PTCA surgery refers to Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty. It is also simply called as coronary angioplasty. This type of angioplasty is usually performed when the person has already suffered heart attack. It is a minimally less invasive procedure, which implies that recovery period is relatively shorter.
PTCA surgery is generally recommended by the doctor in following cases:
People in following categories are more susceptible for PCTA surgery:
Before the PTCA surgery commences, you will need to follow certain guidelines. You will be required to fast at least for four hours prior to the procedure. You are allowed to intake only water; no other fluid or eatable is allowed. Also, do inform your doctor if you are taking pain relieving medicines or blood thinning medicines such as aspirin, warfarin etc. You may have to discontinue blood thinning medications for few days before the surgery so as to avoid formation of blood clot.
In PCTA surgery, catheter is inserted into the body through an incision made on groin, neck or arm region. Contrast dye is also injected into the body to enable doctor to view clear and detailed images of the heart. Once, the dye is injected, series of chest X-rays are taken. Through images captured, site of blockages can be determined.
Post surgery, patient has to follow certain precautions. Eat healthy and light foods such as soups, boiled vegetables, fruit juices, coconut water, etc. Foods that promote chances of increasing hemoglobin, such as beetroot, spinach, dates, raisins etc., should be incorporated into the diet to maintain optimum level of hemoglobin count in the body.