angioplasty

(noun)

The mechanical widening of a narrowed or totally obstructed blood vessel generally caused by atheroma.

Related Terms

Examples of angioplasty in the following topics:

  • Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction

    • If part of the heart seems to receive an insufficient blood supply, coronary angiography may be used to identify narrowing of the coronary arteries and suitability for angioplasty or bypass surgery.
    • Treatments for acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction include coronary angioplasty, treatment with thrombolysis "clot buster" medication, and coronary bypass, where narrowed blood vessels on the heart are replaced.

  • Artificial Blood Substitutes

    • Although administered to 40,000 patients undergoing cardiac angioplasty from 1989-1992, the use of Fluosol declined and manufacture stopped due to usage and storing difficulties.