Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

What is PCI?

PCI is very similar in practice to the balloon angioplasty described in the PTCA procedure with the use of a catheter, but instead of a balloon device, an atherectomy is performed and/or a stent is put in place at the site of the blockage. An atherectomy is a procedure that utilizes a cutting tool that removes plaque from the wall of the artery to increase blood flow. A stent is a metal or plastic tube placed in the vessel to keep the passageway open.

Why am I getting a PCI?

When the blockage in the problem artery is too severe for the balloon device as described in the PTCA procedure, Dr. Kiesz will perform a PCI to cut away the plaque causing the arterial blockage and may also insert a stent to keep the vessel open, which in turn will relieve your symptom(s).

Where is the insertion site?

Dr. Kiesz will select the insertion site (either the wrist or the groin) based on access difficulty and patient history.

The first video shows a balloon angioplasty and the placement of a stent. The second video shows how an atherectomy works.