Angioplasty: Uses and Indications

Ramiro Quintanilla-Licea

Abstract

Angioplasty, also referred to as balloon angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), may be a minimally invasive endovascular procedure want to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins, typically to treat arterial atherosclerosis. A deflated balloon attached to a catheter (a balloon catheter) is omitted a guide-wire into the narrowed vessel then inflated to a hard and fast size. The balloon forces expansion of the vessel and therefore the surrounding muscular wall, allowing an improved blood flow. A stent could also be inserted at the time of ballooning to make sure the vessel remains open, and therefore the balloon is then deflated and withdrawn. Angioplasty has come to incorporate all manner of vascular interventions that are typically performed percutaneously

Relevant Publications in Archives of General Internal Medicine