Flattening plaque against the arterial wall with a balloon catheter is called ____.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct term is balloon angioplasty.
Balloon angioplasty is a medical procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries, particularly those affected by atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up on the arterial walls. In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel through a small incision, usually in the groin or wrist. The catheter is guided through the bloodstream to the location of the blockage or narrowing. Once the catheter reaches the site, a balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated. The balloon’s inflation compresses the plaque against the arterial walls, widening the artery and improving blood flow.
This process helps restore normal blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart and brain, which can be essential for preventing complications like heart attacks or strokes. The balloon used in the procedure is typically made from a soft, inflatable material. When inflated, it applies pressure on the plaque, effectively flattening it and stretching the artery open. This often allows the blood vessel to maintain its larger diameter, reducing the risk of the artery re-narrowing.
In some cases, a stent, which is a small mesh tube, is also inserted into the artery to help keep it open after the angioplasty. This is particularly useful in preventing restenosis, which is the re-blockage of the artery. Balloon angioplasty has become a common intervention in managing cardiovascular diseases, helping to improve outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. The procedure is minimally invasive and generally considered safer than traditional open surgery. However, like all medical procedures, it does carry some risks, including damage to the artery, infection, or blood clot formation.