angioplasty
Pronunciation: AN-jee-oh-plas-tee
Minimally invasive procedure using balloon inflation to widen narrowed blood vessels and restore blood flow.
Full Definition
Angioplasty is a percutaneous endovascular procedure that involves the insertion of a deflated balloon catheter into a narrowed blood vessel, followed by balloon inflation to compress atherosclerotic plaque against the vessel wall and restore luminal diameter. The procedure, also known as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), can be performed in various vascular beds including coronary, peripheral, and cerebral arteries. Angioplasty is often combined with stent placement to maintain vessel patency and reduce the risk of restenosis. The procedure has revolutionized the treatment of atherosclerotic disease, offering a less invasive alternative to surgical bypass procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from angiography (imaging) in procedure documentation.
In Context
- "Balloon angioplasty successfully restored patency to the occluded superficial femoral artery." — procedure report
- "The patient underwent primary angioplasty for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction." — emergency procedure note