Balloon dilation

Balloon Dilation

Balloon dilation (pronunciation: /bəˈluːn daɪˈleɪʃən/), also known as balloon angioplasty, is a medical procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed blood vessels or ducts in the body.

Etymology

The term "balloon dilation" is derived from the English words "balloon", referring to the inflatable device used in the procedure, and "dilation", which means to expand or enlarge.

Procedure

During a balloon dilation procedure, a small, deflated balloon catheter is inserted into the narrowed area. The balloon is then inflated, causing the blocked or narrowed area to widen and improve blood flow or fluid passage. The balloon is then deflated and removed.

Uses

Balloon dilation is commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and esophageal strictures. It can also be used in endoscopy procedures to dilate narrowed areas in the gastrointestinal tract.

Risks

Like any medical procedure, balloon dilation carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, damage to the blood vessel or duct, and the possibility of the area narrowing again after the procedure.

Related Terms

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

Balloon dilation

Contents