What is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels. It is commonly performed on arteries that have become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
How Angioplasty Works
During an angioplasty procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the blocked artery. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls, opening up the vessel and restoring blood flow.
Types of Angioplasty
- Balloon angioplasty: the most common type, where a balloon is used to widen the artery.
- Coronary angioplasty: specifically used to open up blocked coronary arteries.
- Peripheral angioplasty: used to treat blockages in arteries outside of the heart, such as in the legs.
Benefits of Angioplasty
Angioplasty can help improve symptoms of conditions such as angina, reduce the risk of heart attacks, and increase blood flow to vital organs. It is a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.
Real-life Examples
One case study reported a patient with severe chest pain who underwent coronary angioplasty and experienced immediate relief. Another example involved a diabetic patient with blocked leg arteries who regained mobility after peripheral angioplasty.
Statistics on Angioplasty
According to the American Heart Association, over 1 million angioplasty procedures are performed each year in the United States. The success rate of angioplasty is around 90%, with most patients experiencing improved blood flow and symptom relief.
