Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure used to dilate and maintain patency for any narrowing of the coronary arteries (arteries supplying blood to heart muscle). This procedure is performed with the use of X-ray and injection of a special dye through a catheter (small tube) into the large artery in the wrist or occasionally in the groin. This minimally invasive procedure is performed when patient is awake under local anaesthesia, usually after a coronary angiogram, which determines severity of the narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is an effective way to relieve any narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries that causes symptoms of angina. The procedure usually follows directly after diagnostic coronary angiogram. Coronary stents will be implanted to maintain the patency of the blocked coronary arteries.

In emergency situation caused by acute coronary syndrome (heart attack), this procedure is important and can be life saving as it can most effectively relieve the blockage in the coronary arteries caused by blood clots.