Coronary stenting (PCI)
Opening a narrowed artery with a balloon and a stent, guided by imaging inside the artery.
What it is
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) opens a narrowed coronary artery from the inside. A balloon widens the narrowing and a stent, a fine metal mesh tube, holds it open. Dr Ramzy uses intravascular imaging (IVUS or OCT) and pressure-wire physiology to measure the artery and size the stent precisely.
Why it may be recommended
- Angina that limits daily life despite medicines
- A significant narrowing confirmed by pressure measurement
- Heart attack
Look inside · OCT
The whole artery, measured before the stent goes in.
A light-based imaging catheter pulls back through the artery in a few seconds. This long view shows the narrowed segment from end to end, so the stent can be matched to its true length and width.
- Segment length
- 33.0 mmBetween the two reference points
- Narrowest point
- Ø 1.37 mmLumen area 1.53 mm²
- Downstream reference
- Ø 2.57 mmLumen area 5.18 mm²
- Upstream reference
- Ø 3.02 mmLumen area 7.23 mm²
How stenting works, step by step
Step 1 of 4
A pressure wire confirms the narrowing is reducing blood flow, so a stent is only placed where it helps.
An ultrasound (IVUS) or light-based (OCT) catheter maps the plaque and the artery’s true size.
A balloon carrying the stent is inflated, pressing the stent into the artery wall.
The balloon is removed and imaging confirms the stent is fully expanded and well positioned.
Before
- Blood-thinning tablets, usually started before the procedure
- Fasting for a few hours
- Someone to drive you home
Recovery
- Usually home the same day or the next morning
- Two blood-thinning tablets for a period, which must not be stopped without advice
- Cardiac rehabilitation and a review in clinic
Risks
Most procedures are uncomplicated. Risks include bleeding, damage to the artery, heart attack, stroke, kidney strain from the dye and, later, narrowing or clotting of the stent. Your individual risk is discussed before the procedure.
Considering this procedure?
Every procedure is discussed with you first: why it is recommended, the alternatives, and the risks that apply to you.