Radiology &

Imaging

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a procedure done to improve blood flow to a blocked artery. A balloon catheter is inserted into the blockage and inflated to compress the fat deposits within the inner wall, thereby improving blood flow. At times, re-closure can occur. To offset this possibility, the stent was developed. A stent is a tiny coiled wire or mesh that is permanently placed at the angioplasty site to maintain the new opening. This is often done after a recent blocked artery.