Angioplasty Meaning and Definition
Angioplasty
Pronunciation
/ˈændʒiˈɒpləsti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A surgical procedure in which a catheter with a balloon or stent is inserted through an artery to the blocked or narrowed coronary artery, to open the blocked passage and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
Examples
- The doctor performed an angioplasty to clear the blockage in the patient’s artery.
- Angioplasty is often used to treat coronary artery disease.
Synonyms
- Coronary angioplasty
- Coronary artery widening
Antonyms
- Bypass surgery
- Coronary stenting
Additional Information
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is often performed as an emergency measure to prevent a heart attack or to treat chronic coronary artery disease. It is typically performed in a hospital setting under local anesthesia and is monitored by a cardiologist and other medical professionals.
The goal of angioplasty is to open up the blocked or narrowed coronary artery, allowing blood to flow normally again and restoring the heart muscle’s optimal function.
Etymology
The term “angioplasty” comes from the Greek words “angion”, meaning vessel or artery, and “plastikos”, meaning molding or shaping.
Usage Notes
Angioplasty is typically used as a medical procedure, but it can also be used as a noun to refer to the process of opening up a blocked artery.
Cultural References
In popular culture, angioplasty has been mentioned in TV shows like “House M.D.” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that feature the term “angioplasty”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Cardiology
- Coronary artery disease
- Stenting
Collocations
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Coronary angioplasty
Frequency of Use
Angioplasty is a technical medical term that is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is frequently mentioned in medical literature and discussed by healthcare professionals.
Common Misspellings
- Angiopasty
- Angioplasuy