descending artery. Lesions were found to be suitable for angioplasty. The patient was referred back to the cardiothoracic surgeons for further discussion regarding his treatment.

This is an operation to bypass a blocking in coronary arteries1

This 75 years old lady describes her experience of having an elective (planned)coronary angiogram. The procedure was done via a needle puncture of the right radial artery (artery in the wrist) to access the coronary arteries (arteries of the heart).