Definition: A procedure that uses a specialized balloon coated with a drug (similar to a drug-eluting stent) to treat narrowed arteries. The balloon is inflated to open the artery and transfer the drug to the vessel wall, but no permanent implant is left behind.
Procedure Steps:
1. Standard balloon angioplasty is often performed first.
2. The drug-eluting balloon is positioned at the treated site and inflated for a specific time (e.g., 30-60 seconds).
3. The balloon is then removed.
Purpose / Benefits:
• Purpose: To treat in-stent restenosis (re-narrowing inside a previously placed stent) or small vessels where a stent is not suitable.
• Benefits:
o Delivers anti-restenosis drug without leaving a second metal layer inside a stent.
o Useful in complex scenarios where stenting is problematic.
