pallolaajennukseen

Pallolaajennukseen, also known as balloon angioplasty, is a medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed arteries. It is commonly performed to treat coronary artery disease, where fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the arteries supplying blood to the heart. The procedure is also used for other arteries in the body, such as those in the legs or neck.

During pallolaajennukseen, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin or arm. This catheter is guided to the site of the blockage using X-ray imaging. Once in position, a tiny balloon attached to the tip of the catheter is inflated. The inflation of the balloon compresses the plaque against the artery walls, widening the narrowed passage and restoring blood flow.

After the balloon is deflated, it is withdrawn along with the catheter. In many cases, a small mesh tube called a stent is then deployed at the site of the blockage. The stent acts as a scaffold to keep the artery open and prevent it from narrowing again. Pallolaajennukseen is a minimally invasive procedure and is typically performed under local anesthesia. Recovery is usually quick, with patients often able to return to their normal activities within a few days. While generally safe and effective, potential risks include bleeding, blood clots, and damage to the artery.