National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Send to Printer
balloon angioplasty (buh-LOON AN-jee-oh-PLAS-tee)

 A procedure to enlarge the opening in a blood vessel that has become narrowed or blocked by plaque (a buildup of fat and cholesterol on the inner wall of the blood vessel). A small balloon is filled with air inside the blood vessel to push the plaque against the blood vessel wall and increase the opening.

Previous Definitions:baclofen, baclofen/amitriptyline/ketamine gel, bacteria, bacterial toxin, BAK gel
Next Definitions:barbiturate, barium enema, barium solution, barium swallow, Barrett esophagus