This content has been prepared for informational purposes to protect public health, in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey and medical ethical rules. It does not provide any diagnosis, treatment guarantees, or specific medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for the most accurate information.
PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) is the catheter-based treatment of coronary artery disease. It includes balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. This comprehensive guide covers PCI types, indications, procedure process and results in detail.
What is PCI?#
PCI is the opening of stenoses or occlusions in coronary arteries via catheter. It is a minimally invasive treatment alternative to open heart surgery.
PCI Components:
- Balloon angioplasty
- Stent implantation
- Atherectomy (if needed)
- Intravascular imaging
PCI Indications#
Acute Coronary Syndrome#
- Primary PCI (STEMI)
- Urgent PCI (NSTEMI)
- Unstable angina
Stable Coronary Artery Disease#
- Severe stenosis (>70%)
- Symptomatic patients
- Positive stress test
- Unresponsive to medical therapy
Special Situations#
- Left main coronary disease
- Multivessel disease
- CTO (chronic total occlusion)
- Bifurcation lesions
PCI Types#
Primary PCI#
- Emergency application in STEMI
- Door-to-balloon time <90 minutes
- Life-saving
Elective PCI#
- Planned procedure
- In stable patients
- Optimal preparation
Rescue PCI#
- After failed thrombolysis
- Ongoing ischemia
How is PCI Performed?#
Preparation#
- Evaluation with angiography
- Antiplatelet loading
- Anticoagulation
Procedure Steps#
- Vascular access: Radial or femoral
- Guide catheter: To coronary ostium
- Guidewire: Through lesion
- Balloon angioplasty: Predilation
- Stent placement: Over lesion
- Postdilation: Optimal expansion
- Control imaging: IVUS/OCT
Procedure Duration#
Total time: 30-120 minutes
PCI Results#
Success Criteria#
- Residual stenosis <20%
- TIMI 3 flow
- No complications
- Symptom improvement
Complications#
- Stent thrombosis
- Dissection
- Perforation
- No-reflow
- Side branch loss
Post-PCI Follow-up#
Drug Therapy#
- Dual antiplatelet therapy (6-12 months)
- Statin
- Beta blocker
- ACE inhibitor
Lifestyle#
- Smoking cessation
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Weight control
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is PCI surgery?
How long will I stay in hospital after PCI?
Is PCI an alternative to bypass surgery?
When can I return to normal life after PCI?
Can PCI be repeated?
Appointment and Contact#
To schedule an appointment for PCI evaluation:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content was prepared by interventional cardiologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.