Cardiologist at Brazosport Regional Health System Performs
First Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
 Dr. Alpesh Shah, Medical Director, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and a member of the Brazosport Cardiology Group performed Brazosport Regional’s first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This therapeutic procedure unblocks narrowed arteries of the heart without performing surgery.
This treatment option is for people who are experiencing inadequate blood flow to the heart. The goal of a PCI is to open a blood vessel that bring blood and oxygen to the heart muscle and restore the blood flow. During the procedure, an interventional cardiologist inserts a cardiac catheter with a small balloon via an artery in the groin or arm, over a wire and passes it through the blockage. A thin wire tube, called a stent, is then threaded across the blockage and the balloon inflates pushing the plaque to the sides of the artery. The catheter and the balloon are removed leaving the artery wider where blood can flow more easily. The new generation of stents also contains medication, which aids in preventing the arteries from blocking again. This advanced procedure reduces the length of stay so that a patient may go home the next day, and is done with mild sedation and local anesthesia.
Undergoing the PCI procedure can relieve chest pains, improve the prognosis of patients with unstable chest pains, and minimize or stop a heart attack without the patient undergoing open heart surgery. When the procedure is performed with a stent, the redevelopment of a blocked artery is well under 5%.
Brazosport Regional houses the only Cardiac Cath Lab in Brazoria County that provides these advanced cardiac procedures. The health system provides state-of-the-art technology and a highly-qualified team of medical professionals. The physicians at Brazosport Cardiology and the Cath Lab team perform a wide range of cardiac procedures including peripheral angiogram with stent placement and leg and kidney arteries. Offering these services is part of Brazosport Regional’s commitment to providing the right care, right here for the communities they serve.
About Brazosport Cardiology:
At Brazosport Cardiology, Drs. Scott Harris, Nabil Baradhi, and Alpesh Shah provide the highest level of expertise in dealing with the diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Each procedure is tailored to meet the needs of the patient’s condition. If you want to make an appointment at Brazosport Cardiology, please call 979-297-5481.
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