Definition: A procedure to open a narrowed coronary artery using a small balloon that is inflated at the site of the blockage.
Procedure Steps:
1. Performed immediately after a diagnostic angiogram identifies a blockage.
2. A guidewire is passed across the blockage.
3. A catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip is threaded over the wire to the blockage.
4. The balloon is inflated, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and widening the artery.
5. The balloon is deflated and removed.
Purpose / Benefits:
• Purpose: To restore blood flow through a narrowed artery.
• Benefits:
o Improves symptoms of chest pain (angina).
o Can be a lifesaving during a heart attack.
o Avoids the need for open-heart surgery.