Clinical Research Directory

A Study Evaluating the Vascular Healing and Neointimal Transformation at 1 Month After Implantation of BioFreedom™ Drug-coated Stents and the Xience Drug-eluting Stent System in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and High Bleeding Risk Using Optical Coherence Tomography

BioFreedom™ is the world's first polymer-free drug-coated stent (DCS), utilizing a proprietary microstructured surface technology. Its abluminal microporous surface directly carries BA9™ (a sirolimus derivative) with high lipophilicity. This design mitigates inflammatory responses while promoting early vascular healing and reducing thrombotic risk. Extensive clinical evidence has validated BioFreedom™'s superior performance in high-bleeding-risk (HBR) populations. However, comprehensive assessments of neointimal coverage and quantitative neointimal transformation post-implantation remain insufficient. With advancements in ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), detailed evaluation of coronary stent healing has become feasible. This study will employ OCT to comparatively assess vascular healing patterns-including neointimal transformation and strut coverage-in ACS patients with HBR receiving either the commercially available BioFreedom™ DCS or Xience drug-eluting stent system. The findings will provide multidimensional insights into the devices' post-implantation efficacy and safety profiles.

Timing of Endoscopy in Coronary Heart Disease Patients Taking Antiplatelet Drugs With Acute Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the optimal timing of endoscopy in patients with coronary heart disease who are taking antiplatelet drugs and present with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an urgent endoscopy group (undergoing endoscopy within 12 hours of hospital admission) or an early endoscopy group (undergoing endoscopy between 12 and 24 hours after admission). All patients will receive standard medical treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding and antiplatelet management in accordance with current clinical guidelines. The primary outcome of this study is the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days between the two groups. Secondary outcomes include further bleeding events, all-cause mortality, length of hospital stay, and the need for blood transfusion during the follow-up period. This research aims to generate evidence-based clinical guidance on the safest and most effective endoscopy timing for this high-risk patient population.

A Study on Yiyang Huoluo Decoction in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Yiyang Huoluo Decoction (a custom Chinese herbal medicine) works safely and effectively to treat coronary heart disease with atherosclerosis in older adults. It also aims to find out how this herbal treatment may affect blood vessel health and repair at a cellular level. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does adding Yiyang Huoluo Decoction to standard Western medical care improve symptoms and heart-related health in older adults with coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis? * Is Yiyang Huoluo Decoction safe for older adults to take alongside their regular heart medications? * How does this herbal treatment affect the damaged blood vessels in study participants? Researchers will compare two groups of participants to see if the combined treatment works better than standard care alone. Who can take part: Older adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis who meet the study's health and eligibility rules. What participants will do: * Be split randomly into two groups of 15 people each: one group gets standard Western heart medicine only, and the other gets standard Western heart medicine plus Yiyang Huoluo Decoction (herbal granules) * Complete the 12-week decoction treatment plan as directed by the research team * Attend scheduled study visits for health checks, blood tests, heart and blood vessel scans (such as carotid ultrasound and coronary CTA), and symptom reviews * Provide two small blood samples for research testing (samples will be destroyed after study testing is finished) * Report any side effects, discomfort, or changes in health to the research team right away All personal health information collected for this study will be kept private and confidential. Participation is completely voluntary, and participants may quit the study at any time for any reason without losing access to regular medical care.

The Hong Kong Diabetes Biobank

Asia is in the midst of an epidemic of diabetes. Epidemiological figures suggest that there are more than 110 million people affected by diabetes in China, with a significant proportion of young adults already affected. With increasingly young age of onset, the financial implications due to productivity loss and health care expenditures are colossal. As a result, prevention of diabetes and diabetic complications has been identified as a top healthcare priority in China. In Chinese, diabetic kidney disease with albuminuria, which reflects widespread vascular damage, is a major predictor for end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular complications and death, and a major contributor to the increased healthcare burden associated with diabetes. There is an immense demand for effective tools which can accurately predict diabetes and diabetic complications. Only few genetic factors have been consistently shown to be associated with diabetic kidney disease or other diabetic complications. Identification of genetic factors or other biomarkers predicting these complications can facilitate early identification of high risk subjects for treatment, as well as provide novel targets for drug treatment. To address this, the investigators plan to utilize both hypothesis-generating whole-genome approach as well as candidate gene-based studies to identify novel genetic, epigenetic factors as well as other biomarkers associated with the development of diabetic cardiovascular and renal complications, as well as other diabetes-related outcomes. The Hong Kong Diabetes Biobank (HKDB) is being established in order to serve as a territory-wide diabetes register and biobank for epidemiological analyses, as well as large-scale discovery and replication of genetic and epigenetic markers, and other biomarkers relating to diabetes, diabetes complications or related outcomes. Subjects will be recruited from diabetes centres across Hong Kong, and will have detailed clinical information collected at the time of written consent and blood taking. Subjects will have detailed assessment of baseline diabetes complications through a structured clinical assessment, and will be prospectively followed up for development of different diabetes-related endpoints, as well as collection of clinical information and causes of hospitalization, along with information on medications and prescription records. This multi-centre cohort and biobank aims to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of diabetes and diabetes complications and related outcomes, as well as provide a unique resource for large-scale biomarker research to advance diabetes care and precision medicine in diabetes.

Exercise Training in Women With Heart Disease 2

This study will compare the effects of two different types of training on exercise capacity in women with coronary heart disease (CHD). Participants will be randomized into either the virtual high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or the virtual moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (MICT). After randomization, patients will exercise twice a week, for 12 weeks. The sessions will be conducted virtually. Patients will undergo a maximal exercise test, cardiometabolic indicators (height (cm), body mass (kg), body composition (%), waist circumference (cm) and, resting blood pressure) and complete questionnaires about quality of life, mental health, self-determined motivation, self-efficacy and enjoyment.

Glycocalyx and Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Function (Part 2)

The primary research objective of the project is to determine the role of eGC in microvascular reactivity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) before and after bypass grafting (cross-sectional study 2).The main objective of the project is to increase the excellence and interdisciplinarity of scientific work at MEFOS by connecting researchers from different scientific fields, improving conditions and resources for scientific work, and increasing international cooperation, in line with strategic objective 1: raising scientific excellence. The results of the project could provide pathophysiological insight into the development and maintenance of endothelial dysfunction in CVD, as well as identify new biomarkers for CVD.

CTCA Prior to Invasive Angiography in Post-Bypass Patients (BYPASS CTCA 2)

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a coronary computed tomography angiography (CTCA)-guided strategy can reduce the risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and hospital admissions in patients experiencing angina or myocardial infarction following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can CTCA reduce major adverse cardiovascular events compared to standard invasive coronary angiography? * Is CTCA a cost-effective and safer alternative that improves patient quality of life? Researchers will compare outcomes between patients receiving CTCA prior to angiography and those undergoing standard angiography alone to determine if CTCA improves clinical outcomes and procedural safety. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either CTCA-guided care or standard angiography * Undergo coronary imaging and follow-up assessments * Complete questionnaires on quality of life and healthcare resource use

Drug-coated Balloons and Drug-eluting Stents in Diabetic Patients

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have long been recommended as the default device for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) angioplasty is similar to plain old balloon angioplasty procedurally, but there is an anti-proliferative medication paclitaxel-coated on the balloon. DCB angioplasty has the following advantages compared to DES implantation: Firstly, the drug in DCB is uniformly distributed and released, whereas the drug release of DES via the stent platform is uneven -85% of the vascular wall is not covered by the stent strut. Secondly, there is no alloy in the vessel after DCB angioplasty, while the coronary stent platform and polymer might cause temporal or persistent inflammatory response leading to intimal hyperplasia. Finally, there is no metal cage restraining vessel motion after DCB, and the physiological function of coronary arteries would be maintained. Currently, DCB constitutes an important treatment option in ISR, which is endorsed by the 2018 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on myocardial revascularization. In addition, some interventional cardiologist has also applied DCB in de novo lesions in their clinical practice. Diabetes is associated with worse outcomes after coronary revascularization and has been identified as an independent predictor of adverse events in patients with cardiovascular disease. Although some small sample size RCTs and observational studies have suggested that the clinical prognosis of DCB is non-inferior to the drug-eluting stent (DES), there is still a lack of evidence comparing the DCB versus DES for de novo or ISR coronary lesions in diabetic patients. The current study aims to compare the long-term efficacy of DCB to DES in de novo or ISR coronary lesions in diabetic patients.

Improving Frailty in Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to improve the frailty in old patients who have a cardiac disease . Researchers will determine the improvement in the instability and the strength along twelve sessions based on guided exercises and mobility techniques made by physiotherapists. Research team will also evaluate the medications and diet, as well as laboratory and clinical tests.

Inclisiran Effectiveness in China: a Pragmatic Randomized Trial

The current study will be conducted to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of inclisiran relative to standard of care (SoC) in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), not only with the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) change in 1 year, but also the LDL-C Test on Target for 1 year. This study further aims to assess the adherence, treatment patterns and satisfaction, and safety of inclisiran among Chinese patients.

Cofilin-2 (rs80358250) and Lactoferrin (rs1126478) Polymorphism and Protein Levels With Non Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Periodontitis Patients With and Without CHD

Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with the accumulation of dental plaque and characterized by progressive destruction of the teeth-supporting apparatus, including the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Dental plaque accumulation at the gingival margin initiates an inflammatory response that, in turn, causes microbial alterations and may lead to drastic consequences in the periodontium of susceptible individuals. The pathophysiology of periodontitis is influenced by the relationship between the host immune system and periodontal pathogens. The presence of periodontal pathogens and their metabolic by-products in the oral cavity may get disseminated to the systemic circulation which may pose a risk for various systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, oral and colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory tract infection, adverse pregnancy outcomes and diabetes. Although pathogenic bacteria and various other environmental factors are involved in pathogenesis of periodontitis, genetic factors are also known to play a pivotal role in influencing the inflammatory and immune response. Genetic polymorphisms are alterations in the DNA sequence found in general population. Most forms of periodontitis represent a life-long account of interactions between the genome and the environment. The previous literature has stated a strong association of genetic polymorphisms in periodontitis and coronary artery diseases. Identifying these polymorphisms can potentially lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms modulating the expression of inflammatory mediators as well as provides potential therapeutic targets in the prevention of periodontal disease. Two such novel polymorphisms have gained attention recently, namely the Cofilin-2 and Lactoferrin polymorphisms. Cofilin is one of the most affluent and common actin-binding proteins and plays a role in cell motility, migration, shape, and metabolism. They also play an important role in severing actin filament, nucleating, depolymerizing and bundling activities. Cofilin is the major ADF/cofilin isoform in mammalian neurons influences the dynamics of actin assembly by severing or stabilizing actin filaments. Cofilin-2 is the only isoform present in mature skeletal muscles. It is composed of 5 α helices, 5 β sheets, and 1 C-terminal β short chain, with a molecular weight of 18 kDa. Cofilin-2 is a member of the AC group of proteins that also includes cofilin-1 and destrin, all of which regulate actin-filament dynamics. Recently, Cofilin 2 gained attention as an emerging biomarker for coronary heart diseases. Cofilin-2 has shown to play a role in pathophysiology of coronary heart disease. Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein of the transferrin family. Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein with a molecular mass of about 80 kDa that is widely represented in various secretory fluids, such as milk, saliva, tears and nasal secretions. Lactoferrin, a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein, is involved in coronary heart disease pathophysiology. Recent studies reported that Lactoferrin polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease in the elderly population. Studies have been done to identify Lactoferrin genetic polymorphisms, however none of the studies have explored the role of Lactoferrin (rs1126478) and its protein level in subjects with both periodontal disease and coronary heart disease occurring as a continuum. Its expression in periodontitis and coronary heart disease patients is yet to be explored. Genetic polymorphism and protein levels of Cofilin-2 (rs80358250) has been never studied in coronary heart disease and periodontitis. This may further improve our understanding of the influence of this polymorphism on the above mentioned systemic diseases. NEED FOR THE STUDY While there are studies which have demonstrated the expression of Cofilin-2 and Lactoferrin polymorphisms in various inflammatory conditions, there are no studies to state their expression in the subgingival plaque samples of periodontitis patients with coronary artery disease, specifically before and after non-surgical therapy. Also, the correlation of both these polymorphisms and their levels with periodontal and cardiac parameters has never been investigated so far. It is suggested that these polymorphisms may play a role as putative risk indicators in periodontitis subjects with coronary heart disease which may alter following non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Digital Remote Management for Care and Continuous Optimization Versus Usual Care in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease (DigiCare-CHD)

The DigiCare-CHD study is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. It aims to evaluated the efficacy of a smartphone-based digital remote management platform compared to usual care in achieving dual goal attainment of blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with coronary heart disease following percutaneous coronary intervention.

Rapid Engagement for Solutions to Population and Outcomes Through Networked Dialogue for Coronary Heart Disease

Cardiometabolic diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the state of Wisconsin and are expected to pose an increasing burden over the next few decades. A crucial initial step in preventing or delaying the onset of these diseases is to assess disease risk at the individual level. However, the accuracy of risk prediction of disease events based on conventional risk factors remains modest. Incorporating a polygenic risk score (PRS) into risk equations improves risk prediction but there is uncertainty about how best to integrate PRSs into primary care settings, given the lack of familiarity with PRSs among patients and providers. Probabilistic estimates for risks of cardiometabolic diseases may be misunderstood, and genetic risk assessment may not be trusted by those in low resource rural or inner-city settings. The potential for using PRSs to refine disease risk estimates has led to numerous studies to assess their clinical utility; however, the vast majority have been conducted in tertiary academic medical centers, raising concern that communities with diminished access to care could be left behind. The study team will investigate how the use of PRSs for such diseases influences health outcomes in rural and inner-city settings. The study team will leverage prior experience in conducting the MIGENES randomized clinical trial (RCT) of disclosing polygenic risk of CHD in a preventive cardiology setting of an academic center. In the proposed study, the investigators will conduct a pragmatic RCT to extend the investigation to 'real-world' settings of primary care clinics in a rural medical center and an urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The investigators will engage a Community Advisory Board (CAB) through focus groups to gather feedback on implementing PRS-guided screening, related medical and lifestyle interventions, and public health strategies to reduce CHD risk. Feedback will inform provider education, targeted outreach to Wisconsin residents, and identification of barriers to adoption. The study team will also assess primary care physicians' and patients' familiarity with polygenic risk, their attitudes toward PRS testing, and intended actions based on results, comparing responses across rural and urban settings. The 10-yr risk of CHD will be estimated based on pooled cohort equations (PCE). Participants will view a video describing how cardiovascular risk was estimated and how lifestyle changes and drug therapy could reduce such risk and, in those randomized to receive PRS, the probabilistic nature of genetic risk. Patients will then see their PCP to review the 10-yr CHD risk estimate and engage in shared decision-making regarding statin therapy. Patient and clinician understanding of polygenic risk information will be assessed, as well as health-related and behavioral outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety Trials of Yangxinshi Tablets in the Treatment of Patients With Coronary Heart Disease Complicated by Cardiac Dysfunction

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yangxinshi tablets in improving the condition of patients with coronary heart disease complicated by cardiac dysfunction.

"Nutrition Education by Nurses in Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Effect on Patients' Dietary Pattern, Adherence and Clinical Outcomes"

The purpose of this study is the investigation of the effect of nurse-led nutritional education of post-CABG patients on their dietary pattern, on their adherence to it, but also on their quality of life and well-being.

Effect of Xuesaitong Soft Capsules on Major Risk Factors in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

This trials aims to assess, in 240 eligible patients with coronary heart disease, the effects on level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) changes from baseline to 12 weeks of Xuesaitong Soft Capsules.

Study of Sivelestat Sodium in OPCABG

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if drug Sivelestat Sodium works to improve the prognosis of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in adults. It will also learn about the safety of drug Sivelestat Sodium. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does drug Sivelestat Sodium have a protective effect on myocardial injury after OPCABG? * Does Sivelestat Sodium exert a protective effect on myocardial inflammatory stress after OPCABG? Researchers will compare drug Sivelestat Sodium to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if drug Sivelestat Sodium works to protect myocardium following OPCABG. Participants will: * Accept drug Sivelestat Sodium injection or a placebo 2 h after OPCABG for 72 h. * Undergo a series of blood tests and echocardiography examinations after the OPCABG.

Feasibility of Innovative Approaches for Personalized Cardiovascular Prevention

The goal of the FITPREV (Feasibility of InnovaTive approaches for personalized cardiovascular PREVention: randomized controlled pilot trial and multidisciplinary evaluation for National Health Service implementation) clinical trial is to study the feasibility of innovative approaches( Polygenic Risk Score and health smartwatch) for personalized primary preventive interventions in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Feasibility of a greater study. * Feasibility of the interventions in a realistic setting, such as the medical office of a General Practitioner. Participants will be randomized in one of the four parallel arms: * standard of care; * genetic testing for cardiovascular genetic risk (through the cardiovascular Polygenic Risk Score or PRS); * digital intervention with a wearable device and its app; * digital intervention and genetic testing The primary outcomes that are going to be evaluated are patient's and General Practitioners' overall judgment of the study and its feasibility. Secondarily the efficacy of returning Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) results will be assessed. This will happen on two endpoints: i) change in lifestyle pattern; ii) CVD risk profile modification. The postulated hypothesis is that the achievement of these endpoints is more likely in presence of at least one of the aforementioned interventions than among subjects who receive only traditional risk assessment at baseline.

Thiamine Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the association between brain changes and cognitive deficits in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and whether a low-cost thiamine intervention can be used to reduce post-CABG cognitive issues in CHD subjects.

Lifestyle Medicine: Establishing Clinical Approaches to Chronic Disease for Rural Patients

Developed nations worldwide are currently enduring a health crisis, as chronic diseases continue to decrease quality of life and promote additional disease states or even death for much of the population. Rural populations are at a particular disadvantage, as they lack access to health clubs, wellness programs and similar resources that are more available in urban areas. Although pharmaceutical therapies have continued to show therapeutic advancements, the rates of disease onset and death from chronic disease has not seen similar improvements, and in fact continue to worsen. Excitingly, significant evidence has been published demonstrating an affordable, effective treatment to directly treat and prevent these chronic diseases, but few have demonstrated successful implementation of this therapy, which is improved lifestyle. Specifically, physical activity and healthy body composition are powerful therapeutics that have been demonstrated to effectively combat and prevent chronic diseases. Additionally, improving these lifestyle factors are often more effective than pharmaceutical interventions without the wide range of side effects. Unfortunately, barriers exist on multiple tiers in the practice of family medicine that demote the implementation of lifestyle medicine. To better serve patients at risk of, or suffering from chronic disease, the investigators are seeking to establish a lifestyle medicine prescription program for rural West Virginia. This program will provide patient education on the benefits of physical activity, body composition, and help patients identify strategies to implement healthy lifestyle choices that can be sustainable for the long-term. Patients will be advised on local opportunities to increase physical activity (yoga studio, martial arts, fitness facilities, aquatic center, etc.) and provided access to the facilities they are most likely to adhere to regularly. They will also be provided training on exercise techniques, equipment, and facilities to increase familiarity and comfort in these settings.

Project 3: ACHIEVE- CHD

This project is part of the ACHIEVE GREATER (Addressing Cardiometabolic Health In Populations Through Early Prevention in the Great Lakes Region) Center (IRB 100221MP2A), the purpose of which is to reduce cardiometabolic health disparities and downstream Black-White lifespan inequality in two cities: Detroit, Michigan, and Cleveland, Ohio. The ACHIEVE GREATER Center will involve three separate but related projects that aim to mitigate health disparities in risk factor control for three chronic conditions, hypertension (HTN, Project 1), heart failure (HF, Project 2) and coronary heart disease (CHD, Project 3), which drive downstream lifespan inequality. All three projects will involve the use of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to deliver an evidence-based practice intervention program called PAL2. All three projects will also utilize the PAL2 Implementation Intervention (PAL2-II), which is a set of structured training and evaluation strategies designed to optimize CHW competence and adherence (i.e., fidelity) to the PAL2 intervention program. The present study is Project 3 of the ACHIEVE GREATER Center.

Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Coronary Heart Disease Co-morbid Depression Post Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

A prospective, multicenter, registered cohort study to observe the incidence of 1-year major adverse cardiac events in patients with coronary heart disease co-morbid depression treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and to clarify the predictors of 1-year major adverse cardiac events post PCI among these patients.

Safety and Efficacy of DCB Therapy for ISR Under the Guidance of QFR (UNIQUE-DCB-II Study )

In 1970, the first percutaneous balloon coronary angioplasty opened a new chapter of interventional therapy. However, the incidence of intracoronary restenosis was about 30%. Subsequently, bare metal stents and drug-eluting stents (DES) reduced the incidence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) to 5%-10% and it was still a bottleneck treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Currently, ISR is mainly treated by balloon angioplasty, stent implantation and coronary artery bypass grafting. In 2014, the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology recommended that drug balloon therapy (DCB) and new generation DES should be the preferred strategies for ISR treatment. Compared with DES, DCB treatment can avoid the inflammation of intima caused by multi-layer stent strut, and reduce the risk of intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis in stent. However, DCB lacks sustained radial support. Even if the residual stenosis is less than 30% after sufficient pre-dilation, the elastic retraction of the intima still exists. In addition, the antiproliferative effect of paclitaxel is significantly worse than that of sirolimus and its derivatives, and there is a lack of long-term sustained release of anti-proliferative drugs. Compared with DCB, DES can obtain long-term stable radial support and long-term anti-proliferation effect, but stent struts exposed in the vascular lumen are at risk of stent thrombosis. The new generation of DES improves the design of stent platform, improves the polymer coating, and applies new anti-proliferative drugs. It effectively reduces the inflammation of vascular wall, speeds up the process of vascular re-endothelialization, promotes early vascular repair, and significantly reduces the incidence of stent thrombosis. Recent BIOLUXRCT, RESTORE and DARE studies provide more powerful evidence for the treatment of ISR by new generation DES. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is the second generation FFR detectional method based on coronary contrast image. The latest FAVOR II results also confirm that QFR is more sensitive and specific than quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) in the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia caused by coronary artery stenosis. However, there is no report of ISR treated with DCB under the guidance of QFR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DCB in the treatment of in-stent restenosis in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) under the guidance of QFR compared with DES implantation.

Safety and Efficacy of DCB Therapy for de Novo Lesions Under the Guidance of QFR in CHD Patients (UNIQUE-DCB-I Study )

Since Gruntzig successfully performed percutaneous coronary balloon angioplasty in 1977, percutaneous coronary intervention has developed rapidly. From bare metal stents to drug-eluting stents (DES), the symptoms and prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) have been greatly improved. Although DES has reduced the probability of in-stent restenosis (ISR) and thrombosis compared with BMS since its clinical application, it can not completely solve this problem. Even if the new generation of DES requires revascularization, the incidence of ISR is still as high as 5%-10%. DES treatment is associated with delayed endothelial healing, late acquired poor stent adherence and new atherosclerosis, which lead to late ISR and thrombosis. In addition, DES is still not ideal for the treatment of small vessel disease, diffuse long lesion and bifurcation lesion. Therefore, drug coated balloon (DCB) has attracted people's attention. Balloon-loaded antiproliferative drugs can fully release the drugs to the vascular wall during balloon dilation, which can inhibit the restenosis process from the beginning of injury, and show good efficacy and safety in some specific lesions. Many clinical studies have shown that DCB has good efficacy and safety in some specific lesions (ISR, small vessel disease, bifurcation disease, in situ lesion). Especially in the treatment of ISR, researchers believe that its efficacy is not inferior to DES, and it has the advantage of non-metal residues. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is the second generation FFR detection method based on angiographic images. The diagnostic accuracy of QFR 0.80 for myocardial ischemic stenosis was 92.7%. Compared with QCA, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of QFR were also significantly better than those of QCA. The latest FAVOR II results also confirm that QFR is more sensitive and specific in diagnosing myocardial ischemia caused by coronary artery stenosis than QCA, and confirm the feasibility of using QFR online in catheter lab to evaluate the functional significance of coronary artery critical lesions. However, there is no report on the treatment of de novo lesions in patients with coronary heart disease by DCB under the guidance of QFR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drug balloon therapy for de novo lesions in patients with CHD under the guidance of QFR compared with DES implantation.