What is the purpose of an angioplasty procedure?

The purpose of an angioplasty procedure is to restore blood flow, making this the correct answer. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, typically arteries, to improve blood circulation to vital organs, such as the heart. During the procedure, a small balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage, which compresses the plaque against the artery walls and widens the vessel, thus allowing blood to flow more freely. This is crucial, especially in cases of coronary artery disease, where blocked arteries can lead to chest pain or heart attacks.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of an angioplasty. For instance, while replacing a blood vessel might occur in more complex surgical interventions, angioplasty specifically focuses on reshaping existing vessels rather than substituting them. Similarly, angioplasty is not designed to remove tumors or stabilize blood pressure, as its primary goal is to alleviate obstructions affecting blood flow rather than addressing these other medical concerns directly.