Transluminal Arterial Dilatation, also known as balloon angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention, is a medical procedure aimed at widening narrowed or blocked arteries. It involves the use of a specialized catheter with a deflated balloon attached to its tip, which is inserted into the arterial system through a small incision made in a blood vessel.
During the procedure, the catheter is carefully guided to the site of the artery that is partially or completely obstructed. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, exerting pressure against the plaque or fatty deposits that cause the narrowing. The pressure generated by the inflated balloon helps to compress the plaque and widen the artery, restoring blood flow.
Transluminal Arterial Dilatation is commonly performed in patients with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Narrowed arteries can lead to insufficient blood supply to the heart, which can cause chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack. By dilating the blocked artery, the procedure improves blood flow, relieves symptoms, and reduces the risk of complications associated with restricted blood circulation.
In some cases, a stent, a small mesh-like tube, may be placed to help keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated and removed. This is known as a balloon angioplasty with stenting.
Transluminal Arterial Dilatation is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids the need for open-heart surgery. It is typically performed by interventional cardiologists, who use imaging techniques, such as X-rays or an intravascular ultrasound, to accurately guide the catheter to the affected area. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case and the number of arteries being treated.
