Coronary Angioplasty (Widen And Maintain Healthy Coronary Arteries)

· Those in Mexicali who need heart-related treatment.
· Those with chest pain.
· Those with difficulty breathing and pain at heart.
· Those with multiple severe blockages in arteries.
· Those who wish to treat a blocked artery for a healthier lifestyle.

Coronary Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, is a procedure performed on the clogged heart arteries to open and allow proper blood flow throughout the body.

The procedure helps to improve symptoms of blocked arteries such as chest pain and difficulties in breathing. Moreover, it is often used to treat a heart attack to quickly treat the blocked artery and reduce the amount of damage to patient's heart.

Coronary angioplasty works by insertion of a tiny balloon catheter into a blocked blood vessel to help widen the diameter of the arteries and improve blood flow. The procedure is often combined with the placement of a small wire mesh tube called stent to help prop the artery open. Stents are mostly coated with specific medication (drug-eluting stents) to keep the artery open; this decreases its chance of narrowing again.

· Medical history will be reviewed
· Physical examinations such as chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and blood tests may be required
· An imaging test called a coronary angiogram will be done
· The Doctor may instruct on certain blood-thinning medications to be stopped, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
· Fasting for at least 6 to 8 hours is required
· Prior to the procedure, an approved medication with only small sips of water is allowed

1. Consultation and examination of health condition
2. Explanation and instructions will be given by the doctor
3. Sedation will be applied prior to the procedure
4. An IV catheter containing fluids and medications will be attached to the hand or arm for further relaxation
5. Local anesthesia will be used to numb the area to be treated
6. A very small incision will be made at the numbed area
7. A small, thin guide wire will be inserted in the blood vessel
8. A thin tube (catheter) will be threaded through the artery
9. Injection of contrast dye through the catheter to help identify the blockage
10. A small balloon with or without a stent at the tip of the catheter will be inflated at the site of the blockage, to widen the blocked artery.
11. The artery will be stretched and the balloon will be deflated
12. Sutures are done to close the incision

<Advantages>
· Treats the blockage in the artery
· Widens the artery
· Helps to maintain the widened artery
· Prevents heart attack
· No sharp pain during the procedure

<Limitations>
· Several hours of treatment depending on the condition
· Pressure may be felt at the area where the catheter is inserted
· Mild discomfort will be experienced when the balloon is inflated and artery stretched

· Patients are advised to quit smoking after the treatment
· Manage and maintain good cholesterol levels
· Maintain a healthy weight to prevent further complications
· Healthy diet that is low in saturated fat should be maintained
· Exercise regularly
· Take medications as prescribed by the doctor

· The site where the catheter inserted starts bleeding or swelling
· Pain or discomfort at the site where the catheter was inserted
· Have signs of infection such as redness, swelling, drainage or fever
· Notice change in temperature or color of the leg or arm treated
· Feel faint or weak
· Develop chest pain or difficulty breathing

Q1: Why do I need it?
A1: Patients with blockages in the arteries may need treatment if you have discomfort in the chest and difficulty breathing.

Q2: Does it hurt?
A2: No, the procedure causes very little pain as the treatment areas will be properly numbed and you will be sedated in an appropriate amount for relaxation.

Q3: Can I resume normal physical activity as soon as I feel better?
A3: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise or physical activities for at least 2 days after the procedure.

Q4: Is there any risk?
A4: There may be a small risk that a blood clot will form inside the stent placed, the doctor will prescribe blood-thinning medications to help prevent this.

Q5: If the procedure is done on my leg, can I walk immediately?
A5: No, you will need to be on the bed and lie on your back for several hours.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (24 hrs)