Balloon catheter

Definition

A balloon catheter is a medical device that features a flexible tube with an inflatable balloon at its tip, used primarily for dilating narrowed or blocked blood vessels and other tubular structures within the body. This device is vital in various minimally invasive procedures, where it can be inserted into the target area to expand a constricted passage, aiding in conditions like vascular diseases or during surgical interventions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Balloon catheters are often used in procedures like coronary angioplasty to treat blockages in coronary arteries.
2. The balloon is inflated once the catheter is positioned correctly, applying pressure to the walls of the vessel and expanding the lumen.
3. There are different types of balloon catheters, including compliant balloons that expand easily and non-compliant balloons that maintain their shape under pressure.
4. Balloon catheters can also be used in non-vascular procedures, such as urethral dilation or in gastrointestinal interventions.
5. Complications from balloon catheter use can include vessel rupture, dissection, or re-occlusion of the treated area.

Review Questions

• How does a balloon catheter function during an angioplasty procedure?
  • During an angioplasty procedure, a balloon catheter is inserted into a blocked or narrowed artery through a small incision. Once the catheter reaches the target area, the balloon at its tip is inflated, applying pressure to the arterial walls. This process helps to compress plaque against the artery walls, widening the lumen and restoring proper blood flow. The success of this procedure often relies on careful placement and inflation of the balloon to ensure effective dilation without causing damage.
• Discuss the differences between compliant and non-compliant balloon catheters and their specific uses.
  • Compliant balloons are designed to stretch easily and adapt their shape as they inflate, making them ideal for treating areas with variable anatomy or softer tissue. In contrast, non-compliant balloons maintain a consistent diameter when inflated, making them more suitable for delivering precise dilation pressures in rigid structures. The choice between these types depends on the specific clinical situation, such as the type of blockage being treated and the desired outcome of the procedure.
• Evaluate the potential complications associated with balloon catheter use and how they can impact patient outcomes.
  • Potential complications from balloon catheter use include vessel rupture, dissection, thrombosis, and re-occlusion. These risks can significantly impact patient outcomes by leading to additional surgeries, prolonged recovery times, or even serious cardiovascular events. Effective risk management strategies involve careful patient selection, appropriate technique during procedures, and close monitoring post-intervention to address any complications promptly. Understanding these risks allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about utilizing balloon catheters in various medical scenarios.

Related terms

angioplasty: A procedure that uses a balloon catheter to widen narrowed or obstructed blood vessels, improving blood flow.

stent: A small mesh tube inserted into a blood vessel or other duct to keep it open after angioplasty.

catheterization: The process of inserting a catheter into the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.