Angioplasty and Stenting

Angioplasty is a procedure used to open up narrowed or blocked arteries. A small balloon is carefully guided into the affected area and then gently inflated to widen the artery. To help keep the artery open, a tiny mesh tube called a stent, usually made of stainless steel, is placed in the artery. The stent stays in place permanently to support blood flow and reduce the chance of the artery narrowing again.