Heart Catheterization

Coronary balloon angioplasty or PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) is used to open narrow coronary arteries. This procedure uses a balloon catheter, which is inflated to open the vessel. It pushes the plaque (blockage) and enlarges the artery. This procedure often is used with other therapies such as coronary stents or atherectomy.