Self-Expanding Versus Balloon-Expandable Stents for Iliac Artery Occlusive Disease

Association between diabetes mellitus and primary restenosis following endovascular treatment: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IMPORTANCE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is thought to be closely related to arterial stenotic or occlusive disease caused by atherosclerosis. However, there is still no definitive clinical evidence to confirm that patients with diabetes have a higher risk of restenosis.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of DM on restenosis among patients undergoing endovascular treatment, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or stenting.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

The PubMed/Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched from 01/1990 to 12/2022, without language restrictions. Trials were included if they satisfied the following eligibility criteria: (1) RCTs of patients with or without DM; (2) lesions confined to the coronary arteries or femoral popliteal artery; (3) endovascular treatment via PTA or stenting; and (4) an outcome of restenosis at the target lesion site. The exclusion criteria included the following: (1) greater than 20% of patients lost to follow-up and (2) a secondary restenosis operation.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two researchers independently screened the titles and abstracts for relevance, obtained full texts of potentially eligible studies, and assessed suitability based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third researcher. Treatment effects were measured by relative ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effects models. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main observation endpoint was restenosis, including > 50% stenosis at angiography, or TLR of the primary operation lesion during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 31,066 patients from 20 RCTs were included. Patients with DM had a higher risk of primary restenosis after endovascular treatment (RR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.25-1.62; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis of all currently available RCTs showed that patients with DM are more prone to primary restenosis after endovascular treatment.

Medium-Term Outcomes of Treatment with a VIABAHN VBX Covered Stent for Aortoiliac Occlusive Lesions in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for aortoiliac (AI) occlusive lesions is now conducted worldwide, but there are challenges in EVT for complex AI lesions. The VIABAHN VBX (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) is a next-generation balloon-expandable covered stent designed for use with complex AI lesions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of VIABAHN VBX for such lesions.

METHODS

Symptomatic patients who underwent EVT with VIABAHN VBX for an AI lesion from 2018 to 2020 at 7 Japanese centers were reviewed retrospectively. The primary endpoints were primary patency and freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR).

RESULTS

A total of 95 EVT procedures with VIABAHN VBX for AI occlusive lesions were performed in 71 patients. The patients had high rates of dyslipidemia (53%) and chronic kidney disease (61%), and 22% had chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC Ⅱ) class was A in 12 patients (17%), B in 12 (17%), C in 10 (14%), and D in 37 (52%). Severe calcification (360°) of the treated lesion was present in 31 patients (33%). The median procedure time was 84 (49-158) min, with a technical success rate of 100%. The median follow-up period was 36 (32-43) months. The 3-year primary and secondary patency of VIABAHN VBX were 91% and 99%, the 3-year freedom from TLR was 92%, and the 3-year freedom from major adverse limb event (MALE) was 98%. No limbs required major amputation. Lesion severity (TASC Ⅱ C or D) and severe calcification did not affect the primary patency or freedom from TLR.

CONCLUSIONS

Medium-term outcomes after EVT with VIABAHN VBX for AI lesions were acceptable regardless of lesion severity and calcification. These results suggest that VIABAHN VBX may be suitable for AI occlusive lesions with severe anatomical complexity and/or severe calcification.

Pharmacotherapy and revascularization strategies of peripheral artery disease

The global epidemiological transition of atherosclerotic vascular diseases is witnessing a rapid redistribution of its burden, shifting from high-income to low- and middle-income countries. With a wide clinical spectrum, spanning from intermittent claudication to more complex critical limb threatening ischemia, nonhealing ulcers, gangrene as well as acute limb ischemia, peripheral artery disease is often faced with the challenges of under-diagnosis and under-treatment despite its high prevalence. The management of peripheral arterial disease in patients with multiple comorbidities presents a formidable challenge and remains a pressing global health concern. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth overview of the pathophysiology of peripheral artery disease and explore evidence-based management strategies encompassing pharmacological, lifestyle, interventional, and surgical approaches. By addressing these challenges, the review contributes to a better understanding of the evolving landscape of peripheral artery disease, offering insights into effective and holistic management strategies.

Patient-specific risk factors for reintervention following primary endovascular treatment of iliac artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Predictive models for reintervention may guide clinicians to optimize selection, education, and follow-up of patients undergoing endovascular iliac revascularization. Although the impact of lesion- and device-related characteristics on iliac restenosis and reintervention risk is well-defined, data on patient-specific risk factors are scarce and conflicting. This study aimed to explore the value of patient-related factors in predicting the need for clinically driven target-vessel revascularization (CD-TVR) in patients undergoing primary endovascular treatment of iliac artery disease.

METHODS

Consecutively enrolled patients undergoing endovascular revascularization for symptomatic iliac artery disease at a tertiary vascular referral center between January 2008 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Primary and secondary outcomes were CD-TVR occurrence within 24 months and time to CD-TVR, respectively. Patients who died or did not require CD-TVR within 24 months were censored at the date of death or at 730 days, respectively. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data in primary analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1538 iliac interventions were performed in 1113 patients (26% females; 68 years). CD-TVR occurred in 108 limbs (74 patients; 7.0%) with a median time to CD-TVR of 246 days. On multivariable analysis, increasing age was associated with lower likelihood of CD-TVR (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-0.83; P = .001) and decreased risk of CD-TVR at any given time (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52-0.84; P = .001). Similarly, a lower likelihood of CD-TVR (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.95; P = .017) and decreased risk of CD-TVR at any given time (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58-0.93; P = .009) were observed with higher glomerular filtration rates. Lastly, revascularization of common vs external iliac artery disease was associated with lower likelihood of CD-TVR (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24-0.93; P = .030) and decreased risk of CD-TVR at any given time (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25-0.92; P = .027). No associations were observed between traditional cardiovascular risk factors (sex, hypertension, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher hemoglobin A1c, smoking) and CD-TVR.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective cohort study, younger age, impaired kidney function, and external iliac artery disease were associated with CD-TVR. Traditional markers of cardiovascular risk were not seen to predict reintervention.

Efficacy and Safety of Covered Stents Versus Bare-Metal Stents for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety outcome of covered stents (CSs), as compared with bare-metal stents (BMSs), for the treatment of patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to August 2023 to identify all studies comparing efficacy and safety outcomes of CSs versus BMSs for treating AIOD. Our outcome was primary patency, secondary patency, technical success, ankle-brachial index (ABI) variation, target lesion revascularization (TLR), limb salvage, complications, and long-term survival. Dichotomous outcomes were pooled as relative risks (RR) or hazard ratio with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous outcomes were pooled as weighted mean differences and 95% CI. Model selection was based on the heterogeneity of the included studies.

RESULTS

There were 10 studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 8 retrospective cohort studies), comprising 1676 sample size. Compared with BMSs, CSs use was associated with better primary patency of patients with a Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC) D lesion (RR, 1.15, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.27, p=0.007), TLR (RR, 0.39, 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.56, p<0.001), technical success (RR, 1.01, 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.02, p=0.010), and long-term survival (RR, 1.06, 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.11, p=0.020). There is no difference between CSs and BMSs regarding primary patency of all patients, secondary patency, variation in ABI, limb salvage, and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with BMSs, CSs used in AIOD was associated with more favorable primary patency in patients with TASC D lesions, TLR, technical success rates, and patient long-term survival. These results provide evidence of the advantages of using CSs for AIOD treatment. Future studies focusing on long-term variations in ABI, primary patency of different degrees of calcification, vascular segments, and TASC classification are warranted.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Although several studies evaluated the clinical efficacy of CS in the context of AIOD treatment, the significance and consistency of these findings were not determined to date. We found that CS was used in AIOD associated with better technical success rate, long-term patient survival, lower target lesion revascularization, and higher primary patency of patients with a Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II D lesion when compared with BMSs. Our study provides evidence supporting the superiority of CSs over BMSs in the treatment of AIOD, and furnishing clinicians with guidance for treatment decisions.

Clinical outcomes of a balloon-expandable stent for symptomatic obstructions of the subclavian or innominate arteries

Background: Upper-extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may present with a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. If an endovascular treatment is planned, percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement may lead to a better patency compared to percutaneous angioplasty alone. We assessed the characteristics and clinical course of patients with upper-extremity PAD who received angioplasty and a balloon-expandable stent. Patients and methods: We analyzed data from consecutive patients treated with angioplasty and placement of a balloon-expandable BeSmooth Peripheral Stent System® (Bentley, Germany) at the Angiology Department (University Hospital Zurich) between 2018 and 2022. The primary outcome was re-intervention at the target lesion within 6 months from index angioplasty and during available follow-up. The study was approved by the local ethical commission. Results: A total of 27 patients were treated. The median age was 70 (Q1-Q3: 60-74) years and 59% were men. The subclavian artery (74%) represented the most frequently treated target lesion, followed by the innominate artery (26%). The mean improvement in blood pressure in the treated arm was 21 (95%CI 7 to 35) mmHg at 24 hours and 29 (95%CI 15 to 43) mmHg at 6 months. At 6 months, 2 (8%) patients required a target lesion re-intervention. During the remaining follow-up period up to 24 months, one of these two patients required additional intervention and a total of 3 (11%) patients died due to sepsis, cancer, and unknown causes, respectively. Conclusions: Percutaneous catheter-based treatment with a balloon-expandable stent for symptomatic upper extremity PAD appeared to be effective and safe.

Lack of patient-centered evaluation of outcomes in intermittent claudication literature

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease, characterized as arterial atherosclerotic disease, can lead to insufficient flow in the lower extremities and ischemia, with the most common clinical manifestation being intermittent claudication (IC). In 2022, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) developed appropriate use criteria for the management of IC that used this systematic review as a source of evidence. The objective of this study is to synthesize the findings of the systematic review and identify evidence gaps.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of literature databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus was conducted from January 1, 2000, to November 30, 2022. Noncomparative and comparative observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included. Included studies evaluated exercise therapy, endovascular or open revascularization for the treatment of IC. Outcomes of interest (freedom from major adverse limb event, health-related quality of life, and walking distance) were compared in various subgroups (age, sex, diabetes, smoking status, anatomical location of disease, and optimal medical therapy).

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies reported the outcomes of interest for the evidence map. The general conclusions of the studies that reported freedom from major adverse limb events were that reintervention rates for endovascular therapy at ≥2 years were >20%, major amputation rates were often not reported, and, after endovascular therapy, the 1-month mortality was low (<2%). Quality of life and walking distance data were sparse, limited to only endovascular intervention, and insufficient to make any strong conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

IC in patients with peripheral arterial disease poses a significant socioeconomic and health care burden. Major, consequential gaps exist in the IC literature with respect to the assessment of patient reported outcome measures, standardized measures of walking distance and the comparative effectiveness of initial exercise therapy vs invasive intervention. The evidence gaps identified by the Society for Vascular Surgery appropriate use criteria on IC systematic review serve as a guide for future research efforts to optimize care for this patient population.

Common Femoral Artery Curvature During Hip Flexion

PURPOSE

To assess the conformational changes of the common femoral artery (CFA) during hip joint flexion in patients without atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Patients who underwent digital subtraction angiography for suspicion of arterial endofibrosis between 2007 and 2011 were retrospectively searched. Angiographic images were analyzed by two independent readers. The CFA was divided into four segments of equal length, and the segment containing the folding point was noted. Segments 1 and 2 were located in the proximal half of the CFA and segments 3 and 4 in the distal half. Readers assessed the CFA angulation, located the arterial folding point, and classified the CFA curvature as harmonious, or as a moderate or severe plication.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included. The Lin concordance correlation coefficients, used to evaluate inter-observer variability, were 0.90 (95% CI [0.83; 0.96]), 0.96 (95% CI [0.93; 0.98]) and 0.96 (95% CI [0.94; 0.98]) for the measures of the CFA angle during flexion, of the length between the superficial circumflex iliac artery and the folding point, and of the length between the folding point and the femoral bifurcation, respectively. The CFA curvature was described as harmonious in 12 patients, moderate plication in 14 patients, and severe plication in 14 patients. The CFA folding point was located on segment 1, 2 and 3 in 6, 26 and 8 patients, respectively; no folding point was located on segment 4.

CONCLUSION

In these patients with non-atheromatous disease, hip flexion yielded most frequently a harmonious curvature or a moderate plication of the CFA.

Endovascular revascularization strategies for aortoiliac and femoropopliteal artery disease: a meta-analysis

AIMS

Optimal endovascular management of intermittent claudication (IC) remains disputed. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares efficacy and safety outcomes for balloon angioplasty (BA), bare-metal stents (BMS), drug-coated balloons (DCB), drug-eluting stents (DES), covered stents, and atherectomy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Electronic databases were searched for randomized, controlled trials (RCT) from inception through November 2021. Efficacy outcomes were primary patency, target-lesion revascularization (TLR), and quality-of-life (QoL). Safety endpoints were all-cause mortality and major amputation. Outcomes were evaluated at short-term (<1 year), mid-term (1-2 years), and long-term (≥2 years) follow-up. The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021292639). Fifty-one RCTs enrolling 8430 patients/lesions were included. In femoropopliteal disease of low-to-intermediate complexity, DCBs were associated with higher likelihood of primary patency [short-term: odds ratio (OR) 3.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.44-4.24; long-term: OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.93-3.16], lower TLR (short-term: OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22-0.49; long-term: OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29-0.60) and similar all-cause mortality risk, compared with BA. Primary stenting using BMS was associated with improved short-to-mid-term patency and TLR, but similar long-term efficacy compared with provisional stenting. Mid-term patency (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.89-3.03) and TLR (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22-1.11) estimates were comparable for DES vs. BMS. Atherectomy, used independently or adjunctively, was not associated with efficacy benefits compared with drug-coated and uncoated angioplasty, or stenting approaches. Paucity and heterogeneity of data precluded pooled analysis for aortoiliac disease and QoL endpoints.

CONCLUSION

Certain devices may provide benefits in femoropopliteal disease, but comparative data in aortoiliac arteries is lacking. Gaps in evidence quantity and quality impede identification of the optimal endovascular approach to IC.

Evaluation of coronary stents: A review of types, materials, processing techniques, design, and problems

In the world, one of the leading causes of death is coronary artery disease (CAD). There are several ways to treat this disease, and stenting is currently the most appropriate way in many cases. Nowadays, the use of stents has rapidly increased, and they have been introduced in various models, with different geometries and materials. To select the most appropriate stent required, it is necessary to have an analysis of the mechanical behavior of various types of stents. The purpose of this article is to provide a complete overview of advanced research in the field of stents and to discuss and conclude important studies on different topics in the field of stents. In this review, we introduce the types of coronary stents, materials, stent processing technique, stent design, classification of stents based on the mechanism of expansion, and problems and complications of stents. In this article, by reviewing the biomechanical studies conducted in this field and collecting and classifying their results, a useful set of information has been presented to continue research in the direction of designing and manufacturing more efficient stents, although the clinical-engineering field still needs to continue research to optimize the design and construction. The optimum design of stents in the future is possible by simulation and using numerical methods and adequate knowledge of stent and artery biomechanics.

Long term follow-up after balloon expandable covered stents implantation for management of transcatheter aortic valve replacement related vascular access complications

OBJECTIVES

To report the experience of a high-volume center with balloon-expandable (BE) stents implantation to manage vascular complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

Despite increased operator experience and better devices, vascular complications after TAVR are still a major issue and covered stent implantation is often required.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected baseline and procedural data about 78 consecutive patients who underwent BE stent implantation to manage a vascular complication after transfemoral TAVR. Primary endpoints were technical success, incidence of new-onset claudication and need for vascular interventions during long-term follow-up. Secondary endpoints included length of hospitalization, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and major postoperative complications.

RESULTS

BE stents implantation to manage vascular complications after TAVR was successfully performed in 96.2% of the cases, with bailout surgery required in two cases. One patient suffered in-hospital death. Predischarge Doppler Ultrasound revealed no cases of in-stent occlusion or fracture. At a median follow-up of 429 days (interquartile range, 89-994 days), no cases of symptomatic leg ischemia were reported and only one patient experienced new-onset claudication.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience showed good periprocedural and long-term results of BE covered stent implantation to manage vascular complication after TAVR. Their great radial outward force may guarantee effective hemostasis without necessarily being associated with stent deformation/fracture resulting in restenosis or further interventions. More research is needed to define the role of BE covered stents in this setting.

Safety and Effectiveness of Endovascular Therapy for the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus

This study investigated the distribution of risk factors, lesion characteristics and endovascular revascularization (EVR) strategies in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with vs without diabetes mellitus (DM). Data were collected within the RECcording COurses of vasculaR Diseases (RECCORD) registry. Demographic data, lesion localization (iliac vs femoropopliteal vs below-the-knee (BTK)) and lesion complexity score (LCS) based on number of affected segments, and lesion length (< 10 vs 10-20 vs > 20 cm), EVR strategies and peri-procedural complications were analysed in 786 patients with and 1337 without diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes mellitus were older (71.6 ± 9.6 vs 69.4 ± 10.5 years, P < .001) and had higher LCS and more often BTK lesions (P < .05 for all). Lesions were treated less frequently with stents (48.7 vs 59.6%, P < .001) in patients with diabetes mellitus, whereas a non-significant trend was noticed for higher DCB treatment rates (48.3 vs 44.4%, P = .07). Post-interventional ankle-brachial index (ABI) increase was similar (from .77 ± .28 to .92 ± .25 with diabetes mellitus and from .74 ± .21 to .90 ± .20 without diabetes mellitus, P < .001 for both). Peri-/post-procedural complications were low in both groups (4.6%). Patients with diabetes mellitus, who undergo endovascular revascularization are older, have more comorbidities and higher target lesion complexity. However, treatment success rates are similar and complication rates are low.

Comparison of BARD®LIFESTREAM™ covered balloon-expandable stent versus GORE® VIABAHN™ covered self-expandable stent in treatment of aortoiliac obstructive disease: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial (NEONATAL trial)

BACKGROUND

Covered stent has become one of the mainstream therapies for aortoiliac obstructive disease (AIOD), with a higher patency rate than bare metal stent. Covered balloon-expandable (CBE) stent can be placed more accurately with higher a radial support force, while covered self-expanding (CSE) stent has greater elasticity and higher trackability. However, there is no level I evidence regarding the comparison safety and efficacy between the CSE stent and CBE stent in AIOD to date. Therefore, this study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of CBE stent (BARD®LIFESTREAM™) and CSE stent (GORE® VIABAHN™) in AIOD.

METHODS

This trial is a prospective, single-center, parallel, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. A total of 106 patients will be enrolled and these patients will be randomized to either the CBE stent group or the CSE stent group. The primary end point of the study is the occurrence of target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months after the intervention.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, the ballooN sElf cOver steNt AorToiliAc occuLusive (NEONATAL) trial is the first RCT to compare CBE and CSE stent in AIOD patients. The main aim is to compare the TLR of the target lesion between CBE stent and CSE stent at 12 months post-procedure. The results of clinical trials may contribute to establishing a strategic guideline for choosing the optimal type of covered stent in the treatment of AIOD patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2100046734. Registered on 27 May 2021.

Endovascular Materials and Their Behavior in Peripheral Vascular Surgery

Endovascular techniques have progressively become the first option for the treatment of stenosis and occlusions of both aorto-iliac and femoro-popliteal district. The development of new technologies and new materials has broadened the applicability of the endovascular techniques, allowing the treatment of each lesion with the most suitable material. A knowledge of the behavior of endovascular materials when treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is, therefore, crucial for optimization of the results. Here, we aim to review the most important technical features of the actually available endovascular materials for treating PAD.

EFFECTIVENESS OF LISINOPRIL AND AMLODIPINE COMBINATION AT HYPERTENSION WITH COMORBIDITY OF ARTERIOSCLEROSIS OBLITERANS IN GENERAL PRACTICE

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To analyze the dynamics of daily monitoring of blood pressure, intracardiac (according to echocardiography), peripheral hemodynamics (according to ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremity), the thickness of the intima-media complex (according to carotid sonography) in patients with hypertension the effect of treatment with a combination of lisinopril and amlodipine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The study included 40 patients with hypertension with 2 (29 patients) and 3 (11 patients) degrees of hypertension in combination with AOLE with I-III stages of chronic insufficiency of the lower extremity, which revealed hyperkinetic, eukinetic, and hypokinetic types of hypertension with a predominance of the sympathetic nervous system. The groups are comparable in age, sex, duration of hypertension, and medications received in the previous stages. For antihypertensive therapy, the most common drugs for use were selected - lisinopril + amplodipine in fixed doses of 10 and 5 mg, respectively. If after 2 weeks we did not reduce the mean level of SBP and DBP by 10% or more from baseline, we doubled the dose of lisinopril without changing the dose of amlodipine.

RESULTS

Results: After 6 months of treatment, in particular, an increase in the pulse index - by 24.8%, a decrease in the resistance index - by 21.1%, an increase in linear and volumetric blood velocity - by 25.6% and 27.4%, respectively, while achieving the target blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: It is proved that in the absence of individual contraindications the combination of lisinopril and amlodipine is optimal and universal for effective treatment of patients with hypertension in combination with AOLE in all types of central hemodynamics.

The feasibility of the flower stenting technique for ostial lesions of the common iliac artery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A balloon-expandable stent (BES) is generally used for ostial lesions of the common iliac artery (CIA) owing to the positional ease of stent adjustment. However, there are potential risks such as vessel dissection and perforation due to vessel overstretching during. In our hospital, we performed endovascular therapy (EVT) for CIA ostial lesions via a novel method named "the flower stenting method," using a self-expandable stent. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of this method.

METHODS

This study was single-center, retrospective, and observational. We enrolled 83 patients (91 limbs) who underwent EVT with SMART stent (Cordis, Miami, Florida) for CIA ostial lesions from 2007 to 2014. The primary endpoint was the rate of freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) in 5 years, and the secondary endpoint was the success rate of stent placement for the CIA ostium.

RESULTS

The average patient age was 72.3 ± 9.4 years, 71% of the patients were men, 19% were receiving hemodialysis, and 60% had diabetes. Additionally, 38% of the lesions were Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus C/D lesions, while 37% were chronic total occlusion lesions. The average lesion length was 36 ± 23 mm, and the average vessel diameter was 10.7 ± 1.4 mm. The rate of freedom from TLR was 97.3% at 5 years, and the success rate of only stent placement was 90.1%.

CONCLUSION

The flower stenting method leads to acceptable outcomes and is useful for accurate stent deployment.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of post-irradiated stenosis of subclavian artery

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) of post-irradiated stenosis of subclavian artery (PISSA) was not well clarified. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the technical safety and outcome of the patients of severe symptomatic PISSA accepted PTAS.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2019, 16 cases with 17 lesions of symptomatic and medically refractory PISSA accepted PTAS were included. We evaluated their technical success, peri-procedural complications and diffusion-weight imaging (DWI) of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), results of symptom relief, and long-term stent patency.

RESULTS

The stenosis of the 17 stenotic lesions were 81.2 ± 11.1%. The most common symptom of the 16 patients was dizziness (14/16, 87.5%). All successfully accepted PTAS without neurological complication and had symptom relief after PTAS (17/17, 100%). Of the 12 patients accepted pre-procedural and early post-procedural MRI follow-up, 2 patients had an asymptomatic tiny acute embolic infarct in the territory of vertebrobasilar system. In a 51.9 ± 54.9 months follow-up, all patients had no severe restenosis and no recurrent vertebrobasilar ischemic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

For patients with PISSA and medically refractory ischemic symptoms, PTAS can be an effective alternative management.

Development of a polycaprolactone/poly(p-dioxanone) bioresorbable stent with mechanically self-reinforced structure for congenital heart disease treatment

Recent progress in bioresorbable stents (BRSs) has provided a promising alternative for treating coronary artery disease. However, there is still lack of BRSs with satisfied compression and degradation performance for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, leading to suboptimal therapy effects. Here, we developed a mechanically self-reinforced composite bioresorbable stent (cBRS) for congenital heart disease application. The cBRS consisted of poly(p-dioxanone) monofilaments and polycaprolactone/poly(p-dioxanone) core-shell composite yarns. Interlacing points in cBRS structure were partially bonded, offering the cBRS with significantly higher compression force compared to typical braids and remained good compliance. The suitable degradation profile of the cBRS can possibly preserve vascular remodeling and healing process. In addition, the controllable structural organization provides a method to customize the performance of the cBRS by altering the proportion of different components in the braids. The in vivo results suggested the cBRS supported the vessel wall similar to that of metallic stent. In both abdominal aorta and iliac artery of porcine, cBRS was entirely endothelialized within 1 month and maintained target vessels with good patency in the 12-month follow-up. The in vivo degradation profile of the cBRS is consistent with static degradation results in vitro. It is also demonstrated that there is minimal impact of pulsatile pressure of blood flow and variation of radial force on the degradation rate of the cBRS. Moreover, the lumen of cBRS implanted vessels were enlarged after 6 months, and significantly larger than the vessels implanted with metallic stent in 12 months.

Iliocaval reconstruction of chronically thrombosed cylindrical inferior vena cava filters with balloon expandable covered stent-grafts

The use of a Viabahn VBX endoprosthesis (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) to exclude chronically thrombosed inferior vena cava (IVC) filters refractory to exclusion with self-expanding stents was evaluated. The mean duration of TrapEase IVC (Cordis, Milpitas, Calif) implantation was 7.6 years (range, 2-11 years). Symptoms included leg pain, edema, color changes, and back pain. The mean Villalta score and venous clinical severity score were 17 (range, 13-23) and 13 (range, 11-15), respectively. Indirect ultrasound evidence of stent patency was demonstrated at a mean of 8 months after intervention. The mean Villalta score and venous clinical severity score had decreased by 13 and 10, respectively, at a mean of 9.5 months after intervention. Iliocaval reconstruction with Viabahn VBX balloon expandable stent-graft exclusion of chronically thrombosed TrapEase IVC filters is safe, with favorable short-term results.

Long-term impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with intermittent claudication due to peripheral artery disease following endovascular treatment

Little is known about the prognostic impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels on causes of death during long-term follow-up. We, therefore, investigated the associations between hs-CRP and clinical outcomes in the patients with intermittent claudication. Three hundred thirty-five consecutive patients (mean age, 72 ± 8 years, 82% men) undergoing first intervention for de novo iliac and/or femoropopliteal artery lesions from 2009 to 2020 were studied. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the optimal cutoff value of hs-CRP (> or ≤ 0.15 mg/dL). The median follow-up duration was 3.6 years (interquartile range, 1.0-6.2 years). Although the cumulative incidence rate of major adverse cardiovascular limb events was not significantly different between the higher and lower hs-CRP groups (29.0 and 22.1%, respectively; log-rank test, p = 0.410), that of all-cause death was significantly higher in the higher hs-CRP group than in the lower hs-CRP group (18.7 vs. 5.8%, log-rank test, p = 0.007), even in cardiovascular-related death and malignancy-related death (log-rank test, p = 0.030 and 0.046, respectively). Higher hs-CRP levels at the time of intervention were significantly associated with higher frequency of all-cause death, even after adjusting for other risk factors (hazard ratio 2.79; 95% confidence interval 1.66-7.17, p = 0.024). In addition, malignancy-related death was most frequent as high as 60% (21/35 deaths), and elevated hs-CRP levels and the Brinkman index were strongly independent predictors of malignancy-related death. In conclusion, elevated hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with cardiovascular-related and malignancy-related deaths in patients with intermittent claudication. Furthermore, the result that cancer mortality exceeds cardiovascular mortality is different from previous reports, so the present findings warrant further investigation.

Long-term results of endovascular reconstruction for aortoiliac occlusive disease

Background

Open surgery is the gold standard for the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Endovascular therapy has emerged as an attractive alternative for AIOD due to its minimal invasiveness. The aims of the present study were to investigate the long-term patency of endovascular treatment and to compare the outcomes of Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC II) A/B and C/D lesions.

Methods

Patients with AIOD (n=156) were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Patency rates were assessed at 12, 36, and 60 months after the procedure. Parameters for comparisons between TASC II A/B and C/D lesions included primary patency, secondary patency, freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), the technical success rate, the rate of complications, and risk factors for in-stent restenosis.

Results

For all patients, the technical success rate was 98.7%, the complication rate was 4.5%, and the mean follow-up period was 35.7 months. At 12, 36, and 60 months after the procedure, the primary patency rates were 96.5%, 88.3%, and 80.4%, respectively. The secondary patency rates were 99%, 96.4%, and 88%, respectively. The rates of freedom from TLR were 97.5%, 91.6%, and 89.6%. No significant differences were observed between A/B and C/D lesions in terms of primary patency (P=0.443), secondary patency (P=0.393), or freedom from TLR (P=0.481).

Conclusions

Endovascular reconstruction is effective and safe for AIOD, and should be the first-line treatment option for patients with TASC II A-D aortoiliac lesions.

Aorto-iliac peripheral artery disease

Aorto-iliac disease is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis. Individuals with this condition are at heightened cardiovascular risk, and may have limb symptoms ranging from claudication to limb-threatening ischemia. A regimen of medical therapy, risk factor modification, and exercise is first line therapy. Revascularization is reserved for individuals with lifestyle-limiting claudication despite conservative therapy and in those with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Multiple endovascular therapies are now available that enable even the most complex aorto-iliac lesions to be approached and treated with safe and durable results.

Korean Multicenter Registry Study of EPIC Stents for the Treatment of Iliac Artery Disease: K-EPIC Registry

Background and Objectives

The EPIC™ stent is a self-expanding, nitinol stent that has been designed to enhance flexibility and provide expansion within vessels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the EPIC™ stent when used to treat iliac artery diseases in a prospective Korean multicenter registry.

Methods

A total of 138 patients with iliac artery diseases who received endovascular treatment with EPIC™ stents at 9 Korean sites were enrolled in a prospective cohort and followed for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the 1-year freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary endpoints were 1-year clinical patency and freedom from major adverse events (MAEs).

Results

The mean age of the study subjects was 66.8±8.5 years and most subjects were male (86.2%). The most frequent lesion type was Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus B (43.5%) and the majority (56.5%) of the target lesions were located in the common iliac artery. Procedural success was obtained in 99.3% of patients. The freedom from TLR and the clinical patency at 1-year follow-up were 94.9% and 92.3%, respectively. The 1-year rate of MAEs was 5.1%. Combined coronary artery disease (hazard ratio [HR], 5.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–30.89; p=0.035) and smaller stent diameter (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17–0.88; p=0.023) were identified as independent risk factors of TLR after EPIC™ stent implantation.

Conclusions

The EPIC™ stents demonstrated excellent immediate and 1-year efficacy and safety outcomes in iliac artery lesions in this multicenter, prospective, registry-based study.

Designing Better Cardiovascular Stent Materials - A Learning Curve

Cardiovascular stents are life-saving devices and one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of the 21st century. Decades of research and clinical trials have taught us about the effects of material (metal or polymer), design (geometry, strut thickness, and the number of connectors), and drug-elution on vasculature mechanics, hemocompatibility, biocompatibility, and patient health. Recently developed novel bioresorbable stents are intended to overcome common issues of chronic inflammation, in-stent restenosis, and stent thrombosis associated with permanent stents, but there is still much to learn. Increased knowledge and advanced methods in material processing have led to new stent formulations aimed at improving the performance of their predecessors but often comes with potential tradeoffs. This review aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of stent material interactions with the host within five areas of contrasting characteristics, such as 1) metal or polymer, 2) bioresorbable or permanent, 3) drug elution or no drug elution, 4) bare or surface-modified, and 5) self-expanding or balloon-expanding perspectives, as they relate to pre-clinical and clinical outcomes and concludes with directions for future studies.

Endovascular Revascularization for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease

말초동맥질환은 하지혈관을 흔히 침범하는 폐쇄성 질환이다. 대동맥-장골동맥 부위에서 이를 치료하기 위한 재개통술은 전통적으로 수술적인 접근을 통한 우회술을 근간으로 하였으며, 최근에는 국소적이고 단순한 병변들을 위주로 혈관 내 접근법을 통한 치료법이 우선 권고되고 있다. 혈관 내 접근법은 그 최소침습적인 특성으로 인하여 수술의 위험성이 높은 환자에 대해서 활용하는 것이 일반적이었으나, 근래의 다양한 기법 및 기구의 발전으로 보다 다양한 질병 상태를 가진 환자에서 활용되어 수술적인 치료에 근접하는 결과가 보고되고 있다. 이 종설에서는 말초동맥 질환에 대한 진단 및 대동맥-장골동맥 부위의 혈관 내 재개통술에 활용되는 기법 및 기구들에 대해 살펴보고 그 역할에 대해 살펴보고자 한다.

Angioplasty versus stenting for iliac artery lesions

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis of the iliac artery may result in a stenosis or occlusion, which is defined as iliac artery occlusive disease. A range of surgical and endovascular treatment options are available. Open surgical procedures have excellent patency rates but at the cost of substantial morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment has good safety and short-term efficacy with decreased morbidity, complications and costs compared with open surgical procedures. Both percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting are commonly used endovascular treatment options for iliac artery occlusive disease. A stenotic or occlusive lesion of the iliac artery can be treated successfully by PTA alone. If PTA alone is technically unsuccessful, additional stent placement is indicated. Alternatively, a stent could be placed primarily to treat an iliac artery stenosis or occlusion (primary stenting, PS). However, there is limited evidence to prove which endovascular treatment strategy is superior for stenotic and occlusive lesions of the iliac arteries. This is an update of the review first published in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty versus primary stenting for stenotic and occlusive lesions of the iliac artery.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 24 September 2019. We also undertook reference checking and citation searching to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and primary stenting for iliac artery occlusive disease. We excluded quasi-randomised trials, case reports, case-control or cohort studies. We did not exclude studies based on the language of publication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected suitable trials, extracted data, assessed trial quality and performed data analyses. When there was disagreement, consensus would be reached first by discussion between the two authors and, if needed, through consultation with a third author. We used GRADE criteria to assess the certainty of the evidence and presented the main results in a 'Summary of findings' table. The main outcomes of interest were technical success, complications, symptomatic improvement of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), patency, reinterventions, resolutions of symptoms and signs, and improvement in walking distance as reported by the patient.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified no new studies for this update. Previously, we identified two RCTs, with a combined total of 397 participants, as meeting the selection criteria. One study included mostly stenotic lesions (95%), whereas the second study included only iliac artery occlusions. Heterogeneity between these two studies meant it was not possible to pool the data. Both studies were of moderate methodological quality with some risk of bias relating to selective reporting and non-blinding of participants and personnel. Both studies occurred in the 1990s and techniques have since evolved. We assessed the overall certainty of the evidence to be low. We downgraded by two levels: one for risk of bias concerns and one for imprecision and indirectness. There was no evidence of a difference following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with selective stenting compared to primary stenting (PS) in technical success rates in either the study involving stenotic lesions (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 2.99; 279 participants; low certainty evidence); or the study involving iliac artery occlusions (OR 2.95, 95% CI 0.12 to 73.90; 112 participants; low certainty evidence). In one trial, PTA of iliac artery occlusions resulted in a higher rate of major complications, especially distal embolisation (OR 4.50 95% CI 1.18 to 17.14; 1 study, 112 participants; low certainty evidence). Immediate complications were similar in the second study (OR 1.81, 95% CI 0.64 to 5.13; 1 study, 279 participants; low certainty evidence). Neither study reported on delayed complications. No evidence of a difference was seen in symptomatic improvement (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.27; 1 study, 157 participants; low certainty evidence). The second study did not provide data but reported no differences. For the outcome of patency, no evidence of a difference was seen in the study involving iliac occlusion at two years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.34 to 7.44; 1 study, 57 participants; low certainty evidence); or the study involving stenotic lesions at two years (71.3% in the PS group versus 69.9% in the PTA group). Only one study reported on reintervention (six to eight years, OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.23; 1 study, 279 participants; low certainty evidence); and resolution of symptoms and signs (12 months, OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.00; 1 study, 219 participants; low certainty evidence), with no evidence of a difference detected in either outcome. Neither study reported on improvement in walking distance as reported by the patient.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to make general conclusions about the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty versus primary stenting for stenotic and occlusive lesions of the iliac artery. Data from one study indicate that primary stenting in iliac artery occlusions may result in lower distal embolisation rates (low certainty evidence). The evidence in this review, based on two studies, was assessed as low certainty, with downgrading decisions based on limitations in risk of bias, imprecision and indirectness. More studies are required to strengthen our confidence in the results.

Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging During Aortoiliac Stenting: No Impact on Outcomes at 1 Year

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging use on clinical outcomes after aortoiliac stenting in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects for this retrospective analysis were derived from the OMOTENASHI registry database, which contained 803 symptomatic PAD patients (Rutherford categories 2-4) who were treated with self-expanding stent implantation for aortoiliac atherosclerotic lesions at 61 centers in Japan between January 2014 and April 2016. Of the 803 patients, 545 (67.9%) patients (mean age 73±9 years; 453 men) underwent IVUS-supported stent implantation and were compared with the 258 patients (mean age 73±8 years; 217 men) treated without IVUS. A propensity score analysis of 138 matched pairs was conducted to compare treatment strategies and clinical outcomes between patients having IVUS-supported endovascular therapy and those treated without IVUS.

RESULTS

Endovascular strategies and postoperative medications were not significantly different between the IVUS and no-IVUS groups. A procedure time under 1 hour was less frequent in the IVUS group, which had a longer fluoroscopy time. The 12-month restenosis rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups [10.2% (95% CI 6.9 to 14.9%) vs 10.3% (95% CI 5.4 to 18.6%), p=0.99]. There was no interaction between baseline characteristics and the association of IVUS use with restenosis risk.

CONCLUSION

Propensity score matching analysis revealed that duration and fluoroscopy time during IVUS-supported procedures were significantly longer than in cases without IVUS use, whereas the 12-month restenosis rate was not significantly different between the groups. IVUS use in aortoiliac lesions may be unnecessary.

Treatment of iliac atherosclerotic lesions using the balloon-expandable dynamic bare metal stent: One-year outcomes of the BIODYNAMIC single-center retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular therapy using balloon expandable stents has become the treatment standard for most iliac atherosclerotic lesions. We aimed to assess the safety and performance of the Dynamic stainless-steel balloon-expanding stent system in this location.

METHODS

BIODYNAMIC is a retrospective single center study including consecutive patients with iliac lesions treated with the Dynamic stent system. Not included were implantations inside an endograft. The primary endpoint was freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE) at 12 months, defined as index limb amputation or target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary endpoints were procedure success, ankle brachial index (ABI) and Rutherford class change, mortality and freedom from TLR after 12 months.

RESULTS

Within two years, 182 patients with 234 lesions in the common iliac artery were enrolled. Rutherford class 5 and 6 were present in 11.5% of patients, average stent diameter was 8.0 ± 0.5 mm and stented length 40.0 ± 15.3 mm. The primary endpoint was reached in 96.2% (225/234) of the cases, with six TLR (2.6%) and three target limb amputations (1.3%). Procedure success was obtained in all but three patients (98.4%). In paired analysis, ABI improved by 0.25 ± 0.21 from baseline to 0.90 ± 0.16 post-procedure and Rutherford class improved by -1.75 ± 1.53. There were four non-device-related deaths (2.2%). Freedom from TLR was 97%, 95.3%, 94% and 92.7% at 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Dynamic balloon-expandable stent system proved to be safe and effective in a population with common iliac artery lesions.

Bare Stents for Iliac Chronic Total Occlusions ("TELIS"): A Prospective Cohort Study with a Midterm Follow-up

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess primary bare stenting for iliac chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with midterm follow-up.

METHODS

From April 2013 to May 2016, all patients presenting with symptomatic iliac CTO were treated endovascularly and included in a prospective single-center cohort. Common iliac CTOs were treated with balloon-expandable bare-metal stents. External iliac lesions were treated with bare self-expandable nitinol stents. Primary end point was primary sustained clinical improvement. A total of 49 iliac CTOs were treated in 46 patients.

RESULTS

A total of 22 lesions were located at the level of the common iliac artery (45%), 20 at the external iliac artery (41%), and 7 extending to both (14%). Mean stenting length was 114.4 ± 49.8 mm. Technical success was 98%. Primary sustained clinical improvement was achieved for 93.4 ± 3.7% of patients at 12 months and 87.7 ± 5.2% at 24 months. Three in-stent thrombosis were observed with no restenosis in the remaining patients at 24 months. Freedom from target lesion revascularization was 93.3% ± 3.7% at 24 months. Three stent fractures were noted, none were symptomatic. Mean quality of life (EQ5D-3L) was significantly improved at 24 months (71.2 ± 20.3 vs. 52.4 ± 22.6, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that primary bare-metal stenting for iliac CTO is safe and efficient at 24 months and could be considered as a first-line strategy.

[Predictive factors of amputation after iliac angioplasty in patients with severe artery disease]

INTRODUCTION

Despite the success of angioplasty of the iliac artery, this technique remains associated with significant amputation rates. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors for lower limb amputation after iliac angioplasty in patients with critical ischemia.

METHODS

We reported a retrospective study including patients who successfully underwent angioplasty of the iliac artery between 2014 and 2018. The primary endpoint was limb salvage at 1 month. The variables were studied in univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Our study included 86 patients. The median age was 57±10 and the sex ratio was 4.7. Cardiovascular risk factors were represented by smoking in 14 cases (16.3%), diabetes in 25 cases (29.1%), arterial hypertension in 2 cases (2.3%) and dyslipidemia in 2 cases (2.3%). Seventy patients (81.3%) were classified as stage 4 according to the Leriche and Fontaine classification and 16 patients (18.7%) were classified as stage 3. The lesions were stenosing in 48 cases (55.8%) and occlusive in 38 cases (44.2%). These lesions were classified according to the TASC classification "Trans-Atlantic-Society-Consensus" in TASC A-B in 61 cases (70.9%) and TASC C-D in 35 cases (29.1%). Distal arteritis was found in 8 cases (9.3%). Balloon angioplasty was performed in 36 cases (41.8%) and angioplasty stenting in 50 cases (58.2%). At 1 month, the amputation rate was 9.3%. Univariate analysis showed that diabetes and smoking were the most important factors associated with amputation (respectively P=0.007, OR=9.31, 95% CI=[1.73-50.07] and P=0.022; OR=6.8; 95% CI=[1.46 to 31.61]). Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes and distal arteritis were the predictive factors for amputation (respectively P=0.034, OR=21.06, 95% CI=[1.25 to 354.46] and P=0.008, OR=11,61, 95% CI=[1.88 to 71.69]).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes and distal arteritis are the predictive factors for lower limb amputation after iliac angioplasty.

Meta-analysis of direct surgical versus endovascular revascularization for aortoiliac occlusive disease

OBJECTIVE

There is a paucity of good-quality evidence comparing direct surgical (DS) with endovascular/hybrid (EVH) revascularization for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of studies comparing DS and EVH revascularization for AIOD.

METHODS

PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for studies comparing DS and EVH revascularization for AIOD from 2000 to 2018. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Demographics, clinical presentation, and comorbidities of the two groups were compared. Kaplan-Meier curves from selected studies were digitized with WebPlotDigitizer. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager, and outcome measures were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed for primary patency in the EVH group.

RESULTS

Eleven observational studies were identified comparing a sample of 4030 patients. The median Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score was 19 of 24. A total of 1679 and 2351 patients underwent DS and EVH techniques, respectively. No significant difference was found between means for sex, claudication, rest pain, tissue loss, preoperative ankle-brachial pressure index, and TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and D lesions in the two groups averaged across studies. However, the DS group had significantly younger patients (average age, 61.83 vs 66.77; P = .0011). The risk factors of the two groups, such as smoking, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal failure, and chronic lung disease, were comparable. Average hospital stay was significantly higher for the DS group (7.76 days vs 3.12 days; P = .025). Change in ankle-brachial pressure index, 30-day mortality, and 30-day graft/stent thrombosis were not significantly different for the groups. Overall, primary patency for a median follow-up of 50 months favored the DS group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.51; confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.73; P = .0002). There was moderate heterogeneity among studies (I² = 46%). The HR for the subgroup for which endovascular procedures were combined with common femoral endarterectomy was 0.43 compared with 0.88 for endovascular revascularization alone. Limb salvage was similar in both groups (HR, 1.10; CI, 0.74-1.64; P = .63), but overall survival after the procedure favored the DS group (HR, 0.75; CI, 0.60-0.94; P = .01; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-quality studies showed that DS revascularization had significantly better primary patency than EVH revascularization for AIOD, although DS patients were younger and may have differed on other confounding variables. Both techniques had similar limb salvage rates, and the primary patency was better for endovascular revascularization combined with common femoral endarterectomy than for endovascular revascularization alone.

Iliac Artery Intervention

Endovascular revascularization for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) is now considered first-line therapy for patients with claudication and critical limb ischemia and in asymptomatic patients in whom large-bore access is required (eg, mechanical circulatory support or transcatheter aortic valve replacement). The authors review the data supporting endovascular therapy for AIOD, indications and contraindications for AIOD revascularization, as well as the procedural techniques required to safely perform endovascular therapy in this vascular bed. They review prevention and management of the major complications that can occur during these procedures. Finally, they discuss postprocedural management to maintain patency and optimize patient outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of a Newly Developed Self-Expanding Open-Cell Type Nitinol Stent for Peripheral Arteries: A Preclinical Study in Minipigs

목적

얇고 새로운 구조로 개발된 말초동맥용 자가팽창성 개방형 니티놀 스텐트의 유효성 및 안전성을 기존에 사용하는 스텐트와 비교 평가하였다.

대상과 방법

미니피그 14마리를 대상으로 실험군과 대조군 스텐트를 무작위배정 후 각 개체의 장골동맥에 대칭적으로 삽입하여 1개월(n = 5) 및 6개월(n = 9) 추적관찰하였다. 혈관조영술로 혈관 직경, 후기 내강 손실 및 협착 정도를 평가하고 조직계측학적으로 내탄력층 면적, 내강 면적, 신생 내막 면적 및 협착 정도를 분석하였다. 추적기간 중 모든 실험 개체에 대하여 매일 임상적 평가 및 식이 정도를 추적관찰하였다.

결과

모든 개체는 추적관찰 기간 중 생존하였으며 중대한 유해 반응을 보이지 않았다. 혈관조영술상 6개월 추적관찰군에서 실험군의 내강 직경이 유의하게 컸으며(p = 0.014), 후기 내강 손실이 적었고(p = 0.019), 협착 정도가 낮았다(p = 0.014). 조직학적으로 1개월 추적관찰군에서 실험군이 신생 내막 면적 및 면적 협착이 유의하게 낮았다(각, p = 0.008, p = 0.016). 6개월 추적관찰군에서는 실험군이 대조군에 비하여 내강 면적이 유의하게 넓었으며(p = 0.040), 내탄력층 면적, 신생 내막 면적 및 면적 협착이 통계적으로 유의하게 낮았다(각, p = 0.004, p = 0.008, p = 0.014).

결론

새로 개발된 말초혈관용 자가팽창성 개방형 니티놀 스텐트는 기존에 사용하는 스텐트와 비교하여 안전하며 신생 내막 증식의 정도가 적었다.

A Hybrid Technique to Treat Iliofemoral Lesions Using a Covered Stent Associated with Open Femoral Repair

BACKGROUND

To describe a hybrid approach for complex iliofemoral lesions and report short-term and mid-term results.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective study, all consecutive patients (n = 32, 36 limbs) who underwent hybrid repair of complex iliofemoral lesions between 2012 and 2017 using a conformable self-expandable covered stent for external iliac artery lesions and open repair of the common femoral artery were included. Lesions were responsible for claudication in 13 (36%) limbs, rest pain in 13 (36%) limbs and tissue loss in 10 (28%) limbs. Over a wire crossing the iliac lesion, the covered stent was deployed, externalized through the femoral arteriotomy, and cut at the iliofemoral junction in such a way that no untreated transition zone remained between the stent and the open reconstruction of the femoral artery.

RESULTS

Two elderly patients with critical limb ischemia died during the postoperative course, giving in-hospital mortality of 6.2%. Four (12.5%) presented with moderate to severe complications, including one transtibial amputation in a patient who presented with tissue loss at admission. The median follow-up period was 24.1 months (range: 0.8-64 months). One-year and two-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival were 91% (95% CI: 97-74) and 76% (95% CI: 89-53). One-year and two-year estimates of freedom from major amputation were 96% (95% CI: 99-76) and 91% (95% CI: 97-66). Estimates of primary patency, assisted primary patency, and secondary patency were: 93.7 (95% CI: 77.1-98.4) at 1 year, and 93.7 (95% CI: 77.1-98.4) at 2 years; 96.7% (95% CI: 78.6-99.6) at 1 year, and 96.7% (95% CI: 78.6-99.6) at 2 years; 96.7% (95% CI: 78.6-99.6) at 1 year and 96.7% (95% CI: 78.6-99.6) at 2 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our hybrid approach for iliofemoral lesions provided acceptable mortality and good mid-term patency rates. Further studies with long-term followup are needed to evaluate the safety and durability of this technique.

[Recommended interventions for the treatment of peripheral artery disease : Keep the patients moving]

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is often diagnosed in an advanced stage. Accordingly, revascularization is also performed late.

OBJECTIVES

In this paper, the authors describe the progression to critical limb ischemia and cardiovascular risk. Revascularization for secondary prevention is explained. Revascularization strategies according to lesion location and complexity of the stenosis or occlusion are discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current guidelines and randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses are analyzed.

RESULTS

PAD is associated with a considerable level of suffering and a high cardiovascular risk. Up to 20% of patients with claudicants will progress to critical limb ischemia. Progression and risk of mortality increase during the course of the disease. Improvement of walking ability by revascularization is a major goal of secondary prevention. In the femoropopliteal segment, drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation are the methods of choice. In long lesions, spot-stenting should be preferred. For treatment of in-stent restenosis, DCB have proven their effectiveness. In severely calcified or dissected lesions, BMS are well suited. Infrapopliteal lesions should be revascularized to provide in-line flow to the foot through the target arterial path. According to current evidence, DCB or drug-eluting stents are more effective than plain old balloon angioplasty or BMS.

Impact of Hospital Volume on Clinical Outcomes after Aortoiliac Stenting in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

AIM

To investigate the impact of institutional volume on clinical outcomes after aortoiliac (AI) stenting in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical database from the Observational prospective Multicenter registry study on the Outcomes of peripheral arTErial disease patieNts treated by AngioplaSty tHerapy in the aortoIliac artery (OMOTENASHI) registry. The volume of each institution was evaluated as the number of endovascular therapy (EVT) procedures performed in 2 years (2014-2015). High-volume centers were defined as being in the highest tertile of the procedural volume (≥ 611 EVT procedures in 2 years). Clinical outcomes, treatment strategies, and endovascular procedures were compared between high- and low-volume centers using a propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The propensity score matching extracted 236 pairs of patients (as many patients treated at high-volume centers and 519 patients treated at low-volume centers), with no remarkable intergroup differences in the baseline characteristics. Patients treated at high-volume hospitals had a significantly lower 12-month restenosis rate than that of patients treated at low-volume hospitals (6.5% vs. 15.8%, P=0.032), although comparable outcomes between the two groups included the technical success rate (99.6% vs. 99.8%, P=0.58) and the rate of 30-day major adverse events (0.4% vs. 0.8%, P=0.59).

CONCLUSION

Institutional volume was associated with the 12-month restenosis rate after AI stenting for PAD, although comparable perioperative outcomes were also observed between high-volume and low-volume hospitals.

Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data After Kissing Stent Treatment for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease

PURPOSE

To evaluate short- and long-term technical and clinical outcomes after kissing stent treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) based on an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of the Scopus database identified 156 articles on KS treatment of AIOD; of these 22 met the inclusion criteria. Authors of 19 articles with contact information were approached to join an IPD consortium. Eight author groups responded and 5 provided anonymized data for merging into an IPD database. The number of included procedures was equal before and after 2005. The primary study outcome was the cumulative patency at 24 months. Secondary outcomes were patency at up to 60 months, complications, and changes in Rutherford category and ankle-brachial index. The predictive value of stent protrusion length, pre-/postdilation, stent type, and patient demographics on primary patency were examined with Cox proportional hazard modeling; outcomes are reported as the hazard ratio (HR). The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate patency rates.

RESULTS

In total, 605 (40.9%) of 1480 patients presented in the literature were included in the IPD analysis. The indication for intervention was intermittent claudication in 84.2% and critical limb ischemia in 15.8%. Lesions were classified as TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) A or B in 52.8% and TASC C and D in 47.2%. The overall primary patency estimate was 81% at 24 months. Primary patency significantly increased after 2005 (p=0.005). Cox regression analysis revealed only age as a significant predictor of sustained primary patency (HR 0.60, p<0.005). Any previous endovascular intervention (HR 2.52, p=0.02) was the main predictor for loss of secondary patency; history of cardiovascular disease (HR 0.27, p=0.04) was the main predictor of sustained secondary patency.

CONCLUSION

The kissing stent technique has a good safety profile and acceptable patency rates up to 2 years, even in TASC C and D lesions, supporting an endovascular-first approach for AIOD.

Peripheral vascular interventional advances in 2017

Aim of this review is to inform major clinical trials in peripheral vascular interventions in the year of 2017.

Composite self-expanding bioresorbable prototype stents with reinforced compression performance for congenital heart disease application: Computational and experimental investigation

Stents are vital devices to treat vascular stenosis in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. Bioresorbable stents (BRSs) have been applied to reduce challenging complications caused by permanent metal stents. However, it remains almost a total lack of BRSs with satisfactory compression performance specifically for children with congenital heart disease, leading to importantly suboptimal effects. In this work, composite bioresorbable prototype stents with superior compression resistance were designed by braiding and annealing technology, incorporating poly (p-dioxanone) (PPDO) monofilaments and polycaprolactone (PCL) multifilament. Stent prototype compression properties were investigated. The results revealed that novel composite prototype stents showed superior compression force compared to the control ones, as well as recovery ability. Furthermore, deformation mechanisms were analyzed by computational simulation, which revealed bonded interlacing points among yarns play an important role. This research presents important clinical implications in bioresorbable stent manufacture and provides further study with an innovative stent design.