Could a balloon replace stents for major heart artery clogs?
NCT ID NCT07548281
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a drug-coated balloon (DCB) is as safe and effective as a drug-eluting stent (DES) for treating large blockages in heart arteries. About 2,492 patients will be randomly assigned to receive either a balloon or a stent, guided by advanced imaging. The goal is to see if the balloon can avoid leaving a permanent metal implant, potentially reducing bleeding risks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Drug-coated balloon (DCB) and drug-eluting stent (DES)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a stent-free option for treating large coronary artery blockages, potentially reducing long-term complications from permanent implants.
- What could go wrong
- This is a large but early-stage comparison trial. The balloon-only approach may not work as well as stents for all patients, and there are risks like vessel recoil or dissection.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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