PCI
Pronunciation: P-C-I
Also written as: PCI — percutaneous coronary intervention
Acronym for percutaneous coronary intervention, minimally invasive procedure to open blocked coronary arteries.
Full Definition
PCI stands for percutaneous coronary intervention, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. The procedure involves inserting a catheter through the skin (percutaneous) into a blood vessel and advancing it to the blocked coronary artery. Treatment typically includes balloon angioplasty to compress the plaque and stent placement to keep the artery open. PCI is also known as angioplasty and is an alternative to surgical bypass (CABG) for many patients with coronary artery disease.
Usage
Usage note: Spell out on first use; preferred term over 'angioplasty' in contemporary clinical practice.
In Context
- "Primary PCI was performed within 90 minutes of patient arrival for STEMI treatment." — Interventional cardiology report
- "The patient is a candidate for PCI versus surgical revascularization." — Cardiac catheterization consultation