Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute among the first in Ohio to implement drug-coated balloon procedure

In the summer of 2024, the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute began utilizing drug-coated balloons to treat in-stent restenosis.

This condition occurs when an artery that was previously opened with a stent becomes narrow again. The drug-coated balloon offers a minimally invasive method to deliver medication directly to the narrowed artery, helping to reduce the likelihood of restenosis or the regrowth of blockages after treatment.

During the procedure, a drug-coated balloon is guided through a thin tube from a blood vessel in the wrist or groin to the narrowed artery. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, allowing the medication to be delivered directly to the affected area, thereby opening the artery and restoring proper blood flow.

Perks

The drug-coated balloon procedure offers four key benefits:

1. It avoids the need for an additional layer of metal in the artery.
2. It can reduce the use of medications that may cause bleeding complications.
3. It is minimally invasive.
4. Most patients can go home the same day as the procedure.

This innovative option allows our heart doctors to effectively treat our community and keep hearts beating strong.
 

What is a minimally invasive procedure or surgery?

A minimally invasive procedure or surgery minimizes the size of the incision. In the case of the drug-coated balloon procedure, only one needle will puncture the skin once. The advantage is that minimally invasive procedures reduce healing time, pain, risk of infection and scarring.