Fewer stents, positive outcomes: Sirolimus-eluting balloons a safe alternative during PCI
Treating patients with a sirolimus-eluting balloon (SEB) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a safe, effective alternative to traditional stenting, according to new data presented at the SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions and CAIC-ACCI Summit in Montréal, Canada.
Interventional cardiologists typically use a drug-eluting stent (DES) during PCI to keep the artery permanently open. Leaving these stents in a patient’s artery can lead to complications, however, and the Selution SLR SEB from Cordis was designed to help keep that artery open without a stent being left behind. The Selution SLR SEB is a drug-coated balloon that provides patients with a sustained release of sirolimus over time thanks to tiny “MicroReservoirs.” The Selution SLR SEB was previously the topic of two late-breaking studies at TCT 2025 in San Francisco. Both trials linked the device to potential benefits for patients undergoing PCI.
This latest analysis included data from more than 1,000 patients who presented with NSTEMI or unstable angina. Patients were randomized to be treated with the Selution SLR SEB or a DES. Patients treated with the Selution device only received a stent when necessary.
Overall, the one-year rates of target vessel failure and cardiac death were low and comparable for both treatment strategies. Rates of target vessel-related myocardial infraction and clinically driven target vessel revascularization were also low and similar for the two approaches.
Researchers highlighted the clinical implications of these data. If patients can receive high-quality care without stents, the belief is that this is an easy way to minimize the risk of complications and have fewer patients living the rest of their lives with permanent stents.
“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,” interventional cardiologist Christian Spaulding, MD, PhD, professor of cardiology at Paris Descartes University in Paris, France, said in a statement. “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 SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions and CAIC-ACCI Summit was a joint conference from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.