What is an Angioplasty?
The term “angioplasty” means using a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. However, most modern angioplasty procedures also involve inserting a short wire-mesh tube, called a stent, into the artery during the procedure. The stent is left in place permanently to allow blood to flow more freely.
A coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries (the main blood vessels supplying the heart).
If you’ve had a heart attack, an angioplasty can increase your chances of surviving more than clot-busting medication thrombolysis). The procedure can also reduce your chances of having another heart attack in the future.