Coronary Angioplasty (PCI)

Blocked or narrowed coronary arteries that are causing symptoms can be treated with balloon angioplasty/stent insertion. The procedure is similar to a coronary angiogram but is longer and more involved.It is performed under local anaesthetic and is usually a daycase procedure. Occasionally overnight monitoring is required.

Patients requiring PCI will need to be on certain medications and there are some driving restrictions after the procedure.

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Pacemaker

A pacemaker is usually required if symptoms of dizziness or collapse are caused by the heart beating too slowly. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic usually as a daycase and takes approximately one hour. A small incision is made near the shoulder and wires are introduced into the heart through a vein. These wires are then attached to a small generator which is placed under the skin at the site of the incision.

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Cardiac Surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still required for some patients with very significant coronary artery disease and multiple blockages.

Heart valve surgery (either replacement or repair) is needed when heart valves start to leak severely or do not open properly.

Both types of surgery are also known as open heart surgery and necessitate an in-patient stay of approximately one week.

Many of our patients requiring cardiac surgery are referred to Mr Anthony De Souza at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Although the operation itself is performed in London, he will see his Hampshire patients locally for a pre-operative assessment and post-operative care.

For those patients requiring other forms of heart surgery or are closer to other cardiac surgical centres, we have links to the most appropriate teams.

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 Hampshire under the supervision of Dr Jason Glover with referral from cardiologists, cardiac surgeons or GPs.