Complex PCI

What is PCI?
PCI stands for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, commonly called angioplasty.

It is a procedure to open blocked heart arteries using a balloon and a stent, helping to restore blood flow to the heart.

 

What is Complex PCI?
Some blockages are more difficult than usual and need advanced skills and special tools to treat. These cases are called Complex PCI.

 

Examples of Complex Cases:
Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) – artery is completely blocked for months or years

Heavily calcified arteries – with hard deposits inside

Bifurcation blockages – at branch points of arteries

Left main artery disease – major artery that supplies most of the heart

 

What is CHIP PCI?
CHIP stands for Complex High-Risk Indicated PCI.

It includes Complex PCI cases where patients are also at higher risk due to:

Weak heart pumping (low ejection fraction)

Multiple blockages

Kidney disease

Old age or other serious illnesses

 

How is it done?
CHIP PCI requires:

Experienced heart specialists

Use of advanced devices like Rotablation, Orbital Atherectomy, OCT/IVUS

Sometimes support machines like IABP or Impella to support the heart during the procedure

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Benefits to Patients
Offers hope to patients who are not fit for bypass surgery

Can relieve chest pain, improve quality of life, and prevent heart attacks

With proper planning, these complex procedures are safe and effective

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