▌ Cardiac Codex
CARDIAC CODEX / GLOSSARY / RCIS

Scoring Balloons

A Percutaneous Coronary Intervention term on the RCIS exam blueprint, defined for cath lab and EP clinicians.

Utilizing a semi-compliant balloon encased within helically arranged nitinol struts or scoring elements, these devices function similarly to cutting balloons but rely on focal stress concentration via the external wire cage to score the plaque.

Domain: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention · Blueprint: RCIS exam guide

Related RCIS terms

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) Adenosine Sodium Nitroprusside Calcium Channel Blockers (Verapamil / Diltiazem)

Study RCIS terms in context

Cardiac Codex turns definitions like this into a full study system: 179 lessons, 2,198 practice questions with explanations, four blueprint-matched full-length mock exams, live and timed, and Cardiac Coach — an AI tutor grounded in this exact glossary you can ask from any lesson.

Start free Back to the glossary →
Written and reviewed by John-Philip (JP) Maarschalk, BSN, RN, CNML — a nurse manager who runs operations for the cardiac cath lab, electrophysiology, and interventional service lines at an academic health system in North Carolina. He hires and develops the staff who sit for these exams. More about JP and how this content is made →
Cardiac Codex is an independent study tool published by MdoubleA LLC, not affiliated with or endorsed by CCI or any certifying body. This glossary entry is exam-preparation information, not medical advice or a substitute for clinical judgment. Always verify current clinical practice against primary sources and institutional protocol.