Crossing Algorithm for Infrainguinal Chronic Total Occlusions: An Interdisciplinary Expert Opinion Statement

Three-Year Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) versus Non-CTO Femoropopliteal Lesions Treated With Atherectomy Followed by Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty

BackgroundEndovascular intervention of the femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is technically challenging and associated with increased rates of treatment failure and complications. The long-term patency of CTOs of the femoropopliteal segment treated with contemporary tools, such as atherectomy and drug-eluting technology, is not well studied.MethodsWe performed a prospective, single-center analysis of 60 consecutive patients with femoropopliteal disease successfully treated with either directional or orbital atherectomy followed by paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB). Endpoints of interest were freedom from restenosis and revascularization following atherectomy and DCB angioplasty. All patients underwent clinical and imaging evaluation for 3 years to identify evidence of target lesion restenosis (RS) and revascularization (TLR).ResultsThere were 26 patients with CTO and 34 patients with non-CTO lesions. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the CTO and non-CTO groups other than ankle-brachial indices (ABI, 0.73 ± 0.11 vs 0.88 ± 0.14, P < 0.001). Kaplan Meier (KM) analysis for freedom from RS and TLR at 3 years was similar among the 2 groups (log rank p; 0.42, 0.69 respectively). Post-procedure, all patients had improvement of claudication, normalization of ABI indexes and duplex ultrasound velocities.ConclusionFreedom from target lesion restenosis and revascularization at 3 years were similar between CTO and non-CTO lesions treated with atherectomy followed by DCB angioplasty. These findings underscore the importance of optimal vessel preparation to achieve improved patency regardless of lesion morphology.

Intravascular ultrasound evaluation of BYCROSS™ Atherectomy

Background: BYCROSS™ atherectomy allows minimally invasive plaque removal in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Previously published reports with this device provided promising results. However, data on atherectomy combined with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are limited. The aim of this study was to assess luminal gain in patients treated with the BYCROSS™ device in femoropopliteal lesions using IVUS. Patients and methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic PAD due to symptomatic femoropopliteal lesions or occlusions underwent BYCROSS™ atherectomy-assisted endovascular revascularization. Safety in terms of perforation and embolization were evaluated, while area of stenosis (%) and minimal luminal area were measured by IVUS at baseline, after atherectomy and after adjunctive therapy. Results: 21 patients (68.2±8.8 years, 16 male and 11 with chronic limb-threatening ischemia) were included. Mean lesion length was 139.8±68.8 mm and 15 (71.4%) of the lesions were chronic total occlusions (CTO). Most lesions (52.4%) exhibited moderate-to-severe calcification. Median minimal lumen diameter (MLA) was 0.0 mm² (IQR=0.0-2.55 mm²) before treatment, increased to 8.0 mm² (IQR=6.6-11.2 mm²) after atherectomy (p<0.0001 vs. baseline) and further increased to 17.6 mm² (IQR=11.6-22.3 mmm²) after further treatment with angioplasty and if required stenting (p=0.0001 vs. after atherectomy). No perforations were noted, while peripheral embolization was noted in 3 (14.3%) cases, which all could be treated by catheter aspiration. Conclusion: The BYCROSSTM atherectomy system can provide effective lumen gain in femoropopliteal lesions without barotrauma, which can be quantitatively assessed using IVUS. Further studies are now warranted to investigate the impact of luminal gain on long-term patency and limb-related outcomes.

[Lesion Preparation in Peripheral Arteries - Fact or Fashion?]

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is mostly caused by stenotic atherosclerotic lesions of lower limb arteries. Intermittent claudication is the most common manifestation, while, in more advanced stages of the disease, chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) occurs. Optimal medical therapy is an essential cornerstone in all stages of PAD, while endovascular and open surgical revascularisation are of great importance - depending on the patient and lesion characteristics and can be used in a complementary manner. In patients with claudication, the improvement in the pain-free walking distance is the primary therapeutic goal, while, in patients with CLTI, amputation-free survival is most important. In both patient groups, there is a need for strict control of cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and diabetes control, nicotine abstinence and reduction in cholesterol levels using intensive statin therapy, in accordance with national and international guidelines. Endovascular treatment of PAD is used widely and by various specialist disciplines. However, conventional endovascular therapy procedures have limitations in complex and heavily calcified lesions, so that, for example, classic balloon angioplasty in such lesions is associated with "recoil" and/or severe dissections, which usually require the placement of permanent metallic implants. Lesion preparation procedures, such as atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) can improve compliance of calcified arteries, by either creating microfractures at calcified sites or removing calcified material. In this way, balloon angioplasty can be performed with less barotrauma and the need for stent implantation can be reduced, while subsequent treatment with drug-coated balloons (DCB) is associated with potentially improved penetration of the drug into the vessel wall, and thus increases the effectiveness of the procedure by enhancing anti-restenotic effects. In this manuscript, the potential - but also the limitations - of different lesion preparation strategies are presented and discussed.

Cutting-edge European guidelines for managing lower extremity peripheral arterial disease - Featuring selected insights on PAD management

The new guidelines for the management of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases (PAAD) from the European Society of Cardiology and endorsed by the European Society of Vascular Medicine (ESVM), emphasize on a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach focusing on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with a wide range of PAAD, including lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The aim of this summary, focusing on PAD and coordinated by the Young Academy of ESVM, is to provide young angiologists with the fundamental principles of these guidelines and to assist them in navigating their everyday clinical practice. PAD diagnosis relies on objective evaluation of flow/oxygen reduction at rest, with arterial ultrasound as the first imaging modality to confirm the presence of arterial lesions. The main goals of PAD management are not only to improve functioning and prevent the occurrence of adverse events at the lower limb level, but also to reduce the overall atherosclerotic burden and achieve the general well-being of patients. To this end, traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors need to be properly addressed through lifestyle changes and tailored drug therapies. For patients with exertional limb symptoms, supervised exercise training is recommended. Interventional treatment is indicated for limb salvage in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia and may also be discussed in a multidisciplinary setting in less severe patients with persisting symptoms and reduced quality of life after a minimum period of optimal medical treatment including exercise therapy. For trainees or young specialists in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, these guidelines provide essential elements to improve patient management, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure an integrated approach to vascular diseases.

Global Algorithm for the Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Femoropopliteal Lesions: An Interdisciplinary Expert Opinion Statement

A global treatment algorithm was developed for the endovascular revascularization of femoropopliteal lesions and chronic total occlusions, aiming toward a more standardized approach to endovascular treatment in patients with peripheral artery disease. The following steps are proposed. 1) Evaluation of lesion morphology based on preprocedural imaging by Duplex sonography and intravenous ultrasound for selection of lesion preparation tools. Lesion characteristics are mainly defined by calcification, lesion length, and the presence of total occlusion and in-stent restenosis. 2) Selection of vessel preparation strategies, which encompass plain old balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, thrombectomy, intravascular lithotripsy and specialty balloons, or a combination of the preceding, based on lesion and patient-specific characteristics. In addition, a Delphi consensus was applied for the appropriateness of lesion preparation strategies, depending on lesion anatomy, length, plaque morphology, and subintimal versus intraluminal guidewire crossing. 3) Definitive lesion treatment strategies using drug-coated balloons, bare-metal stents, drug-eluting stents, and/or covered stents or a combination. By establishing this treatment algorithm in routine practice, improvements in vessel- and patient-specific outcomes are anticipated, which will be further enhanced by continuous collaboration among experts from different countries and disciplines and by randomized controlled trials.

Evaluation of acute and midterm outcomes after complex combined antegrade/retrograde recanalization for occlusions of the femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal arteries

BACKGROUND

When antegrade recanalization of femoropopliteal and/or infrapopliteal occlusions fails, retrograde access has become an established option. To evaluate the results of combined antegrade and retrograde recanalization of femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions, patients undergoing secondary retrograde recanalization attempts were analyzed retrospectively.

METHODS

The primary end point was the success of the procedure (successful occlusion crossing using the antegrade/retrograde technique). Secondary end points include complication rate, primary patency and target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate, amputation rate, changes in ankle-brachial index, and Rutherford-Becker class. Predictors for procedure failure and TLR were analyzed.

RESULTS

We included 888 patients: 362 with femoropopliteal (group 1), 353 with infrapopliteal (group 2), and 173 with multilevel (group 3) recanalization. Critical limb-threatening ischemia was present in group 1, 2, and 3 in 36%, 62%, and 76% of patients, respectively. The intervention was successful in 92.5%, 93.8%, and 90.8% of the respective cases (P = .455). The overall peri-interventional complication rate was 7.2%. At 6, 12, and 24 months, primary patency was highest in group 1 (63.9%, 45.8%, and 33.3%), followed by group 3 (59.8%, 46.1%, and 33.3%), and group 2 (58.5%, 43.1%, and 30.4%; P = .537). The risk of undergoing repeated TLR within 24 months was 31.4% for group 1, 39.1% for group 2, and 45.7% for group 3. At 24 months, the survival rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 93.8%, 79.4%, and 87.5%, respectively. Over 24 months, 75 patients (8.4%) had to undergo amputation. Significant improvements in both ankle-brachial index and Rutherford-Becker class were present at discharge as well as at 6, 12, and 24 months (P < .001). Dialysis dependency was a predictor of unsuccessful antegrade/retrograde recanalization (P = .048). Lesion length (P = .0043), dialysis (P = .033), and recanalization level (P = .013) increase the risk of TLR.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a combined antegrade/retrograde access, recanalization of occluded femoropopliteal and/or infrapopliteal arteries can be achieved in a large number of cases. Owing to the high rate of repeated TLR across all lesion localizations, the indication for antegrade and retrograde recanalization may be limited to patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia.

Endovascular therapy via a femoro-femoral crossover bypass graft for chronic total occlusion of the superficial femoral artery: Two case reports

In patients with a femoropopliteal chronic total occlusion (CTO) after femoro-femoral (FF) bypass surgery, it is often difficult to perform endovascular therapy because of access site problems. We have treated two patients with CTO of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) using an FF crossover bypass graft. The two cases were a man with intermittent claudication and acute limb ischemia, respectively. Enhanced computed tomography showed occlusion of the left SFA and the FF bypass previously performed was patent in both cases. We punctured the right common femoral artery and a guiding sheath was inserted to the left common femoral artery. A guidewire successfully passed through the intraplaque lesion by intravascular ultrasound-guided wiring in both cases. Revascularization was successfully achieved using drug-coated balloons and using drug-eluting stents, respectively. An FF crossover bypass graft may be a good access route for complex femoropopliteal cases, such as CTO lesions.

Lesion Localization and Limb Outcomes in Elderly Patients with and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Undergo Atherectomy-Assisted Endovascular Revascularization due to Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a major risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). We aimed to evaluate the impact of T2DM on lesion localization and complexity, clinical presentation by Rutherford categories, and limb outcomes in elderly patients with symptomatic PAD undergoing endovascular revascularization. Methods: Five hundred consecutive patients with symptomatic infra-inguinal PAD who underwent rotational atherectomy-assisted endovascular revascularization were included. PAD clinical presentation and lesion localization were recorded. The primary endpoints were clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and major amputation rates during follow-up. Results: Overall, 245/500 (49.0%) patients had T2DM, whereas 179 (35.8%) presented with lifestyle limiting claudication and 321 (64.2%) with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Median age was 78.0 (IQR = 70.0-84.0) years, and 201 (40.2%) patients were female. The presence of T2DM was significantly more frequent in patients with CLTI vs. those with claudication (58.6 vs. 31.8%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of patients with below-the-knee (BTK) lesions was significantly higher in patients with vs. without T2DM (40.7 vs. 27.5%, p = 0.0002). During median follow-up of 21.9 (IQR = 12.8-28.8) months, CD-TLR rates were similar in patients with vs. without T2DM (HR = 1.2, 95%CI = 0.8-2.0, p = 0.39). However, patients with T2DM had a ~5.5-fold increased risk for major above-the-ankle amputation (HR = 5.5, 95%CI = 1.6-19.0, p = 0.007). After adjustment for age, gender, lesion complexity, and calcification, T2DM remained predictive for major amputation (p = 0.04). Conclusions: T2DM is more frequently associated with CLTI, BTK-PAD, and amputations despite successful endovascular revascularization. More stringent surveillance of patients with PAD and T2DM is warranted to prevent atherosclerosis-related complications.

Safety and Effectiveness of Debulking for the Treatment of Infrainguinal Peripheral Artery Disease. Data From the Recording Courses of vascular Diseases Registry in 2910 Patients

We investigated the safety and efficacy of debulking infrainguinal lesions in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing endovascular revascularization (EVR) as part of the RECording Courses of vascular Diseases (RECCORD) registry. Patient and lesion specific characteristics, including the lesion complexity score (LCS) were analyzed. The primary endpoint encompassed: (i) clinical improvement in Rutherford categories, (ii) index limb re-interventions, and (iii) major amputations during follow-up. The secondary endpoint included the need for bail-out stenting. Overall, 2910 patients were analyzed; 2552 without and 358 with debulking-assisted EVR. Patients were 72 (interquartile range (IQR) = 15) years old and 1027 (35.3%) had diabetes. Overall complication rates were similarly low in the debulking vs the non-debulking group (4.7 vs 3.2%, P = .18). However, peripheral embolizations rates were low but more frequent with debulking vs. non-debulking procedures (3.9 vs 1.1%, P < .001). After adjustment for clinical and lesion-specific parameters, including LCS, no differences were noted for the primary endpoint (odds ration (OR) = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.69-1.41, P = .94). Bail-out stenting was less frequently performed in patients with debulking-assisted EVR (OR = 0.5, 95%CI = 0.38-0.65, P < .0001). Debulking-assisted EVR is currently used in ∼12% of EVR with infrainguinal lesions and is associated with lower bail-out stent rates but higher peripheral embolization rates; no differences were found regarding index limb re-intervention and amputation rates.

Retrospective Case Control Matched Comparison of the Antegrade Versus Retrograde Strategy After Antegrade Recanalisation Failure in Complex de novo Femoropopliteal Occlusive Lesions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate dissection severity, need for bailout stenting and limb outcomes in patients undergoing antegrade vs. retrograde revascularisation.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent either antegrade or retrograde revascularisation after failed antegrade recanalisation of long femoropopliteal chronic total occlusion (CTO) due to symptomatic peripheral artery disease between January 2017 and June 2022 were studied. Retrospective case control matching was used to adjust for lesion length and calcification using the peripheral artery calcification scoring system (PACSS). Procedural outcomes included severity of dissection (Type A to F dissections, numerically graded on a scale from 0 - 6 with increasing severity) after angioplasty and number and location of stents needed to be implanted during the index procedure. Additionally, clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (CD-TLR) and major (above ankle) amputation rates were assessed during follow up.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients were analysed who underwent antegrade (n = 90) or retrograde after failed antegrade (n = 90) recanalisation. The median patient age was 76.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 67.0, 82.0) years and 76 (42.2%) were female. Moreover, 78 patients (43.3%) had intermittent claudication, whereas 102 (56.7%) had chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). The mean lesion length was 30.0 (IQR 24.0, 36.0) cm with moderate to severe (3.0 [IQR 2.0, 4.0]) lesion calcification. Dissection severity after angioplasty was higher in the antegrade than retrograde after failed antegrade recanalisation group (4.0 [IQR 3.0, 4.0] vs. 3.0 [IQR 2.0, 4.0]; p < .001). Additionally, the number of stents in all segments and the rate of bailout stenting in popliteal segments was significantly higher with the antegrade strategy (2.0 [IQR 1.0, 3.0] vs. 1.0 [IQR 0, 2.0], p < .010; and 37% vs. 14%, p < .001). During a median follow up of 1.48 (IQR 0.63, 3.09) years, CD-TLR rates (p = .90) and amputation rates in patients with CLTI (p = .15) were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

In complex femoropopliteal CTOs, retrograde after failed antegrade recanalisation, is safe for endovascular revascularisation, which in experienced hands may result in less severe dissections and lower rates of stent placement. However, considering the relatively short follow up, CD-TLR and amputation rates were not statistically different between the two approaches. [German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00015277.].

Predictors of Crossing Failure in Femoropopliteal Lesions: The Importance of Length of the Lesion and Calcification

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy is nowadays the first choice for most patients with peripheral artery disease. The most important cause of technical failure is failure to cross the lesion with a wire. In this retrospective study, we explore possible risk factors of crossing failure.

METHODS

We included all consecutive patients in whom the lesion could not be crossed in the period of the January 1, 2017-January 1, 2022. The lesions of these patients were compared with patients in whom the lesion could be crossed (2:1). The following potential anatomical risk factors were compared: location of the lesion, occlusion length, lesion length, Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring Scale, Peripheral Academic Research Consortium, circumferential characterization classification, and the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification.

RESULTS

In 71 patients, the lesion could not be crossed; these patients were compared with 142 patients. There were significantly more patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia in the group with crossing failure. The following factors were risk factors for crossing failure: occlusion length, lesion length, Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring Scale, Peripheral Academic Research Consortium, and circumferential characterization classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Although conclusions should be carefully drawn from this retrospective study, calcification and length of the lesion are associated with crossing failure in the femoropopliteal segment. The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification was the best predictor of crossing failure.

Endovascular Treatment of Complicated Popliteal Aneurysms Using the Novel "Trap and Fix" Technique

Herein, we present 2 patients with lower limb ischemia caused by complicated popliteal aneurysms with thrombosis and distal embolization, compromising blood flow to the foot. In both cases, covered stents were first implanted guided by intravascular ultrasound and computed tomography angiography, respectively. After "trapping" the thrombi, mechanical thrombectomy or further stent implantations were performed, "fixing" the remaining lesions and preventing embolization. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Periprocedural Outcomes of Rotational Atherectomy-Assisted Balloon Angioplasty in Isolated Atherosclerotic Popliteal Artery Lesions: The ISO-POP Trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment of calcified popliteal artery lesions represents an ongoing challenge for vascular specialists. Biomechanical forces of external compression, torsion and elongation that occur with locomotion in the popliteal segment can lead to stent fractures and occlusions. The aim of our study was to assess the procedural success rate of atherectomy in combination with balloon angioplasty for isolated calcified popliteal artery lesions.

METHODS

Between January 2020 and December 2022, 62 patients with isolated atherosclerotic lesions of the popliteal artery underwent endovascular treatment by use of rotational atherectomy (Phoenix, Philips USA, (subgroup A) or Jetstream, Boston USA, (subgroup B), atherectomy systems) and additional balloon angioplasty in two vascular centers. The primary outcome measures were: 1. periprocedural clinical and technical success (<30% residual stenosis and no need for bailout stenting due to flow-limiting dissection) and 2. postprocedural increase in the ankle brachial index of more than 0.1.

RESULTS

The overall rate of bailout stenting was 4.8%, whereas the procedural success rate was 98.4%. The rate of procedural complications included 3.7% and 5.7% peripheral embolizations in the subgroups A and B, respectively, and no vessel perforations were noted. All embolizations were successfully treated by catheter aspiration or capture in the pre-treatment placed filter system. In addition, 1 (3.7%) pseudoaneurysm in the groin was reported in subgroup A and treated by surgical means. Median ABI of the affected limbs improved from 0.55 (0.2) to 0.70 (0.2) in subgroup A and from 0.50 (0.2) to 0.95 (0.1) in subgroup B (DABI of 0.15 versus 0.45, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of rotational atherectomy and balloon angioplasty in the popliteal artery showed reproducible outcomes in 2 centers, with low incidence of complications and low rates of bail-out stenting. These findings may contribute to more liberal use of such devices especially in segments with high risk for stent factures and occlusions.

Best crossing of peripheral chronic total occlusions

Together with colleagues from different disciplines, including cardiologists, interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons, committee members of the of the German Society of Angiology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Angiologie [DGA]), developed a novel algorithm for the endovascular treatment of peripheral chronic total occlusive lesions (CTOs). Our aim is to improve patient and limb related outcomes, by increasing the success rate of endovascular procedures. This can be achieved by adherence to the proposed crossing algorithm, aiding the standardization of endovascular procedures. The following steps are proposed: (i) APPLY Duplex sonography and if required 3D techniques such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography. This will help you to select the optimal access site. (ii) EVALUATE the CTO cap morphology and distal vessel refilling sites during diagnostic angiography, which are potential targets for a retrograde access. (iii) START with antegrade wiring strategies including guidewire (GW) and support catheter technology. Use GW escalation strategies to penetrate the proximal cap of the CTO, which may usually be fibrotic and calcified. (iv) STOP the antegrade attempt depending on patient specific parameters and the presence of retrograde options, as evaluated by pre-procedural imaging and during angiography. (v) In case of FAILURE, consider advanced bidirectional techniques and reentry devices. (vi) In case of SUCCESS, externalize the GW and treat the CTO. Manage the retrograde access at the end of the endovascular procedure. (vii) STOP the procedure if no progress can be obtained within 3 hours, in case of specific complications or when reaching maximum contrast administration based on individual patient's renal function. Consider radiation exposure both for patients and operators. In this manuscript we systematically follow and explain each of the steps (i)-(vi) based on practical examples from our daily routine. We strongly believe that the integration of this algorithm in the daily practice of endovascular specialists, can improve vessel and patient specific outcomes.