What is the difference between a drug ball and a stent?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Drug balloons generally refer to drug-eluting balloons. In general, differences between drug-eluting balloons and stents include variations in structure and material, mechanisms of treatment, indications, treatment outcomes, and postoperative care methods. Both drug-eluting balloons and stents have their own advantages and disadvantages in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and physicians will develop the most suitable treatment plan according to the patient's specific condition.
Drug balloons generally refer to drug-coated balloons. In general, there are several differences between drug-coated balloons and stents, including differences in structure and material, mechanisms of treatment, indications, therapeutic effects, and postoperative care. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Differences in structure and material: Drug-coated balloons mainly consist of a balloon and a drug coating on the balloon's surface. In contrast, stents are typically made of metal materials, such as stainless steel or cobalt-chromium alloys, or newer bioabsorbable materials.
2. Differences in treatment mechanisms: Drug-coated balloons are delivered to the vascular lesion site and then expanded, allowing the drug on the balloon's surface to make full contact with the vascular intima to prevent restenosis. Stent implantation involves placing the stent at the narrowed vascular segment, using the stent's self-expanding force to open up the vessel, restoring the normal internal diameter and improving blood supply to tissues such as the myocardium.
3. Differences in indications: Drug-coated balloons are suitable for mild to moderate lesions, such as stable angina or non-acute thrombotic occlusion. Stents are more appropriate for severe lesions, such as acute thrombotic occlusion or unstable angina.
4. Differences in complication risks: Since no foreign body is implanted after drug-coated balloon treatment, the risk of cardiovascular thrombosis in the short term is relatively low. However, as a metallic foreign body implanted into the vessel, stents can activate platelet aggregation and increase the risk of thrombosis.
5. Differences in postoperative care: After treatment with a drug-coated balloon, short-term dual antiplatelet therapy is generally required. In contrast, patients who have undergone stent implantation need to strictly follow medical advice to take long-term dual antiplatelet medications to prevent stent thrombosis.
Drug-coated balloons and stents each have their advantages and disadvantages in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Doctors will formulate the most suitable treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition and comprehensive factors such as characteristics of vascular lesions.
