balloon angioplasty

Definition / meaning of balloon angioplasty

A procedure to enlarge the opening in a blood vessel that has become narrowed or blocked by plaque (a buildup of fat and cholesterol on the inner wall of the blood vessel). A small balloon is filled with air inside the blood vessel to push the plaque against the blood vessel wall and increase the opening.

Listed under:

Find More About 'balloon angioplasty'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

Leave a Comment