Are we now at a point where drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty should be considered the standard of care in the management of AV access stenosis?

In this short interview, Dr Andrew Holden (Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, NZ) discusses the 3-year findings of the IN.PACT AV Access Study. 

In this multinational trial, conducted in the US, Japan and New Zealand, patients were randomized between plain balloon angioplasty and DCB angioplasty (Medtronic) for the treatment of haemodialysis access circuit stenosis. 

Findings at 36 months suggest a long-term primary patency advantage of the drug-coated balloon arm and reduced intervention to maintain patency. 

Discussion points: 
1. Aims of the study
2. Patient cohort and study design
3. Main findings at 36 Months
4. Take-home messages for clinicians
5. Further study needed and next steps

Recorded remotely from Auckland, 2022.