Coronary angioplasty with stent insertion
Our state-of-the-art cardiology facilities and innovative technology support a wide range of specialist servicesEffective treatments to support a healthier heart
Coronary angioplasty with stent insertion procedure (also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) is a procedure performed to widen narrowings within the arteries. A stent is used to open and support the diseased artery, helping to improve blood flow to your heart.
Angioplasty is often performed to relieve angina symptoms and treat patients who have had heart attacks. The procedure often follows an angiogram, where the Cardiologist has undertaken a full diagnostic investigation.
Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (Shockwave IVL)
Sometimes, the blockages can be caused by calcification of your arteries. At KIMS Hospital, we provide a state-of-the-art procedure called Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL). This innovative technique is used to treat calcified coronary artery blockages, enhancing the effectiveness of your coronary angioplasty procedure.
Shockwave IVL uses sonic pressure waves to safely and effectively break up severe calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. During the procedure, a specialized catheter-mounted device is guided to the targeted blocked area. Once properly positioned, the device delivers sonic waves that gently fracture the calcified plaque, enabling successful stent placement and restoring normal blood flow.
Is Coronary Angioplasty right for you?
The first step is to have an initial consultation with a Consultant Cardiologist at KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. With no waiting lists, you can access prompt care at a time that suits you whether you are paying for yourself or if you have medical insurance.
Locations
You can see expert consultants and have a range of scans and tests at either one of our facilities below. If you need a procedure or surgery, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
Consultants
What to expect from an angioplasty stent procedure
What does the angioplasty procedure involve?
Angioplasty is performed by a Consultant Cardiologist, supported by a dedicated team of experienced cardiac Radiographers, Nurses and Physiologists.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, which is applied to the area around your wrist or groin. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, a small tube called a sheath is inserted into the artery.
The initial stage involves finding and identifying any narrowings that need to be treated. Once these have been identified, the Cardiologist will proceed with the angioplasty. The stent (small tube) is mounted around a small, deflated balloon on a guide wire, which is tracked along the narrowing. The Cardiologist will then inflate the balloon, widening the stent so it expands to keep your artery open. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
Depending on the number of stents you need, the process will be repeated until the identified narrowing is treated.
How many stents will I need?
This will depend on the number of narrowings that are identified. Your Cardiologist will only be able to determine this during the procedure and will treat each narrowing that requires a stent.
Where will my procedure take place?
Regardless of where you had your initial consultation, all surgical procedures take place at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. Most outpatient appointments, including scans and tests, and follow up appointments with your Consultant, can take place at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
How long will I stay in hospital?
The procedure is usually performed as a day case, which means you won’t need to stay overnight. Your Consultant will discuss this with you in more detail during your initial consultation.
Recovery and aftercare
Angioplasty is considered to be a safe procedure but, as with any operation, there may be a few after-effects. For a few days afterwards, you may have some bruising and soreness around the area where the sheath was inserted. You might also feel tired, but you should be back to normal within a week.
Our team will make sure you are given all the relevant information before you are discharged after your procedure, including who you can contact at the hospital if you have any concerns once you are home. The cardiac nursing team will contact you within the first week after discharge to discuss any issues and your recovery.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our team, please call 01622 237 727.
Enquiry hours are Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.