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Angioplasties are minimally invasive procedures used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels. During an angioplasty, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is threaded through a blood vessel to the site of the blockage. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated to push the blockage aside and restore blood flow. In some cases, a stent may also be placed during the procedure to help keep the artery open. Angioplasties are commonly used to treat coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and other conditions that restrict blood flow to vital organs.