Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries caused by atherosclerosis. During the procedure, a catheter with a small balloon at its tip is inserted into the affected artery, typically through the femoral or radial artery. The balloon is then inflated at the site of the blockage, which helps to compress the plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery and improving blood flow to the heart. In many cases, a stent—a small mesh tube—is also inserted to help keep the artery open. Coronary angioplasty is commonly performed when a patient has symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath due to reduced blood flow, or when there is an identified risk of a heart attack. The procedure has significantly improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease, offering a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.