Comparison of Limus and Paclitaxel Drug–Coated Balloons, Second-Generation or Newer Drug-Eluting Stents, and Balloon Angioplasty: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents are comparable in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) and whether limus versus paclitaxel DCBs yield similar clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of limus and paclitaxel DCBs in patients with CAD through a network meta-analysis. METHODS: We comprehensively searched multiple databases for randomized controlled trials comparing the following 4 strategies: limus DCB, paclitaxel DCB, second-generation or newer drug-eluting stent, and plain old balloon angioplasty. The primary outcome was trial-defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), typically a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization. Secondary outcomes included individual components of MACE. We performed subgroup analyses for in-stent restenosis, small-vessel (