New treatment gives patients a targeted option for coronary artery disease
UI Health Care is the first in Iowa to offer drug-coated balloon therapy for patients with heart artery blockages.
Patients with coronary artery disease who experience restenosis—a re-narrowing of a heart artery that had been opened with a stent—now have a new treatment option at University of Iowa Health Care.
Drug-coated ballon therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed arteries without placing a new stent. A medication is delivered through a ballon to stop the artery from narrowing again.
Advancements for Iowans
UI Health Care continues to be a leader in bringing cutting-edge treatments to Iowa. Jason Allen, MD, an interventional cardiologist with UI Health Care, and Farhad Sami, MBBS, a fellow physician in interventional cardiology, were selected to perform the first drug-coated balloon therapy case in Iowa shortly after the procedure received FDA approval.
“This technology represents a significant advancement in our ability to manage complex coronary artery disease,” says Allen. “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.”
Who may benefit from drug-coated balloon therapy
UI Health Care Heart and Vascular Center is the first in Iowa to offer this innovative treatment, which has now become a routine option for patients who meet the criteria. These include:
- 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,” says Sami. “We’re seeing a growing number of patients with re-narrowing inside existing stents, and this therapy provides a targeted solution for many.”
If you think you may benefit from drug-coated balloon therapy, ask for a referral to our interventional cardiology team.
