What is the procedure that uses a balloon to flatten plaque against the wall of an artery to create a more patent space within the artery for improved blood flow?
a. percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
b. atherectomy
c. laser angioplasty
d. coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS)
Answer: a. percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) uses a balloon to flatten plaque against the wall of an artery to create a more patent space within the artery for improved blood flow. The atherectomy uses a rotating shaver and the laser angioplasty uses pulses of photons to eliminate the plaque. a bypass completely rebuilds parts of the artery which are beyond help using other less-invasive methods.