LAUSR

Background Paclitaxel-coated balloons (DCB) are suitable to reduce the risk of restenosis after angioplasty of atherosclerotic femoropopliteal lesions. However, numerous types of DCBs are distinguished by drug density and coating. Conflicting evidence exists about the risk of mortality. This study sought to evaluate benefit and risk of DCB angioplasty compared to plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA). Methods Randomised trials published between January 1, 2005 and February 3, 2019 were identified by searching MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Clinical.trials.gov. Studies on DCB versus POBA for the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease were included, and those focused on in-stent restenosis or critical limb ischemia were excluded. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to assess the main outcomes of freedom from target lesion revascularisation (FfTLR) and all-cause mortality. Findings Of 552 identified records, 14 studies including 2504 patients were eligible. DCB significantly increased the risk of FfTLR with substantial heterogeneity (12-month: risk ratio [RR] 1·24 [95% CI 1·14–2·27], I2 = 66%; 24-month RR 1·39 [95% CI 1·39–1·52], I2 = 21%). The risk of 24-month all-cause mortality was increased after DCB (random-effects model: RR 1·53 [95% CI 0·94–2·50], p = 0·09; fixed-effect model: RR 1·74 [95% CI 1·08–2·81], p = 0·02). Interpretation Efficacy of DCB differs substantially across studies. Effect size depends on the type of DCB, treatment strategy, and lesion complexity. The risk of 2-year all-cause mortality at 2 years was increased, but without evidence of causation.