Which procedure is used to widen a narrowed artery to restore blood flow?

Which procedure is used to widen a narrowed artery to restore blood flow?

• A. Angioplasty
• B. Cardioversion
• C. Endocarditis treatment
• D. Hemostasis

Answer: (A)

Widening a narrowed artery to restore blood flow is achieved with angioplasty. In this procedure, a catheter with a tiny balloon is threaded to the site of the narrowing and the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, increasing the vessel diameter and improving blood flow. Often a stent is placed to keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated. This technique is commonly used for narrowing in coronary or peripheral arteries and can relieve ischemia or angina. Cardioversion, by contrast, corrects abnormal heart rhythms and does not widen arteries. Endocarditis treatment targets infection of the heart valves or lining, not arterial narrowing. Hemostasis focuses on stopping bleeding, not expanding vessel diameter.

Widening a narrowed artery to restore blood flow is achieved with angioplasty. In this procedure, a catheter with a tiny balloon is threaded to the site of the narrowing and the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, increasing the vessel diameter and improving blood flow. Often a stent is placed to keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated. This technique is commonly used for narrowing in coronary or peripheral arteries and can relieve ischemia or angina.

Cardioversion, by contrast, corrects abnormal heart rhythms and does not widen arteries. Endocarditis treatment targets infection of the heart valves or lining, not arterial narrowing. Hemostasis focuses on stopping bleeding, not expanding vessel diameter.