Serranator Application in CLI
Jon George, MD
University of Pennsylvania
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The Serranator balloon is a unique specialty balloon featuring three serrated strips. As the name implies, it allows you to serrate through the lesion to enable adequate expansion in resistant lesions.
I primarily use the Serranator balloon in below-the-knee disease, particularly in long, fibrotic, and resistant lesions. In my experience, it enables optimal expansion in these challenging cases without creating a dissection plane, which supports better healing.
I’ve also been impressed with its deliverability—its ability to reach very distal vessel segments, even extending into the pedal arteries. This allows for effective treatment of resistant lesions while achieving strong angiographic results, including brisk flow into the foot, which promotes healing and symptom resolution.
In above-the-knee disease, the Serranator balloon can also play a significant role. When used first, it allows for deeper penetration into the vessel wall. Following this with a drug-coated balloon can enhance drug uptake into the target tissue, helping to reduce restenosis and maintain long-term patency.
