High-Risk PCIs (Coronary Stents)
What Is High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?
High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure performed for patients with complex conditions. For example, a target patient may have comorbidities (multiple conditions) that require a unique approach for a positive outcome. These interventions can involve coronary stents or a mechanical circulatory support device.
A coronary stent PCI involves placing a small structure (the stent) that opens up heart blood vessels. This helps improve blood flow in patients whose blood vessels have reduced flow due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). The stent is placed via a catheter to minimize the risk of damage to the surrounding structures.
Who Needs a High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?
- Complex Coronary Artery Disease
- Hemodynamic Compromise (e.g., poor heart function)
- Clinical Comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, stroke, advanced age, heart failure)
- Hemodynamically Unstable Characteristics (e.g., cardiogenic shock)
- Challenging Plaque Types (e.g., calcified or long lesions)
Are There Risks?
While these interventions carry some degree of risk, the risk of not having them is far more certain and concerning. We perform a comprehensive evaluation for each patient before recommending a high-risk PCI, moving forward only when the benefits far outweigh potential risks, such as:
- Vascular Complications: Bleeding, anemia, or the need for emergency vascular surgery.
- Stent Thrombosis: Formation of a blood clot in or near the placed stent.
- Myocardial Damage: Typically occurs only if ischemia is prolonged or the procedure is unsuccessful.
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United Heart Institute
Phone: 909.500.8683
Fax: (909) 931-1294
685 North 13th Avenue, Upland
California 91786, United States
