Coronary angioplasty (AN-jee-o-plas-tee) is a minimally invasive procedure used to help improve blood flow to the heart muscles. This procedure is typically used to treat vessels, known as coronary arteries, which deliver blood to the heart. During the procedure, a narrow tube called a catheter, equipped with a small, inflatable balloon, is used to open up a clogged or narrowed artery, improving blood flow.
Not only does angioplasty significantly improve blood flow to the heart, but it is often followed by the placement of a stent, a small wire mesh tube that helps keep the artery open while also reducing the chances of it narrowing again. In many cases, these stents are coated with medication designed to further prevent the artery from becoming narrowed again.
Angioplasty and stent placement may be performed as a planned procedure, or as emergency treatment for a heart attack. Collectively, these procedures are known as percutaneous coronary intervention.
