What characterizes a non-compliant balloon?

A non-compliant balloon is characterized by a material that does not expand significantly with increased internal pressure. This feature allows the balloon to maintain its size and shape despite the pressure exerted within it. As a result, when inflated, a non-compliant balloon exerts a higher and more consistent pressure against the walls of the vessel or structure it is treating, making it particularly useful in scenarios such as angioplasty where precise dilation is required without excessive deformation of the balloon itself.

This characteristic of non-compliant balloons is crucial in interventional procedures because it enables the clinician to target specific areas effectively without altering the dimensions of the balloon, which could lead to unpredictable outcomes. Non-compliant balloons are often used when a certain pressure is required to achieve the desired effect, such as compressing atherosclerotic plaques or expanding a narrowed vessel segment precisely.

In contrast, compliant balloons, which rapidly expand to fill the space, change shape significantly with pressure, which is not desirable in all clinical scenarios. The options regarding spontaneous deflation if damaged and short-term access are attributes that do not primarily define non-compliant balloons but rather can relate to balloon characteristics in a broader sense or be linked with compliant balloons or specific clinical applications.