What is the term for a procedure that widens a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel?

Study for the AAPC Anatomy Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

The correct term for a procedure that widens a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel is angioplasty. This procedure involves the use of a small balloon, which is inserted into the affected blood vessel and then inflated to stretch the vessel open, restoring proper blood flow. Angioplasty is commonly performed in cases of atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits narrow the arteries, leading to conditions like heart disease.

Bypass surgery is a different procedure used to redirect blood flow around a blocked artery, but it does not specifically widen the vessel itself. Arthroscopy refers to a minimally invasive surgical procedure to examine and sometimes treat problems inside a joint, while endoscopy is used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity within the body, mainly using a flexible tube with a light and camera. Thus, angioplasty is the most accurate term associated with the widening procedure for blood vessels.

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