Balloon angioplasty improves blood flow to your heart. A catheter with a balloon at its tip is put into your blocked artery. The balloon is then expanded to widen that blood vessel. Finally, the catheter is removed.

First, cardiac catheterization is done. Next, a catheter called a guiding catheter is put into the blocked artery. A guide wire is then put through the guiding catheter. This wire is moved to the narrowed spot in your artery. The doctor watches the wire on the video screen. The balloon-tipped catheter is inserted through the guiding catheter. It is threaded over the guide wire until it reaches the narrowed part of the artery.

The balloon is inflated and deflated a few times. This compresses the plaque against the artery wall. You may feel chest discomfort when the balloon is inflated. If you do, tell the doctor.

The balloon is deflated. A stent may then be placed. The catheters and guide wire are removed. With the plaque pushed aside, blood flow to the heart muscle is improved.