What is the procedure called that widens a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel?

The procedure that specifically addresses the widening of a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel is called angioplasty. This minimally invasive technique involves the insertion of a balloon catheter into the narrowed area of the blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque against the vessel wall and effectively expands the lumen of the blood vessel, allowing for improved blood flow.

Angioplasty is often performed with the assistance of fluoroscopy for precise guidance. It is commonly used in treating conditions like coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease, where blood flow is restricted due to plaque buildup.

In contrast, bypass surgery involves creating an alternate route for blood flow by grafting another blood vessel around the blockage, and stent placement refers to the insertion of a small, mesh-like tube that helps keep the blood vessel open after angioplasty. Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the plaque build-up from the inside of an artery. Each of these procedures serves different purposes in the treatment of vascular conditions, but angioplasty is the designated method for directly widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel.