Dedicated Balloon Techniques for Coronary Calcium Modification

Abstract

Coronary calcification represents a significant technical challenge in percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Fortunately, a number of balloon-assisted technologies are available to aid in the management of coronary calcification before stenting. Adequate lesion preparation is crucial in the successful management of calcified coronary lesions. Balloon-based techniques can be a safe and effective method of lesion preparation and, as such, are an integral part of an interventionalist’s armamentarium. In this mini-review, we focus on the use of non-compliant balloons, super high-pressure non-compliant balloons, cutting balloons, scoring balloons and intravascular lithotripsy.