What is a drug-coated balloon (DCB)?
Drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a type of coronary angioplasty balloon coated with an antiproliferative drug that helps prevent coronary artery restenosis by delivering the medication directly into the vessel wall through contact with the arterial lumen.
Most patients are psychologically reluctant to have a foreign object placed inside their heart unless absolutely necessary. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty does not require the implantation of a metallic scaffold within the vessel, allowing for effective revascularization while also addressing patients’ concerns about having a permanent implant.

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is an emerging trend in interventional cardiology.
Advantages of Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) Angioplasty
Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty helps reopen narrowed areas and restore proper blood flow without the need for repeated direct interventions at the lesion site. It offers several key advantages:
Even drug distribution across the vessel wall: The drug-coated balloon ensures uniform release of the drug over the entire circumferential surface in contact with the endoluminal wall.
Reduced risk of late thrombosis: Drug-coated balloons are associated with a lower risk of chronic inflammation and late thrombus formation compared to permanent implants.
Preservation of the natural coronary artery anatomy: Drug-coated balloons help maintain the native anatomical structure of the vessel lumen, especially in complex coronary lesions such as small-caliber arteries or bifurcation sites, thereby reducing the risk of abnormal flow patterns.
Suitable for lesions not amenable to stenting: In certain cases—such as small vessel disease, in-stent restenosis, or long diffuse lesions—stent placement may not be appropriate, and physicians may consider drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty as an alternative treatment option.
Application of Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) Angioplasty in the Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
Application of Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) Angioplasty in the Treatment of Complex Coronary Lesions
Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is commonly indicated for the treatment of coronary artery disease in the following cases:
Small coronary arteries
In cases where the coronary artery diameter is less than 3 mm, the risk of restenosis following stent implantation is significantly higher. Therefore, drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is considered the preferred technique. Clinical studies have demonstrated that DCB significantly reduces the risk of restenosis at 6, 12, and 36 months after intervention.
Coronary bifurcation lesions These involve a large-diameter main branch and a smaller-diameter side branch. In such cases, stenting may pose two main risks:
- Stenting the small side branch may be inappropriate due to a higher risk of restenosis shortly after the procedure.
- Overlapping stents in both branches can increase the risk of in-stent restenosis due to double-layered scaffolding.
Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is considered the most suitable approach for treating bifurcation lesions. The optimal strategy is to place a stent in the main branch while using a DCB to treat the smaller side branch, effectively minimizing risks and preserving vessel anatomy.
Patients at high risk of bleeding
In coronary interventions using drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty, patients typically require only a short duration of antiplatelet therapy. This significantly reduces the risk of bleeding associated with prolonged use of antiplatelet medications.
Application of Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) Angioplasty at Hong Ngoc General Hospital
Before-and-after outcomes of successful drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty in a patient with severe coronary artery stenosis at Hong Ngoc General Hospital
At Hong Ngoc General Hospital, drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is routinely performed and has proven effective in treating a wide range of complex coronary artery cases, including small vessel disease, multiple lesions, and in-stent restenosis. The procedure is also safe for elderly patients and those with multiple comorbidities.
Following the intervention, patients typically experience rapid recovery, thanks to:
Equipped with advanced medical technologies that enable rapid diagnosis, precise intervention, minimized complications, and optimized treatment costs:
- Cardiac and vascular Doppler ultrasound, Holter ECG, Holter blood pressure monitor, and the Abbott (USA) laboratory system enable early detection of abnormalities, even in very small lesions.
- Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) – regarded as the “gold standard” for diagnosing vascular diseases.
- Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) helps physicians accurately assess vessel walls and perform precise cardiovascular interventions.
- vFFR (vessel Fractional Flow Reserve) – a non-invasive method for assessing coronary blood flow, supporting clinicians in selecting the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient.
- One of the most advanced sterile interventional suites in Northern Vietnam, ensuring the highest standards of safety and infection control.
Performed directly by a team of highly qualified and experienced cardiovascular specialists, including PhDs, Masters, Level II Specialists, and cardiology residents.
- Dr. Nguyen Van Hai, MD, MSc – Former Deputy Head of the Cardiology Department at Saint Paul General Hospital, trained in interventional cardiology at the National Heart Institute – Bach Mai Hospital. He is currently the Chairman of the Scientific Council and Head of the Department of Internal Cardiology at Hop Luc General Hospital. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hai has successfully performed numerous complex interventions, including left main coronary artery occlusion and bifurcation lesions. - Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cong, MD, MSc – With 10 years of experience in interventional cardiology, Dr. Cong has practiced at leading institutions such as Bach Mai Hospital and Thanh Nhan Hospital. - Dr. Le Duc Hiep, MD, PhD (Specialist Level II) – Formerly worked at the Vietnam National Heart Institute – Bach Mai Hospital. He also completed advanced training in cardiology at Georges-Pompidou European Hospital in Paris, France.
Along with many other highly skilled cardiologists.
When choosing to undergo cardiovascular examination and treatment at Hong Ngoc Hospital, patients can rest assured that they will not face common issues such as overcrowding, long queues, or noisy hospital environments. The cardiology clinics are designed as separate, spacious, and quiet areas, helping to minimize waiting time and enhance the overall experience. During each visit, patients also enjoy a complimentary buffet meal at the hospital’s restaurant.
Especially, CARDIOVASCULAR MONTH - HEALTHY HEART, Hong Ngoc General Hospital applies attractive promotions:
✔️ Free Electrocardiogram (ECG)
✔️ 25% off Coronary CT Angiography
✔️ 10% off other diagnostic tests
>>>Applicable only for customers who book in advance via Hotline 0911 858 626, from September 15, 2024 to October 15, 2024.
Department of Cardiology – Interventional Cardiology Hong Ngoc General Hospital
No. 8 Chau Van Liem, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
No. 55 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi