percutaneous coronary intervention
Also written as: PCI — percutaneous coronary intervention
A minimally invasive procedure to open blocked coronary arteries using a catheter-based approach, commonly known as angioplasty.
Full Definition
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a catheter-based procedure performed to restore blood flow in narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The procedure involves inserting a balloon catheter through the arterial system to the coronary circulation, inflating the balloon to compress atherosclerotic plaque, and typically placing a stent to maintain vessel patency. PCI can be performed electively for stable coronary artery disease or emergently for acute coronary syndromes, representing a cornerstone of interventional cardiology practice.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid using 'angioplasty' and 'PCI' interchangeably in formal documentation.
In Context
- "The patient underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention to the left anterior descending artery." — Interventional cardiology procedure note
- "Primary PCI is the preferred reperfusion strategy for STEMI when performed by an experienced team." — Clinical guideline documentation