angioplastika

Angioplastika, also known as angioplasty, is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels. It is performed by inserting a catheter with a small balloon at its tip through the skin into a blood vessel and guiding it to the site of narrowing, where the balloon is inflated to compress plaque against the vessel wall and restore blood flow. In many cases a stent is placed to keep the artery open after balloon dilation.

The procedure is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease, presenting as angina or heart attack, but it is also applied to other vascular beds such as peripheral arteries, carotid arteries, and renal arteries. When performed with balloon dilation alone in the coronary arteries it is referred to as percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTCA); when performed with a stent, it is considered part of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Techniques include balloon angioplasty alone, angioplasty with bare-metal or drug-eluting stents, and adjunctive methods for complex or calcified lesions, such as atherectomy.

Risks include bleeding at the access site, damage to the blood vessel, heart attack or stroke, kidney injury from contrast, and restenosis, particularly with early devices. Drug-eluting stents and antiplatelet therapy have reduced some risks and improved long-term patency.

Angioplastika is often discussed as an alternative to surgical bypass when feasible. The goal is relief of symptoms and improved circulation, with outcomes varying by patient and lesion characteristics.