Final answer:
Angioplasty with a balloon catheter can be used to widen an artery and prevent it from closing. Stents may also be inserted at the site of the occlusion to reinforce the artery walls. This procedure can effectively restore blood flow and maintain the openness of the artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
During angioplasty, a balloon catheter is used to widen an artery with a tendency to close. The specialized catheter is inserted into the artery and directed to the site of the occlusion. The balloon is then inflated to compress the plaque material and open the vessel, increasing blood flow.
After the balloon is deflated and retracted, a stent made of a specialized mesh may be inserted at the site of the occlusion to reinforce the weakened artery walls. Stents have been used in cardiology for many years to support the artery and prevent it from closing again.
Using angioplasty with a balloon and potentially a stent can effectively restore blood flow and prevent the artery from closing in the future.