Net meta-analysis: comparison of bare metal stent, drug-coated balloon and drug-eluting stent in the treatment of cerebral arterial stenosis

In ICAS or VAS patients, DCB appeared to demonstrate comparable efficacy to DES in reducing restenosis, with both potentially superior to BMS. The advantage of DCB may be more pronounced within 6 months, whereas DES may exhibit potential sustained benefits beyond this period. DCB may also be associated with fewer perioperative complications, though they carried a higher likelihood of requiring urgent stent replacement. The comparable outcomes between DCB and DES suggested that both may be valuable endovascular options, forming a basis for clinical decision-making pending further evidence.