What is Balloon Angioplasty?

Balloon angioplasty, also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), involves inserting a thin catheter with a deflated balloon into the narrowed artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to widen the artery, improving blood flow.

The procedure is widely used to:

• Relieve chest pain (angina).
• Restore blood flow after a heart attack.
• Prevent future heart complications in high-risk patients.

Balloon angioplasty can be performed on different arteries, including:

• Coronary arteries (supplying blood to the heart).
• Peripheral arteries (legs, arms, or kidneys).
• Carotid arteries (supplying blood to the brain).