A novel temporary vascular scaffold is described. The temporary vascular scaffold is placed over an existing balloon catheter assembly, such as a commercially available balloon catheter assembly, and attached thereto. The temporary vascular scaffold is placed over the balloon of the catheter assembly. The balloon and the temporary vascular scaffold are expanded against a target region in the vessel wall. The temporary vascular scaffold causes the balloon expansion to be more gradual and well distributed over the outer surface of the balloon, reducing the risk of trauma. The balloon is then collapsed, leaving the temporary vascular scaffold to provide support to the vessel wall. While the vessel wall is propped open, the target region is infused with a diagnostic or therapeutic agent to diagnose or treat the target region.
