Is it better to have a PCI or a bypass operation for coronary artery disease?

Dr Nijjer talks about PCI / Angioplasty for patients with angina and for those having a heart attack. Patients with stable angina are typically managed with medications initially and may undergo investigations to look for ischaemia (a lack of blood supply). If there is evidence of ischaemia or a significant burden of heart artery disease then performing a coronary angiogram can help identify the cause. In the modern era, we may perform a measurement of blood flow using a pressure wire. If this shows reduced blood flow, then coronary angioplasty with stenting (known as PCI) can be appropriate.

A video walk through of the coronary catheter laboratory at West Middlesex Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Nijjer describes the environment of the Cardiac Catheter Lab. It can be a frightening thought when you are going to have an angiogram procedure, but Dr Nijjer will explain what the room will look like and what the procedure involves. Knowing more about the procedure will help you feel calmer and more relaxed when it comes to having the procedure.

Dr Nijjar describes how he images coronary arteries in his lab at the West Middlesex Hospital

Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer explains what a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is.

Dr Nijjar explains what a patient with angina can do outside of hospital to keep themselves as healthy as possible.

Dr Nijjar describes what is meant by PCI in relation to the coronary arteries.