What condition can be treated using balloon angioplasty?

• A. Deep vein thrombosis
• B. Peripheral arterial disease
• C. Varicose veins
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Answer: (B)

Balloon angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure primarily used to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of fatty deposits, reducing blood flow and causing symptoms such as pain and cramping in the legs during physical activity.

In balloon angioplasty, a catheter with a balloon on its tip is inserted into the affected artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque against the artery walls, widening the vessel and improving blood flow. This procedure is particularly effective in treating blockages in peripheral arteries, making it a standard treatment for PAD.

In contrast, conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism relate to thrombotic events in the venous system and are typically managed with anticoagulation therapy and may require different interventional techniques if treatment is necessary. Varicose veins, while they can be treated with different minimally invasive techniques, do not involve balloon angioplasty because they often require procedures like sclerotherapy or vein ablation to address the valve dysfunction in the superficial venous system.