[New technologies and applications for drug-coated balloons]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Drug-eluting stents (DES) are standard for coronary artery disease but carry risks of long-term events and are unsuitable for certain anatomies or high-bleeding-risk patients.
• Conventional peripheral therapies have high restenosis rates and negatively impact artery compliance, increasing stiffness and fracture risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate drug-coated balloons (DCB) as an alternative to DES and conventional therapies.
• To highlight the benefits of DCB in coronary and peripheral artery disease management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on DES and DCB in coronary and peripheral interventions.
• Analysis of clinical outcomes, safety, and limitations of both treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• DCB offer a dual therapy (mechanical dilation and drug release) without permanent prosthesis, mitigating risks associated with DES.
• DCB show favorable results for in-stent restenosis and de novo coronary lesions.
• DCB demonstrate good safety and efficacy in peripheral artery disease, overcoming limitations of conventional treatments.

Conclusions:

• DCB represent a valuable therapeutic option, addressing limitations of DES in coronary interventions.
• DCB are a safe and effective alternative for peripheral artery disease, improving outcomes and reducing complications.