You may also be offered one of a variety of other techniques. The most common is the insertion of one or more stents, tiny ‘scaffolds’ of wire mesh placed into the artery to hold it open. Other more high-tech options include laser angioplasty, which uses a laser instead of or as well as a balloon to melt through the fatty deposits and plaque. In a procedure called an atherectomy a high-speed cutting drill shaves plaque off the artery wall. However, balloon angioplasty remains the most common treatment of choice.
In Hospital
Immediately after having a procedure such as angioplasty or having a stent inserted you will be told to stay in bed and keep your leg as straight as possible to limit the risk of bleeding. The medical staff will keep a careful eye on you during the first few hours after the operation. The sheath through which the catheter was introduced into the artery in your groin is removed, usually on the same day. A small dressing will be placed over the wound and you will be asked to stay in bed for another few hours. After this rest you will usually be able to go home.
Dealing with a Stent
After having a stent inserted you will need to take an anti-platelet drug. Platelets are red blood cells which play a role in forming blood clots which, without treatment, can be inclined to form on stents. Patients are usually given aspirin and ticlopidine, another anti-platelet drug that works in a slightly different way from aspirin. The ticlopidine is given for about a month but the aspirin continues indefinitely. Several new types of anti-platelet drugs are being researched.
At Home
Physically, recovery is much speedier after having a procedure such as angioplasty or a stent than it is after a bypass, which, after all, is major surgery. You can expect to feel a bit sore and have some bruising around the leg wound. The area may feel quite hard to the touch at first but should return to normal within a couple of weeks. If the wound becomes more painful or if bruising worsens or the wound starts to bleed or ooze see your doctor. Otherwise simple painkillers should combat any pain.
You may also experience some discomfort and bruising in the chest. Again this can be helped by taking a painkiller. Some people experience angina after angioplasty in which case you should use any drugs you have previously been prescribed. However, if you are getting angina regularly you should contact the doctor. Similarly, if you experience chest pain that is not associated with exertion and/or suspect you may be having a heart attack you should also call the doctor or call the emergency services .
Emotionally, even though you have not had a major operation, it can still can take some time to come to terms with what you have been through, especially if the procedure was carried out as an emergency or soon after a diagnosis of heart disease- Carolyn says: ‘After I came out of hospital having had the stent put in my confidence went out of the window and it’s taken a long time to get back to normal