Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Put Your Heart in the Right Place

To talk with the heart and vascular specialists at Cottage Health, call 1-844-51-HEART, or visit the Heart & Vascular Physician team page.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), also known as Coronary Angioplasty, uses minimally invasive catheter-based techniques to open blocked or narrowed arteries. This interventional cardiology procedure also helps diagnose and treat a wide range of coronary artery, heart valve and congenital heart conditions.

PCI Specialists for the Central Coast

When you work with the cardiologists at Cottage Health’s Heart and Vascular Center, you gain access to their expertise and skill in using interventional approaches, including coronary angioplasty/PCI, to address your specific condition, such as:

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What to Expect

During a percutaneous coronary intervention, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into either the wrist (radial approach) or groin (femoral approach) and threaded into the artery of the affected area. Next, a balloon catheter inflates to expand the artery, which flattens the plaque (calcium) and cholesterol against the arterial wall. Then, a stent helps keep the artery open so blood can flow to the heart.

Complex, High-Risk PCI & Stenting

You may be a candidate for a special type of coronary PCI if you experience high-risk or complex conditions related to the development of high levels of plaque or recurring blockages in the arteries, including:

  • Bifurcation (branched) lesions, where plaque develops in both vessels
  • Unprotected left main PCI and left main equivalent PCI for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease
  • Chronic total occlusions or blockages that are complete and recurring

How You Benefit

Take advantage of our extensive interventional skills and our years of experience as the only heart center between Los Angeles and the Bay Area able to handle difficult and complex cases. That means you can avoid the need to travel because you’re assured of exceptional care close to home.