Coronary Angioplasty
A minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon and a stent to restore blood flow to the heart.
Overview
Coronary angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a catheterisation laboratory to treat atherosclerotic narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. A thin catheter is advanced through the wrist or groin to the heart, a balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage, and a stent is usually deployed to keep the artery open. It relieves angina and is used to restore blood flow during or after a heart attack. Most patients are discharged within one to two days and recover quickly.
Before you travel: what the CDC recommends
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidance for Americans travelling abroad for medical care. These are its recommendations, not ours.
- Check the qualifications of the clinician who will perform the procedure and the credentials of the facility.
- Bring copies of your medical records, including lab and other test results related to your condition.
- Make sure you can get follow-up care in the United States. Care for complications can be expensive and might not be covered by your health insurance.
- Obtain international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States.
- Plan for the possibility of paying out of pocket for additional or emergency care.
- See your own healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss risks specific to your health.
- Delay air travel for 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery, to reduce risks from changes in cabin pressure.
Doctors performing Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary Angioplasty abroad: frequently asked questions
How much does coronary angioplasty cost in the U.S.?
Typically $11,000 to $41,000, according to CostHelper.
Will U.S. insurance pay for coronary angioplasty abroad?
Most U.S. health plans do not pay for elective surgery abroad, and cosmetic procedures are not covered at all. The CDC also warns that care for complications after surgery abroad may not be covered, so check your plan before you book.