Koronaarinterventsioon

Koronaarinterventsioon, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a non-surgical procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When they become narrowed, often due to the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis), it can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

The most common type of koronaarinterventsioon is angioplasty with stenting. During the procedure, a cardiologist inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the wrist or groin. This catheter is guided through the arteries to the site of the blockage in the coronary artery. A tiny balloon on the tip of the catheter is then inflated, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and widening the passage for blood flow.

In most cases, a small mesh tube called a stent is then deployed at the site of the blockage. The stent acts as a scaffold to keep the artery open and prevent it from narrowing again. Many stents are coated with medication to further reduce the risk of re-blockage.

Koronaarinterventsioon is typically performed under local anesthesia and sedation. Recovery is usually quick, with patients often able to go home the same or the next day. Potential risks, though generally low, can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, or damage to the artery. The decision to perform koronaarinterventsioon is based on the severity of the coronary artery disease and the patient's overall health.