What is a drug-eluting balloon? Traditional balloons are used to open blockages in the blood vessels of the heart. However, the risk of the vessel reoccluding after balloon application is quite high. Therefore, after the traditional balloon procedure, a stent is usually applied.

In drug-eluting balloons, drugs that prevent reocclusion are placed on the balloon using various techniques. When the balloon is inflated inside the vessel, this drug passes onto the vessel surface and prevents vessel blockage.

What are the advantages of a drug-eluting balloon? After the use of drug-eluting balloons, it is generally not necessary to routinely apply a stent, which means there will be no residual metal burden, and the risk of reocclusion will decrease.

In addition, the anticoagulant drugs required after stent placement will be used for a shorter period. This will help avoid serious side effects associated with anticoagulant drugs, such as stomach, intestinal, or brain bleeding. Another benefit is that due to the shorter duration of anticoagulant use, the planned surgical procedures for patients can proceed without delay.