Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting (PTCA)

What is PTCA?

percutaneous-transluminal-coronary-angioplasty-ptca

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a type of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or minimally invasive procedure, to correct clogged arteries.

The procedure opens coronary arteries that have been narrowed or blocked due to the build-up of fatty deposits known as plaque. This restores blood flow to the heart muscle.

Types of PTCA

There are 2 types of PTCA:

  1. Balloon angioplasty uses a thin tube called a catheter, with a deflated balloon at its tip. The catheter may be inserted through a large artery in the leg or the radial artery in the forearm. Once inserted, it is carefully guided to the blocked portion of the artery. The balloon is then inflated to push the accumulated plaque against the walls of the artery, restoring normal blood flow to the heart muscles.
  2. Coronary artery stenting uses a small wire mesh to prevent the blocked artery from re-narrowing after balloon angioplasty. This procedure is also known as coronary stenting.

Why do you need PTCA?

Angioplasty can reduce symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, and enable you to resume normal activity.

Your doctor may recommend PTCA if:

  • You were unable to improve your condition through medication or lifestyle changes.
  • You experience worsening symptoms, such as increased chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath.

Who should not undergo PTCA?

Depending on your condition and overall health, your doctor may recommend coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) instead. You may need CABG if:

  • Your heart muscle is weak.
  • You have diabetes and more than one severe blockage in your arteries.
  • The main artery that supplies blood to the left side of your heart is narrow.

What are the risks and complications of PTCA?

PTCA is a safe procedure, with a low risk of complications. However, like any other surgery, it carries a small risk.

Rare complications include heart attack, stroke and kidney injury due to the contrast dye. In general, the risk of rare complications is less than 1%.

Why choose Gleneagles Hospital?

At Gleneagles Hospital, your recovery is our priority. Established in Singapore for more than 60 years, we offer a comprehensive heart and vascular programme through our team of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons.

Our team provide a range of therapies for heart conditions, including percutaneous coronary interventions such as balloon angioplasty, to treat blocked arteries. Recover in modern facilities and experience seamless care all under one roof.

Our cardiologists

At Gleneagles Hospital, we offer a comprehensive heart and vascular programme through our team of heart specialists and heart surgeons. Treat your heart holistically with expert help from our care team.

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13 LISTINGS
Dr Yong Wee Boon Derek - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Yong Wee Boon Derek

Cardiologist

Languages
English, Hokkien, Mandarin, Teochew

Dr Chiam Toon Lim Paul - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Chiam Toon Lim Paul

Cardiologist

Insurance Panel
AIA, Great Eastern, HSBC Life, Income, Prudential^, Singlife

Languages
English, Hainanese, Hokkien, Mandarin

Dr Paul Ong - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Paul Ong

Cardiologist

Insurance Panel
AIA, Great Eastern, HSBC Life, Income, Prudential^, Singlife

Languages
Bahasa Indonesia, Cantonese, English, Mandarin

Dr Chia Stanley - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Chia Stanley

Cardiologist

Insurance Panel
AIA, Great Eastern, HSBC Life, Income, Prudential^, Singlife

Languages
English, Hokkien, Mandarin, Teochew

Dr Chan Wah Hak Nien-Shen Charles - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Chan Wah Hak Nien-Shen Charles

Cardiologist

Insurance Panel
AIA, HSBC Life, Income, Prudential^, Singlife

Languages
English, French

Dr Mak Koon Hou - Intensive Care Medicine
Dr Mak Koon Hou

Cardiologist

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AIA, Prudential^

Languages
English

Dr Saurabh Rastogi - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Saurabh Rastogi

Cardiologist

Insurance Panel
HSBC Life, Singlife

Languages
English, Hindi

Dr Rohit Khurana - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Rohit Khurana

Cardiologist

Insurance Panel
AIA, Great Eastern, HSBC Life, Income, Prudential^, Singlife

Languages
English

Dr Tay Lik Wui Edgar - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Tay Lik Wui Edgar

Cardiologist

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AIA, Great Eastern, HSBC Life, Income, Prudential^, Singlife

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Dr Lim Tien Wei Jimmy Gordon - Cardiology (heart)
Dr Lim Tien Wei Jimmy Gordon

Cardiologist

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Languages
English, Mandarin

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