Angioplasty is a technique for unblocking blocked or narrowed arteries to improve blood flow. Local anaesthetic is used to insert a fine catheter (tube) into the femoral artery in the groin and the catheter is manipulated to the site of the problem. Then a balloon is inflated to dilate the artery at the site of the block. This opens up the blood vessel and improves blood flow. Sometimes the result is improved by inserting a stent which is a fine metal mesh which provides support to keep the artery wide open after the balloon has been removed.
This technique is used widely in all parts of the body including the coronary arteries but also the arteries supplying the internal organs, limbs and the brain. In many cases the use of angioplasty avoids the need for an operation.
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