pallolaajennusmenetelmän

Pallolaajennusmenetelmä, commonly known in English as balloon angioplasty, is a medical procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries. It is a minimally invasive technique that plays a crucial role in treating various cardiovascular conditions, most notably coronary artery disease. The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the arm or groin. This catheter is carefully guided through the circulatory system to the site of the blockage.

Once the catheter reaches the narrowed artery, a deflated balloon mounted on the tip of the catheter is positioned within the constricted area. The balloon is then rapidly inflated, exerting pressure against the artery walls. This expansion compresses the plaque or buildup that is causing the narrowing, thereby widening the lumen of the artery and restoring better blood flow. After the artery has been successfully dilated, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is withdrawn.

Often, a stent, a small mesh tube made of metal, is deployed at the site of the angioplasty. The balloon inflation also expands the stent, which then remains in place to help keep the artery open and prevent it from re-narrowing. Pallolaajennusmenetelmä is frequently performed under local anesthesia. The recovery time is typically shorter than with more invasive surgical procedures like bypass surgery. While effective, the procedure carries some risks, and its suitability depends on the individual patient's condition.