Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. A small balloon at the tip of a thin tube (catheter) is threaded through a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, to the affected artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress plaque buildup against the artery walls, restoring blood flow. Often, a small mesh tube called a stent is placed to keep the artery open. PTCA helps relieve chest pain and reduces the risk of heart attacks.