Key result
Interventional cardiologists widely endorse drug-coated balloons, with ~99% supporting use for in-stent restenosis.
Why the study?
Drug-coated balloons are increasingly used in PCI but limited data exist on contemporary practice patterns and interventional cardiologists' perspectives worldwide.
Cross-Sectional (n=136)
Yes
The survey reveals broad adoption and anticipated growth of DCB therapy for in-stent restenosis and small vessel disease among interventional cardiologists, diverging slightly from current guidelines.
Aims: Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are increasingly used in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) but there are limited data available on practice patterns. Our survey evaluated the views of interventional cardiologists with respect to various clinical and technical aspects of DCB angioplasty. Methods: A voluntary, online survey involving 13 questions - the Drug Eluting Technologies Evaluation & Current Trends (DETECT) Clinical Practice Survey - was conducted in two waves: a census of Irish interventional cardiologists in April 2025 and an onsite survey at the EuroPCR Congress in May 2025. The question topics included indications for DCB use, device selection factors, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration and intravascular imaging use. Respondent characteristics were recorded. Results: A total of 136 respondents (126 consultants, 10 fellows) from 39 countries (60 Ireland, 76 EuroPCR) participated in the survey. The survey revealed that most consider a DCB for in-stent restenosis (ISR; 99%), small vessel disease (95%) and bifurcation lesions (77%). A lower proportion consider a DCB strategy in chronic total occlusion (29%), any vessel size (21%) or acute coronary syndrome (17%). No differences by level of interventional experience (>10 years, <10 years or fellow) (χ²=10.35; p=0.11). DCB comprised 1-10% of annual PCI for half of the respondents (55%); most respondents (82%) anticipated an increase in their use. Paclitaxel DCBs were widely available (93%) but sirolimus DCBs less so (55%). DAPT duration post-DCB in chronic coronary syndromes was commonly prescribed for 3 months (43%) or 6 months (33%). Most use intravascular imaging for 21-50% of their DCB cases. Conclusion: This survey suggests that DCBs have been widely adopted by interventional cardiologists for the treatment of ISR and small vessel disease, with anticipated growth in the next 2 years.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
O’Callaghan et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Coronary artery disease (practitioner survey on drug-coated balloons) (n=136). Drug-coated balloon practice patterns (practitioner survey) was evaluated on Proportion of respondents considering DCB for in-stent restenosis (ISR). In a survey of 136 interventional cardiologists, drug-coated balloons were widely considered an appropriate strategy for in-stent restenosis (99%) and small vessel disease (95%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: