Definition
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels, particularly arteries, that supply blood to the heart. Imagine your arteries like pipes that can get clogged with plaque 🧱, restricting blood flow. Angioplasty involves inserting a tiny balloon 🎈 into the blocked artery and inflating it to widen the vessel. Often, a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open. It's like clearing a traffic jam 🚗 on a highway so everyone can move smoothly.