In the context of ACS, what does PCI stand for?

The term PCI refers to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed coronary arteries. In the context of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), PCI plays a critical role as it can quickly restore blood flow to the heart muscle in cases of myocardial infarction (heart attack) or unstable angina. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, and guided to the coronary arteries where a balloon may be inflated to open the narrowed area, often followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open.

This intervention is vital in managing ACS because it not only alleviates symptoms but also significantly reduces the risk of further damage to the heart muscle, thereby improving outcomes for patients facing acute coronary events. Understanding the terminology and procedures associated with ACS is essential for nursing practice, especially when it comes to timely management of such critical conditions.