This is a procedure to help blood flow better. The procedure widens or opens narrowed blocked arteries, typically in the pelvis or legs. Angioplasty uses a medical “balloon” to widen blocked arteries. The balloon presses against the inside wall of the artery to open the space and improve blood flow. A metal stent is often placed across the artery wall to keep the artery from narrowing again. This helps to reduce the pain and wounds heal faster and better. Angioplasties improve symptoms of blocked arteries, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Angioplasty is also often used during a heart attack to quickly open a blocked artery and reduce the amount of damage to the heart.
