Final answer:
Angioplasty is a surgical procedure that widens an obstructed blood vessel by inserting a balloon and inflating it. It is done to increase blood flow in the vessel. Stents may also be inserted to reinforce the vessel walls.
Step-by-step explanation:
Angioplasty is a surgical procedure that widens an obstructed blood vessel by inserting a balloon and inflating it. A specialized catheter with an expandable tip is inserted into a superficial vessel, normally in the leg, and then directed to the site of the occlusion. At this point, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque material and to open the vessel to increase blood flow. Then, the balloon is deflated and retracted. A stent consisting of a specialized mesh is typically inserted at the site of occlusion to reinforce the weakened and damaged walls.