What is a drug-coated balloon (DCB)?

For patients who require hemodialysis, a shunt is created by connecting an artery and a vein to ensure sufficient blood volume for dialysis. This shunt can become narrowed, so shunt stenosis treatment is required to widen it.

With conventional shunt stenosis treatment, the patency rate, which allows treatment effects to be maintained for more than six months, is said to be less than 50%, and many patients have had to undergo repeated treatments.

However, the drug-coated balloon we have been using since July 2021 has significantly improved the 6-month patency rate of shunts. This treatment is expected to be effective for those who have experienced repeated shunt stenosis.

If you are currently receiving treatment at a dialysis clinic or other facility and are experiencing repeated shunt stenosis, please consult your doctor and inform them that Kitano Hospital's Nephrology Department is providing this type of treatment. We would also appreciate it if you could prepare a referral letter addressed to the Nephrology Department. Please note that we may not be able to accept you depending on your condition, etc.

Results of the Japanese cohort (source:Medtronic)

• Primary access circuit patency rate: 82%
• Primary patency rate of target lesions: 85%

How the treatment works

Drug Coating

A balloon coated with a unique formulation consisting of a drug called paclitaxel and urea approaches the lesion.

Drug delivery

The coated formulation delivers paclitaxel from the balloon to the vessel wall when the balloon is inflated inside the vessel.

Drugs in the organization

Paclitaxel penetrates the blood vessel wall and remains there at detectable concentrations for more than 180 days, potentially inhibiting restenosis.