Final answer:
Angioplasty is a cardiology procedure used to widen occluded arteries by inflating a balloon catheter within the vessel and often involves the placement of a stent to maintain vessel patency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure described in the question is known as angioplasty, a medical technique used to treat occluded or narrowed arteries, often related to conditions such as atherosclerosis. During angioplasty, a balloon catheter is inserted into the affected vessel, guided to the site of the occlusion, and once in place, the balloon is inflated. This inflation presses the plaque against the vessel wall, thereby widening the lumen of the artery to increase blood flow. Following the balloon inflation, a stent is often placed to help keep the artery open. This procedure is a common treatment for cardiovascular diseases, and is associated with the field of cardiology.