Coronary & Peripheral Interventions (PTCA, PTA)

What it is

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) opens blocked heart arteries using a balloon catheter, usually followed by a stent to keep the artery open. The same technique applied to arteries of the limbs and other vessels is peripheral angioplasty (PTA). Both are performed through a small puncture in the wrist or groin — no surgical incision.

When it's needed

Angioplasty is considered when a significant arterial blockage is causing symptoms or risk: angina that persists despite medication, an abnormal stress test with a critical narrowing, or — most urgently — an ongoing heart attack, where primary angioplasty performed quickly limits damage to the heart muscle.

What to expect

The procedure is done under local anaesthesia in a catheterization laboratory; most patients remain awake. For planned (elective) procedures, hospital stay is commonly one to two days. Afterwards, the medicines that keep the stent open — particularly antiplatelet tablets — must be taken exactly as prescribed; stopping them early is dangerous. Dr. Kumar performs these procedures through the cath lab facilities at Medanta-Moolchand Heart Centre and reviews every patient personally in follow-up.