Learn about Coronary Angioplasty Treatment in South Korea — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Coronary Angioplasty and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure performed to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, restoring vital blood flow to the heart muscle. Typically guided by real-time X-ray imaging (angiography), a cardiologist threads a thin catheter through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin to the affected artery. A tiny balloon at the catheter's tip is inflated to compress the fatty plaque (atherosclerosis) against the artery wall, widening the passage. Often, a small mesh tube called a stent is then permanently placed to keep the artery open. This life-saving procedure is a cornerstone treatment for heart attacks (acute myocardial infarction) and severe angina, offering a quicker recovery than traditional open-heart surgery.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure with no large chest incisions required.Effectively restores blood flow to the heart, relieving chest pain (angina).Can be a life-saving emergency treatment during a heart attack.Typically involves a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than bypass surgery.Uses stent placement to provide long-term support to keep the artery open.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) to quickly open the blocked artery.
  • Unstable Angina (chest pain that occurs even at rest or is worsening).
  • Stable Angina that is not adequately controlled with medication.
  • Positive results from a stress test or other diagnostics indicating significant coronary artery blockage.
  • High-grade blockage (usually 70% or more) in one or more major coronary arteries.

How to prepare

  • Undergo diagnostic tests like an angiogram to map the coronary arteries.
  • Discuss all current medications with your doctor; you may need to stop blood thinners.
  • Fast (no food or drink) for several hours before the procedure.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after hospital discharge.
  • Inform the medical team of any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
  • Damage to the blood vessel used for catheter access.
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during imaging.
  • Blood clot formation within the treated artery or stent (stent thrombosis).
  • Rare complications include heart attack, stroke, kidney injury from contrast dye, or need for emergency bypass surgery.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial monitoring for 4-6 hours in a recovery area; hospital stay is typically overnight.
  • Keep the insertion site (wrist/groin) clean, dry, and avoid strenuous activity with that limb.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from your kidneys.
  • Adhere strictly to prescribed medications, especially antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin/clopidogrel) to prevent clots.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments and participate in a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering coronary angioplasty in South Korea, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for coronary angioplasty compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
United Arab Emirates USD 2,835 – USD 8,505 1-2 days ~ 1-2 weeks Know More
Thailand USD 2,880 – USD 10,080 1-2 days ~ 1-2 weeks Know More
South Korea USD 2,880 – USD 10,080 1-2 days ~ 1-2 weeks Know More
India USD 1,637 – USD 4,910 1-2 days ~ 1-2 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 12,093 – USD 36,278 1-2 days ~ 1-2 weeks Know More
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