Which abbreviation stands for plain old balloon angioplasty?

• A. POBA
• B. PTCA
• C. PCI
• D. PTA

Answer: (A)

This item tests recognizing the abbreviation that literally names the simple balloon technique used to open a narrowed artery. POBA stands for plain old balloon angioplasty, highlighting balloon-only angioplasty without stents or other adjunct devices. That plain-phrasing distinguishes it from more modern percutaneous interventions that may involve stents or other tools. The other terms describe balloon angioplasty in a broader or different sense: Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty and Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty refer to the technique of dilating the artery with a balloon (often used interchangeably with balloon angioplasty), while Percutaneous Coronary Intervention is the broader category that includes balloon angioplasty plus any additional devices or strategies, such as stents. Thus, the abbreviation that literally means plain old balloon angioplasty is POBA.