Balloon angioplasty is a medical procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed blood vessels. It involves the insertion of a small balloon catheter through an incision, threading it through the affected blood vessel, and inflating the balloon to widen the blood vessel and improve blood flow.

In the healthcare industry, balloon angioplasty is commonly used to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and carotid artery stenosis. These conditions occur when plaque buildup in blood vessels causes them to narrow, reducing blood flow to vital organs and tissues.

During the procedure, a small balloon catheter is threaded through the affected blood vessel and positioned at the site of the blockage. The balloon is then inflated, compressing the plaque against the blood vessel walls and widening the opening in the vessel. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the blood vessel wider and allowing blood to flow more freely.

Balloon angioplasty is often performed in conjunction with stenting, in which a small metal mesh tube is inserted into the blood vessel to hold it open. This helps to prevent the vessel from narrowing again and may be necessary in certain cases to achieve the desired results.

Overall, balloon angioplasty has become an important tool in the healthcare industry for treating a variety of conditions related to blocked or narrowed blood vessels. The procedure is generally safe and effective, and in many cases can help patients avoid more invasive surgeries or long-term medication use.