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.