Balloon Angioplasty During a balloon angioplasty, the interventional cardiologist
inserts a special type of catheter into an artery in your groin or wrist. This catheter has a small deflated balloon attached to the
leading end. The catheter is slowly guided by X-ray into the coronary artery that is clogged or blocked. The deflated balloon is then
carefully inflated and deflated several times. This process of inflation presses the plaque buildup
back against the artery wall, and opens the vessel so blood can flow more freely through the vessel. As the balloon is inflated, you
may briefly experience chest discomfort. This passes quickly.
