Comparison of Moderate-Intensity Statin Plus Ezetimibe vs. High-Intensity Statin for Coronary Plaque Stabilization

Inclusion criteria

• Adult men and women over the age of 18 years.
• Patients with coronary artery disease undergoing a coronary intervention procedure using intravascular imaging.
• At least one major native coronary artery ("target vessel") meeting all the following criteria for intracoronary imaging immediately following a qualifying PCI procedure:

• Angiographic evidence of coronary artery stenosis ≥30% by angiographic visual estimation.
• Target vessel is accessible to the imaging catheter and suitable for intracoronary imaging in the proximal 50 mm segment.
• Target vessel is not a bypass graft (aortic or arterial) or a bypassed graft vessel.
• Target vessel has not undergone PCI within the target segment.
• Target vessel is not a candidate for PCI at the time of the procedure or for 6 months thereafter (per investigator's judgment).
• Patients who have provided written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Left main stem lesion: Left main coronary artery stenosis ≥50% by coronary angiographic visual estimation.
• History of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).
• Unstable clinical condition (hemodynamic or electrical instability).
• Severe coronary artery calcification or tortuosity interfering with IVUS, NIRS, or evaluation.
• Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia (recurrent and symptomatic ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response) not controlled by medication within 3 months prior to screening.
• Active liver disease or liver dysfunction.
• Severe renal dysfunction (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²)
• Known allergy to contrast media, heparin, aspirin, ticagrelor, or prasugrel.
• Active infection or major hematologic, metabolic, or endocrine dysfunction as determined by the investigator.
• Planned surgery within 12 months.
• Currently enrolled in another investigational device or drug study.
• Estimated life expectancy of less than 2 years.
• Women of childbearing potential (under 50 years of age) who:

• Had their last menstrual period within the last 12 months.
• Have not had tubal ligation, oophorectomy, or hysterectomy.