Coronary imaging facilitates accuracy in angioplasty: Improving outcomes for patients

Dr Hemang Baxi, Interventional Cardiologist, Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad highlights that coronary imaging with advanced technology is a valuable tool for treating CAD and performing angioplasty. Hence, it’s crucial to embrace and adopt the latest technologies to ensure comprehensive patient care

The incidence of heart attacks has increased significantly in the past few years, especially among the younger population—aged between 35 and 50 years. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease etc. are the major cause of mortality in India. The prevalence of cardiovascular ailments in India can be mainly attributed to a sedentary way of life, unhealthy dietary patterns, and extreme stress.

Indians are known to have the highest coronary artery disease (CAD) rates¹. Despite India being one of the youngest countries in the world, with 66 per cent of its population under the age of 35, accounts for one-fifth of the deaths due to cardiovascular diseases².

The coronary artery is responsible for providing the heart muscle with blood, oxygen, and nutrients. When the walls of the coronary arteries accumulate plaque, it obstructs or reduces blood flow, causing symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, cold sweat, and shortness of breath. Such symptoms if ignored, can lead to severe complications, including heart attacks and heart failure.

The key modality for the treatment of CAD

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels, typically the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. To perform angioplasty, a cardiologist inserts a thin tube called a catheter into an artery in the groin or wrist and guides it to the blocked area in the coronary artery. The catheter then inflates a small balloon to widen the artery and restore blood flow. This procedure is often recommended for patients with CAD. The final decision to perform angioplasty will depend on various factors, including the patient’s medical background and symptoms, as well as the extent and position of the blockages in the coronary arteries.

Imaging technologies enabling accuracy in angioplasty

Advances in medical technology have made angioplasty a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with CAD. The most significant advancements are the latest imaging technologies, which are playing a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. Specialised equipment is utilised for coronary imaging, which includes Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). By using these technologies, doctors are now able to achieve greater accuracy and precision in the procedure, leading to better patient outcomes. These imaging techniques aid cardiologists in determining the severity of blockages in arteries and the type of plaque build-up, allowing them to take the right decision on whether angioplasty and stenting are needed.

Moreover, if a patient has to undergo an angioplasty procedure, the newer innovative tools are allowing the doctors to select the right size and type of stent and position the stent in the exact location. Furthermore, as doctors can take precise decisions for the treatment of the patients, it minimises the risk of complications such as restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) and thrombosis (blood clots) hence, reducing the need for repeat procedures and hospitalisations and improve long-term outcomes.

Coronary imaging with advanced technology is a valuable tool for treating CAD and performing angioplasty. Hence, it’s crucial to embrace and adopt the latest technologies to ensure comprehensive patient care. A patient-centred approach, focused on communication and compassion, is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes for the patients to enjoy a better quality of life.

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