balloon angioplasty
Minimally invasive procedure using an inflatable balloon to compress atherosclerotic plaque against arterial walls.
Full Definition
Balloon angioplasty, also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), involves threading a deflated balloon catheter to the site of arterial narrowing and inflating it to compress plaque against the vessel wall, thereby restoring blood flow. This technique was the predecessor to modern stent-based interventions and is still used in specific clinical scenarios. The procedure may be performed alone or in conjunction with stent placement, depending on the lesion characteristics and clinical context.
Usage
Usage note: When abbreviated as PTCA, ensure context makes clear this refers to the balloon-only procedure, not modern PCI.
In Context
- "The operator elected to perform balloon angioplasty alone due to the small vessel diameter." — Interventional cardiology procedure note
- "Pre-dilation with balloon angioplasty was performed prior to stent deployment." — Cardiac catheterisation report