Angioplasty

Angioplasty Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to widen a narrowed artery or open a blocked artery for improved blood flow. It is also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or balloon angioplasty. Our interventional cardiologists place a small balloon catheter in the artery through a puncture in the skin, advance it across the blockage, and inflate the balloon to "stretch" the artery open. Sometimes a stent that remains in place permanently is used to assist in keeping the artery open. After a successful angioplasty and (when needed) stent procedure, medications such as aspirin and Plavix, taken daily, help keep the artery open. In addition, patients will need routine follow-up to monitor the status of the treated artery. Conditions Treated by Angioplasty Angioplasty is used to treat the symptoms of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and carotid artery disease. Our Team Interventional cardiologists perform minimally invasive procedures that rely on catheters and small incisions instead of traditional surgery. Find an Inova Interventional Cardiologist