Drug-coated balloons in coronary disease: meta-analysis comparing sirolimus- and paclitaxel-coated technologies

Background and aim: Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are a key alternative to drug-eluting stents for coronary artery interventions, offering the advantage of drug delivery without permanent implants. Both paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) and sirolimus-coated balloons (SCBs) are valuable treatment options. This systematic review and meta-analysis compare the efficacy and safety of sirolimus-coated versus paclitaxel-coated balloon catheters in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines, searching five databases. We exclusively included RCTs. Risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models, with sensitivity analysis performed in cases of heterogeneity.