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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

PCI

Also written as: PCI — percutaneous coronary intervention

Percutaneous coronary intervention, a catheter-based procedure to open blocked coronary arteries.

Full Definition

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory to restore blood flow through blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. The procedure involves threading a catheter through peripheral arteries to the heart, inflating a balloon to compress plaque (angioplasty), and typically placing a stent to maintain vessel patency. Primary PCI is the preferred treatment for STEMI when available within appropriate timeframes, while elective PCI is performed for stable coronary artery disease.

Usage

Usage note: Specify primary PCI for emergency treatment vs elective PCI for stable disease.

In Context

  • "Primary PCI was performed within 60 minutes of hospital arrival." — Cardiac catheterization report
  • "The patient is scheduled for elective PCI of the LAD stenosis." — Cardiology consultation

Also known as

angioplasty coronary intervention PTCA

Contrasted with

medical management CABG

Don't confuse with

cardiac catheterization CABG balloon valvuloplasty
papillary muscle rupture ← Back to glossary pericardial friction rub

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