The prevention and management of complications during percutaneous coronary intervention

Summary

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are among the most frequently performed cardiology procedures in the world. Complications in PCI have gained prominence, especially with the increasing complexity of lesions treated. While complications are par for the course of interventional procedures, the ability to anticipate and prevent complications are paramount and likewise, the experience in knowing how to deal these complications when they occur are similarly important. Tackling complications encompasses not just the technical know-how and hands-on skill set but also the mental fortitude. These also go beyond the individual interventionist and includes the whole team as well as hospital systems. 
 This chapter covers the wide spectrum of complications encountered during PCI and provides a practical approach to prevent and tackle them, thereby improving the safety and quality of patient care. The chapter begins with a concise explanation of the preparation required prior to embarking on PCI. The mainstay of the chapter then delves into the various types of complications including vascular access, vessel closure, stent complications, device complications and perforations amongst others. Following this, a review on systemic complications, as well as an emphasis on organisation factors that impact on reducing complications are discussed.(Central Illustration)

Prevention and management of...