Angioplasty is a procedure that many people are familiar with and uses a balloon-tipped catheter to widen arteries in the heart that are narrowed or blocked, usually due to plaque buildup.

The advent of drug-coated balloons transcends the limitations of traditional angioplasty techniques and represents a paradigm shift in heart attack management. (Image: Freepik)

New Delhi: Heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of death worldwide. Some of the world’s most popular products come with the risk of sudden heart attack. Every year, millions of people worldwide undergo coronary angioplasty. This is a procedure that focuses on finding blockages in the arteries leading to the heart.

Shared by Dr. Smruti Hindaria, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune News 9“In the constant pursuit of advances in medical technology, great advances have been made in the treatment of heart attacks over the past six to seven years. Drugs are a new approach that has transformed the landscape of cardiac interventional therapy. Enter the realm of coated balloons (DCBs). This innovative technology, while not suitable for all patients, offers a tailored solution and is a better alternative to traditional angioplasty. It is an effective alternative.”

Angioplasty is a procedure that many people are familiar with and uses a balloon-tipped catheter to widen arteries in the heart that are narrowed or blocked, usually due to plaque buildup. However, its effectiveness may be limited in certain scenarios, such as long-segment disease, in-stent restenosis, and patients with complications involving side branches.

Dr. Hindaria says: “This is where drug-coated balloons come in to fill the gap. Additionally, the targeted nature of drug-coated balloons allows clinicians to more effectively address side branches. This aspect is especially important in complex cases where it is essential to preserve these branches to maintain adequate blood flow to critical areas of the heart.”

Although the initial cost of DCB may raise eyebrows, its potential to reduce the need for re-procedures and associated medical costs cannot be overstated. By minimizing the risk of restenosis and addressing the challenges inherent to traditional angioplasty, DCB offers a cost-effective solution in the long term, saving patients from the burden of recurrent interventions and hospitalizations. release.

“In conclusion, the advent of drug-coated balloons transcends the limitations of traditional angioplasty techniques and represents a paradigm shift in heart attack management. DCB offers a customized approach, the ability to combat restenosis, With enhanced efficacy in difficult cases, it has emerged as a ray of hope for both patients and clinicians. It’s shining brighter than ever before,” added Dr. Hindaria.