What is the difference between angioplasty and angiogram?

An angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure used to widen blocked arteries and restore blood flow. It involves inserting a thin flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon on its tip into the narrowed artery and inflating it to open up the artery. This allows improved blood flow, reducing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.

An angiogram is an imaging test that uses an X-ray or more recently, CT scans or MRIs to get detailed images of your blood vessels—like those in your heart or brain. The purpose of this procedure is for doctors to diagnose abnormal blockages or narrowing within them. An X-ray dye injected into your veins will make these areas easier to see on the angiogram image. During the test, doctors can also remove plaque from the artery walls using stents (metal tubes).

In conclusion, apart from commonality that both involve use of catheter introduced through vein leading up directly near concerned organs with help of imaging techniques (X-rays / CT/MRIs), difference rests with purpose and activities differing significantly for each technique – Angioplasty aims at reopening blocked arterial pathways by introducing small / flexible tube having inflated balloon shape portion which opens clogged part when inflated , while Angiogram helps in detailed analysis displaying anatomy & pathway abnormalities caused due disease conditions impacting arteries leading towards better diagnosis & treatment planning .