Advanced Strategies for Calcified Coronary Artery Interventions: From imaging, lesion preparation and innovative therapies

The management of calcified coronary artery disease poses one of the most formidable challenges in interventional cardiology. Severe coronary calcification can complicate percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) by hindering device delivery, compromising stent expansion, and increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. However, the evolution of advanced imaging modalities, strategic lesion preparation techniques, and novel interventional devices has substantially transformed the treatment landscape for these complex lesions.

This Research Topic in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine aims to offer a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on the current and emerging approaches in treating calcified coronary arteries. We invite submissions of original research, clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, technical reports, illustrative case series, and expert perspectives that encompass the entire pathway—from the visualization and characterization of calcified plaques to optimal lesion preparation and advanced device therapy.

Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Advanced Imaging and Calcium Characterization: The role of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and coronary CT angiography in assessing calcific burden, informing treatment strategies, and guiding interventions.

- Lesion Preparation Techniques: Innovations in high-pressure balloon angioplasty, scoring/cutting balloons, balloon lithotripsy, rotational and orbital atherectomy, laser atherectomy, and evaluating their comparative effectiveness.

- Stenting Strategies: Approaches to optimize stent selection, deployment, and outcomes in severely calcified lesions, including the use of new-generation drug-eluting stents.

Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) Use: The expanding role of DCBs in managing calcified lesions and their efficacy compared to conventional techniques.

- Clinical Outcomes, Challenges, and Complications: Insights into acute and long-term outcomes, complication management, and strategies to enhance safety and success rates.

The overarching goal is to drive innovation, evidence-based practice, and team-based expertise in the management of calcified coronary disease, ultimately enhancing procedural safety and patient outcomes.

Appendix: We accept submissions of all article types.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Coronary Calcification, Intravascular Imaging, Lesion Preparation, Atherectomy, Shockwave Balloon, High-Pressure Balloons, Drug-Coated Balloon, Drug-Eluting Stent, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Complex PCI

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.