Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Safe Alternative to Stent for Heart Attack Treatment: JACC

Data were analyzed using Cox regression models, Kaplan-Meier estimator plots, and propensity score matching to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups.

The study concluded with the following key findings:

1. 1.After a median follow-up period of more than 3 years, all-cause mortality was 49 of 452 in the DCB group and 62 of 687 in the DES group.
2. 2.On multivariable Cox regression analysis, there was no significant difference in mortality between DCBs and DES in both the full and propensity score-matched cohorts.
3. 3.Age, frailty risk, history of heart failure, and family history of ischemic heart disease were significant independent predictors of mortality.
4. 4.There was no significant difference in any of the secondary endpoints, including unplanned TLR.

The study's lead author, Dr. Ioannis Merinopoulos, stated that "These findings suggest that DCB-only angioplasty may be a safe and effective alternative to DES in selected patient groups." It is also noted that "further research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify the patient populations that may benefit the most from DCB angioplasty."

Reference:

Merinopoulos I., et al.; Assessment of Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon Only Angioplasty in STEMI; J Am Coll Cardiol Intv. 2023 Apr, 16 (7) 771–779; doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2023.01.380