How long should balloon inflation last during coronary stenting?

How long should balloon inflation last during coronary stenting?

• A. 10-15 seconds
• B. 1-2 seconds
• C. 30-60 seconds
• D. 2-5 minutes

Answer: (A)

During stent deployment, you want the balloon to stay inflated long enough for the stent to fully expand and seat against the vessel wall. Holding the inflation for about 10-15 seconds at the deployment pressure allows the stent struts to be pressed evenly and limits the chance of residual stenosis or malapposition. If you inflate only briefly, expansion may be incomplete; if you inflate for too long, you increase ischemia time and the risk of vessel injury. After this dwell, the balloon is deflated and the result is checked, with any needed additional post-dilatation performed to optimize apposition.

During stent deployment, you want the balloon to stay inflated long enough for the stent to fully expand and seat against the vessel wall. Holding the inflation for about 10-15 seconds at the deployment pressure allows the stent struts to be pressed evenly and limits the chance of residual stenosis or malapposition. If you inflate only briefly, expansion may be incomplete; if you inflate for too long, you increase ischemia time and the risk of vessel injury. After this dwell, the balloon is deflated and the result is checked, with any needed additional post-dilatation performed to optimize apposition.