Angioplasty in Pune | Dr. Tanmay S Kulkarni

Introduction

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Blocked or narrowed arteries can lead to severe complications, including heart attacks and strokes. Angioplasty is a widely used, minimally invasive procedure that helps restore proper blood flow to the heart. If you are searching for an expert cardiologist in Pune, Dr. Tanmay S Kulkarni specializes in advanced heart treatments, including angioplasty in Pune.

Understanding Angioplasty

Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure designed to open clogged or narrowed coronary arteries. The procedure involves inserting a small balloon into the affected artery to widen it, often followed by placing a stent to keep the artery open permanently.

This procedure is commonly performed in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition in which plaque buildup restricts blood flow to the heart. As a leading heart specialist in Pune, Dr. Tanmay S Kulkarni ensures that patients receive high-quality treatment tailored to their condition.

Why is Angioplasty Needed?

Angioplasty is performed to treat conditions like:

Coronary artery disease (CAD): Plaque buildup in arteries reduces blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina) or heart attacks.
Acute heart attack: In emergency cases, angioplasty can restore blood flow and minimize heart muscle damage.
Atherosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries due to fat and cholesterol deposits, leading to reduced oxygen supply.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): It can also be used to improve blood circulation in leg arteries.

The Angioplasty Procedure: Step by Step

Understanding how angioplasty is performed can help ease concerns about the procedure. As an experienced heart specialist in Pune, Dr. Tanmay S Kulkarni follows a systematic approach:

1. Preparation Before the Procedure

Before undergoing angioplasty, patients may need to:

Undergo diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, or coronary angiography to assess the severity of blockages.
Stop certain medications, especially blood thinners, as per the doctor’s guidance.
Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure.

2. The Procedure

Local Anesthesia: Patients remain awake but are given local anesthesia to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted (usually the wrist or groin).
Catheter Insertion: A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the artery and guided to the blocked area.
Balloon Inflation: A small balloon attached to the catheter is inflated at the blockage site, pushing the plaque against the artery walls and widening the artery.
Stent Placement (if needed): A metal mesh tube (stent) is placed to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing.
Deflation & Removal: The balloon is deflated and removed while the stent stays in place.
Completion: The catheter is removed, and a bandage is applied to the insertion site.

3. Recovery After Angioplasty

Patients are monitored for a few hours to a day in the hospital.
Rest is advised, with limited movement of the catheter insertion site.
Medications, including blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering drugs, are prescribed.
Patients are encouraged to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Benefits of Angioplasty

Angioplasty offers multiple advantages for individuals with blocked arteries:

Restores blood flow to the heart, reducing chest pain and other symptoms.
Minimally invasive compared to open-heart surgery.
Quick recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
Reduces the risk of heart attacks and complications.
Improves overall quality of life by enhancing heart function.

Risks and Complications

Although angioplasty is generally safe, it carries some risks, including:

Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
Re-narrowing of the artery (restenosis), especially in cases where a stent is not used.
Blood clots forming within the stent, requiring long-term blood-thinner medication.
Heart attack or stroke (rare but possible complications).
Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in imaging.

However, with an experienced cardiologist in Pune like Dr. Tanmay S Kulkarni, these risks are significantly minimized due to precise and careful procedural execution.

Angioplasty vs. Bypass Surgery: Which is Better?

Many patients wonder whether angioplasty or bypass surgery is the best treatment option. The decision depends on:

Severity of artery blockage: Mild to moderate blockages are treated with angioplasty, while severe cases may require bypass surgery.
Number of blocked arteries: Multiple blockages may require surgery instead of angioplasty.
Overall health condition: Patients with diabetes or other complications might benefit more from surgery.

A comprehensive evaluation by a heart specialist in Pune will help determine the most suitable treatment option.

Life After Angioplasty: Post-Procedure Care

To maintain heart health and prevent future blockages, patients should:

Follow Medication Plans: Take prescribed blood thinners and cholesterol medications as directed.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding processed foods and excess sugar.
Exercise Regularly: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol: Smoking worsens artery blockage, and excessive alcohol intake affects heart function.
Monitor Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Levels: Regular checkups help manage risk factors.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits to a cardiologist in Pune ensure long-term heart health monitoring.

Conclusion

Angioplasty is a life-saving procedure that significantly improves heart health by restoring proper blood flow. Whether you’re experiencing chest pain or have been diagnosed with blocked arteries, seeking expert medical care is essential.

Dr. Tanmay S Kulkarni, a renowned heart specialist in Pune, specializes in angioplasty in Pune and advanced heart treatments. If you or a loved one need expert cardiac care, consult Dr. Kulkarni for personalized guidance and treatment.

For appointments, call us today and visit our website to learn more about heart treatments

📞 Call us at +91 8551913753
🌐 Visit: www.drtanmaykulkarni.com

What is Angioplasty? A Life-Saving Procedure for Heart Health