Angiography and Angioplasty with Stent Placement
About the procedure
Angiography is an imaging procedure that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels, while angioplasty with stent placement is an interventional procedure that opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels. These procedures are commonly performed by interventional radiologists to diagnose and treat conditions such as peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and carotid artery stenosis. The combination of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic intervention in a single procedure makes this a powerful tool for managing vascular diseases with minimal invasiveness compared to open surgery.
Care before the procedure
- Fasting: No food or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
- Medication Review: Adjustments may be made to blood thinners or diabetes medications.
- Allergies: Inform the medical team of any allergies, especially to iodine, shellfish, or contrast dye.
- Pre-Procedure Tests: Blood tests, ECG, and sometimes echocardiogram.
Care during the procedure
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to the access site (usually wrist or groin).
- Process: A catheter is threaded through arteries to the heart. Contrast dye is injected to visualize blockages. If needed, angioplasty and stent placement are performed.
- Duration: 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity.
- Patient Experience: Mild discomfort may be felt during contrast injection (flushing sensation) or balloon inflation (brief chest tightness).
Care after the procedure
- Immediate Recovery:
- Pressure applied to the access site to prevent bleeding.
- Bed rest for a few hours (longer if femoral access was used).
- Hydration to flush out contrast dye.
- Medications:
- Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is critical (e.g., aspirin + clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots in the stent.
- Statins, beta-blockers, or other heart medications as prescribed.
- Activity:
- Avoid heavy lifting/strenuous activity for 1 week.
- Gradually resume normal activities under doctor’s guidance.
- Follow-Up:
- Regular appointments to monitor heart health and medication efficacy.
- Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended for lifestyle optimization.
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Heart-healthy diet (low salt, low fat).
- Regular exercise.
- Smoking cessation.
- Stress management.
Eligibility
- Individuals with persistent joint pain, swelling, or locking affecting daily activities, not relieved by conservative measures.
- Patients with diagnosed meniscus tears, ligament injuries, or cartilage damage requiring precise repair or removal.
- Athletes or physically active people needing early return to sports after joint injuries.
- People with loose bodies or structural joint abnormalities detected through imaging or clinical examination.
Relevant Specialties

Radiology
Radiology uses imaging to support the diagnosis, evaluation, and monitoring of a wide range of health conditions.
It plays a critical role in helping clinicians understand underlying medical concerns by providing clear and accurate visual insights, supporting informed decision-making across multiple specialties.
At KIMSHEALTH, radiology services are delivered through a patient-first approach, focusing on precision, efficiency, and timely support to ensure effective and coordinated patient care.


