PTA full form in medical term is Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty. PTA is a procedure where doctors use this technique to restore the blood flow in arteries or vessels. It has been seen that blood flow gets affected because of fat content or cholesterol plaque. This can cause a lot of pain, and if it’s happening in the chest area, or in the heart itself, then it can be a life-threatening health condition.
This procedure is mostly performed by surgeons when the less invasive methods aren’t working. Things like changing lifestyle or medication aren’t working, in such a case, doctors will suggest Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty. The idea is to somehow remove the blockage, or use some structure to keep the artery or vessel open for good blood flow. For example, if you have been suggested to have a PTA in the thigh area, then the surgeon will use a catheter to inject a special dye to get to know the exact location of the blockage. Next, using an inflatable balloon shape will be inserted, which surgeons can use to open up the artery. If this method isn’t working, then a mesh will be inserted which will lock in place to keep the artery or vessel open for regular blood flow.