Atherosclerosis can occur in any artery in the body. When arteries outside the heart become blocked or narrowed from cholesterol or plaque, angioplasty can help. During this minor procedure, we insert a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in your arm, groin, or neck and extend it to the blocked vessel. Then, we inflate a very small balloon in the artery to open it and restore blood flow.
A small stent can be placed in the area containing the blockage. This helps to keep the artery open and improve blood flow.