Cardiac Care

Angioplasty
An angioplasty, commonly known as a balloon procedure, is performed to open blocked or narrowed vessels. A small tube, or catheter, is inserted into the artery and a smaller catheter is then placed inside of it when it reaches the spot where the vessel is narrowed or blocked. The physician then inflates a small balloon on the tip of the catheter. This flattens the plaque or fatty deposits against the wall of the artery, thereby increasing blood flow. The balloon can then be deflated and removed. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.