Percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked arteries in the heart, primarily to treat coronary artery disease. During PCI, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted through blood vessels to the clogged artery. A small balloon is inflated to widen the artery, often followed by placing a stent to keep it open. Guidelines emphasize timely diagnosis, appropriate patient selection, and use of evidence-based techniques to improve outcomes. The procedure aims to relieve chest pain, restore blood flow, and prevent heart attacks, with patient safety and long-term management being key considerations.