Why use a balloon instead of a stent?

Generally, choosing balloon angioplasty without stent placement may be due to mild lesions, small vessel diameter, temporary need for vessel patency, patient contraindications for stents, or considerations for future treatment flexibility. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Mild Lesions: When the degree of vascular stenosis is mild and the lesion length is short, balloon dilation can restore blood flow without stent implantation. In such cases, the vessel still has good elasticity, and the vessel lumen can remain patent after balloon dilation, avoiding long-term foreign body stimulation caused by stent implantation.

2. Small Vessel Diameter: Some small vessels are not suitable for stent placement due to their diameter. Forcibly implanting a stent might cause vessel injury or restenosis. Balloon angioplasty is more suitable for these vessels, as it can maintain blood flow while reducing excessive vascular intervention.

3. Temporary Vessel Patency: In cases of acute ischemia, balloons can rapidly dilate the vessel to restore blood flow, buying time for further treatment. In such situations, long-term stent implantation is unnecessary, and treatment plans can be adjusted according to the patient's condition after short-term vessel opening.

4. Patient Contraindications for Stents: Patients allergic to stent materials or with abnormal coagulation function may not tolerate antiplatelet therapy required after stent implantation. Choosing balloon angioplasty can avoid these risks while addressing the issue of vascular stenosis.

5. Considerations for Future Treatment Flexibility: In younger patients or those with potentially progressive lesions, balloon treatment without implanting a foreign body preserves options for future surgery or other treatments, avoiding potential interference from a stent during subsequent procedures.

The decision between balloon angioplasty and stent placement should be made by physicians based on vascular conditions, disease characteristics, and the patient's overall health status. After treatment, regular follow-up examinations are necessary according to medical advice to monitor vascular patency, and any discomfort should prompt immediate medical attention.