PCI

• Surgical Interventions to Manage Acute Coronary Syndromes - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI):

  • In this procedure, the interventionist inserts a long, tiny tube (catheter) into the blocked or narrowed part of your artery
  • A wire with a deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the narrowed area
  • The balloon is then inflated, opening the artery by compressing the plaque deposits against the artery walls (otherwise known as an Angioplasty)
  • A mesh tube (stent) is usually left in the artery to help keep the artery open
• Surgical Interventions to Manage Acute Coronary Syndromes - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI):

  • As highlighted PCI or angioplasty is a relatively non-invasive procedure (i.e. in comparison to CABG) and hospital stay is typically very short (day case in most)
  • Typically, physiotherapists are not involved in the in-patient stay following PCI (unless the person has specific) mobility needs etc)
  • However, following discharge attendance at a cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programme is of paramount importance
  • Here, physiotherapists have a major role