What is the primary purpose of a percutaneous angioplasty procedure?

The primary purpose of a percutaneous angioplasty procedure is to dilate a stenotic vessel. This procedure involves the insertion of a small balloon catheter into the affected blood vessel. Once positioned at the site of the narrowing (stenosis), the balloon is inflated to widen the vessel, allowing for increased blood flow. This is particularly important in treating conditions like atherosclerosis, where plaque build-up narrows the arteries, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular issues.

While other options may relate to vascular interventions, their functions differ from the primary goal of angioplasty. For instance, removing blockages is often achieved through other surgical methods or interventions, while imaging facilitation is typically performed before or during procedures rather than being the main goal of angioplasty itself. Similarly, repairing torn tissues is more aligned with another form of surgical intervention rather than dilation of vessels, which is the focus in a percutaneous angioplasty.