Final answer:
Angioplasty is the radiologic procedure used to dilate stenotic vessels using a catheter with a balloon tip. The balloon compresses plaque and a stent is often inserted to maintain arterial patency and increase blood flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The radiologic procedure that functions to dilate a stenotic vessel is known as angioplasty. During the angioplasty process, a catheter with a balloon at the tip is inserted into an artery, commonly through the leg, and guided to the site of the stenosis. Once positioned correctly, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque against the walls of the vessel and opens up the artery, increasing blood flow. After the dilation, the balloon is deflated and removed. To maintain the patency of the artery, a stent, which is a small metal mesh tube, is often placed at the occlusion site to support the artery walls and prevent re-narrowing.