Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels, typically arteries, in various parts of the body, most commonly the coronary arteries supplying the heart. During angioplasty, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip is inserted into the narrowed or blocked artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque or blockage, widening the artery and restoring blood flow. In some cases, a stent—a small mesh tube—is inserted into the artery to help keep it open after the balloon is removed. Angioplasty can alleviate symptoms of conditions such as coronary artery disease, relieve chest pain, and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. It is often performed as part of a cardiac catheterization procedure and is an effective treatment option for improving blood flow to vital organs and tissues.