post-dilatation
Additional balloon inflation performed after stent deployment to optimize stent expansion and apposition.
Full Definition
Post-dilatation is the technique of performing additional balloon inflation within a newly deployed stent to optimize its expansion, improve vessel wall apposition, or correct underexpansion. This procedure typically uses a non-compliant balloon at higher pressures than the initial stent deployment pressure. Post-dilatation is particularly important in calcified lesions, bifurcation stenting, or when intravascular imaging reveals suboptimal stent expansion. While beneficial for optimizing acute results, post-dilatation must be performed carefully to avoid vessel injury, stent damage, or distal embolization. The decision to perform post-dilatation should be based on angiographic or intravascular imaging findings.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from initial stent deployment in procedural documentation.
In Context
- "Post-dilatation with a 3.5 mm non-compliant balloon at 20 atm improved stent expansion significantly." — Interventional procedure note
- "IVUS imaging prompted post-dilatation to achieve adequate stent apposition against the vessel wall." — Intravascular imaging report