Balloonassisted

Balloonassisted refers to a family of procedural techniques that use inflatable balloons attached to catheters or endoscopes to aid intervention. The balloon is inflated to modify luminal geometry, provide stabilization, or assist in the delivery and deployment of devices. Balloonassisted methods are used across interventional radiology, cardiology, and endoscopy, among other fields.

The basic mechanism involves inserting a balloon-tipped device to the target area and inflating the balloon to achieve one or more effects: dilating a narrowed passage or vessel; creating a temporary seal or occlusion to control flow or access; and providing gentle, controlled support to advance instruments through challenging anatomy. Balloons may be compliant or noncompliant, and their sizing and inflation are chosen to balance effectiveness with safety.

Common applications include balloon-assisted angioplasty, where a balloon dilates stenosed arteries or vessels; balloon-assisted tracking or anchoring to enable delivery of devices through tortuous paths; and balloon-assisted enteroscopy, in which balloons on an overtube aid deep endoscopic examination and therapy of the small intestine. Balloon dilation is also used in airway management to treat benign stenosis and in certain neurovascular or oncologic procedures to facilitate selective catheterization or embolization.

Risks and limitations include vessel or tissue injury such as dissection or rupture, balloon rupture, and potential for perforation. Additional concerns are procedure time, radiation exposure, and the need for specialized equipment and expertise. Balloonassisted techniques are chosen based on lesion characteristics, anatomy, and the anticipated benefits versus risks.

See also angioplasty, enteroscopy, balloon dilation, and endovascular techniques.