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Glossary Term
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Definition

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), commonly known as coronary angioplasty, is a non-surgical procedure used to treat narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle) caused by atherosclerosis. PCI involves the insertion of a catheter through the skin into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guiding it to the blocked artery. A balloon on the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage to widen the artery, often followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open.

Relevance to the MedTech Industry

PCI is used to restore blood flow to the heart by treating coronary artery disease (CAD). This procedure is crucial for patients experiencing chest pain (angina), heart attacks (myocardial infarctions), or other symptoms of inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. PCI helps reduce symptoms, prevent heart damage, and improve overall cardiovascular health, offering an alternative to open-heart surgery in many cases.

Additional Information & Related Terms

Key Procedural Steps of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

  1. Catheter Insertion:

    • A catheter is inserted through the skin, typically into a femoral or radial artery, and guided to the coronary artery using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging).

  2. Balloon Angioplasty:

    • The catheter is equipped with a small balloon at its tip. The balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and widening the artery to restore blood flow.

  3. Stent Placement:

    • A stent, typically a small mesh tube, is often placed in the artery to keep it open after balloon angioplasty. Stents can be bare-metal or drug-eluting, with the latter releasing medication to prevent the artery from narrowing again (restenosis).

  4. Imaging and Guidance:

    • PCI procedures are guided by various imaging technologies, including fluoroscopy and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), to visualize the artery and accurately place the catheter, balloon, and stent.

  5. Contrast Dye Injection:

    • Contrast dye is injected through the catheter to make the blood vessels visible on the X-ray, allowing doctors to identify the location and severity of blockages.


Related Terms

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque, often leading to the need for PCI.

  • Stent: A small mesh tube inserted into the coronary artery to keep it open after angioplasty. Stents may be bare-metal or drug-eluting.

  • Angioplasty: A procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, commonly performed using a balloon catheter in PCI procedures.

  • Intracoronary Imaging: Techniques like intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) used to visualize coronary arteries and assess the need for PCI.

  • Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arterial walls, which leads to narrowing and blockage of arteries, often treated by PCI.


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