Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a medical procedure designed to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels, typically arteries, restoring proper blood flow. During angioplasty, a thin, flexible catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted into the affected blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, widening the narrowed area and compressing any plaque against the vessel walls. This process improves blood circulation and can alleviate symptoms caused by reduced blood flow, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. In some cases, a stent—a small mesh tube—may be placed during angioplasty to help keep the artery open. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery and is commonly used to treat conditions like coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and certain vascular issues. This procedure has significantly contributed to the advancement of interventional cardiology, providing patients with an effective and less invasive option for managing vascular disorders.