Angioplasty
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2023-11-14

Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to open up blocked or narrowed blood vessels, typically arteries. It involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter into the blood vessel and then inflating a small balloon at the tip of the catheter to widen the vessel. This helps improve blood flow and can be used to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease.
To understand the term "angioplasty" better, let's break it down:
1. "Angio" refers to blood vessels. It comes from the Greek word "angeion," meaning "vessel."
2. "Plasty" is derived from the Greek word "plastos," which means "formed" or "molded."
So, when we combine the two parts, "angioplasty" literally means "vessel molding" or "vessel shaping." In the medical context, it specifically refers to the reshaping or widening of blood vessels.
Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage of the term:
1. A patient with coronary artery disease might undergo angioplasty to treat a blockage in one of the coronary arteries and restore proper blood flow to the heart.
2. Another example is a person with peripheral artery disease who undergoes angioplasty to open up a narrowed blood vessel in their leg, improving circulation and relieving symptoms like pain or cramping during physical activity.
3. Angioplasty can also be performed in other blood vessels, such as those in the neck or kidney, to address specific conditions.
In summary, angioplasty is a medical procedure that involves widening blocked or narrowed blood vessels to improve blood flow. It is a common intervention used to treat various conditions related to arterial blockages.