balloon angioplasty
Minimally invasive procedure using an inflatable balloon catheter to compress atherosclerotic plaque and restore vessel patency.
Full Definition
Balloon angioplasty, also known as percutaneous balloon angioplasty, is an endovascular intervention that uses a balloon-tipped catheter to mechanically dilate stenotic or occluded blood vessels. The procedure involves threading a deflated balloon catheter to the target lesion and then inflating it to compress plaque against the arterial wall, thereby restoring luminal diameter. While effective for acute vessel opening, balloon angioplasty alone has higher restenosis rates compared to stent-supported procedures. The technique forms the foundation for more advanced interventional procedures and may be combined with drug-coated balloons to reduce recurrence rates.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from drug-coated balloon procedures and cutting balloon techniques in procedural reports.
In Context
- "The patient underwent balloon angioplasty of the superficial femoral artery with good angiographic result." — Interventional procedure report
- "Plain balloon angioplasty remains the initial treatment of choice for short-segment stenoses in small vessels." — Clinical guideline