Angioplasty: Kerala CM’s Remarks on Unnecessary Procedures Spark Medical Debate

Angioplasty Latest News

Keralam Chief Minister’s recent remarks questioning “unnecessary” angioplasty procedures have drawn objections from medical organisations concerned that it could undermine public confidence in doctors.

About Angioplasty

• It is a minimally invasive procedure that opens arteries (large blood vessels) to let blood flow more easily. 
• In the term angioplasty, “angio” means blood vessel, and “plasty” is opening up. 
• It most commonly treats atherosclerosis (a collection of plaque made of fat and cholesterol) in your arteries. 
• Angioplasties are often necessary to try to prevent serious complications of atherosclerosis, like heart attack and stroke. 
• Angioplasties are generally safe procedures. They’re less invasive than other heart and vascular procedures, like bypass surgery.
• Types of angioplasty: The two most common include: 
  • Coronary artery angioplasty. The coronary arteries are major blood vessels that supply blood to your heart. Another name for this procedure is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
  • Peripheral artery angioplasty. Peripheral arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart to your extremities, like your legs and arms.
• Different angioplasty techniques include:
  • Balloon Angioplasty. Most angioplasty procedures involve a tiny medical balloon to move the plaque out of the way and off to the side of the artery wall.
  • Angioplasty with or without stenting: Your provider may or may not place a permanent stent (a small tube) in the newly opened artery to help keep it open. Stent placement comes after most angioplasties.
  • Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA): This is an alternative to using a balloon to unblock a coronary artery. The laser destroys the plaque. It’s not as common as balloon angioplasty.

News: TH

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