Use of a cutting balloon catheter to dilate resistant stenoses in major aortic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries

Abstract

We report the successful use of a cutting-balloon catheter in dilating stenoses in major systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries which had been resistant to high pressure balloons. After dilation using the cutting balloon, we implanted stents to produce a marked improvement in both pulmonary blood flow and arterial saturation. The technique provides useful palliation for patients having such stenotic collateral arteries.