In short
Coronary angioplasty with stenting — also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) — widens a narrowed coronary artery using a small balloon, then places a mesh tube (stent) to help keep it open. It is used for selected patients after angiography shows a suitable narrowing.
When stenting may be considered
Stenting may be recommended to relieve angina that is not adequately controlled, or urgently during a heart attack to restore blood flow. For stable symptoms, it is one of several options, together with medicines and, for some patterns of disease, bypass surgery. Not every narrowing needs a stent.
What generally happens
The procedure is similar to angiography and often follows on from it. A catheter is guided to the narrowed artery, a fine wire is passed across the narrowing, and a balloon is inflated to widen it. A stent, usually coated with medicine to reduce re-narrowing, is then expanded and left in place permanently.
How it differs from angiography and bypass surgery
Angiography is a test that shows the arteries; stenting is a treatment. Bypass surgery is an open operation that routes blood around blockages using another blood vessel. Which approach is best depends on how many arteries are affected, where, and your overall health — sometimes a heart team discussion is involved.
Risks and limitations
General risks include bleeding or bruising at the access site, reaction to contrast dye, damage to the artery, heart rhythm disturbance and, uncommonly, heart attack, stroke or the need for urgent surgery. After stenting, a clot can form in the stent, which is why blood-thinning medicines are usually prescribed; it is important not to stop these unless your cardiologist advises it. A stent treats the narrowed segment but does not cure coronary artery disease, so risk-factor control remains important.
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery and follow-up are planned individually. How long you stay, when you can drive, return to work or exercise, and any change to your medicines depend on your condition and the procedure, and are discussed with you by the treating team. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines unless the prescribing clinician advises it.
Where it takes place
Where a procedure is recommended, the practice will confirm the hospital venue, the admission arrangements and any preparation when your care is arranged. Procedures are not performed in the consulting suite.
Questions to ask your clinical team
- Why is a stent recommended for me rather than medicines alone or bypass surgery?
- What benefit can I realistically expect?
- Which blood-thinning medicines will I need, and for how long?
- What should I do before any future dental work or surgery while on these medicines?
Common questions
Will I feel the stent?+
No. The stent sits inside the artery wall and cannot be felt.
Does a stent mean my heart disease is fixed?+
It treats a specific narrowing. Ongoing care — medicines, lifestyle and follow-up — helps protect the rest of your arteries.
Sources and further reading
General patient education written in plain language and informed by the sources above. It is not a substitute for an individual assessment, and does not describe practice-specific fees, referral rules or preparation — please confirm these with the practice.