Transluminal Coronary Balloon Dilatation, also known as coronary angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a medical procedure used to treat narrow or blocked coronary arteries in patients with coronary artery disease.
During this procedure, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the leg or arm, and guided to the coronary arteries. A deflated balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated to compress the plaque build-up and widen the narrowed artery, allowing improved blood flow to the heart muscle.
Transluminal refers to the procedure being performed from within the artery, rather than from outside the body. Coronary pertains to the vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle. Balloon Dilatation involves the use of a small balloon to expand the narrowed artery.
This minimally invasive procedure can help relieve symptoms of chest pain (angina) and improve blood supply to the heart muscle. It is often performed as an alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery. Transluminal Coronary Balloon Dilatation may also be combined with other interventions, such as the placement of a stent, a small metal mesh tube, to help keep the artery open.
The success of the procedure depends on various factors, including the location and severity of the blockage, the expertise of the medical team, and the patient's overall health condition. Transluminal Coronary Balloon Dilatation has become a common and effective treatment option for coronary artery disease, providing many patients with improved quality of life and reduced risk of heart-related complications.
