Coronary Interventions

Introduction

• Definition: Medical procedure to widen blocked coronary arteries.
• Importance: Restores blood flow, treats chest pain (angina), and heart attacks.
• Presenter: Dr. Lee from Seoul Summary's Hospital.

Coronary Stent Procedure

• Process:
  • Inserted through wrist or leg vessels.
  • Stent navigated to heart via tube.
  • Metal stent expands narrowed vessels.

Before Stents

• Procedure: Only balloon dilation.
• Condition:
  • Atherosclerosis: Cholesterol buildup in blood vessels.
  • Angina: Insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.
  • Myocardial Infarction: Complete blockage causing muscle necrosis.

Advantages Over Surgery

• Quicker: 1-2 hour procedure with same or next-day discharge.
• Fewer Complications: Less risk of wounds and post-surgery issues.
• Preference: Often recommended over surgery, unless in cases of severe conditions or multivascular diseases.

Coronary Stent Details

• Material: Metal, remains in the blood vessel post-procedure.
• Drug Stents: Coated with anti-cancer drugs to prevent muscle cell proliferation and restenosis.
• Lifespan: Permanent once placed.

Risks and Complications

• Complications: Leakage, rupture, stent displacement, blocking blood flow, and infection.
• Restenosis Rate: 5-10% recurrence per year; higher if medication is stopped.
• High-Risk Patients: Myocardial infarction patients are at greater risk of recurrence.

Contraindications and Post-Procedure Care

• Contraindications: Limited life expectancy or severe comorbid diseases.
• Medication: Long-term antiplatelet drugs (6-12 months dual therapy, then lifelong single drug).

Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Changes

• Rehabilitation: Active medication and cardiac rehabilitation exercises essential post-procedure.
• Complications of Myocardial Infarction:
  • Reduced heart function.
  • Longer closure period and larger range: More severe and sometimes non-recoverable complications.

Prevention

• Lifestyle Management: Cannot cure heart disease, only provide temporary relief.
• Risk Factors:
  • Diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia management.
  • Adopting healthier habits: Low salt, low grease diet, quit smoking, regular exercise (e.g., walking).

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: Coronary Interventions are life-saving, require medication and lifestyle changes.
• Questions/Comments: Encouraged for further clarity.