Angioplasty
A minimally invasive procedure that opens narrowed or blocked arteries to restore blood flow to your heart.
What is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open coronary arteries that have become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter, tipped with a small balloon, is guided through a blood vessel, usually in the wrist or groin, up to the site of the blockage. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, widening the passage for blood flow. In most cases, a small mesh tube called a stent is left in place to keep the artery open long-term. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation, so you remain awake but comfortable, and typically takes thirty minutes to an hour.
Why is this procedure performed?
- Narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries due to plaque buildup
- Chest pain (angina) that limits daily activity
- An ongoing heart attack, where restoring blood flow quickly is critical
- Reduced blood flow identified during an angiogram or stress test
- A less invasive alternative to bypass surgery for suitable blockages
How does this procedure help?
By reopening a narrowed artery, angioplasty restores normal blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving chest pain and reducing the risk of further heart damage. Most patients notice an improvement in symptoms almost immediately after the procedure. Recovery is typically much faster than bypass surgery, with many patients able to return home within a day or two and resume light activity within a week, following your physician's guidance on any medication needed to keep the artery open.
How quickly can this be arranged in India?
Typical timeline in India
1–2 weeks
Compared to Canada / USA
80–90% faster
Cost savings vs. Canada / USA
80–90% less
Context
Cardiac procedures in Canada have average wait times of 6–12 months for elective surgery. In India's private hospitals, CABG and valve surgery are routinely scheduled within 1–2 weeks of clinical confirmation.
Timeline data based on publicly available data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and NHS/Commonwealth Fund comparative studies. Cost estimates based on publicly available medical tourism cost comparisons, including Patients Beyond Borders. Actual costs vary by hospital and case complexity and are confirmed during your clinical assessment.
How does Medicay Global help?
We coordinate access to this procedure through our vetted hospital network in India, handling everything non-clinical along the way. Your Personal Medical Representative manages scheduling, logistics, and communication on your behalf, so you can focus on your health. Medicay Global coordinates access — all clinical decisions are made by licensed physicians.
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