Authors' objectives:

To assess the evidence available on the safety, efficacy and other aspects related to the coverage polices of drug-eluting balloons for the treatment of coronary stenosis.

Authors' recommendations: As regards the usefulness of DEB in the treatment of in-stent restenosis and based in small randomized and controlled studies, it was observed that it is more effective than non-drug-eluting balloon angioplasty and at least as effective as DES angioplasty, which supports its use in those cases where the participating professional considers it necessary. The results from the ongoing studies including a larger number of patients are needed to assess its potential superiority with respect to DES.Regarding its usefulness for small coronary artery lesions, based on small size studies, DEB was observed to be inferior to DES, which nowadays is the first therapy of choice for these types of lesions. Results from an ongoing study with fewer patients and longer follow-up are expected.Regarding the usefulness of DEB for the treatment of bifurcation lesions, two small case series showed that it is an effective and safe strategy; however, no comparative studies against standard treatments which would allow putting these findings in context were found.No evidence was found regarding the usefulness of DEB in other indications.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.iecs.org.ar/iecs-visor-publicacion.php?cod_publicacion=1222&origen_publicacion=publicaciones

Year Published: 2011

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)