Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting (PCI)
Coronary angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), opens a narrowed or blocked coronary artery without open surgery. A thin catheter is guided to the artery, a balloon is inflated to widen it, and a small mesh tube called a stent is usually left in place to hold the artery open. It restores blood flow and relieves angina, and can be life-saving during a heart attack.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment for coronary artery disease. Through a small puncture in the wrist or groin, the cardiologist threads a fine catheter to the narrowed coronary artery, guided by live X-ray. A balloon at the catheter tip is inflated to push the narrowing open, and in nearly all cases a stent — a tiny mesh scaffold, usually drug-coated to keep the artery from re-narrowing — is deployed to keep the vessel open.
Because it avoids open surgery, angioplasty is typically done under local anesthesia with light sedation, and many planned patients go home the same day or after one night. It is used both for planned treatment of angina and, urgently, to reopen a blocked artery during a heart attack, where rapid treatment can save heart muscle. After a stent, antiplatelet medication is needed for a defined period to keep it clear.
The decision between angioplasty and bypass surgery is made by a combined heart team based on the pattern of disease and heart function. International patients are supported by a coordinator with a clear plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, and cardiologists can review your angiogram and reports remotely beforehand.
Who is a candidate?
- People with angina from a narrowed coronary artery not controlled by medication
- Patients having a heart attack, where urgent angioplasty can reopen the blocked artery
- Those with one or two affected arteries suited to a catheter-based approach
- People who prefer or need to avoid open surgery, where stenting is appropriate
- Patients fit for the procedure, as assessed after angiography
- People seeking a second opinion comparing stenting with bypass surgery
What happens
- 1
Angiography and assessment
A coronary angiogram maps the narrowings precisely. The heart team confirms whether angioplasty and stenting, or bypass surgery, is the better option for your pattern of disease.
- 2
Preparation
You are prepared for the procedure under local anesthesia with light sedation. The access site — usually the wrist — is numbed, and you remain awake but comfortable throughout.
- 3
The procedure
A catheter is guided to the narrowed artery under live X-ray, a balloon is inflated to open it, and a drug-coated stent is usually deployed to hold the vessel open.
- 4
Short recovery
You rest while the access site seals. Many planned patients go home the same day or after one night, with monitoring of the puncture site and heart rhythm beforehand.
- 5
Medication and follow-up
Antiplatelet medication keeps the stent clear for a defined period, and risk-factor control protects the arteries. International patients receive a clear plan and remote follow-up support after returning home.
Benefits
- Opens a narrowed artery without open surgery, through a small wrist or groin puncture
- Relieves angina and restores blood flow to the heart muscle
- Can be life-saving when performed urgently during a heart attack
- Usually done under local anesthesia with a short stay and quick recovery
- Drug-coated stents reduce the chance of the artery re-narrowing
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter access site
- Re-narrowing of the treated artery or, rarely, a clot forming within the stent
- The need for antiplatelet medication for a defined period after a stent
- Rare procedural risks such as artery injury, rhythm disturbance or contrast reaction
- Treatment of the narrowing does not remove the need for ongoing risk-factor control
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Heart Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting (PCI) — frequently asked questions
It treats coronary artery disease — a narrowed or blocked coronary artery — by widening it with a balloon and holding it open with a stent. It relieves angina and, performed urgently, can reopen an artery during a heart attack.
It depends on how many arteries are affected and your heart function. Stenting suits localized disease and avoids open surgery, while bypass is often preferred for extensive multi-vessel disease. A combined heart team weighs both with you, and a second opinion can help.
Yes. Antiplatelet medication keeps the stent clear for a defined period set by your cardiologist, alongside treatment to control risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Your team explains the schedule clearly.
Yes. Send your angiogram and reports and our cardiologists provide an independent opinion remotely, so the stenting and surgical options are explained before you commit to travel.
Planned angioplasty often means a same-day or single-night stay plus a short period locally before flying — your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case, covering the angiogram, the procedure, the stent and follow-up, rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering coronary angioplasty & stenting (pci)?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.