In balloon angioplasty, what is inflated to press plaque against the vessel walls?

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Multiple Choice

In balloon angioplasty, what is inflated to press plaque against the vessel walls?

Balloon angioplasty works by mechanically widening the narrowed artery with a balloon that expands at the site of plaque buildup. The device inflated is a balloon on a catheter; when it is inflated, it presses the atherosclerotic plaque against the vessel wall, compressing it and enlarging the lumen to improve blood flow. In some cases a stent may be placed to keep the vessel open, but the act that presses the plaque is the inflation of the balloon itself. Options describing plaque removal or bypass refer to different procedures, while the balloon’s inflation specifically accomplishes the plaque compression.

Balloon angioplasty works by mechanically widening the narrowed artery with a balloon that expands at the site of plaque buildup. The device inflated is a balloon on a catheter; when it is inflated, it presses the atherosclerotic plaque against the vessel wall, compressing it and enlarging the lumen to improve blood flow. In some cases a stent may be placed to keep the vessel open, but the act that presses the plaque is the inflation of the balloon itself. Options describing plaque removal or bypass refer to different procedures, while the balloon’s inflation specifically accomplishes the plaque compression.

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