All our specialists are experts in this field of cardiology, having performed over twelve thousand angiograms since we first opened in 1998. As a private facility, we offer the latest advancements in technology and equipment when treating patients with coronary artery disease.
Once you have had your angiogram, your specialist will decide whether you require further treatment or an angioplasty to treat an obstruction within your blood vessels. This procedure may follow your angiogram if pre-arranged with you. Coronary stents or balloons are commonly used for treating Coronary Artery Disease.
This involves a tiny balloon being inflated inside the artery to improve blood flow, by pushing open the blocked area.
The improved blood flow may persist, but commonly the artery may re-narrow and therefore a stent is usually used in angioplasty procedures. Angioplasty using a coronary stent involves a small expandable wire mesh tube (a stent) being inserted into the obstructed area of the artery.
The diagram shows the inflated balloon & expanded wire mesh tube (stent). The term Balloon Angioplasty is used on those occasions when a stent is not used.
After a specialised balloon has been inflated within the artery enabling widening of the blocked area, a stent is implanted to hold the artery open. One or more stents may be required, depending upon the length of the narrowing. The stent will remain in place permanently, holding the artery open.
To view an animation of the procedure (no sound), please click play on the above video.
For most patients, we are able to offer drug-eluting stents. These are stents that slowly release a drug, which reduces the chance of the artery re-narrowing at a later stage. Please consult your cardiologist to see whether a drug-eluting stent is appropriate for you.
The diagram shows the stent expanded against the artery wall
