Cutting balloon inflation for drug-eluting stent underexpansion due to unrecognized coronary arterial calcification

Abstract

Unrecognized calcification is a cause of stent underexpansion which significantly increases the subsequent risks of restenosis and/or stent thrombosis. We describe the use of cutting balloon inflation within the implanted stent which overcame calcific restraint unresponsive to high pressure inflations with non-compliant balloons. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.