What is the procedure of an angioplasty?
Thin, flexible tube inserted into an artery in groin, wrist or arm & guided to affected coronary artery by X-ray video
When catheter is in place, a thin wire is guided down the length of the coronary artery to deliver a small balloon to affected section
Balloon inflated to widen artery -> squashes fatty deposits against wall
Stent expands & stays in place after balloon is deflated and removed