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NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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balloon angioplasty  listen  (buh-LOON AN-jee-oh-PLAS-tee)

  A procedure to enlarge the opening in a blood vessel that has become narrowed or blocked by plaque (a buildup of fat and cholesterol on the inner wall of the blood vessel). A small balloon is filled with air inside the blood vessel to push the plaque against the blood vessel wall and increase the opening.