Procedures

Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary Angioplasty (PCI):   Blocked or narrowed coronary arteries may be treated by opening the blockage with a small balloon and then implantation of a metal scaffold (stent) to the inside of the artery to hold it in place.  This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is similar to coronary angiography but slightly longer.  Although this can sometimes be performed as a day case patients are frequently monitored overnight in hospital. 

Pacemaker 

Pacemaker:    If the heartbeat is too slow or if heartbeats are missed implantation of a cardiac pacemaker may be required.  This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and wires are passed to the heart through a vein from the shoulder and a small box is implanted under the skin.  The procedure takes approximately one hour and necessitates a one day (day case) inpatient stay.

Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac Surgery:    If there are multiple blockages in the arteries angioplasty may not be possible and open heart surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting) may be required.  Heart valves that are narrowed or have started to leak may need replacement to prevent the heart becoming damaged (mitral valve replacement / aortic valve replacement). 

Patients from this practice most commonly undergo heart surgery under the care of Mr Tony de Souza at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London.  Although the inpatient stay, typically one week, is in London the preparation and subsequent aftercare takes place locally.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: After a heart attack, coronary angioplasty or heart surgery a period of supervised and prescribed exercise is recommended.  An excellent scheme of Cardiac Rehabilitation is available to such patients in North Hampshire by direct referral from Cardiologists or Cardiac Surgeons.