Angioplasty is a procedure that opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. Coronary arteries are the name for these blood vessels. In an emergency situation, such as a heart attack, angioplasty can be performed. If your healthcare provider strongly suspects you have heart disease, it can also be done as an elective surgery. Percutaneous coronary intervention is another name for angioplasty (PCI).