Angioplasty in South Korea

About Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to correct the blood flow through the artery, The blood flow may be restricted due to an obstruction or most commonly because of arterial atherosclerosis, that is, the thickening of the arterial wall because of deposits.

Angioplasty is sometimes also known as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or balloon angioplasty. During the procedure, a thin tube or catheter is passed through the blood vessel in the groin or arm area to reach the site of narrowing or blockage. A stent or a balloon is attached to the tip of the catheter. After placing the stent or inflating the balloon, the interventional cardiologist withdraws the catheter.

When is Angioplasty required?

There are different types of angioplasty procedures and each type has a clear indication on when it should be performed. Angioplasty cost also varies as per the type of procedure performed. 

The common types of angioplasty and their indications are as follows:

Coronary Angioplasty: It is used in the case of stenosis of narrowing of the coronary artery in the heart due to plaque build-up, leading to unstable angina causing symptoms such as chest pain and functional limitations.

Peripheral Angioplasty: It is used to open the narrowing of other arteries other than the coronary arteries. Examples may include arteries in the abdomen, leg, and kidney.

Carotid Angioplasty: It is used to treat carotid artery stenosis, the main artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain and face.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Angioplasty

The following factors affect angioplasty cost:

• Location of stenosis
• Reason for stenosis
• Number of blockages
• Number of balloons of stent used to clear blockages
• Experience of the specialist
• Cath lab charges
• Hospital charges
• Doctor’s fee
• Duration of hospital stay
• Any unforeseen complications