Balloonangioplastika

Balloonangioplastika, also written balloonangioplastika, is an endovascular medical procedure used to dilate narrowed or blocked arteries by inflating a small balloon at the site of a stenosis. The term angioplasty derives from Greek roots meaning vessel repair and reconstruction. The technique is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

The procedure is performed by inserting a catheter through an artery, typically the femoral or radial artery, and guiding it to the target lesion. A deflated balloon on the catheter is positioned across the narrowing and then slowly inflated to compress the atherosclerotic plaque against the arterial wall, enlarging the lumen. In many cases a stent—often balloon-expandable—may be placed to scaffold the artery after dilatation. After inflation, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the vessel is assessed for adequate blood flow. Patients typically receive anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications around the time of the procedure and for a period afterward.

Indications include symptomatic chest pain due to coronary stenosis, certain acute coronary syndromes, and selected cases of peripheral artery disease. Balloonangioplastika may be performed alone or as part of a broader revascularization strategy that may include stenting. Drug-eluting stents or drug-coated balloons may be used to reduce restenosis in some patients.

Outcomes and risks: The procedure is usually successful in enlarging the vessel and relieving ischemic symptoms, with rapid recovery. Restenosis rates have declined with the use of stents and drug-eluting technologies. Complications can include arterial dissection or perforation, thrombosis, distal embolization, contrast-induced nephropathy, bleeding, and access-site problems.

History: Balloon angioplasty was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, with early work by Charles Dotter and Andreas Gruentzig, who pioneered and refined the technique for coronary arteries.