Comparing drug-coated balloons to stenting for coronary artery treatment

A Randomized, Multi-center, Non-inferiority Clinical Trial on the Treatment of Residual Disease With Drug-Coated Balloon After Successful Recanalization and Limiting Stenting to the CTO Body Compared to Complete Stenting of the CTO Body and Adjacent Residual Disease.

Not applicable Interventional Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc · NCT04881812

This study is testing if drug-coated balloons can work as well as traditional stents for treating blocked coronary arteries in patients with chronic total occlusion.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAmsterdam UMC, location VUmc Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Amsterdam, Noord-Holland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04881812 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of drug-coated balloons (DCB) compared to traditional stenting in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary artery. It is a randomized, multi-center, non-inferiority trial where patients eligible for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) will receive either DCB treatment or complete stenting for adjacent residual disease after successful recanalization of the CTO. The study aims to determine if DCB treatment can provide similar outcomes to stenting while potentially reducing complications associated with longer stent lengths.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a clinical indication for revascularization of a chronic total occlusion as determined by a local heart team.

Not a fit: Patients with significant coronary complications, such as acute coronary syndrome or severe kidney disease, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved outcomes and reduced complications for patients undergoing treatment for chronic total occlusions.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of drug-coated balloons has shown promise in other contexts, data specifically regarding their use in chronic total occlusions is currently lacking, making this a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Clinical indication for revascularization of the CTO as determined by the local heart team (based on symptoms, documented ischemia, and viability)
* Successful recanalization of the CTO with residual disease adjacent to the initial lesion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dissection affecting the flow (TIMI score\<3), significant recoil (\>30%) or coronary perforation after predilation
* Reference diameter of the vessel is \<2.5 mm or \>4.0 mm
* Bifurcation lesion requiring the stenting of the side branch
* Left main lesion
* Acute coronary syndrome
* Cardiogenic shock
* Severe kidney disease defined as an eGFR \< 30 ml/min
* Pregnancy
* Life expectancy \< 12 months
* Inability to give written consent

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Total Occlusion of Coronary ArteryDrug-coated balloonDrug-eluting stentRandomized controlled trialPCI
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.