What is the primary purpose of angioplasty?

The primary purpose of angioplasty is to open an area of blockage in the artery. This procedure is typically performed to restore blood flow in cases where the arteries have become narrowed or blocked, often due to atherosclerosis. During angioplasty, a small balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage, effectively compressing the plaque against the arterial walls and widening the artery. This helps to improve blood flow to the heart muscle or other affected areas, alleviating symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and reducing the risk of more serious events, such as heart attacks.

While inserting a stent into the artery is often a subsequent step after balloon angioplasty to maintain the artery's openness, the primary goal of the angioplasty itself is to address the blockage. Thus, understanding the fundamental aim of angioplasty highlights its importance in treating coronary artery disease and improving patient outcomes.