Sheathless Angioplasty
Sheathless angioplasty is an innovative technique in interventional
cardiology that aims to reduce access site complications and allow for
the use of larger devices through smaller arteries.
Sheathless angioplasty involves performing angioplasty procedures, like coronary angioplasty, without the use of a traditional sheath (introducer catheter) to access the artery, aiming for a more minimally invasive approach
Who Needs ?
- Patients requiring large-bore catheters for complex coronary interventions
- Those with small or tortuous access vessels (e.g., small radial arteries)
- Patients at high risk for vascular access complications
- Cases where larger guide catheters are needed but vessel size is limited
Advantages post-procedure
- Reduced access site complications (e.g., bleeding, hematoma)
- Allows use of larger devices through smaller arteries
- Potentially faster recovery and earlier ambulation
- May reduce vascular trauma and spasm, especially in radial approaches
- Can facilitate complex coronary interventions in patients with small
access vessels - Possible reduction in post-procedure pain and discomfort
Key features
- Eliminates the need for an introducer sheath
- Guide catheter serves dual purpose as both guiding and access device
- Often used with hydrophilic-coated guide catheters for easier insertion
- Can be combined with other techniques like balloon-assisted tracking
- Particularly useful in transradial interventions
FAQ
Sheathless angioplasty is a minimally invasive heart procedure that opens blocked or narrowed arteries without using a traditional sheath (a plastic tube usually inserted into the artery). This makes the procedure gentler on the blood vessels, especially in the wrist.
In traditional angioplasty, a sheath is inserted into the artery before guiding tools to the heart. Sheathless angioplasty skips the sheath, using a slimmer catheter directly, which reduces trauma to the artery and may lower the risk of complications.
This approach is often used for patients with small or fragile arteries, those at higher bleeding risk, or people with peripheral artery disease or chronic kidney disease, where vessel preservation is especially important.
Yes. Sheathless angioplasty is safe and is commonly performed by experienced interventional cardiologists. It often results in less bleeding, faster recovery, and fewer vascular complications.
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation. You’ll be awake but relaxed and should feel minimal discomfort.
Benefits include:
- Less trauma to the artery
- Lower risk of bleeding or bruising
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced need for post-procedure bed rest
The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the blockage. Most patients recover quickly and may go home the same day or next day.
Most patients can sit up and walk sooner than with traditional procedures and resume light activities within a day or two, depending on their overall health.
Like any heart procedure, there are small risks such as bleeding, artery spasm, or infection. However, sheathless angioplasty may reduce these risks compared to traditional techniques.
Your doctor will give you instructions which may include:
- Fasting for a few hours before the procedure
- Adjusting certain medications
- Completing blood tests and heart imaging beforehand
What PATIENTS SAYS !!
Vishal Saxena
Heart Patient
I am grateful to Dr Gautam Swaroop for the medical treatment provided to me during my stay at Sahara hospital,when we lost all hopes ...We believe our prayers was answered by competent,composed and caring Dr Gautam swaroop...
Ram Dev Maurya
Heart Patient
I am really happy to quote that generally doctors after doing surgery and operations...immediately after the operation there is poor accessibility of doctors but Dr gautam swaroop is always available for his patient 24*7
Bechan prasad mishra
Heart Patient
30 minutes after my heart attack I was rushed to Sahara hospital Dr. gautam swaroop put a Life saving stent immediately....and i am alive ....whenever I go and meet Dr. Gautam Swaroop for regular checkup I always feel I am in safe hands
Ranjan Kumar singh
Heart Patient
My patient was on ventilator because of heart attack. We were refused from all hospitals in Lucknow including LARI cardiology. We had lost hope. We admitted under Dr Gautam Swaroop. He did Angioplasty on ventilator and he saved my Father’s life. He has got miraculous hand.My whole family is thankful to him. He is next to God for us.
