Angioplasty An angioplasty, otherwise known as a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a nonsurgical procedure used to open blocked arteries caused by PAD. An angioplasty is performed to restore arterial blood flow to the tissue without the need for open surgery. During an angioplasty, a special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into the artery to be treated, and a balloon at the catheter tip is inflated to displace the obstructing tissue. A stent may be implanted to prop the artery open. Aortic and atrial endovascular repair Aneurysms or dissections of the aorta or arteries can be repaired without open surgery. Renal hypertension treatments If high blood pressure is caused by blockage of blood flow to the kidneys, interventional radiologists can perform angioplasty and, if needed, stenting to improve blood flow.