Comparative efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloons versus drug-eluting stents in small vessel coronary artery disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Small vessel coronary artery disease presents challenges in percutaneous coronary intervention due to higher restenosis rates with traditional treatments. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) offer a potential alternative, but their efficacy compared to drug-eluting stents (DES) remains debated. This meta-analysis aims to provide updated insights into the comparative outcomes of DCBs versus DES in small coronary artery disease.