Procedure

ANGIOPLASTY (STENT) WITH DR SAYAN SEN

Procedure at a glance

Expected results:

Immediate symptom relief

Treatment time:

45-90 minutes

Anaesthetic:

Local with sedation

Downtime:

1-3 days

Longevity:

Long term (with risk factor control)

Expected results:

Immediate symptom relief

Treatment time:

45-90 minutes

Anaesthetic:

Local with sedation

Downtime:

1-3 days

Longevity:

Long term (with risk factor control)

Angioplasty with stent insertion is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Dr Sayan Sen offers expert assessment and stenting for coronary artery disease at specialist cardiology clinics across London.

What is Angioplasty (stent)?

Angioplasty is a procedure to widen narrowed coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart. A small metal stent is often inserted to keep the artery open.

Using a catheter inserted via the wrist or groin, a tiny balloon is inflated at the narrowed section of the artery. A stent – a mesh-like tube – is then placed to support the artery wall. This relieves symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness and reduces the risk of heart attack. The procedure is often performed after abnormal stress tests or coronary angiography.

When Might You Need Angioplasty?

Angioplasty may be recommended if a blockage in your coronary arteries is restricting blood supply to the heart muscle, especially if symptoms persist.

Angina or chest tightness: Treats narrowed arteries that cause pain during exertion or stress.
Heart attack (MI): Used as an emergency or planned treatment to restore blood flow quickly.
Abnormal stress test results: Confirms and treats narrowing detected on imaging or functional testing.
Failed medication management: Considered when symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and drug therapy.

What to Expect Following Angioplasty (stent)

Most patients recover quickly after angioplasty and are able to return home the same day or after an overnight stay. Dr Sen will review your recovery and medications.

You’ll be given tailored advice on managing cardiovascular risk factors, such as cholesterol and blood pressure. Follow-up includes lifestyle guidance and monitoring. With clinics in London ongoing care is personalised to reduce your long-term heart risk and promote full recovery.

FAQs

Is a stent permanent?

Coronary stents are designed to stay in place permanently. They support the artery wall and reduce the risk of future narrowing. Over time, the stent becomes embedded in the artery lining. You may need to take antiplatelet medication to prevent blood clots forming around the stent, particularly in the first year after the procedure.

Will I be awake during angioplasty?

This procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic with sedation. You won’t feel pain, though you may feel some pressure during balloon inflation. The procedure is done through a small artery in your wrist (radial access) or sometimes the groin. Most patients find it comfortable and minimally invasive.

What lifestyle changes will I need to make after the procedure?

Angioplasty treats the narrowed artery, but it doesn’t cure coronary artery disease. You’ll be advised to stop smoking, improve your diet, increase physical activity and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol. Dr Sen’s team provides support to help you reduce future cardiovascular risk across London, Surrey and Berkshire.