What is the main function of a cutting balloon?

The main function of a cutting balloon is to crack plaque and aid in vessel distension. Cutting balloons are specialized catheters equipped with a series of small, sharp blades along their surface. When inflated, these blades create incisions in the plaque or stenotic area of a blood vessel. This process facilitates vessel dilation by allowing for easier expansion, reducing the risk of elastic recoil that can occur with standard balloon angioplasty.

This mechanism is particularly beneficial in cases where atherosclerotic plaque is calcified or rigid, making it difficult for conventional balloons to achieve sufficient luminal gain. By effectively cutting the plaque, the cutting balloon helps to improve long-term outcomes for patients undergoing balloon angioplasty procedures.

The other options focus on different roles that vary from the cutting balloon's primary purpose—supporting vessels, delivering medications, or marking lesions—none of which accurately describe the cutting balloon’s unique functionality.