What is the primary use of a balloon catheter?

The primary use of a balloon catheter is to assist in angioplasty or valvuloplasty. A balloon catheter is specifically designed to be inserted into a blood vessel and then expanded to compress plaque against the arterial walls, which helps to restore normal blood flow in cases of narrowing or blockage. This technique is particularly important in treating conditions such as coronary artery disease.

During angioplasty, the balloon catheter is positioned at the site of a blockage and inflated, which widens the artery and can help improve blood flow. In valvuloplasty, a similar process is applied to heart valves that may be narrowed, allowing for improved valve function. The use of a balloon catheter is crucial in these procedures, as it can provide immediate relief of symptoms and improve overall patient outcomes.