GOODYEAR — Abrazo West Campus has reached a significant cardiovascular milestone with the successful completion of its first coronary procedure using the AGENT™ Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) to treat coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) — a complex and common complication of coronary artery disease.

The procedure was performed early this month on a patient experiencing ISR, a condition where a previously placed coronary stent becomes narrowed again owing to plaque buildup or scar tissue.

ISR accounts for approximately 10% of all percutaneous coronary interventions performed annually in the United States, underscoring the need for advanced treatment options.

The AGENT™ Drug-Coated Balloon represents one of the latest innovations in interventional cardiology. Unlike traditional approaches that require placing an additional metal stent, the balloon delivers medication directly to the artery wall — treating the blockage without leaving behind another permanent implant.

“This procedure allowed us to address a very challenging condition while avoiding the need to add another layer of metal to the artery,” said Richard Pham, DO, interventional cardiologist and director of cardiology at Abrazo West Campus, who performed the procedure.

“This is a huge win for patients in the West Valley as this procedure gives us the ability to treat patients with very challenging issues with recurrent build up within their stents. Especially patients like this who have failed all other conventional treatments and have no other options,” said Dr. Pham.

The AGENT™ DCB is coated with paclitaxel, an anti-restenotic drug delivered through proprietary technology designed to inhibit scar tissue formation and reduce the likelihood of ISR recurrence — all while maintaining the artery’s natural flexibility.

Hospital leaders say the addition of this technology further strengthens Abrazo West’s comprehensive cardiovascular program and expands access to cutting-edge care close to home.

“This is a major step forward for our cardiovascular services,” said Hans Driessnack, CEO, Abrazo West Campus. “It reflects our continued investment in advanced technologies and our commitment to providing the West Valley community with the highest level of cardiac expertise and innovation.”