Drug‐coated balloons: From conventional designs to next‐generation innovations in vascular therapy

Drug‐coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as a significant advancement in vascular interventional therapy with the “intervention without implantation” therapeutic paradigm. In this article, we review the developmental trajectory of DCBs and introduce the three critical components of conventional DCBs ‐ balloon architecture, antiproliferative agents, and excipients, along with their operational mechanisms. The advantages and limitations of traditional DCBs are systematically summarized while proposing innovative design strategies for next‐generation DCBs based on contemporary research advancements. Recent progress in polymer balloon fabrication and biotechnology has provided novel design directions to overcome the limitations of conventional balloon configurations and single‐drug regimens. Concurrently, advanced material technologies demonstrate promising potential for optimizing DCB coatings. These innovations include nanoparticle systems, hydrogel matrices, microneedle arrays, layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly techniques, and stimuli‐responsive smart materials. The integration of next‐generation technological enhancements is anticipated to broaden DCB indications, potentially enabling more extensive applications in disease management and therapeutic interventions.