Which abbreviation stands for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty?

• A. POBA
• B. PTCA
• C. PCI
• D. PTA

Answer: (B)

The key idea is matching the abbreviation to the exact procedure name. PTCA stands for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, with each word represented by a letter: Percutaneous, Transluminal, Coronary, Angioplasty. This is the precise phrasing the question asks for, so it’s the best fit.

Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty (POBA) describes the same technique but omits “coronary.” Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a broader term that covers angioplasty plus other interventions, not just the specific acronym for this procedure. Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) is very similar but does not specify the coronary vessels, making PTCA the exact match for the phrase in question.