Hybrid rotablation and drug-eluting balloon strategy.

AIM:The aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of rotational atherectomy followed by drug-eluting balloon (DEB) in patients with a high risk of bleeding. METHODS:A retrospective review was carried out of hospital records of consecutive patients who underwent the hybrid procedure. RESULTS:The average age of the 23 patients was 74 years. Risk factors for bleeding included renal failure (35%), oral anticoagulation use (26%) and peptic ulcer disease (35%). All patients had procedural success. No bleeding was reported over the 24-month follow-up period. Dual antiplatelet therapy was stopped successfully in six patients (26%) at three months. Two patients had confirmed target-lesion failure (restenosis). Two patients died over the study period but the cause of death was not known to be cardiovascular disease related. CONCLUSIONS:For patients at high risk of bleeding who require rotablation, the use of a drug-eluting balloon may be a safe, effective alternative.