Types and Basics of Cutting and Scoring Balloons【for PCI】

Here’s a quick guide to cutting and scoring balloons you can use during PCI.

Scoring balloons come in different designs — some with metal blades on the balloon surface, others with nylon scoring elements or Nitinol wires that wrap around the balloon for controlled lesion modification.

One of the key benefits is the lower risk of major vessel dissection, making it more likely that the procedure can be completed with a DCB (drug-coated balloon) rather than stent implantation.

In the past, crossing performance was a major concern, and these devices were used only in carefully selected cases.
However, today’s devices have significantly improved in deliverability, and they are now being used in a wider range of clinical situations.

Unlike standard balloons, scoring balloons have blades or scoring elements attached, so careful attention is needed when selecting the balloon diameter.