Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

Commonly referred to as angioplasty or balloon angioplasty; a procedure used to open a narrowed area of the coronary artery, a blood vessel which supplies oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart. First, a balloon-tipped catheter (a soft, hollow tube)

Commonly referred to as angioplasty or balloon angioplasty; a procedure used to open a narrowed area of the coronary artery, a blood vessel which supplies oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart. First, a balloon-tipped catheter (a soft, hollow tube) is inserted into the narrowed area of the coronary artery. The balloon is then inflated, forcing the plaque against the artery walls and allowing for increased blood flow to the muscle.