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Angioplasty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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angioplasty

[รฆn.dส’i.oสŠหˆplรฆst.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical procedure

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open up narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart or other areas of the body. It involves the use of a small balloon that is inflated inside the affected vessel, which helps restore normal blood flow. In some cases, a stent may be placed to keep the vessel open after the procedure.

Synonyms

balloon angioplasty, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Examples of usage

  • The doctor recommended angioplasty to treat his coronary artery disease.
  • Angioplasty was performed successfully, improving blood circulation.
  • Patients often recover quickly after undergoing angioplasty.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical History

  • The first successful angioplasty was performed in 1977 by Dr. Andreas Gruentzig in Zurich, Switzerland.
  • Initially, angioplasty was mostly used for heart arteries; now it's applied in other vascular areas, dramatically evolving the field of interventional cardiology.

Science

  • The procedure involves guiding a thin tube, called a catheter, to the blockage to inflate a small balloon that opens the narrowed area.
  • Stents, small mesh tubes, are often placed after angioplasty to keep the blood vessel open.

Technology

  • Advancements in imaging technology, such as angiography, have significantly enhanced the ability to identify blockages in blood vessels.
  • The development of bioresorbable stents is a recent innovation, allowing the stent to dissolve over time while helping restore blood flow.

Statistics

  • Angioplasty is performed on over a million patients each year in the United States alone.
  • Studies show that angioplasty can reduce the risk of heart attacks in individuals with significant blockages.

Origin of 'angioplasty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from two Greek roots: 'angeion', meaning vessel, and 'plastos', meaning formed or molded.
  • Angioplasty has evolved from simple methods of widening vessels to complex techniques involving balloons and stents.

The term 'angioplasty' is derived from the Greek words 'angeion,' meaning 'vessel,' and 'plastos,' meaning 'formed' or 'molded.' The procedure was developed in the late 20th century, with the first successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) performed by Dr. Andreas Gruentzig in 1977. This innovative technique revolutionized the treatment of coronary heart disease, providing a less invasive alternative to traditional bypass surgery. Over the years, advancements in technology and techniques have further improved the safety and efficacy of angioplasty, making it a common practice in cardiology and other medical fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,430, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.