Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) uses catheter-based techniques to treat selected coronary artery narrowings, often with stent implantation. PCI is one possible part of coronary-disease management and should not be chosen from a package before the anatomy and clinical indication are reviewed.
Why the indication matters
Current ESC guidance emphasizes choosing treatment according to symptoms, coronary anatomy, clinical risk and expected benefit. Depending on the case, optimal medical therapy, PCI or CABG may be considered, and complex anatomy may require multidisciplinary discussion.
Useful documents for a German PCI review
If coronary imaging has already been performed, sending the original images can be more useful than sending only a written diagnosis.
- Coronary angiography images and report
- Coronary CT if performed
- Recent ECG and echocardiography
- Prior stent details or bypass reports
- Current antiplatelet, anticoagulant and other cardiac medicines
- Kidney function, blood count and relevant laboratory results
Plan medication and follow-up before travel
Patients who undergo PCI may require antiplatelet treatment and follow-up after discharge. Medication duration and any changes around future surgery or dental procedures must be individualized by the treating team.
Questions to ask the center
Useful questions focus on the reason for intervention and the plan after discharge.
- Why is PCI preferred over medical therapy or bypass surgery in my case?
- Will additional functional testing be needed?
- Which medicines will I need after discharge?
- When is air travel considered reasonable after the procedure?
- Who should review me after I return home?
Sources and review
This guide was last source-reviewed on 2026-08-29.