RCIS Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Exam Prep

Balloon expandable stents are typically used in coronary arteries because they offer several advantages for the treatment of coronary artery disease. These stents are deployed via a balloon catheter, which is inflated at the site of the arterial blockage. The expansion of the stent is precisely controlled by the inflation of the balloon, allowing for a reliable and accurate placement within the artery.

Once the stent is deployed, it is firmly positioned against the arterial wall, which helps maintain blood flow through the artery and reduces the risk of restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery). The balloon expandable design also allows the stent to pass through narrower portions of the artery before being expanded, making it versatile for various sizes of lesions.

In addition, balloon expandable stents are often coated with medications (drug-eluting stents) that help prevent tissue growth, which could occlude the vessel again, further improving their effectiveness. Each of these factors contributes to the widespread use of balloon expandable stents in coronary interventions, distinguishing them from the other types of stents mentioned.