What technique is used to remove blockages in the heart's arteries?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure specifically designed to open narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. During this procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted through the blood vessels to the site of the blockage. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated, which compresses the fatty deposits against the artery wall, allowing blood to flow more freely. In many cases, a stent is also placed to keep the artery open after the procedure.

This technique is crucial for treating conditions such as coronary artery disease, where arteries are clogged with plaque, leading to reduced blood flow and potential heart problems. Other options like heart catheterization involve diagnostic imaging rather than treatment of blockages, while tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are surgical procedures unrelated to heart issues, focusing instead on the removal of tonsils and adenoids in cases of significant infection or enlargement in the throat region. Understanding the focus of each of these procedures highlights why angioplasty is the appropriate choice for addressing artery blockages in the heart.