A new drug-coated balloon proved as effective as stents for treating blocked heart arteries, offering a promising alternative for some patients.

A new sirolimus-coated drug-eluting balloon showed comparable safety and effectiveness to standard stents for treating coronary in-stent restenosis, according to the SELUTION4ISR Trial presented at the TCT conference on October 26, 2025. Involving 418 patients, the study found similar one-year target lesion failure and repeat procedure rates between the balloon group and those receiving standard care, suggesting it could be a valuable alternative, especially for patients who can't tolerate more stents or long-term antiplatelet therapy.