Angioplasty is a medical procedure that involves widening or unblocking a blood vessel, typically an artery, to improve blood flow. It is commonly used as a treatment for coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the heart's blood vessels and narrows them, reducing blood flow and potentially causing chest pain or other symptoms.
During angioplasty, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel through a small incision in the skin. A balloon at the end of the catheter is then inflated to press against the plaque and widen the artery. In some cases, a small metal mesh tube may be left inside the artery to keep it open long-term (this is called stenting).
Angioplasty can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease, but it does not cure the underlying condition. It is often performed alongside medication, lifestyle changes, and other treatments to manage heart health.