Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels. This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and carotid artery disease. Angioplasty involves the insertion of a thin, flexible catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or arm. Once the catheter is in place, a small balloon attached to the end of the catheter is inflated to open up the blocked or narrowed blood vessel.
In addition to balloon angioplasty, there are other types of angioplasty procedures that may be used depending on the condition being treated. These include laser angioplasty, where a laser is used to vaporize or break apart plaque in the blood vessel, and atherectomy, where a special catheter is used to remove plaque buildup.
Angioplasty is typically performed by interventional cardiologists or vascular surgeons and can be done on an outpatient basis. It is often used as an alternative to open heart surgery or vascular surgery. Recovery time is usually short, though patients may be required to avoid certain activities or take medications after the procedure to prevent blood clots or other complications.
Overall, angioplasty plays an important role in the health care industry by providing a less invasive option for treating vascular conditions and improving patient outcomes.
Angioplasty
Health Care Term
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels. This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and carotid artery disease. Angioplasty involves the insertion of a thin, flexible catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or arm. Once the catheter is in place, a small balloon attached to the end of the catheter is inflated to open up the blocked or narrowed blood vessel.
In addition to balloon angioplasty, there are other types of angioplasty procedures that may be used depending on the condition being treated. These include laser angioplasty, where a laser is used to vaporize or break apart plaque in the blood vessel, and atherectomy, where a special catheter is used to remove plaque buildup.
Angioplasty is typically performed by interventional cardiologists or vascular surgeons and can be done on an outpatient basis. It is often used as an alternative to open heart surgery or vascular surgery. Recovery time is usually short, though patients may be required to avoid certain activities or take medications after the procedure to prevent blood clots or other complications.
Overall, angioplasty plays an important role in the health care industry by providing a less invasive option for treating vascular conditions and improving patient outcomes.