India, Sept. 24 -- Angioplasty is a non-surgical substitute for bypass surgery. But is it effective? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rushikesh Patil, associate director, cardiologist, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital Powai, Mumbai explained, "The procedure involves access to the artery (usually from the wrist or groin) with local anesthesia, insertion of a sheath, placement of catheters to the coronary artery using fluoroscopy, and advancing a wire through the blockage. A balloon is inflated on the spot, and a metal stent coated with medication is placed in to maintain the openness of the artery. The recovery is quick with an average hospital stay of 1 to 2 days." Also read | Cardiologists says he wishes more people knew how to 'avoid op...