Question 1

How do I know if I need a stent or bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

The SYNTAX score — calculated from your coronary angiogram — objectively quantifies the complexity of your coronary disease and guides the choice between PCI and CABG. Low SYNTAX scores (0–22) favour PCI; high scores (>32) favour CABG; intermediate scores require joint Heart Team discussion. Diabetic patients with multi-vessel disease have a strong evidence base favouring CABG from the FREEDOM trial. Your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon should jointly review your anatomy before recommending one approach.

Question 2

Are the stents used internationally the same quality as in the USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Medtronic Resolute Onyx, Abbott Xience, Boston Scientific Synergy, and other leading DES platforms used at internationally accredited cath labs are the exact same CE-marked or FDA-approved devices used at US and European centres. Stents are globally manufactured and distributed by the same companies; there is no geographic quality differential.

Question 3

How long do I need to take blood thinners after stenting?

Accepted Answer

Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + a P2Y12 inhibitor such as ticagrelor or clopidogrel) is required for typically 6–12 months after drug-eluting stent implantation for stable angina, and 12 months or longer after ACS. After completing DAPT, aspirin alone is continued indefinitely. The P2Y12 inhibitor duration can be shortened (to 1–3 months) in patients with very high bleeding risk using specific 'life-saving' strategies, but only under expert cardiological guidance.

Question 4

Can I have dental work or other surgery after stenting?

Accepted Answer

Any procedure requiring interruption of antiplatelet therapy must be carefully coordinated with your cardiologist. In the first 6 months after DES implantation, stopping antiplatelet medication carries significant stent thrombosis risk. Most elective dental procedures can be performed safely while continuing aspirin; dental extractions and more invasive procedures require cardiological discussion. Emergency surgery within 6 months of stenting is managed case-by-case with antiplatelet bridging strategies.

Question 5

What is FFR and should it be used to guide my stenting decision?

Accepted Answer

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is a wire-based pressure measurement that determines whether a coronary stenosis is actually causing reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, and therefore whether it is causing ischemia and truly needs stenting. Multiple landmark trials (DEFER, FAME, FAME-2) have shown that FFR-guided PCI significantly reduces unnecessary stenting of non-significant lesions and improves patient outcomes by avoiding stenting lesions that do not genuinely cause ischemia. FFR measurement adds modest time and cost to the procedure but provides critical clinical decision guidance.

Question 6

How soon after angioplasty can I fly home?

Accepted Answer

For uncomplicated elective transradial PCI, most patients are cleared to fly within 2–3 days after the procedure. For PCI following acute myocardial infarction, we recommend waiting 5–7 days minimum, with a completed echocardiogram confirming preserved heart function and stable antiplatelet therapy established. Gaf Healthcare provides a detailed discharge summary and fit-to-fly documentation for your travel insurance.