Coronary Balloon Angioplasty is a medical procedure that uses balloons to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels. The word "balloon" is spelled /bəˈluːn/ and "angioplasty" is spelled /ˌændʒiːoʊˈplæsti/, however, "coronary" is often misspelled as /kəˈrɑːni/ instead of its correct pronunciation of /ˈkɔːrənri/. This procedure is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease and improve blood flow to the heart. Proper spelling and pronunciation of this word are important to ensure the correct understanding and communication of this medical procedure.
Coronary balloon angioplasty is a medical procedure designed to treat blockages in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. It is a form of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as balloon dilation or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin or wrist, and threaded through the blood vessels until it reaches the blocked area of the coronary artery. At the tip of the catheter, there is a deflated balloon. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque or fatty deposits against the artery walls, thereby widening the blood vessel and improving blood flow to the heart.
The inflation and deflation of the balloon may be performed multiple times to achieve the desired result. Additionally, a metal stent may be placed at the site of the blockage to help keep the artery open and prevent it from narrowing again. This is known as balloon angioplasty with stenting.
Coronary balloon angioplasty is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the coronary arteries become partially or completely blocked due to the buildup of plaque and cholesterol. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve symptoms of CAD, such as chest pain (angina), improve blood flow to the heart, and reduce the risk of heart attack.