Work

Drug‐coated balloons: From conventional designs to next‐generation innovations in vascular therapy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Drug‐coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as a significant advancement in vascular interventional therapy with the “intervention without implantation” therapeutic paradigm. In this article, we review the developmental trajectory of DCBs and introduce the three critical components of conventional DCBs ‐ balloon architecture, antiproliferative agents, and excipients, along with their operational mechanisms. The advantages and limitations of traditional DCBs are systematically summarized while proposing innovative design strategies for next‐generation DCBs based on contemporary research advancements. Recent progress in polymer balloon fabrication and biotechnology has provided novel design directions to overcome the limitations of conventional balloon configurations and single‐drug regimens. Concurrently, advanced material technologies demonstrate promising potential for optimizing DCB coatings. These innovations include nanoparticle systems, hydrogel matrices, microneedle arrays, layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly techniques, and stimuli‐responsive smart materials. The integration of next‐generation technological enhancements is anticipated to broaden DCB indications, potentially enabling more extensive applications in disease management and therapeutic interventions.

Source: BMEMat

DOI: 10.1002/bmm2.70071

Authors: Lu Zhang, Jiawei Cui, Jin Wang, Manfred F. Maitz, Rifang Luo, Yunbing Wang

Institutions: Southwest Jiaotong University, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research, Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Coronary Interventions and Diagnostics

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China