What is the primary purpose of angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure designed primarily to reconstruct or open narrowed blood vessels, particularly those affected by atherosclerosis. During angioplasty, a small balloon is inserted and inflated in the blocked section of the blood vessel, which helps to widen it. This procedure can also incorporate the placement of a stent to keep the vessel open after the balloon is removed. The main goal of angioplasty is to restore normal blood flow to the heart or other parts of the body, improving oxygen delivery and reducing symptoms related to insufficient blood flow.

The other options address procedures unrelated to angioplasty. For example, removing the appendix pertains to appendectomy, draining fluid from a joint relates to arthrocentesis, and open heart surgery involves direct surgical intervention on the heart itself, which does not include the vascular reconstruction aspect of angioplasty. Each of these alternatives serves different medical needs and is distinct from the objectives of angioplasty.