Percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary stents
THE CONTEXT
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)* is a non-pharmacological treatment that dilates a coronary stenosis using a balloon, with possible stent deployment.
Procedure
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A fine guidewire is passed across the coronary stenosis under radiographic control.
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The guidewire positions a balloon, which is inflated to dilate the stenosis.
Role of coronary stents
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A coronary stent is metallic scaffolding that helps maximise and maintain dilatation of a stenosed vessel.
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Stents can be impregnated with drugs that have antiproliferative properties.
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Routine stent use in appropriate vessels reduces acute complications and clinically important restenosis.