University of Iowa Health Care has become the first in Iowa to offer drug-coated balloon therapy for patients with blockages in their heart arteries, according to a release.
The minimally invasive procedure treats restenosis — a condition in which previously stented arteries become narrowed again — by using a balloon to deliver medication that helps reopen the artery and prevent it from narrowing in the future, without the need for a new stent.
“This technology represents a significant advancement in our ability to manage complex coronary artery disease,” said Dr. Jason Allen, an interventional cardiologist with UI Health Care. “Since July 2024, we’ve treated patients with this approach, especially those referred to us for in-stent restenosis where a second or third stent is not ideal.”
Dr. Allen, along with Dr. Farhad Sami, a fellow physician in interventional cardiology, was selected to perform the first drug-coated balloon therapy case in Iowa shortly after the procedure received FDA approval.
Beneficiaries of the new therapy
UI Health Care Heart and Vascular Center is the first in Iowa to offer this innovative treatment, the release stated, and is now a routine option for patients who meet the criteria. This includes:
- Patients whose heart arteries have narrowed again after getting a stent
- Patients who can’t safely receive another stent due to anatomy, prior complications, or provider’s preference
- Patients who need a targeted treatment that avoids more metal implantation, especially if a patient’s coronary arteries are prone to narrowing
“We take great pride in continuing to offer innovative therapies to our patients. Being the first in the state to perform this procedure reflects our commitment to innovation and making a difference for our patients,” said Dr. Sami. “We’re seeing a growing number of patients with re-narrowing inside existing stents, and this therapy provides a targeted solution for many.”
