What unique feature does a cutting balloon have compared to standard balloons?

A cutting balloon is specifically designed with small, longitudinal blades affixed to its surface. These blades are the unique feature that differentiates it from standard balloons. When the cutting balloon is inflated, the blades make incisions into the plaque or stenotic tissue within a blood vessel. This process aids in creating a larger channel for blood flow by not only dilating the vessel but also allowing for a more effective restructuring of the lesion, which can often be more beneficial in cases of severe stenosis or fibrotic lesions.

The presence of the blades enables the cutting balloon to achieve a more predicated and less elastic response in the tissue being treated. By cutting rather than merely compressing the plaque, the cutting balloon reduces the risk of vessel recoil and subsequent restenosis—a common complication after standard balloon angioplasty. This technique is particularly advantageous in cases where traditional balloon angioplasty might be less effective, such as with hard, calcified lesions.

In summary, while standard balloons rely solely on inflation to widen the vessel, a cutting balloon’s blades provide a mechanical advantage that allows for more effective treatment of certain types of vascular lesions.