Question

Which procedure involves passage of a balloon catheter through an occluded coronary vessel to compress plaque against the artery walls?

1) Bypass surgery

2) Angioplasty

3) Cardiac catheterization

4) Cardioplasty

5) Cardioversion

Answer 1

The procedure that involves the use of a balloon catheter to widen an obstructed coronary vessel and compress plaque is called angioplasty, and it may include stent placement to keep the artery open.

Step-by-step explanation:

The procedure that involves passing a balloon catheter through an occluded coronary vessel to compress plaque against the artery walls is known as angioplasty. During this procedure, a specialized catheter with an expandable tip is inserted into a superficial vessel, commonly in the leg, and then maneuvered to the site of the blockage. When the catheter reaches the blockage, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque, thereby opening the vessel and increasing blood flow. After inflation, the balloon is deflated and withdrawn. A stent may be placed to reinforce the vessel and prevent re-narrowing.