ballongudvidelse

Ballongudvidelse, also known as balloon angioplasty or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked arteries. It is primarily employed to treat conditions such as atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup restricts blood flow. The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the arm or groin. This catheter is then guided to the site of the blockage.

Once in position, a small, deflated balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated. This expansion compresses the plaque against the artery wall, widening the vessel and restoring better blood flow. In some cases, a small mesh tube called a stent may be deployed at the same time to help keep the artery open. Ballongudvidelse is often performed under local anesthesia and typically requires a short hospital stay. Recovery is usually rapid, with patients often able to resume normal activities within a few days. The success rate of the procedure is high, though restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) can occur in some individuals over time. This technique is a crucial tool in managing cardiovascular disease and improving the quality of life for many patients.