What is done during a balloon angioplasty?

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What is done during a balloon angioplasty?

During balloon angioplasty, a balloon-tipped catheter is guided to the narrowed artery and the balloon is inflated. The expanding balloon presses the plaque against the vessel wall, widening the lumen so blood can flow more easily. This mechanical compression of the plaque is the defining action of angioplasty. After inflation, the balloon is deflated and removed. Sometimes a stent is placed to help keep the artery open, but the key step of angioplasty is the balloon inflation that expands the vessel. Other options describe different procedures like removing plaque or bypass surgery.

During balloon angioplasty, a balloon-tipped catheter is guided to the narrowed artery and the balloon is inflated. The expanding balloon presses the plaque against the vessel wall, widening the lumen so blood can flow more easily. This mechanical compression of the plaque is the defining action of angioplasty. After inflation, the balloon is deflated and removed. Sometimes a stent is placed to help keep the artery open, but the key step of angioplasty is the balloon inflation that expands the vessel. Other options describe different procedures like removing plaque or bypass surgery.

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