PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) is a minimally invasive procedure used to dilate (widen) narrowed coronary arteries. A doctor inserts a catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip into the narrowed part of the artery. Then the balloon is inflated, compressing the plaque and enlarging the inner diameter of the blood vessel so blood can flow more easily. Then the balloon is deflated and the catheter removed. Stents are often placed after PTCA is performed.
TAXUS® Express²™ Coronary Stent System
The ability to reduce restenosis, treat a variety of lesions and achieve safe, predictable outcomes for patients.