What is a drug-coated balloon?
Apr 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Jianbin
Introduction
Drug-coated balloons represent a minimally invasive, implant-free treatment approach and are classified as interventional medical devices. In clinical practice, drug-coated balloons are also known as cardiac drug-coated balloons and represent a novel interventional therapy procedure. This treatment method uses a balloon as a delivery vehicle, with medication coated on its surface. The balloon is delivered to the diseased site, where it gradually expands, allowing the drug to be released and absorbed into the blood vessel wall.
Drug-coated balloons represent a minimally invasive, non-implant treatment approach and are classified as interventional medical devices.
In clinical practice, drug-coated balloons are also known as cardiac drug-coated balloons and represent a novel interventional therapy procedure. This treatment method uses a balloon as a delivery vehicle, with medication coated on its surface. The balloon is delivered to the affected site, where it gradually expands, allowing the drug to transfer and bind directly to the blood vessel wall. The medication acts locally at the diseased site, and after completing its function, the balloon is withdrawn from the body. Clinically, this technique is typically used for treating specific cardiovascular lesions. Since no metal implant is left behind—unlike stent placement—drug-coated balloons deposit medication onto the vessel wall without leaving any foreign material in the patient’s body, thereby reducing the risk of thrombosis to some extent.
Depending on the treatment site, different types of drug-coated balloons are used. Clinically, they are generally categorized into peripheral drug-coated balloons and coronary drug-coated balloons. Patients are advised to consult qualified physicians at正规 hospitals and choose the appropriate treatment option under professional medical guidance.
