Introduction to Angioplasty

Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed arteries of the heart. It helps restore proper blood flow and is often used to treat patients suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart attacks.

In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel (usually in the groin, wrist, or arm) and guided to the affected artery. A small balloon attached to the catheter is then inflated to widen the artery. In most cases, a stent (a tiny wire mesh tube) is placed in the artery to keep it open long-term.

Angioplasty has revolutionized cardiac care by reducing the need for open-heart surgery and significantly improving recovery times.

Types of Angioplasty

There are different types of angioplasty depending on the condition of the arteries and the tools used:

1. Balloon Angioplasty

• A balloon is inflated inside the narrowed artery to compress the plaque and widen the artery.
  
  
• Sometimes performed without placing a stent, especially in smaller arteries.
  
  

2. Stent Placement (Most Common)

• A stent is placed at the site of blockage to prevent the artery from narrowing again.
  
  
• Types of stents:
  
  
  • Bare-metal stents (BMS)
    
    
  • Drug-eluting stents (DES) – release medication to prevent future blockages.
    
    

3. Rotational Atherectomy (Rotablation)

• Used for heavily calcified arteries.
  
  
• A tiny rotating device removes the hard plaque before balloon angioplasty or stent placement.
  
  

4. Laser Angioplasty

• A laser beam is used to vaporize plaque inside the artery.
  
  

5. Carotid Angioplasty

• Performed in the carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain, often used to prevent stroke.
  

Symptoms That May Require Angioplasty

Angioplasty is generally performed when blood flow to the heart is reduced due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain (Angina) – a pressure or squeezing sensation
  
  
• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Fatigue during physical activity
  
  
• Pain in the arms, jaw, neck, or back (radiating from the heart)
  
  
• Dizziness or fainting
  
  
• Nausea, cold sweats (especially during a heart attack)
  
  

These symptoms may indicate a partial or complete blockage in one or more coronary arteries, which can lead to heart attack if left untreated.

Who Needs Angioplasty?

Not everyone with heart disease will require angioplasty. It is typically recommended in the following cases:

 1. Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• If medications and lifestyle changes do not relieve symptoms.
  
  
• If tests like angiography show one or more narrowed arteries.
  
  

 2. During a Heart Attack (Emergency Angioplasty)

• To quickly restore blood flow and prevent permanent heart muscle damage.
  
  
• Known as Primary PCI — considered the gold standard treatment for heart attacks.
  
  

 3. Patients with Severe Chest Pain

• Even if no heart attack has occurred, significant narrowing can cause angina that limits daily activities.
  
  

 4. Patients Who Cannot Undergo Bypass Surgery

• For individuals at high risk due to age or comorbidities, angioplasty is often a safer option compared to open-heart surgery.
  
  

 5. Restenosis Cases

• When a previously placed stent becomes blocked again, a repeat angioplasty may be done.
  

Angioplasty Cost in India (INR & USD)

India is a globally preferred destination for affordable and advanced cardiac care, including angioplasty. The cost of angioplasty in India is significantly lower compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia — without compromising on the quality of treatment.

 Average Cost of Angioplasty in India

Type of Angioplasty	Approx. Cost in INR	Approx. Cost in USD*
Single Stent Angioplasty	₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000	$1,800 – $3,000
Double Stent Angioplasty	₹2,20,000 – ₹3,50,000	$2,600 – $4,200
Multiple Stent Angioplasty	₹3,00,000 – ₹4,50,000	$3,600 – $5,400
Emergency Angioplasty (Heart Attack)	₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000	$2,400 – $4,200
High-Risk / Complex Angioplasty	₹3,50,000 – ₹5,50,000	$4,200 – $6,600

*Note: USD conversions are approximate (1 USD ≈ ₹83 as of June 2025) and may vary depending on exchange rates.

What Does the Cost Include?

Most angioplasty packages in Indian hospitals may include:

• Pre-operative tests (ECG, Echo, Angiography)
  
  
• Procedure cost (balloon + stent)
  
  
• ICU and room charges (2–3 days)
  
  
• Cardiologist & surgical team fees
  
  
• Post-procedure medications (during stay)
  
  
• Nursing and support care
  
  

Why Choose Mendsure for Angioplasty in India?

Mendsure is a trusted healthcare facilitator in India, committed to delivering high-quality, affordable, and personalized cardiac care for both domestic and international patients. When it comes to angioplasty, Mendsure ensures a smooth and stress-free treatment journey.

Key Reasons to Choose Mendsure:

•  Expert Cardiologists: Network of India’s top interventional cardiologists with years of experience in performing complex angioplasties.
  
  
•  Accredited Hospitals: Tied up with JCI and NABH-accredited multi-specialty hospitals across major Indian cities.
  
  
•  Affordable Packages: Transparent pricing and pre-negotiated angioplasty packages tailored to your budget.
  
  
•  End-to-End Support: From medical opinions, travel arrangements, hospital admission to post-op care – everything is taken care of.
  
  
•  International Patient Support: Visa assistance, airport pickup, translator services, and dedicated patient care managers.
  
  

 

Angioplasty Process with Mendsure

Here’s how the angioplasty journey typically works when coordinated by Mendsure:

1. Initial Consultation

• Share your medical reports (ECG, Angiogram, Echo, etc.)
  
  
• Get a free second opinion from a senior cardiologist
  
  

2. Pre-Procedure Tests

• Blood tests, cardiac MRI, or CT angiogram may be done
  
  
• Admission to hospital usually 1 day before the procedure
  
  

3. Angioplasty Procedure

• Performed under local anesthesia
  
  
• A catheter is inserted (usually via wrist/groin)
  
  
• A balloon inflates to clear the blockage
  
  
• One or more stents may be placed to keep artery open
  
  
• Procedure takes 30–90 minutes
  
  

4. Post-Procedure Care

• Monitored in ICU for 24 hours
  
  
• Discharged within 2–3 days
  
  
• Mendsure assists with medications, diet plans, and follow-up appointments
  

Eligibility Criteria for Angioplasty

Not every heart patient qualifies for angioplasty. The procedure is typically recommended if:

• You are diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) or arterial blockage.
  
  
• You are having chest pain (angina) that doesn’t respond to medications.
  
  
• You’ve had a recent heart attack and need urgent blood flow restoration.
  
  
• Your angiogram shows 70% or more blockage in one or more arteries.
  
  
• Bypass surgery is too risky due to age or comorbidities.
  
  

 Not Eligible: Patients with very diffuse disease or blockages in extremely small vessels may be advised for coronary bypass surgery instead.

Risks and Complications of Angioplasty

While angioplasty is considered a safe and routine procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks:

 Common Risks:

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
  
  
• Blood clots or restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery)
  
  
• Allergic reaction to contrast dye
  
  

Rare but Serious Complications:

• Heart attack or stroke
  
  
• Kidney damage (especially in diabetic patients)
  
  
• Abnormal heart rhythms
  
  
• Damage to the artery
  
  

 With Mendsure’s expert care, all necessary precautions and post-op support are taken to minimize complications.

 Success Rate of Angioplasty in India

India boasts excellent clinical outcomes in angioplasty due to advanced infrastructure and expert cardiologists.

 Key Stats:

• Overall success rate: 95–98%
  
  
• Emergency (heart attack) success rate: ~90–94%
  
  
• Low mortality rate: Less than 1% in elective procedures
  
  
• Recovery time: Most patients resume routine activity within 1 week