PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention)

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly called angioplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. A thin tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided to the heart. A small balloon at the tip is inflated to widen the artery, and often a tiny mesh mesh tube called a stent is placed to keep the artery open. PCI helps restore blood flow, relieve chest pain, and reduce the risk of a heart attack.