Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Background: Revascularization of small vessel coronary artery disease (SvCAD) is still challenging despite the extensive use of drug-eluting stents (DESs), mainly because of an increase in target vessel failure. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) has emerged as an alternative strategy in SvCAD. However, the safety and efficacy of DCB in SvCAD is still controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing the clinical outcomes of DCB and DES in SvCAD patients.

Methods: We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 2024. Included studies were published randomized control trials (RCTs) that compared major adverse cardiac events (MACE), target-lesion revascularization (TLR), and target-vessel revascularization (TVR) between DCB and DES in SvCAD patients. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects model.

Results: Six RCTs were included in this meta-analysis involving 1,534 SvCAD patients (775 underwent revascularization with DCB and 759 with DES). There was no difference in MACE, TLR, and TVR between DCB and DES groups ([OR] 1.14, 95% CI 0.64-2.00, I 2 =58.2%, p=0.657, [OR] 1.34, 95% CI 0.56-3.23, I 2 =48.5%, p=0.516, and [OR] 1.09, 95% CI 0.59-2.01, I 2 =49.6%, p=0.795, respectively) (Figure 1). There was no publication bias observed in Funnel plot as well as no small-study effect observed in Egger’s test.

Conclusions: As compared to DES, our study showed that DCB was associated with similar clinical outcomes and could be a potential alternative strategy in SvCAD patients.