Conditions

Coronary Angioplasty
in London

Coronary angioplasty is a common and highly effective treatment used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. It works by widening narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and usually involves placing a small metal mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery open.

Angioplasty is used to:

  • Relieve angina (chest pain)
  • Treat coronary artery disease
  • Act as an emergency treatment during a heart attack

A private coronary angioplasty is performed by Dr Omar Ali, an experienced Consultant Cardiologist specialising in advanced interventional heart procedures.

Before Your Angioplasty

Before the procedure, you will usually have a coronary angiogram, which allows Dr Ali to see the heart arteries using X-ray imaging and identify the exact location and severity of any blockages. In many cases, the angiogram and angioplasty are carried out during the same procedure.

You will also be prescribed antiplatelet medication to reduce the risk of clot formation:

  • Aspirin and Clopidogrel are usually started a few days before the procedure
  • These medications are continued for at least 12 months after stent placement, unless advised otherwise

How Coronary Angioplasty Is Performed

Coronary angioplasty is usually performed using a thin tube (catheter) inserted through an artery in the wrist (radial artery). Dr Omar Ali routinely uses this approach as it offers several benefits for patients (see below).

During the procedure:

  • A local anaesthetic is used to numb the wrist
  • A catheter with a small balloon is guided to the heart using X-ray imaging
  • Contrast dye is injected to visualise the arteries (a warm flushing sensation is normal)
  • The balloon is gently inflated to widen the narrowed artery
  • A stent, mounted on the balloon, is expanded to keep the artery open
  • The balloon and catheter are removed, leaving the stent in place

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to two hours.

Some patients experience mild chest discomfort when the balloon is inflated. This is usually temporary and settles once the stent is in place.

At the end of the procedure, a compression wrist band is applied to prevent bleeding, and you will be able to sit up and walk shortly afterwards with nursing support.

Aftercare and Recovery

  • You will be monitored for a few hours until you feel fully recovered
  • Most patients go home the same day or the following day
  • You will receive clear aftercare instructions and a contact number
  • A written report will be provided and your GP will be informed
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for about one week
  • Do not drive for at least one week
  • Return to work within a few days after a planned angioplasty (depending on your job)
  • After emergency angioplasty or a heart attack, a longer recovery period may be needed
  • A cardiac rehabilitation programme will be arranged to support your recovery

Dr Omar Ali will also arrange a follow-up appointment to review your progress and medications.

Why Is Angioplasty Performed Through the Wrist?

Many leading heart centres now use radial (wrist) access for coronary angioplasty. Dr Omar Ali has many years of experience with this technique, which international research supports as the preferred approach for most patients.

Benefits of wrist (radial) access include:

  • Lower risk of bleeding and complications
  • Easier pressure control at the puncture site
  • No need for large closure devices used in the groin
  • Faster recovery and earlier mobilisation
  • Greater comfort and dignity for patients

Some mild wrist discomfort can occur, but this is usually short-lived and well controlled with local anaesthetic and pain relief.

How Successful Is Coronary Angioplasty?

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Coronary angioplasty is a highly successful and safe procedure. Serious complications are rare. In a very small number of cases (less than 1 in 300–400), further treatment such as additional stenting or bypass surgery may be required.

Dr Omar Ali’s experience and use of modern techniques help minimise risks and ensure excellent outcomes.

What Our Patients Say

  • Highest level of professionalism and competence, extremely pleasant experience from a top expert in the field. It is a pleasure and genuine luck to be visited. Could not recommend enough. Grazie mille ed a presto!
    Davide Bufalini
    @DavideBufalini
  • Very professional and attentive to his patients. Very knowledgeable and also very friendly.
    Stefano E
    @Stefano E
  • Very friendly and welcoming consultation both by the team which carried out my tests, and his admin staff who dealt with my booking and arrangement. Very thorough set of tests.
    Julian Thompson
    @Julian Thompson
  • Welcoming consultation both by the team which carried out my tests, and his admin staff who dealt with my booking and arrangement. Very thorough set of tests.
    Julian Thompson
    @Julian Thompson