Use this simple discussion guide to start a conversation with your doctor. New minimally invasive therapeutic optionsUntil recently, it had been a challenge to restore blood flow for people with certain types of complicated coronary artery blockages. With advancements in medical technology, tools and techniques have advanced quickly, and offer outstanding, reliable results for many people with CAD. Percutaneous Coronary InterventionPercutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI, is a set of minimally invasive procedures that uses a catheter to place a small device such as a special balloon or stent within a blocked blood vessel
in order to open the blockage and re-establish blood flow. There are many different PCI treatments to treat CAD, and it’s best to talk to your doctor about which may be right for you.
Angioplasty
This procedure can be performed with a balloon catheter alone, or can involve a stent implant for the heart. There are risks associated with any angioplasty or a stent implant procedure. It is important to talk about these risks with your heart doctor. They may include infection, allergic reactions, coronary vessel damage, blood clots and death.
Bare-metal stents: a metal tube specially designed to provide support to help keep the artery open after angioplasty Drug-eluting stents: a bare metal stent coated with a drug, that is released from the stent into the arterial wall over the time when a re-blockage is most likely to happen. Ask your doctor for more information about
the options available to you. There are risks associated with any angioplasty or a stent implant procedure. It is important to talk about these risks with your heart doctor. They may include infection, allergic reactions, coronary vessel damage, blood clots and death. Learn more about stents » What is complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)?
What is complex coronary artery disease (CAD)?It means there is an abnormal blockage or other complication that a cardiologist cannot easily manage. People with Complex CAD may have:
You may want to get a referral to a PCI specialist to find the right treatment choice for you.
What is heart bypass surgery?Heart bypass, or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), is open-heart surgery. During the procedure, arteries or veins are taken from another part of the body and used to
reroute blood around blocked heart arteries.. Medical managementCoronary artery disease may be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, exercise, diet, and medical treatment. There are medications that can help with chest pain due to a blockage, but they do not treat the blockage itself.
Your doctor may prescribe a number of medications (aspirin, beta-blockers, cholesterol medications, etc.) to thin your blood and to help prevent blockages. You could also be prescribed an anti-anginal to treat chronic chest pain, such as Ranolazine. Ask your doctor if a prescription medication to treat angina, or chest pain, that keeps coming back is right for you or if you could be a candidate for PCI. Patient ResourcesWhat are 6 ways to treat cardiovascular disease?The following lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent heart disease:. Eat a healthy diet. Maintaining a heart healthy diet is key for preventing heart disease. ... . Exercise regularly. ... . Control your blood pressure. ... . Keep cholesterol under control. ... . Maintain a healthy weight. ... . Limit alcohol intake. ... . Don't smoke. ... . Manage stress.. What are three different ways to fix a coronary artery that is blocked?Treatment. Coronary angioplasty. A “balloon” is inserted into the artery through a catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube) and then inflated to enlarge the passage through the artery. ... . Atherectomy. ... . Coronary artery bypass surgery (or coronary artery bypass graft).. |