DCBs as an adjuvant tool to DES for very complex coronary lesions

Abstract

Drug eluting stents (DES) have revolutionised interventional cardiology and currently represent the standard for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). However, due to several limitations, new strategies are required, especially in very complex lesions. Drug-coated balloons (DCB) offer an attractive therapeutic alternative, and have already obtained a Class I recommendation for the treatment of in stent restenosis (ISR) with Level A of evidence. Moreover, the role of DCB has been tested in several other settings, such as de novo large vessel disease, multivessel disease or very complex lesions, with promising results regarding safety and effectiveness. In this context, a hybrid strategy consisting in the use of a DES and DCB with the aim of reducing the amount of metal implanted and minimising the risk of ISR and stent thrombosis could become the solution for very complex lesions. Several important studies already demonstrated very good angiographic results in terms of late lumen loss and restenosis for this approach in bifurcation lesions. Moreover, for long diffuse coronary disease similar rates of MACE, TVR, and TLR at 2-year follow-up in comparison to a DES-alone strategy were found. What is more, the use of this strategy in high-bleeding risk patients could safely permit the practitioners to reduce the DAPT duration, as data is suggesting. As our daily practice already strongly incorporated this strategy and with more data expected from important trials, it is our strong believe that the hybrid approach can become a standard treatment choice in the near future.

Drug-Coated Balloon vs. Drug-Eluting Stent in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis

“… 17 , 18 Despite this, the patients treated with DES are still at risk for late-stent thrombosis, ISR, and a prolonged DAPT postoperative. 19 Moreover, PCI with DES strategy is also limited in tackling complex lesions such as long, bifurcated, calcified, or chronic total occlusions (CTO) lesions. 19 …”

Drug‐eluting stent and drug‐coated balloon for the treatment of de novo diffuse coronary artery disease lesions: A retrospective case series study

“…Currently, DCB treatment is recommended for the treatment of ISR in bare‐metal stents or DES, which deserves a Class Ia recommendation from the European Society of Cardiology 13 . Moreover, the role of DCB has been tested in several other settings such as de novo large vessel disease, multivessel disease, and long diffuse coronary disease, with promising results regarding safety and effectiveness 4 . However, the DCB‐only strategy may be limited in very complex lesions owing to severe coronary dissection after dilation and residual diameter stenosis.…”

“… 13 Moreover, the role of DCB has been tested in several other settings such as de novo large vessel disease, multivessel disease, and long diffuse coronary disease, with promising results regarding safety and effectiveness. 4 However, the DCB‐only strategy may be limited in very complex lesions owing to severe coronary dissection after dilation and residual diameter stenosis. Under these circumstances, a hybrid strategy consisting of the use of DES and DCB, with the aim of reducing the amount of implanted metal and minimizing the risk of ISR and stent thrombosis, could be a solution.…”

“…2,3 Moreover, DCB has been explored as an adjuvant tool for DES in complex lesions. 4 Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for de novo diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD) is challenging in clinical practice. Stent length is known to independently predict ISR and stent thrombosis.…”

“…Drug‐coated balloon (DCB) is a promising tool for the treatment of in stent restenosis (ISR) and de novo small coronary disease 2,3 . Moreover, DCB has been explored as an adjuvant tool for DES in complex lesions 4 …”