Balloons and Stents

Balloons and stents are essential tools in interventional radiology, used in vascular and non-vascular procedures. Balloons function by controlled plaque disruption, guided by the Law of Laplace, and are classified as semi-compliant or non-compliant. Non-compliant balloons, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are preferred for angioplasty due to high-pressure tolerance, while nylon balloons are suited for calcified plaques. Balloon selection depends on compliance, trackability, and size, typically 5–10% larger than the vessel diameter. Common complications include dissections and vessel rupture, with severe cases requiring stenting. Stents, named after Charles T. Stent, maintain luminal patency by displacing plaque and vessel walls. First used in vascular applications in 1985, stent advancements include self-expandable, drug-eluting, and flow-diversion designs. Stents overcome limitations of balloon angioplasty, such as abrupt closure and restenosis, ensuring long-term durability. Together, balloons and stents address diverse clinical needs, optimizing outcomes in interventional procedures.