An angioplasty is the widening of an artery. A thin flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into the artery, usually in the groin, and threaded through the arteries. X-ray images of your arteries will help your physician guide the catheter to the blockage. A tiny, thin wire will then be passed across the narrowed segment of the artery. It serves as a support for positioning the tiny balloon across the blockage. Next, a balloon catheter- a long, thin flexible tube with a small uninflated balloon at its tip – will be threaded into the artery where it’s narrowed. Once in position, the balloon will be inflated to open up the artery. This widens the arterial walls, stopping the blockage and restoring proper blood flow. The balloon is then deflated, catheter removed, and the procedure is complete.