A Night of Insight and Innovation chaired by Datuk Dr Kumara
In a thought-provoking evening at the Bungalow 37, IJN cardiologists gathered for an exclusive strategy dinner talk focused on the evolving role of Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) therapy in modern cardiology. The event was chaired by Datuk Dr Kumara, a distinguished consultant cardiologist at IJN, who led the discussions with precision, clarity, and a wealth of clinical experience.
Setting the Stage: Why DCB Matters
Datuk Dr Kumara opened the evening by emphasizing the increasing relevance of DCBs, particularly in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD) and in-stent restenosis (ISR). With a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of DCBs in select patient populations, especially those with small vessel disease and high bleeding risk, the technology is gaining momentum as a viable alternative to drug-eluting stents (DES).
“DCB is not just a device—it’s a strategy,” Dr Kumara remarked, highlighting the importance of lesion preparation and patient selection in achieving optimal outcomes.
Key Themes and Clinical PearlsThe discussion centered around several key themes:
1. Patient Selection and Lesion Preparation
Participants agreed that proper lesion preparation is the cornerstone of successful DCB outcomes. Dr Kumara reinforced the importance of achieving optimal vessel compliance, with imaging guidance (IVUS or OCT) playing a critical role in assessment.
2. DCB in Real-World Practice
Case presentations by Dr Lim Wei Juan & Dr Lim Yuen Han highlighted the practical application of DCBs in complex scenarios such as:
- Small vessel disease
- Diabetic patients
- Bifurcation lesions
- ISR with previous DES failures
Several attendees shared their experience with newer-generation DCBs showing favorable long-term patency rates and reduced need for repeat revascularization.
3. Emerging Data and Guidelines
The latest updates from ESC 2024 and APSC recommendations were discussed, which increasingly recognize DCBs as a Class I recommendation in ISR and a Class IIa option in de novo lesions in certain subsets.
Datuk Dr Kumara also touched on upcoming trials, including data from FIRE, BASKET-SMALL 2, and DEBUT studies, supporting broader adoption of DCB-first strategies.
Interactive Case Discussions and Q&A
The second half of the evening featured case-based discussions, allowing attendees to debate real-world challenges and strategies. Datuk Dr Kumara’s practical approach—blending evidence with patient-specific considerations—offered attendees invaluable clinical pearls to bring back to their practice.
Takeaways and Future Direction
The dinner talk concluded with a clear message: DCB therapy is no longer niche—it’s now central to contemporary PCI strategy, especially when used thoughtfully with the right tools, preparation, and patient selection.