PCI (coronary stenting)

1. What PCI is

A catheter-based procedure that opens narrowed coronary arteries and usually places one or more stents. Since centralised procurement, stent prices in China are published and low; the procedure and imaging make up the rest.

Stents in China now cost a fraction of their old price because of centralised procurement; what you are really paying for is the team, the imaging and the monitored stay.

2. Who it is typically considered for

For significant coronary narrowing where the heart team judges intervention appropriate. The angiogram itself is often the deciding step.

3. How the process usually runs

4. What sits inside, and outside, the institution's bill

You contract with the institution directly and pay it directly. We add nothing to its bill and never handle payments owed to it.

5. Recovery and follow-up

6. Common questions

Is the stent price really that low?

Published procurement prices are public. Ask for the itemised quote; the stent line will surprise you.

Radial or femoral access?

Wrist access is standard where anatomy allows, and it is why most patients mobilise the same day.

What if the angiogram shows surgery is better?

Then stenting stops and the heart team discusses bypass. That decision point is built into the process.

When can I fly?

Commonly within days of an uncomplicated procedure, but the treating team's clearance is the only one that counts.

7. What to ask the institution

• How many vessels are likely involved?
• Is intravascular imaging included?
• What is the antiplatelet plan afterwards, in writing?