A randomized, multicenter, single-blinded trial comparing paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with plain balloon angioplasty in drug-eluting stent restenosis: the PEPCAD-DES study

A comparison between drug-eluting stent implantation and drug-coated balloon angioplasty in patients with left main bifurcation in-stent restenotic lesions

Background

The current guidelines recommend both repeat stenting and drug-coated balloons (DCB) for in-stent restenosis (ISR) lesions, if technically feasible. However, real-world clinical data on the interventional strategies in patients with left main bifurcation (LMB)-ISR have not been elucidated.

Methods

Seventy-five patients with LMB-ISR, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between January 2009 and July 2015, were retrospectively reviewed for the present study (repeat drug eluting stent [DES] implantation [n = 51], DCB angioplasty [n = 24]).

Results

Analysis of the baseline characteristics showed that the patients in the DCB group had a lower incidence of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction/ST segment elevation myocardial infarction at the index PCI (8.3% vs. 25.5%; p = 0.12), higher low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (92.9 mg/dL vs. 81.7 mg/dL; p = 0.09), and more “stent-in-stent” lesions (25% vs. 7.8%; p = 0.07) than those in the DES group. A smaller post-procedural minimal target lesion lumen diameter was also noted in the DCB group than in the DES group (2.71 mm vs. 2.85 mm; p = 0.03). The cumulative incidence rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were similar between both groups (median follow-up duration, 868 days; MACE rate, 25% in the DCB group vs. 25.5% in the DES group; p = 0.96). The multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the true bifurcation of ISR was an independent risk predictor of MACEs (hazard ratio, 4.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.572–13.561; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

DES and DCB showed comparable long-term clinical results in patients with LMB-ISR lesions.

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty: predicting outcomes based on different patterns of drug-eluting stent restenosis

Although drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is an effective therapy for drug-eluting stent- in stent restenosis (DES-ISR) after coronary stenting, recurrent ISR after DCB angioplasty still occurs. Different patterns of DES-ISR responding to DCB are largely unknown. This study sought to assess outcomes of different patterns of DES-ISR treated with DCB. From December 2014 to December 2016, a total of 160 DES-ISR lesions treated with DCB were retrospectively evaluated. Restenosis patterns were classified into two groups according to Mehran classification: focal, defined as < 10 mm, 58 lesions (36.3%); non-focal, which were diffuse, proliferative, or obstructive, 102 lesions (63.7%). The primary endpoint was binary restenosis rate at 9-month angiographic follow-up. Secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 24-month follow-up. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Angiographic follow-up rate was 93.7% (93.1% in the focal group and 94.1% in the non-focal group). The focal group had a lower recurrent restenosis rate compared to the non-focal group (3.7% vs. 33.3%, respectively; P = 0.003) at an average angiographic follow-up of 10 (10.4 ± 6.2) months. There was no difference in MACE between the two groups (6.9% vs. 11.8%, respectively; P = 0.70) at (22.7 ± 9.1) months clinical follow-up. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, focal pattern (OR 13.033; 95% CI 2.441-69.573, P = 0.003) and post-procedure DS% (OR 1.142; 95% CI 1.070-1.218, P = 0.000) were predictive factors of binary restenosis after DCB angioplasty. On multivariate analysis, focal pattern of ISR was a predictive factor of MACE (OR 0.260; 95% CI 0.071-0.959, P = 0.043), and diabetes mellitus (DM) was an independent predictor of MACE after DCB angioplasty (OR 5.045; 95% CI 1.179-21.590, P = 0.029). The present study suggests that DCB provides much better clinical, angiographic outcomes in patients with focal DES-ISR than non-focal DES-ISR.

Drug-coated Balloons for Small Coronary Vessel Interventions: A Literature Review

Newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) are the standard of care for the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. However, some lack of efficacy has been reported in small coronary arteries based on higher rates of target lesion restenosis, thrombosis and MI resulting in repeated interventions. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are an established treatment option for in-stent restenosis in both bare metal stents and DES and they can deliver an anti-proliferative drug into the vessel wall without implanting a stent. DCBs are a promising technique for selected de novo coronary lesions, especially in small vessel disease. In this article, the current evidence for the treatment of small vessel disease with DCBs will be reviewed.

3-Year Clinical Follow-Up of the RIBS IV Clinical Trial: A Prospective Randomized Study of Drug-Eluting Balloons Versus Everolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients With In-Stent Restenosis in Coronary Arteries Previously Treated With Drug-Eluting Stents

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare the long-term safety and efficacy of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) and everolimus-eluting stents (EES) in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR) of drug-eluting stents (DES).

BACKGROUND

Treatment of patients with DES-ISR remains a challenge.

METHODS

The RIBS IV (Restenosis Intra-Stent of Drug-Eluting Stents: Drug-Eluting Balloons vs Everolimus-Eluting Stents) trial is a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing DEB and EES in patients with DES-ISR. The pre-specified comparison of the 3-year clinical outcomes obtained with these interventions is the main objective of the present study.

RESULTS

A total of 309 patients with DES-ISR were randomized to DEB (n = 154) or EES (n = 155). At angiographic follow-up, the in-segment minimal lumen diameter was larger in the EES arm (2.03 ± 0.7 mm vs. 1.80 ± 0.6 mm; p < 0.01). Three-year clinical follow-up was obtained in all enrolled patients (100%). The combined clinical outcome measure of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization was significantly reduced in the EES arm (19 [12.3%] vs. 31 [20.1%]; p = 0.04; hazard ratio: 0.57 [95% confidence interval: 0.34 to 0.96]), driven by a lower need for target lesion revascularization (11 [7.1%] vs. 24 [15.6%]; p = 0.015; hazard ratio: 0.43 [95% confidence interval: 0.21 to 0.87]). The need for "late" (>1 year) target lesion revascularization (2.6% vs. 4%) and target vessel revascularization (4% vs. 6.6%) was similar in the 2 arms. Rates of cardiac death (3.9% vs. 3.2%), myocardial infarction (2.6% vs. 4.5%), and stent thrombosis (1.3% vs. 2.6%) at 3 years were also similar in both arms.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-year clinical follow-up of this randomized clinical trial demonstrates that in patients with DES-ISR, EES reduce the need for repeat interventions compared with DEB. (Restenosis Intra-Stent of Drug-Eluting Stents: Drug-Eluting Balloons vs Everolimus-Eluting Stents [RIBS IV]; NCT01239940).

Impact of Optimized Procedure-Related Factors in Drug-Eluting Balloon Angioplasty for Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of optimizing procedure-related factors during drug-eluting balloon (DEB) angioplasty on clinical outcomes of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis (ISR).

BACKGROUND

Although DEB angioplasty is recommended as a reasonable option for ISR, recurrent target lesion failure (TLF) still occurs in many patients after DEB angioplasty.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with drug-eluting stent ISR treated with DEB (SeQuent Please) were collected from 4 centers in Korea. The primary outcome was 2-year TLF. Procedure-related modifiable independent predictors for TLF and their best cutoff values were determined.

RESULTS

In a total of 256 patients (309 lesions), TLF occurred in 52 patients (20.3%). Modifiable independent predictors of TLF among procedure-related factors were residual diameter stenosis after lesion preparation (residual percentage diameter stenosis [%DS]), DEB-to-stent ratio (BSR), and DEB inflation time (T_inflation), whose best cutoff values were 20%, 0.91, and 60 s, respectively. TLF rates were significantly higher in groups with residual %DS ≥20% (34.7% vs. 12.5%; adjusted hazard ratio: 2.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.86 to 2.48; p < 0.001), BSR ≤0.91 (46.4% vs. 21.9%; adjusted hazard ratio: 2.02; 95% confidence interval: 1.75 to 2.34; p < 0.001), and T_inflation ≤60 s (26.2% vs. 14.0%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.82; 95% confidence interval: 1.36 to 2.45; p < 0.001). When classifying ISR lesions by combination of procedure-related factors, TLF occurred in 8.3% in the fully optimized procedure group (residual %DS <20%, BSR >0.91, and T_inflation >60 s) and 66.7% in the nonoptimized group (residual %DS ≥20%, BSR ≤0.91, and T_inflation ≤60 s) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Residual %DS after lesion preparation, BSR, and T_inflation were the only modifiable procedure-related factors in DEB angioplasty. Fully optimized DEB angioplasty with optimal lesion preparation, prolonged inflation, and sufficient dilation may play an important role in reducing TLF after DEB angioplasty.

Long-term clinical safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon in the treatment of in-stent restenosis: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) in the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR).

BACKGROUND

There is a long-term safety issue in peripheral arterial disease patients treated with paclitaxel-coated balloon, this has also raised concerns on DCB in coronary intervention.

METHODS

Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine observational studies (OSs) were included with a total of 3,782 patients (1,827 in the DCB group, 1,955 in the drug-eluting stent [DES] group) being analyzed. The primary outcome measure-major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death (CD), stent thrombosis (ST), all-cause death (AD), and coronary angiography outcomes included late lumen loss (LLL), minimum luminal diameter (MLD), diameter stenosis (DS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

DCB treatment significantly reduced the LLL (MD: -0.13; [CI -0.23 to -0.03], p = .01). No difference was found for MLD (MD: -0.1; [CI -0.24 to 0.04], p = .17) and DS% (RR = 0.98 [CI 0.80-1.20], p = .86). There was no significant difference in TLR, TVR, MI, CD, ST, AD, and the overall incidence of MACEs between the two groups up to 3 years follow-up. Subgroup analysis for different type of ISR and DES showed no significant difference in the incidence of endpoints, and there is no difference when considering RCTs or OSs only.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety and efficacy of the DCB and DES in the treatment of ISR is comparable at up to 3 years follow-up.

Paclitaxel-coated balloons: a safe alternative to drug-eluting stents for coronary in-stent restenosis

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Stentless treatment strategy for left circumflex artery ostial stenosis: Directional coronary atherectomy followed by drug-eluting balloon

A 60-year-old man with history of exertional angina pectoris was referred for treatment of an ostial left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery stenosis. The branch angle between left anterior descending artery (LAD) and LCX was shallow, therefore stent implantation seemed at risk of "carina shift" of plaque to the LAD ostium as well as higher in-stent restenosis. Therefore, directional coronary atherectomy (DCA, Atherocut™, L-size, NIPRO, Osaka, Japan) was performed at the ostium of the LCX lesion. After evaluating plaque accumulation using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), DCA was circumferentially performed 16 times, from 2 atm to 3 atm, using an 8 fr guide system. Although angiogram and IVUS showed excellent results, adjunctive balloon dilatation with 3.5 mm paclitaxel-coated balloon was performed to prevent restenosis. At 8 months, the patient reported being angina-free, and subsequent follow-up angiogram showed no restenosis of LCX. Paclitaxel-coated balloon following DCA for LCX ostial stenosis seems to be safe and effective for both acute and chronic results, suggesting a potential stentless therapeutic option. <Learning objective: Directional coronary atherectomy in combination with drug-eluting balloon may be a potential stentless therapeutic option, especially for the ostial stenosis of left circumflex artery.>.

Drug-coated balloons for coronary artery disease: current concepts and controversies

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are a novel development for percutaneous coronary intervention. The first successful application was in-stent restenosis but in recent years, strong evidence has been released for its use in native small-vessels disease. Additional applications such as acute myocardial infarction, chronic total occlusion and bifurcation lesions are still under investigation. This article reviews the key studies evaluating the role of DCBs in several settings and reports on interesting cases where DCBs showed positive results for high-risk patients with neoplasm, as well as with high bleeding risk, planned surgery or renal injury. We also highlight a new biodegradable therapy for coronary bifurcation treatment, in which a bioresorbable vascular scaffold is implanted in the main branch, completed with a DCB angioplasty in the side branch when a treatment is deemed necessary.

Drug-coated balloon treatment in coronary artery disease: Recommendations from an Asia-Pacific Consensus Group

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is currently the leading cause of death globally, and the prevalence of this disease is growing more rapidly in the Asia-Pacific region than in Western countries. Although the use of metal coronary stents has rapidly increased thanks to the advancement of safety and efficacy of newer generation drug eluting stent (DES), patients are still negatively affected by some the inherent limitations of this type of treatment, such as stent thrombosis or restenosis, including neoatherosclerosis, and the obligatory use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with unknown optimal duration. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment is based on a leave-nothing-behind concept and therefore it is not limited by stent thrombosis and long-term DAPT; it directly delivers an anti-proliferative drug which is coated on a balloon after improving coronary blood flow. At present, DCB treatment is recommended as the first-line treatment option in metal stent-related restenosis linked to DES and bare metal stent. For de novo coronary lesions, the application of DCB treatment is extended further, for conditions such as small vessel disease, bifurcation lesions, and chronic total occlusion lesions, and others. Recently, several reports have suggested that fractional flow reserve guided DCB application was safe for larger coronary artery lesions and showed good long-term outcomes. Therefore, the aim of these recommendations of the consensus group was to provide adequate guidelines for patients with CAD based on objective evidence, and to extend the application of DCB to a wider variety of coronary diseases and guide their most effective and correct use in actual clinical practice.

Short-Term and Long-Term Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon for In-Stent Restenosis in Hemodialysis Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

The efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCB) for in-stent restenosis (ISR) in hemodialysis (HD) patients remains unclear.We retrospectively evaluated 153 consecutive patients who underwent DCB for ISR with follow-ups for up to 3 years after the procedure between February 2014 and June 2017. Patients were divided into an HD group (n = 39) and a non-HD group (n = 114). The primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary endpoints were all revascularizations and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. Kaplan-Meier curves of survival free from TLR were compared between the two groups. We also performed propensity score matching and then compared the two matched groups (n = 27 in each group). The acute procedure success rate was similar for the two groups (100% versus 99.1%, P = 0.56). The incidence of TLR was higher in the HD group than in the non-HD group (41.0% versus 9.6%, P < 0.0001). The rate of revascularizations and MACE combined was significantly higher in the HD group than in the non-HD group (64.1% versus 17.5%, P < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that survival free from TLR was significantly lower in the HD group than in the non-HD group both before and after propensity score matching (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.005, respectively; log-rank test).Contrary to the similar acute procedure success, recurrent ISR and MACE occurred more frequently in HD patients than in non-HD patients after DCB, which indicates poorer long-term efficacy of DCB in HD patients.

Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of the Drug-Coated Balloon ESSENTIAL for the Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the efficacy of the drug-coated balloon (DCB) ESSENTIAL for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR).

BACKGROUND

DCBs have proven a valid therapeutic option for the management of ISR in several clinical trials, yet no class effect can be claimed. Accordingly, every new DCB model has to be individually evaluated through clinical studies.

METHODS

This is a prospective, multicenter study including consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ISR with the ESSENTIAL DCB. A 6-month quantitative coronary angiography (QCA)/optical coherence tomography (OCT) follow-up was scheduled. The primary endpoint was OCT-derived in-segment maximal area stenosis. Secondary endpoints included QCA-derived in-segment late lumen loss (LLL) and target lesion failure (TLF) rates at 6, 12, and 24 months. TLF was defined as the composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients were successfully treated with DCB, with 67% of ISR corresponding to drug-eluting stents (DES). At 6 months, 26 patients underwent the scheduled angiographic follow-up. The mean value for in-segment maximal area stenosis was 51.4 ± 13% and the median value was 53% (IQR 46.4-59.5). In the DES-ISR subgroup, these parameters were 52.6 ± 10% and 55.2% (IQR 49.3-58.5), respectively. In-segment LLL was 0.25 ± 0.43 mm with only 2 (7.7%) patients showing binary restenosis (>50%). The incidence of TLF was 10% at 6 months, 13.3% at 12 months, and 13.3% at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the ESSENTIAL DCB showed sustained efficacy in the prevention of recurrent restenosis after treatment of ISR.

SUMMARY

We sought to assess the efficacy of the drug-coated balloon ESSENTIAL for the treatment of in-stent restenosis through a prospective, multicenter study including QCA and OCT assessment at 6-month follow-up. The primary endpoint was in-segment maximal area stenosis. Among the 31 patients successfully treated with the ESSENTIAL DCB, an angiographic follow-up was conducted in 26. Mean in-segment maximal area stenosis was 51.4 ± 13% and the median value was 53% (IQR 46.4-59.5). In the DES-ISR subgroup, corresponding values were 52.6 ± 10% and 55.2% (IQR 49.3-58.5), respectively. The observed in-segment LLL was 0.25 ± 0.43 mm and binary restenosis rate was 7.7%. TLF was 10% at 6 months and 13.3% at 12 and 24 months.

The effect of the debulking by excimer laser coronary angioplasty on long-term outcome compared with drug-coating balloon: insights from optical frequency domain imaging analysis

This study evaluated the 1-year efficacy of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) before drug-coated balloon (DCB) dilatation for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Forty consecutive patients with ISR were treated by DCB with or without the use of ELCA (ELCA plus DCB, N = 20; DCB alone, N = 20). Debulking efficiency (DE) value was defined as the neointima area on optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) debulked by ELCA. The patients in the ELCA plus DCB group were divided into two groups (greater DE (GDE), N = 10; smaller DE (SDE), N = 10) based on the median value of DE. Thereafter, the ISR segment was prepared with a scoring balloon, followed by DCB. At follow-up, binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) were evaluated. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, comorbidity, and ISR type. Overall, the incidence of neoatherosclerosis in the ISR segment was 17.5%. Post-PCI, acute gain of minimum lumen diameter on quantitative coronary angiography and of minimum lumen area on OFDI was numerically higher in the GDE than in the SDE and the DCB alone group. At follow-up, the occurrences of binary restenosis and TLR in the ELCA plus DCB group were 20.0% and 10.0%; these values in the DCB alone group were 20.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Two patients from the SDE and none from the GDE developed TLR. DCB alone treatment was inferior to ELCA plus DCB treatment. However, greater ELCA debulking might be required to obtain optimal outcomes.

Effect of combination of non-slip element balloon and drug-coating balloon for in-stent restenosis lesions (ELEGANT study)

BACKGROUND

In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a problematic issue of coronary intervention. The non-slip element balloon (NSE) is a balloon catheter with 3 longitudinal nylon elements which are attached proximally and distally to the balloon component. The expectation is that this design of balloon is able to achieve a larger lumen area due to the elements, as well as reducing balloon slippage. We investigated whether NSE pre-dilatation improves angiographic outcomes compared to a high pressure non-compliant balloon pre-dilatation, followed by a drug-coating balloon (DCB) for treatment of ISR lesions with optical coherence tomographic imaging (OCT).

METHODS

Patients were eligible for the study if one or more in-stent restenosis lesions were treated with a paclitaxel-coating balloon. Patients were randomized to NSE pre-dilatation (NSE group) or high pressure non-compliant balloon pre-dilatation (POBA group) in a 1:1 fashion in 17 hospitals. The primary endpoint was in-segment late loss [post minimal lumen diameter (MLD)-follow-up MLD] at 8 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and five patients were allocated to each group. Balloon slippage (7.9% versus 22.9%, p=0.002) and geographical miss (6.9% versus 21.9%, p=0.002) were observed less in the NSE group compared to the POBA group. Acute gain was significantly larger in the NSE group (1.17±0.42mm versus 1.06±0.35mm, p=0.04), but post minimum stent lumen area analyzed by OCT was similar between the two groups (3.85±1.67mm² versus 3.81±1.93mm², p=0.64). At 8 months, average lesion length was significantly shorter than the POBA group (5.78±3.26mm versus 6.97±4.59mm, p=0.04), but average in-segment late loss was similar between the two groups (0.28±0.45mm versus 0.27±0.38mm, p=0.75).

CONCLUSION

Eight-month angiographic outcomes were similar between NSE and non-compliant balloon pre-dilatation with DCB for treatment of ISR lesions. However, NSE pre-dilatation has advantages such as reduction of balloon slippage and geographical miss during the procedure.

Comparison of fractional flow reserve and angiographic characteristics after balloon angioplasty in de novo coronary lesions

Lesion characteristics determined by angiography after balloon angioplasty such as residual dimeter stenosis (DS) or dissection type has been used to determine the treatment method of drug-coated balloon (DCB) or metal stent for de novo coronary lesions. The aim of this study is to identify angiographic and functional mismatch using residual DS, dissection type and fractional flow reserve (FFR). Baseline and post-balloon parameters were obtained from 151 patients with 167 lesions. Angiographically significant parameters after balloon angioplasty are residual DS > 30% or dissection type C or more. Post-balloon FFR cutoff value of 0.75 was used to define functionally significant lesions. The weak correlation was found between residual DS and post-balloon FFR (r =  - 0.317, p < 0.001). There were 68.7% of mismatch population (residual DS > 30% and post-balloon FFR ≥ 0.75) and 7.1% of reverse mismatch population (residual DS ≤ 30% and post-balloon FFR < 0.75). All reverse mismatch lesions were found in left anterior descending artery. There was no correlation between dissection severity and post-balloon FFR (p = 0.654). In high post-balloon FFR group, long-term clinical outcomes showed no difference between DCB and stent groups with (p = 0.788) or without (p = 0.426) the adjustment of lesion characteristics. There were high frequencies of mismatch between angiographic lesion characteristics and FFR values after balloon angioplasty. Post-balloon FFR measurements may be safe and effective compared to angiography-guided treatment if DCB only treatment is considered.

Contemporary Management of Stent Failure: Part One

The occurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) still remains a daunting challenge in the current era, despite advancements in coronary intervention technology. The authors explore the underlying pathophysiology and mechanisms behind ISR, and describe how the use of different diagnostic tools helps to best elucidate these. They propose a simplistic algorithm to manage ISR, including a focus on how treatment strategies should be selected and a description of the contemporary technologies available. This article aims to provide a comprehensive outline of ISR that can be translated into evidence-based routine clinical practice, with the aim of providing the best outcomes for patients.

Targeted Delivery of Bioactive Molecules for Vascular Intervention and Tissue Engineering

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States. Treatment often requires surgical interventions to re-open occluded vessels, bypass severe occlusions, or stabilize aneurysms. Despite the short-term success of such interventions, many ultimately fail due to thrombosis or restenosis (following stent placement), or incomplete healing (such as after aneurysm coil placement). Bioactive molecules capable of modulating host tissue responses and preventing these complications have been identified, but systemic delivery is often harmful or ineffective. This review discusses the use of localized bioactive molecule delivery methods to enhance the long-term success of vascular interventions, such as drug-eluting stents and aneurysm coils, as well as nanoparticles for targeted molecule delivery. Vascular grafts in particular have poor patency in small diameter, high flow applications, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Grafts fabricated from a variety of approaches may benefit from bioactive molecule incorporation to improve patency. Tissue engineering is an especially promising approach for vascular graft fabrication that may be conducive to incorporation of drugs or growth factors. Overall, localized and targeted delivery of bioactive molecules has shown promise for improving the outcomes of vascular interventions, with technologies such as drug-eluting stents showing excellent clinical success. However, many targeted vascular drug delivery systems have yet to reach the clinic. There is still a need to better optimize bioactive molecule release kinetics and identify synergistic biomolecule combinations before the clinical impact of these technologies can be realized.

Nanoparticle eluting-angioplasty balloons to treat cardiovascular diseases

Nanoparticles (NPs) can be used to locally deliver anti-restenosis drugs when they are infused directly to the injured arteries after intervention procedures such as angioplasty. However, the efficacy of transferring NPs via infusion to the arterial wall is limited, at least partially, due to poor NP retention on the inner artery wall. To improve NP retention, angioplasty balloons coated with drug-loaded NPs were fabricated via either layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic coating or acrylic-based hydrogel (AAH) coating techniques. Three types of NPs, namely poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), biodegradable photo-luminescent PLGA and urethane doped polyester were studied. The transfer efficacy of NPs from various coatings to the arterial wall were further evaluated to find the optimal coating conditions. The ex vivo NP transfer studies showed significantly more NPs being transferred to the rat arterial wall after the angioplasty procedure by the AAH coating (95% transfer efficiency) compared to that of the LbL technique (60%) and dip coating (20%) under flow conditions (10 dyn/cm²). Our results suggest that the AAH coating of drug-loaded NPs on the angioplasty balloon could potentially provide superior retention of drug-loaded NPs onto the arterial wall for a better local delivery of drug-loaded NPs to effectively treat arterial diseases.

Coronary artery aneurysm formation after drug-coated balloon treatment of de novo lesions: Two case reports

RATIONALE

The safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) technology have primarily been proven in the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis. Whereas increasing evidences show that DCB use was feasible in certain de novo coronary lesions. In 2012, Vassilev reported the 1st case in which a coronary aneurysm formed after a DCB was used to treat drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis. To date, limited information has been reported on coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) development following DCB treatment of de novo lesions.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 42-year-old male underwent delayed coronary angiography due to extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction. After balloon predilation in the mid-left anterior descending (LAD) artery, the residual 30% stenosis without major dissection was treated with a DCB. Angiographic follow-up at 6 and 12 months revealed an aneurysm in the treated area of the LAD artery, with positive vascular remodeling behind this aneurysm. A 54-year-old male with nonstent thrombosis elevation myocardial infarction underwent elective catheterization. Coronary angiography revealed critical stenosis in the LAD and significant narrowing at the distal segments of both the left circumflex artery (LCX) and the nondominant right coronary artery. After predilation of the lesion in the LCX, the residual 30% stenosis was treated with a DCB. The lesion in the LAD was treated with a DCB either. Angiography follow-up at 6 months revealed good results in the LAD; however, an aneurysm was observed in the DCB-treated area of the LCX.

DIAGNOSIS

The CAA formation after DCB treatment of de novo lesions.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

Because the 2 patients were asymptomatic upon diagnosis, the aneurysms were left untreated. Long-term dual antiplatelet therapy and intense follow-up were recommended.

LESSONS

Our cases raise questions regarding the safety of DCB treatment for de novo lesions in real-world contexts. There might be a need to clarify the appropriate doses for drugs coated on DCBs. Although indications for DCB treatment for de novo coronary lesions should not be overly aggressively broadened, the potential role of such treatment in this context merits additional elucidation in future studies.

Drug-coated balloons for small coronary artery disease (BASKET-SMALL 2): an open-label randomised non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Drug-coated balloons (DCB) are a novel therapeutic strategy for small native coronary artery disease. However, their safety and efficacy is poorly defined in comparison with drug-eluting stents (DES).

METHODS

BASKET-SMALL 2 was a multicentre, open-label, randomised non-inferiority trial. 758 patients with de-novo lesions (<3 mm in diameter) in coronary vessels and an indication for percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive angioplasty with DCB versus implantation of a second-generation DES after successful predilatation via an interactive internet-based response system. Dual antiplatelet therapy was given according to current guidelines. The primary objective was to show non-inferiority of DCB versus DES regarding major adverse cardiac events (MACE; ie, cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target-vessel revascularisation) after 12 months. The non-inferiority margin was an absolute difference of 4% in MACE. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01574534.

FINDINGS

Between April 10, 2012, and February 1, 2017, 382 patients were randomly assigned to the DCB group and 376 to DES group. Non-inferiority of DCB versus DES was shown because the 95% CI of the absolute difference in MACE in the per-protocol population was below the predefined margin (-3·83 to 3·93%, p=0·0217). After 12 months, the proportions of MACE were similar in both groups of the full-analysis population (MACE was 7·5% for the DCB group vs 7·3% for the DES group; hazard ratio [HR] 0·97 [95% CI 0·58-1·64], p=0·9180). There were five (1·3%) cardiac-related deaths in the DES group and 12 (3·1%) in the DCB group (full analysis population). Probable or definite stent thrombosis (three [0·8%] in the DCB group vs four [1·1%] in the DES group; HR 0·73 [0·16-3·26]) and major bleeding (four [1·1%] in the DCB group vs nine [2·4%] in the DES group; HR 0·45 [0·14-1·46]) were the most common adverse events.

INTERPRETATION

In small native coronary artery disease, DCB was non-inferior to DES regarding MACE up to 12 months, with similar event rates for both treatment groups.

FUNDING

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Basel Cardiovascular Research Foundation, and B Braun Medical AG.

The Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Drug-Eluting Balloon and Drug-Eluting Stent Use for Left Main Bifurcation In-Stent Restenosis

Increasing evidence is available for the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in selected patients with unprotected left main (LM) bifurcation coronary lesions. However, little data have been reported on recurrent in-stent restenosis (ISR) for LM bifurcation lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a drug-eluting balloon (DEB) for LM bifurcation ISR compared with that of a drug-eluting stent (DES).Between December 2011 and December 2015, 104 patients who underwent PCI for unprotected LM bifurcation ISR were enrolled. We separated the patients into 2 groups: (1) those underwent PCI with further DEB and (2) those underwent PCI with further DES. Clinical outcomes were analyzed.Patients' average age was 67.14 ± 7.65 years, and the percentage of male patients was 76.0%. A total of 75 patients were enrolled in the DEB group, and another 29 patients were enrolled in the DES group. Similar target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) rate were noted for both groups. A significantly higher cardiovascular mortality rate was found in the DES group (10.7% versus 0%, P = 0.020), and a higher all-cause mortality rate was noted in the DES group (21.4% versus 6.8%, P = 0.067).It is feasible to use DEB for LM bifurcation ISR. When comparing DEB with DES, similar TLR rates were found, but lower recurrent MI and lower cardiovascular death were noted for DEB treatment.

The Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Significant Atherosclerotic Lesions in Segment Proximal to Myocardial Bridge at Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for significant atherosclerosis lesions proximal to myocardial bridge (MB) at left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD).A total of 330 consecutive patients with LAD significant stenosis, diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), were included. Based on whether combined with MB, the patients were divided into the MB group (MB, n = 48) and non-MB group (NMB, n = 282). Drug eluting stents (DES) were successfully implanted in the stenostic segments prior to MB. All patients were followed up during the hospital stay, 30 days and 12 months after PCI, to evaluate the major adverse cardiac events (MACEs).There was no difference in the incidence of MACEs between the two groups (6.2% versus 2.1%, P = 0.254) when in the hospital. During the follow-up of 30 days and 12 months after PCI, the rate of MACEs was significantly higher in the MB group than in the NMB group (18.2% versus 6.4% and 43.8% versus 17.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). Stent restenosis occurred in four patients in the MB group; whereas, in five patients in the NMB group, the rate of stent restenosis was higher in the MB group than in the NMB group (8.3% versus 1.8%, P = 0.036). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the presence of MB was an independent predictor of MACEs (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.781, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) = 1.108-2.863, P = 0.017).DES implantation for significant atherosclerosis stenosis in the segments proximal to MB have higher incidence of MACEs. MB appears to be associated with a higher incidence of stent restenosis after PCI and is a significant factor in the occurrence of MACEs.

Drug-coated balloons for de novo lesions in small coronary arteries: rationale and design of BASKET-SMALL 2

The treatment of coronary small vessel disease (SVD) remains an unresolved issue. Drug‐eluting stents (DES) have limited efficacy due to increased rates of instent‐restenosis, mainly caused by late lumen loss. Drug‐coated balloons (DCB) are a promising technique because native vessels remain structurally unchanged. Basel Stent Kosten‐Effektivitäts Trial: Drug‐Coated Balloons vs. Drug‐Eluting Stents in Small Vessel Interventions (BASKET‐SMALL 2) is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial of DCB vs DES in native SVD for clinical endpoints. Seven hundred fifty‐eight patients with de novo lesions in vessels <3 mm in diameter and an indication for percutaneous coronary intervention such as stable angina pectoris, silent ischemia, or acute coronary syndromes are randomized 1:1 to angioplasty with DCB vs implantation of a DES after successful initial balloon angioplasty. The primary endpoint is the combination of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target‐vessel revascularization up to 1 year. Secondary endpoints include stent thrombosis, Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 to 5 bleeding, and long‐term outcome up to 3 years. Based on clinical endpoints after 1 year, we plan to assess the noninferiority of DCB compared to DES in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for SVD. Results will be available in the second half of 2018. This study will compare DCB and DES regarding long‐term safety and efficacy for the treatment of SVD in a large all‐comer population.

Neointimal Modification With Scoring Balloon and Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon Therapy in Patients With Restenosis in Drug-Eluting Coronary Stents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare neointimal modification with scoring balloon pre-dilation before drug-coated balloon (DCB) versus DCB standard therapy in patients presenting with drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis.

BACKGROUND

DCB angioplasty for the treatment of coronary drug-eluting stent restenosis has demonstrated encouraging results. The efficacy of DCB treatment relies on rapid initial drug transfer and tissue retention of the antiproliferative drug. Neointimal modification with scoring balloon pre-dilation may enhance the efficacy of DCB therapy.

METHODS

In this randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial, 252 patients with clinically significant DES restenosis were enrolled at 4 centers in Germany. Patients undergoing DCB angioplasty were randomly assigned to treatment with scoring balloon pre-dilation or standard therapy. The primary endpoint of the study was in-segment percentage diameter stenosis on 6- to 8-month follow-up angiography. The secondary endpoints included binary angiographic restenosis and late lumen loss on follow-up angiography, the combined incidence of death or myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and target lesion thrombosis at 1 year.

RESULTS

Follow-up angiographic data at 6 to 8 months were available for 203 patients (80.6%). Scoring balloon pre-dilation compared with standard therapy showed significantly lower rates with respect to the primary endpoint (35.0 ± 16.8% vs. 40.4 ± 21.4%; p = 0.047) and binary angiographic restenosis (18.5% vs. 32.0%; p = 0.026). Late lumen loss was numerically lower after scoring balloon pre-dilation compared with standard therapy (0.31 ± 59 mm vs. 0.41 ± 0.74 mm; p = 0.27). There was no difference between the groups in the incidence of death or myocardial infarction (4.0% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.73). Scoring balloon versus standard therapy showed comparable rates of target lesion revascularization (16.2% vs. 21.8%; p = 0.26). No target lesion thrombosis occurred out to 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients presenting with drug-eluting stent restenosis, neointimal modification with scoring balloon improves the antirestenotic efficacy of DCB therapy. (Intracoronary Stenting and Angiographic Results: Optimizing Treatment of Drug Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis 4 [ISAR-DESIRE 4]; NCT01632371).

Drug-eluting balloon: design, technology and clinical aspects

A drug-eluting balloon is a non-stent technology in which the effective homogenous delivery of anti-proliferative drugs is processed by the vessel wall through an inflated balloon. This is done to restore luminal vascularity in order to treat atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis and reduce the risk of late thrombosis without implanting a permanent foreign object. The balloon technology relies on the concept of targeted drug delivery, which helps in the rapid healing of the vessel wall and prevents the proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Several drug eluting devices in the form of coated balloons are currently in clinical use, namely DIOR^®, PACCOCATH^®, SeQuent^®Please and IN.PACT™. The device varies in terms of the material used for making the balloon, the coating techniques, the choice of coated drug and the release pattern of the drug at the site. This review gives an insight into the evolution, rationale and comparison of the marketed drug-eluting balloons. Here, different coating techniques have been analysed for the application and critical analysis of available DEB technologies, and a technical comparison has been done.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients treated with drug-coated balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis after coronary bifurcation stenting with a two-stent technique

AIMS

We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of drug-coated balloon therapy for in-stent restenosis after coronary bifurcation stenting.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients who underwent angioplasty with at least one paclitaxel-coated balloon for in-stent restenosis after bifurcation intervention using a two-stent approach were included. Two types of paclitaxel-coated balloon were used, with either an iopromide (iopromide-PCB) or a butyryl tri-n-hexyl citrate (BTHC-PCB) excipient. Angiographic surveillance was planned at six to eight months. Quantitative coronary angiography analysis was carried out with dedicated bifurcation analysis software. Clinical follow-up was performed to one year. In total, 177 patients were included in this study. Information on the type of stent technique used at the time of the index intervention was available for 145 (81.9%) patients: the culotte technique was used in 123 (69.5%) and T-stenting in 22 (12.4%) patients. Iopromide-PCB and BTHC-PCB were used in 124 (70%) and 53 (30%) patients, respectively. Of 125 patients who underwent angiographic follow-up, 30 cases (24%) of binary restenosis were observed. At one year, the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction or target lesion revascularisation was observed in 35 patients (24%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of angiographic and clinical outcomes between iopromide-PCB versus BTHC-PCB.

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of in-stent restenosis after coronary bifurcation stenting, drug-coated balloons demonstrated good clinical efficacy without the requirement for further stent implantation. There were similar outcomes between iopromide-PCB and BTHC-PCB.

Current Management of In-Stent Restenosis

Despite the advent of the drug-eluting stents (DES) and improved stent design, in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a challenging problem. The currently available options for treatment of ISR include angioplasty alone, repeat stenting with DES or drug-coated balloons. Several recent studies have compared the available options for treating ISR in an attempt to identify the preferred therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will discuss the currently available therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with ISR and the evidence supporting their use.

The SABRE Trial (Sirolimus Angioplasty Balloon for Coronary In-Stent Restenosis): Angiographic Results and 1-Year Clinical Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this first-in-human study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Virtue sirolimus-eluting balloon in a cohort of patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR).

BACKGROUND

Angioplasty balloons coated with the cytotoxic drug paclitaxel have been widely used for ISR treatment. The Virtue angioplasty balloon (Caliber Therapeutics, New Hope, Pennsylvania) delivers sirolimus in a nanoencapsulated liquid formulation. This clinical trial is the first to examine a sirolimus-eluting balloon for ISR.

METHODS

In this prospective, single-arm feasibility study at 9 European centers, 50 ISR patients were treated with the Virtue balloon. Angiographic measurements at 6 months are reported, along with 12-month clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

Procedural success in the intention-to-treat population was 100%. The primary safety endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF) (cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization) assessed at 30 days (0%, n = 50). The primary performance endpoint was in-segment late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months (0.31 ± 0.52 mm; n = 47). Secondary 6-month endpoints include binary restenosis (19.1%), diameter stenosis (30.3 ± 19.9%), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (10.2%, n = 49). In the 36-patient per-protocol population (excluding major protocol violations and previously stented ISR), LLL was 0.12 ± 0.33 mm at 6 months. Clinical outcomes at 1 year for the intention-to-treat group were 12.2% TLF and 14.3% MACE and for the per-protocol population were 2.8% TLF and 2.8% MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

This first-in-human study showed excellent procedural success for the Virtue sirolimus-eluting angioplasty balloon, 6-month LLL rates in line with current stent-free ISR treatment options, and clinical outcomes that warrant further evaluation in dedicated randomized studies.

Incidence and predictors of reCurrent restenosis after drug-coated balloon Angioplasty for Restenosis of a drUg-eluting Stent: The ICARUS Cooperation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis remain poorly studied. We sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis among participants in randomized controlled trials receiving DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis.

METHODS

The clinical and lesion data of individuals enrolled in 6 randomized controlled trials of DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis were pooled. All patients included in this report were assigned to receive paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with the SeQuent Please DCB (B Braun, Melsungen, Germany). The current analysis focused on participants with available follow-up angiography at 6 to 9 months. The incidence of recurrent restenosis, defined as diameter restenosis ≥ 50% in the in-segment area at follow-up angiography, and its clinical and angiographic predictors were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 546 patients were combined in a single dataset. Angiographic follow-up at 6 to 9 months was available for 484 patients (88.6%) with 518 treated lesions. Recurrent restenosis was detected in 101 (20.8%) patients. On multivariable analysis, lesion length (OR, 1.58; 95%CI, 1.10-2.26; P=.012 for 5mm increase) and vessel size (OR, 1.42; 95%, 1.12-1.79; P=.003 for 0.5mm reduction) were independently associated with recurrent restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest cohort to date of individuals with angiographic surveillance after DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis, we demonstrated that recurrent restenosis occurs in approximately 1 out of 5 patients. Predictors of recurrent restenosis are increased lesion length and small vessel size.

Predictors of Recurrent In-Stent Restenosis After Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Angioplasty

BACKGROUND

Although paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) angioplasty is an effective procedure for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after coronary stenting, recurrent ISR after PCB angioplasty still occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of recurrent ISR after PCB angioplasty for ISR.Methods and Results:A total of 157 ISR lesions treated with PCB angioplasty from January 2014 to May 2015 were retrospectively examined. Recurrent ISR was judged on 6-month follow-up angiography. Clinical, angiographic and procedural parameters were evaluated as possible predictors of recurrent ISR. Recurrent ISR occurred in 13.9% of lesions after PCB angioplasty. On multivariate analysis the following independent predictors of recurrent ISR were identified: (1) smaller acute gain after initial ballooning (OR, 3.06; 95% CI: 1.08-8.71; P=0.04); (2) geographic mismatch between PCB position and initial ballooning (OR, 5.59; 95% CI: 1.64-19.1; P=0.006); and (3) use of percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational atherectomy (PTCRA) at primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; OR, 5.53; 95% CI: 1.89-16.2; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal expansion at initial ballooning before PCB angioplasty and careful positioning of PCB are important technical tips to prevent recurrent ISR after PCB angioplasty. Recurrent ISR occurred more frequently in severely calcified lesions that required PTCRA at primary PCI.