DCB-CTODCB-Based Treatment Strategy vs DES-Only Strategy for De Novo CTO Lesions

This study focuses on treating patients who have a specific type of heart disease called coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). CTO is a condition where a coronary artery is completely blocked. The study aims to compare two treatment strategies: one using a drug-coated balloon (DCB) and the other using a standard drug-eluting stent (DES). The DCB is a 'leave nothing behind' technique that has shown promise in treating certain heart conditions, but its use in CTO is not yet fully understood. The study aims to see if the DCB treatment is as effective and safe as the standard DES treatment. This research is important as it could potentially offer a new treatment option for CTO patients, reducing the risk of complications and improving long-term outcomes. In this study, 200 patients with successfully recanalized native CTO will be randomly assigned to either the DCB group or the DES group. The DCB group will receive DCB angioplasty, with the option of DES implantation if necessary. The DES group will receive standard DES implantation. All patients will receive standard post-procedure medication and will be followed up for 36 months. The main outcome measure is the change in the narrowing of the blood vessel at 9 months, which will be assessed using a special x-ray technique. The study will also look at other outcomes such as heart-related events, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.