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Primary Angioplasty

Primary angioplasty is an emergency procedure to treat a heart attack caused by a blocked artery. A special tube with a balloon at its tip is inserted into the blocked artery, usually through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist. The balloon is then inflated to open the artery and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. Often, a small metal mesh tube called a stent is left in place to keep the artery open. This procedure helps limit heart damage, relieves symptoms, and improves chances of recovery when performed promptly after a heart attack.