The use of a balloon to widen or unblock an artery is referred to as "angioplasty." However, during the majority of contemporary angioplasty operations, a brief wire mesh tube known as a stent is also inserted into the artery. To promote better blood flow, the stent is left in place permanently. The use of a balloon to widen or unblock an artery is referred to as "angioplasty." However, during the majority of contemporary angioplasty operations, a brief wire mesh tube known as a stent is also inserted into the artery. To promote better blood flow, the stent is left in place permanently.
The use of a balloon to widen or unblock an artery is referred to as "angioplasty." However, during the majority of contemporary angioplasty operations, a brief wire mesh tube known as a stent is also inserted into the artery. To promote better blood flow, the stent is left in place permanently. The use of a balloon to widen or unblock an artery is referred to as "angioplasty." However, during the majority of contemporary angioplasty operations, a brief wire mesh tube known as a stent is also inserted into the artery. To promote better blood flow, the stent is left in place permanently.