vessel preparation
Pre-stent treatment of coronary lesions using balloons or specialized devices to optimize conditions for stent deployment.
Full Definition
A systematic approach to lesion modification before stent placement, designed to ensure optimal stent expansion and apposition. Vessel preparation techniques include predilation with appropriately sized balloons, plaque modification using cutting balloons or atherectomy devices, and calcium fracturing in heavily calcified lesions. The strategy is tailored to lesion characteristics, with complex anatomy requiring more aggressive preparation. Proper vessel preparation reduces stent underexpansion, improves acute results, and may decrease long-term complications. The approach contrasts with direct stenting, where stents are deployed without predilation.
Usage
Usage note: Two words without hyphenation; distinguish from post-intervention optimization.
In Context
- "Adequate vessel preparation with cutting balloon angioplasty facilitated optimal stent expansion." — Procedural report
- "The heavily calcified lesion required aggressive vessel preparation before stent deployment." — Complex case description