MONTREAL–A new sub-study suggests that using a sirolimus-eluting balloon (SEB), a drug-coated balloon, can reduce the number of stents a patient may need, making it a safe and effective way to treat certain heart attacks or unstable chest pain. Researchers presented the late-breaking data today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2026 Scientific Sessions & Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology/Association Canadienne de cardiologie d’intervention (CAIC-ACCI) Summit in Montreal. 

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced, putting the heart muscle at risk. ACS often leads to Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), which accounts for 70% of heart attacks. Most of these patients undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or an angioplasty, to restore blood flow. Currently, during PCI, a cardiologist uses a drug-eluting stent (DES). A DES is a tiny metal mesh tube that keeps the artery permanently open. Studies have shown that there is a 1 to 4% annual rate of complications due to the permanent presence of metal in the artery. The SELUTION Drug Eluting Balloon (SEB) is a drug-coated balloon that delivers medication directly to the artery wall without leaving a stent behind. This ‘Leave-Nothing-Behind’ strategy, therefore, potentially avoids the long-term complications related to stents. However, the use of SEB in patients with ACS has not been assessed. 

The SELUTION DeNovo study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, non-inferiority trial comparing DES to SEB in “all comers”. This pre-specified sub-study of the SELUTION DeNovo trial analyzed 1,089 patients with NSTEMI or unstable angina to assess one-year heart-related problems. Patients were divided into two arms: one that received implantation of DES and one that underwent placement of SELUTION SLR™ SEB (Cordis) with provisional stenting.

The sub-study’s findings support the use of SEB with minimal stenting as a safe and effective alternative to DES for patients with NSTEMI or unstable angina. At one year, the rates of target vessel failure (TVF) (5.3% vs. 4.9%, respectively) and cardiac death (0.6% vs. 0.8%, respectively) were low and similar between the SEB and DES groups. The target-vessel related myocardial infarction (TV-MI) and clinically-driven target vessel revascularization (cd-TVR) were also low in both groups (SEB: 3.1% and 3.1%, respectively; DES: 2.8% and 2.7%, respectively). 

“For many years, stents were the standard approach for these patients, but this study shows that we don’t always need to leave a permanent implant behind,” said Christian Spaulding, MD, PhD, FACC, FESC, professor of cardiology at Paris Descartes University in Paris, France. “Using a selective drug-coated balloon strategy allows us to treat the blockage effectively while preserving the artery’s natural structure, giving clinicians more flexibility for future treatments.” 

The authors note potential benefits of minimal stenting will require a longer-term study, including five-year outcomes. 

Session Details:

• "Sirolimus Eluting Balloons for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome – Evidence from the SELUTION DeNovo Trial"
  • Thursday, April 23; 1:35-1:43 PM ET
  • Palais des Congrès de Montréal, 511def (5th Level)

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About SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions

The SCAI Scientific Sessions annual meeting convenes nearly 2,000 of the world’s premier clinicians, scientists, researchers, and innovators in the field of interventional cardiology and endovascular medicine. With 500+ faculty and hundreds of abstracts, experts in the field work together to share the latest clinical data, procedural guidance, and advanced expertise. Highlights include live cases, featured clinical research, new SCAI clinical documents, case-based learning, and keynote speakers. For more information, visit SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions & CAIC-ACCI Summit.

About the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI's mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease.  For more information, visit www.scai.org.

About Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology/Association Canadienne de cardiologie d’intervention (CAIC-ACCI)

The Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology / Association Canadienne de cardiologie d’intervention (CAIC-ACCI) is a national body representing 307 interventional cardiologists across Canada. Dedicated to advancing excellence in cardiovascular care, CAIC-ACCI plays a central role in supporting its members through high-quality educational events, fostering professional growth, and promoting innovation in clinical practice. The organization is also deeply committed to the training and development of interventional cardiology Fellows, helping to shape the next generation of specialists. For more information, visit www.caic-acci.org.