Balloon angioplasty is a procedure that treats blockages within the arteries. Coronary angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention, is a balloon angioplasty procedure specifically for the arteries of the heart while peripheral balloon angioplasty is done on arteries outside the heart. Angioplasty involves moving a catheter with a small balloon through blood vessels to blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque that has built up within the artery and that is decreasing blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the body.
Angioplasty also may include the placement of a stent within the artery to keep the artery open. There are several types of stents used in balloon angioplasty procedures:
The Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital provides patients with a world-class facility and expert physicians for balloon angioplasty treatment and comprehensive cardiovascular care, including coronary artery disease treatment.
Learn more about balloon angioplasty at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Alternatives to balloon angioplasty for treating coronary artery disease. As one of the most advanced cardiovascular care facilities of its kind, the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center offers patients the very latest in treatment techniques, including balloon angioplasty. The Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and is bolstered by a research program that helps physician-scientists offer patients the most advanced options for prevention, diagnosis and coronary disease treatment.
For patients with coronary artery disease, physicians at the Center may recommend other coronary disease surgery procedures in addition to or as an alternative to balloon angioplasty, including:
Learn more about balloon angioplasty and the many other services available at the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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