This minimally invasive procedure opens blocked coronary arteries. It involves advancing a catheter to the area that has plaque, then inflating a small balloon to push the plaque against the artery walls. After the artery is opened, the balloon is deflated and withdrawn. A new device, called a Cutting Balloon, has tiny microblades that score the plaque to reduce trauma to the vessel wall and make it easier to stretch. Filter devices also may be used to catch debris that is loosened during angioplasty so it can be removed from the body rather than fall into the bloodstream. At times, a tiny drill may be used to cut through the plaque and allow blood to flow.
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