Where is it Safe and Effective to Use Drug Eluting Balloons?

Drug eluting balloons (DEBs) have emerged as a powerful tool in interventional cardiology, providing a “stent free” option for treating certain arterial diseases. Unlike a traditional stent, a DEB delivers a therapeutic drug directly to the vessel wall without leaving a permanent metallic scaffold behind. This has opened up new possibilities, particularly in specific clinical scenarios where permanent implantation may be undesirable.

Optimal Use Cases for DEBs

DEBs have proven to be both safe and highly effective in several key areas:

• In-Stent Restenosis (ISR): This is the most established and widely accepted use for DEBs. When an artery narrows again within a previously implanted stent, a DEB can be used to re-open the vessel and deliver an anti-proliferative drug to prevent further tissue growth. European guidelines provide a strong recommendation for this application.
• Small Vessel Disease (SVD): Treating small coronary arteries has long been a challenge for traditional stents due to the increased risk of re-stenosis and thrombosis. DEBs provide a compelling alternative, as they deliver the drug directly and do not leave behind a foreign body that could interfere with the vessel’s natural function.
• Bifurcation Lesions: In complex arterial bifurcations, where a vessel splits into two branches, DEBs can be used to treat the side branch. This approach avoids the complexities and potential complications associated with “kissing” stenting techniques and leaves the main vessel free from additional metal.

Proper lesion preparation is crucial for a successful outcome. The vessel must be adequately pre-dilated to allow for effective drug transfer. The DEB is then inflated for a minimum of 30 seconds at nominal pressure to ensure the drug is absorbed by the vessel wall.

GAP Medical Solutions distributes advanced DEB technology like the Essential Pro from iVascular, empowering clinicians to provide excellent, long lasting results for their patients.