Procedure where a balloon is inflated at the level of plaque that presses plaque against the wall of the artery?

Procedure where a balloon is inflated at the level of plaque that presses plaque against the wall of the artery?

• A. Angioplasty
• B. Angiography
• C. Stenting
• D. Atherectomy

Answer: (A)

Balloon angioplasty uses a catheter with a deflated balloon that is positioned at the narrowed segment of the artery and then inflated. The inflation compresses the plaque against the vessel wall, widening the lumen and improving blood flow. This specific action—pressing the plaque against the wall to enlarge the passage—is what defines angioplasty in this context. Angiography, by contrast, is just imaging the vessels with contrast to visualize the arteries. Stenting involves placing a scaffold to keep the artery open after dilation, not the initial plaque compression itself. Atherectomy removes plaque by cutting or shaving it away, rather than simply pressing it against the wall.

Balloon angioplasty uses a catheter with a deflated balloon that is positioned at the narrowed segment of the artery and then inflated. The inflation compresses the plaque against the vessel wall, widening the lumen and improving blood flow. This specific action—pressing the plaque against the wall to enlarge the passage—is what defines angioplasty in this context.

Angiography, by contrast, is just imaging the vessels with contrast to visualize the arteries. Stenting involves placing a scaffold to keep the artery open after dilation, not the initial plaque compression itself. Atherectomy removes plaque by cutting or shaving it away, rather than simply pressing it against the wall.