483A procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries is called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or PTCA. The technique involves insertion of a guide catheter from an artery in the groin or shoulder. The catheter is threaded to the affected artery. A second catheter is then inserted inside the first one. When it reaches the narrowed or blocked area, a balloon on its tip is inflated to reopen the artery. The catheters are withdrawn following the procedure.
