balloon angioplasty

noun

: dilation of an obstructed atherosclerotic artery by the passage of a balloon catheter through the vessel to the area of disease where inflation of the catheter's tip compresses the plaque against the vessel wall

Examples of balloon angioplasty in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the following decades, steady advancements made the original balloon angioplasty procedure far more effective, versatile, and capable of treating complex cardiovascular diseases. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 20 June 2024 Typical treatments may include balloon angioplasty, the placement of stents or the removal of plaque with a bladed catheter, also known as an atherectomy. Annie Waldman, ProPublica, 30 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balloon angioplasty was in 1979

Dictionary Entries Near balloon angioplasty

Cite this Entry

“Balloon angioplasty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balloon%20angioplasty. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

balloon angioplasty

noun
: dilation of an obstructed atherosclerotic artery by the passage of a balloon catheter through the vessel to the area of disease where inflation of the catheter's tip compresses the plaque against the vessel wall
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