A review of the coronary applications of the drug coated balloon

The drug coated balloon (DCB) platform offers several theoretical benefits over stent-based technologies. It allows the homogenous transfer of an anti-proliferative drug to reduce neo-intimal hyperplasia whilst potentially maintaining normal vessel anatomy and function. They also avoid the introduction of an additional stent layer in the context of in-stent restenosis. The data pertaining to the treatment of de-novo coronary disease still favors the new generation of drug eluting stents. DCB may, however, have a role in the context of challenging coronary anatomy and small vessel disease where results with stent insertion are poor. The body of evidence supporting the role of DCB in the treatment of in-stent restenosis is more substantial and appears to yield similar results to DES without the introduction of an additional stent layer. Further trials are required to clarify the ideal duration of dual anti-platelet treatment following DCB use and to further elucidate the ideal clinical context for their use.