Which term describes a surgical procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery?

The term that accurately describes a surgical procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery is angioplasty. Angioplasty specifically involves the use of a balloon catheter that is inserted into the affected artery and then inflated to open up the blockage, allowing for improved blood flow. This minimally invasive procedure can be critical for patients suffering from coronary artery disease, as it directly targets the underlying issue of arterial narrowing.

In contrast, other terms do not pertain to the widening of a coronary artery. Cardiotomy refers to an incision into the heart, primarily during more extensive heart surgeries. Septoplasty involves the surgical correction of a deviated septum in the nasal cavity, unrelated to the cardiovascular system. Coronary bypass surgery, while also a treatment for blocked coronary arteries, involves creating a new pathway for blood to flow by using a graft, which is a different approach than simply widening the narrowed artery. Therefore, angioplasty is the most accurate term for the procedure in question.