Balloon dilatation and stent implantation for coronary artery disease

If coronary angiography confirms the presence of significant narrowing (stenosis) of the coronary arteries, these can in many cases be reopened in the same session by means of balloon dilatation and stent implantation in order to restore blood flow and thus the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

Explanation of stent implantation

The narrowed coronary artery is probed with a thin wire via a catheter. A thinly folded balloon is then advanced into the narrowed segment. Balloon dilatation (inflation of the balloon) is used to widen the constriction and improve blood flow through the coronary arteries. In most cases, a stent is implanted immediately afterwards.

A stent is a flexible tube made of a thin metal mesh. It supports the vessel wall from the inside and prevents re-narrowing. The stent is inserted in the same way, tightly folded over the catheter. Once in the right place, the stent is placed in the vessel wall. Today's modern stents are coated with a drug that further reduces the risk of future re-narrowing.

Balloon dilatation and stent implantation is also the preferred treatment for myocardial infarction. The procedure is often performed in an emergency (at night or at the weekend if necessary), as rapid reopening of the blocked coronary artery is crucial and can save lives!

Complications such as arrhythmia or cardiac insufficiency can also be significantly reduced by prompt intervention.

Balloon catheter: one of the most important medical inventions of the 20th century

The balloon catheter was invented by German doctor Andreas Grüntzig in Zurich. What he achieved with the first operation using his invention in 1977 was met with enthusiasm. Today, this procedure is one of the most common cardiac interventions and is performed >3 million times a year worldwide.