Balloon Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention – PCI)

Balloon angioplasty, medically known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. These blockages are typically caused by plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow to the heart and can lead to chest pain or heart attacks. The procedure involves inserting a small balloon attached to a catheter into the affected artery and inflating it to widen the narrowed area. In most cases, a stent is also placed to keep the artery open and maintain proper blood flow. Balloon angioplasty is widely preferred due to its minimally invasive nature, shorter recovery time, and high success rate. It is commonly performed in emergency situations such as heart attacks as well as planned procedures for patients with significant coronary artery disease.