Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a balloon angioplasty with a stent implant. But what does that actually mean? The heart is located in the center of the chest. It's job is to keep blood continually circulating throughout the body. The blood vessels that supply the body with oxygen-rich blood are called arteries. The arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle itself are called coronary arteries. Sometimes, these blood vessels can narrow or become blocked by plaque deposits, restricting normal blood flow. In simple terms, a balloon angioplasty with stent insertion is a procedure used to increase the amount of blood flowing through the coronary artery. During a balloon angioplasty, a heart specialist will insert a thin tube into an artery in your arm or leg and gently guide it towards the problem area in your heart. Once the tube is in place, a small balloon is briefly inflated in order to widen the narrowed artery. A short length of mesh tubing called a stent is then inserted into the newly widened artery. During and after the procedure, your doctor will take x-rays in order to monitor your progress. Patient Education Company

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