Manatee Memorial Hospital Adopted New Heart Artery Balloon
Patients with narrowed artery stents in Bradenton now have access to a drug-releasing balloon procedure.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Manatee Memorial Hospital has begun using the FDA-approved SELUTION SLR Drug-Eluting Balloon to treat tissue growth within previously stented heart arteries. The technology allows cardiologists to clear blockages without leaving a permanent implant behind in the vessel.
Why it matters
This procedure offers an alternative for patients who develop tissue regrowth that narrows their existing stents, potentially reducing the need for repeat implantations. By delivering medication directly to the artery wall, it addresses the underlying growth while keeping the vessel clear of new hardware.
A clinical trial involving more than 400 patients found that the device was not worse than standard treatment at 12 months of follow-up. The balloon is designed to release the medication sirolimus directly into the artery wall over a 90-day period.
The players
Manatee Memorial Hospital
A healthcare facility in Bradenton, Florida, that provides cardiac services to the Southwest Florida community.
Dr. James Nguyen
A cardiologist who performed the first procedure using the SELUTION SLR technology at Manatee Memorial Hospital.
Dr. S. Jay Mathews
A cardiologist who performed the second procedure using the new heart artery balloon at the facility.
The details
During the procedure, a cardiologist guides the balloon to the site of the narrowing within an existing stent. The balloon is then inflated, pressing the device coating against the artery wall to deliver a therapeutic dose of sirolimus. Once the medication is transferred, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving no additional permanent hardware inside the patient.
Timeline
September 2026: The FDA approved the heart balloon device for clinical use.
October 12, 2026: Manatee Memorial Hospital officially announced the use of the new technology.
Health Landscape
This procedure represents an evolution in coronary care, moving toward technologies that treat arterial narrowing without requiring permanent secondary implants. It aligns with the current clinical focus on optimizing long-term stent patency through targeted drug delivery systems.
Patients in Bradenton experiencing recurrent artery narrowing should consult with their cardiologist to determine if they are candidates for this specific device. Discussing the procedure with your doctor can help clarify whether this implant-free approach is appropriate for your specific cardiac history.
The takeaway
This technology provides a way to manage stent narrowing without adding permanent hardware to the heart. Patients who have undergone previous stenting should talk to their physician about available treatment options if they experience new symptoms of arterial blockage.
Further reading
For more on how physicians manage arterial health, visit our Heart Disease section.
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