Abstract

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have become a recognized method for treating previously untreated coronary artery blockages and instances where stents have narrowed again, known as in-stent restenosis. Paclitaxel coated balloons (PCBs), are the ones most frequently employed today, yet sirolimus coated balloons (SCBs) are being considered as another possibility, even though their effectiveness relative to PCBs is still not completely clear. This review aimed to assess the results of angiograms of using SCBs versus PCBs for individuals who have new blockages in their heart arteries or a re-narrowing of arteries after a stent has already been placed. A comprehensive investigation of existing literature was conducted, incorporating seven randomized controlled studies, encompassing a total of 944 individuals. The use of PCBs displayed a notable increase in the smallest internal diameter of the blood vessel, notably within individuals presenting with previously untreated coronary artery lesions. There were no considerable variances identified between both sets of individuals in relation to the deterioration of the inner vessel size over time, the extent of arterial narrowing, repeat procedures to restore blood flow in the treated lesion, heart muscle damage, or fatalities from any origin. This review indicated that when addressing new blockages in the heart’s arteries and re-narrowing of previously stented arteries, SCBs yield patient results that are like those achieved with PCBs, although slight variations were seen in imaging measurements. To solidify these results and determine the best approach for using DCBs, additional extensive randomized studies are needed.

Key words: Sirolimus coated balloons, paclitaxel coated balloons, de novo lesions, in-stent restenosis, drug coated balloons, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials