Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization
What is Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization?
Coronary revascularization is the process of restoring the flow of blood to the heart. This is done by removing or bypassing (going around) blockages in coronary arteries caused by atherosclerosis. The word percutaneous means the procedure is performed through the skin, rather than through an open surgical procedure. Percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures are performed through a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is threaded through a blood vessel.What are the Different Procedures for Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization?
Different types of percutaneous coronary revascularization include:
- Atherectomy - Plaque is shaved or vaporized away with tiny rotating blades or a laser on the end of a catheter.
- Coronary Artery Bypass - A piece of vein is grafted above and below the blocked area of a coronary artery, allowing blood to flow around the obstruction. Veins are usually taken from the leg, but arteries from the chest may also be used to create a bypass graft.
- Coronary Artery Balloon Angioplasty - A specially designed catheter with a tiny balloon is carefully guided through the coronary artery to the blockage, then inflated to widen the opening and increase blood flow to the heart. A stent is often placed during the procedure to keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated and removed.
- Coronary Artery Stenting - A small, hollow stainless steel mesh tube is placed at the site of coronary artery narrowing. The stent pushes against the wall of the artery, keeping it open. Virtually all stenting procedures today involve the use of a stents that are coated with medication to limit regrowth of scar tissue.
How are Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization Procedures Performed?
You'll remain awake during your percutaneous coronary revascularization procedure. You'll receive medication to help you relax and also medication to thin your blood. The area where the catheter will be inserted "“ usually the groin area "“ will be numbed. A small incision will be made and a thin guide wire will be inserted and threaded through the artery to the blockage. A catheter will be passed over the guide wire. Then, a coronary revascularization procedure will be performed through the catheter.
When the coronary revascularization procedure is complete, the catheter will be removed. You'll probably need to stay in the hospital for a day or so while your heart is monitored.
Why Choose Stanford Hospital for Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization?
Stanford Interventional Cardiology is a world leader in percutaneous coronary revascularization. Each year, our team of interventional cardiologists performs more than 800 balloon angioplasties. Stanford's interventional cardiologists are highly skilled with complex angioplasties that require physical removal of plaque. Dr. Simon Stertzer, Stanford's Director of Experimental Angioplasty, performed the first rotational atherectomy in the world.
Learn more about coronary artery disease.