Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels, particularly in the heart. During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the affected artery. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated to widen the artery, allowing blood to flow more freely. Sometimes, a small mesh tube called a stent is placed in the artery to keep it open. This procedure is often recommended for patients with coronary artery disease, which can lead to chest pain or heart attacks. Angioplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it usually requires only a small incision and has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery.