PCI Consent 🫀

🔍 Procedure

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty with or without stent insertion.

Treatment of significant coronary artery stenosis causing angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
Primary treatment for STEMI (primary PCI)
Elective management of stable ischaemic heart disease

You will be brought to the cardiac catheterisation lab and connected to heart and oxygen monitors.
A cannula is placed, and local anaesthetic is used at the wrist or groin.
A catheter is inserted and guided to the heart. Contrast dye is used to visualise the coronary arteries under X-ray.
If a blockage is found, a balloon may be inflated to open the artery, and a stent is inserted to keep it open.
Mild burning or discomfort in the wrist is common. The procedure takes 30–90 minutes.
Radiation and iodine contrast are used—risks are discussed in advance.

Common: bruising, bleeding, discomfort at puncture site.
Occasional: blood vessel spasm, allergic reaction to contrast, arrhythmias.
Rare: heart attack, stroke, damage to artery or heart, pseudoaneurysm, infection, kidney impairment.
Very rare: death (<0.5% in elective PCI).
Emergency surgery may be required in rare cases.

Will I be awake? — Yes, usually under local anaesthetic with sedation available if needed.
How long does it take? — Around 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity.
When can I go home? — Often same day or next day, unless complications or ongoing symptoms.
Will I need more procedures? — Possibly, depending on coronary disease severity.
Do I need medications after? — Yes, dual antiplatelet therapy (e.g. aspirin + clopidogrel) is typically needed for months.

Discuss blood thinning medications—some may need to be continued, others paused.
Ensure renal function is checked (due to contrast use).
Inform team of pregnancy, allergies, or previous contrast reactions.
Patients should not drive, make important decisions, or use heavy machinery for 24 hours post sedation.
You may require bed rest for 3–5 hours after depending on the access site.
Trainees may assist under supervision. Separate consent needed for photos or recordings.

"We’re recommending a PCI—this means using a small balloon and possibly placing a stent to open a narrowed heart artery."
"It’s done via a tube inserted into the wrist or groin under local anaesthetic and X-ray guidance."
"Common risks include bruising or bleeding; rare risks include heart attack or stroke. Let us know about allergies or if you're pregnant."
"You may go home the same day or stay overnight depending on your recovery. Do you have any questions?"