Access Site Complications Are Uncommon with Vascular Closure Devices or Manual Compression after Lower Extremity Revascularization

Comparing the Safety and Feasibility of Endovascular Therapy via Transradial and Transfemoral Approaches in Patients with Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the Nationwide Registry

PURPOSE

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of performing endovascular therapy (EVT) for aortoiliac artery disease using transradial approach (TRA) as compared to transfemoral approach (TFA).

METHODS

We analyzed 9671 cases with symptomatic lower extremity artery disease due to aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) treated using EVT from a Japanese Nationwide EVT Registry between January and December 2021. We compared the baseline characteristics, procedural information, and 30-day outcomes of patients who received EVT only via TRA (n=863 [16.9%]) and those only via TFA (n=4255 [83.1%]) by using propensity score (PS) matching, after excluding those who required regular dialysis, those who underwent hybrid surgeries, and those who received EVT through 2 or more approach sites.

RESULTS

After matching, the final study population consisted of 862 matched patients with similar baseline characteristics in each group. Technical success rate was comparable between the 2 groups (99.3% vs. 99.3%, p>0.99). No significant differences were observed with respect to the composite of all-cause death within 48 hours after EVT and post-procedural complications within 30 days, including severe bleeding that required transfusion, revascularization procedures, urgent surgeries, cerebral infarction, and major limb amputation (0.2% vs. 0.7%, p=0.29). Transradial approach was associated with shorter operation time (85 vs. 90 minutes, p=0.016), but longer fluoroscopy time (26 vs. 20 minutes, p<0.001) and higher contrast agent volume (80 vs. 75 mL, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

After PS matching, TRA showed the comparable rates of successful EVT and 30-day complications in patients with AIOD compared to TFA. Transradial approach was found to be safe and be a viable alternative of TFA for the treatment of AIOD.Clinical ImpactThe efficacy of transradial approach (TRA) is established in percutaneous coronary intervention; however, its safety and feasibility are unclear in endovascular therapy (EVT). We analyzed 9,671 cases with symptomatic aortoiliac occlusive disease treated using EVT from a Nationwide Registry to compare the 30-day outcomes of those who received EVT only via TRA (n = 863 [16.9%]and those only via TFA (n=4,255 [83.1%]) by using propensity score matching. Technical success rate (99.3% vs. 99.3%, p > 0.99) and 30-day complications (0.2% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.29) were comparable between the two groups. EVT via TRA could be performed safely.

Single Primary Retrograde Access to Treat Femoro-Popliteal Occlusive Lesions

INTRODUCTION

The retrograde puncture of a distal artery is considered a bailout procedure in case of anterograde approach failure for peripheral artery disease (PAD) treatment. A single primary retrograde access has been suggested as an efficient and safe option. As scant data are available, we present our results using this approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between August 2019 and October 2022, we performed this technique in selected patients with femoro-popliteal PAD. Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) were selected on the basis of the CTOP classification. An ultrasound-guided retrograde puncture of a tibial artery at the ankle level was performed, followed by the preferential use of 4F materials. Hemostasis of the puncture site was obtained using manual compression. Postoperative duplex scan examination systematically included an evaluation of the punctured artery. Demographics, intraoperative, and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. The results are expressed as means with standard deviations and numbers with percentages when appropriate.

RESULTS

In total, 55 procedures were performed in 46 patients (9 bilateral). Of these, 57% (N=26) were considered at risk for femoral puncture (obesity, history of groin surgery, challenging crossover approach) and 54% (N=25) presented with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The TASC-II femoro-popliteal classification was generally B (60%) and also C (33%) or D (7%). Mean lesion length was 105.6±49.4 mm and 65% were CTOs. Most patients were operated in an outpatient setting (N=25; 54%) under potentialized local anesthesia (N=41, 89%). The punctured site was the posterior tibial artery in 73% (N=40). The procedure time was 65.1±25.7 minutes, and the fluoroscopy time was 10.7±8.5 minutes. The technical success rate was 100%. There were no intraoperative complications. All patients could walk the same day. One CLTI patient presented an erysipelas related to the puncture in postoperative period. At 30 days, the primary patency of the treated and the punctured arteries were 98% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A single primary retrograde access can be used safely to treat femoro-popliteal PAD. It represents a valuable alternative to the femoral puncture and allows fast ambulation. Prospective and long-term studies on larger populations are necessary to confirm our results.Clinical ImpactThis study demonstrates that a single primary retrograde access can be used safely without damaging the punctured artery to treat femoro-popliteal lesions, especially in claudicant patients. Chronic total occlusions can be treated successfully using this technique. This approach represents a valuable alternative to the femoral puncture and allows fast ambulation without risk of major bleeding.

Totally Extravascular Bioresorbable Closure Reduces Access Complications after Endovascular Peripheral Intervention

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous closure of the access artery has become commonplace after endovascular intervention. In patients with peripheral vascular occlusive disease, however, control of the puncture site is more problematic as the access artery is frequently plaque-laden and stenotic. Ischemic complications in the access extremity are more common in these cases, particularly when using devices that depend on the deployment of prosthetic material within the compromised arterial lumen. The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to assess the efficacy of totally extravascular bioresorbable closure (TEBC) of the femoral artery puncture sites after percutaneous peripheral intervention (PPI).

METHODS

Consecutive PPIs performed at single institution between 2015 and 2020 were studied. Demographic characteristics and the incidence of access complications were recorded. The complication rate of TEBC and manual compression (MC) were analyzed with multivariate regression analysis. Major complications were defined as the composite of acute arterial ischemia, major bleeding, and/or pseudoaneurysm requiring operation. Minor complications were defined as the aggregate of transient hypotension, groin hematoma, and/or arteriovenous fistula.

RESULTS

A total of 507 PPIs were performed in 345 patients during the study period. The mean age was 74 years; comorbidities were prevalent, including diabetes (57%), obesity (28%), and end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis (10%). Indications for PPI were either chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) (68%) or claudication (32%). All procedures were performed using femoral artery access in a retrograde (93%) or antegrade (7%) fashion with ≤5 Fr (21%), 6 Fr (18%), or ≥7 Fr (61%) sheaths. Control of the femoral artery puncture site was achieved by either MC (75%), or TEBC (25%). TEBC became the exclusive closure method in 2019. Acute arterial ischemia rarely complicated MC (1.3%) but was not observed in any patient undergoing TEBC. Bleeding and/or pseudoaneurysms requiring reoperation were also rare (MC 0.3% vs. TEBC 1.6%; P = 0.64). On multivariate analysis, there was no difference in major access complications between MC and TEBC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45 [0.27-7.79]; P = 0.66), while minor access complications were significantly reduced with the use of TEBC (OR = 0.39 [0.19-0.75]; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

TEBC after PPI for peripheral arterial disease is safe and effective. There were no instances of acute arterial ischemia following TEBC in this series, and TEBC significantly reduced the incidence of minor access complications compared to MC. Given the bioresorbable design of the device and the lack of an intraluminal component of any kind, TEBC may be the ideal closure device for patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing endovascular intervention.

Prolonged Femoral Compression Post Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Leading to Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is an uncommon yet significant complication of percutaneous coronary interventions. Prolonged manual compression at the access site, a common practice for achieving hemostasis, can inadvertently exacerbate thrombosis risks, including venous stasis and endothelial injury. We present the case of an 84-year-old female with coronary artery disease who underwent staged percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement in the left circumflex and left anterior descending arteries. After the procedure, manual pressure was applied to the femoral access site for over 30 minutes, after which the patient developed hypotension and leg pain. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed a large deep vein thrombosis in the right femoral vein, extending into the profunda and saphenous veins. The patient was treated with a heparin drip and monitored without surgical intervention. Her condition improved, and follow-up imaging confirmed resolution of the deep vein thrombosis. This case underscores the risks associated with extended manual compression and highlights the importance of adhering to guidelines for post percutaneous coronary intervention care. The use of vascular closure devices may reduce the likelihood of such complications. Additionally, early recognition and management of deep vein thrombosis is critical in preventing further thromboembolic events and improving patient outcomes.

LEARNING POINTS

Recognizing the risks of prolonged compression This case highlights that manual compression exceeding recommended durations can lead to complications like deep vein thrombosis, reinforcing the importance of adhering to established guidelines.Considering vascular closure devices The use of vascular closure devices as an alternative to manual compression can significantly reduce the risk of thrombosis and other access site complications, enhancing post-procedure safety.Recognizing risks in routine procedures Even common procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention can sometimes lead to serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis. This case highlights the need to stay vigilant and manage these risks effectively when they occur.

Engineering collagen-based biomaterials for cardiovascular medicine

Cardiovascular diseases have been the leading cause of global mortality and disability. In addition to traditional drug and surgical treatment, more and more studies investigate tissue engineering therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular medicine. Collagen interweaves in the form of trimeric chains to form the physiological network framework of the extracellular matrix of cardiac and vascular cells, possessing excellent biological properties (such as low immunogenicity and good biocompatibility) and adjustable mechanical properties, which renders it a vital tissue engineering biomaterial for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, promising advances have been made in the application of collagen materials in blood vessel prostheses, injectable cardiac hydrogels, cardiac patches, and hemostatic materials, although their clinical translation still faces some obstacles. Thus, we reviewed these findings and systematically summarizes the application progress as well as problems of clinical translation of collagen biomaterials in the cardiovascular field. The present review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the application of collagen biomaterials in cardiovascular medicine.

Graphical abstract

Mechanism and management of acute femoral artery occlusion caused by suture-mediated vascular closure device following neurointervention

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) show fewer complications related to the puncture site than manual compression but can cause stenosis or occlusion of the common femoral artery (CFA). A patient in her 30s who underwent suture-mediated VCD for haemostasis at the right CFA puncture site after neurointervention showed occlusion of the right CFA on postoperative day 2. Endovascular treatment retrieved the thrombus from the occlusion site, and surgical removal of a suture causing stenosis between the dissected posterior wall intima and anterior wall allowed the resumption of full flow through the right CFA. This complication occurred because the VCD insertion angle was less than 45°, which allowed the footplate to deploy more perpendicularly, causing its posterior foot to snag and dissect the posterior wall intima. To mitigate the risk of such complications caused by the suture-mediated VCD, the surgeon should ensure that the entry angle of the puncture is not less than 45°.

Access Site Complication Rates Following Peripheral Artery Revascularization in patients With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Comparison of Vascular Closure Devices and Manual Compression

OBJECTIVES

Manual compression (MC) or vascular closure devices (VCDs) are used to achieve hemostasis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). However, limited data on the comparative safety and effectiveness of VCDs vs MC in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing PTA are available. Accordingly, this study compared the safety and effectiveness of VCD and MC in patients with ESRD undergoing PTA.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included the data of patients with ESRD undergoing peripheral intervention at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022. The patients were divided into VCD and MC groups. The primary endpoint was a composite of puncture site complications, including acute limb ischemia, marked hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, and puncture site bleeding requiring blood transfusion.

RESULTS

We included 264 patients with ESRD undergoing PTA, of whom 60 received a VCD and 204 received MC. The incidence of puncture site complications was 3.3% in the VCD group and 4.4% in the MC group (hazard ratio: .75; 95% confidence interval: .16-3.56 L P = 1.000), indicating no significant between-group difference.

CONCLUSION

VCDs and MC had comparable safety and effectiveness for hemostasis in patients with ESRD undergoing peripheral intervention.

Direct puncture versus contralateral femoral artery approach for catheter-directed thrombolysis of occluded infra-inguinal arterial bypass grafts

AIM

To compare the safety, effectiveness, and clinical outcome of percutaneous direct puncture approach versus contralateral femoral native vessel approach for catheter-directed thrombolysis of occluded infra-inguinal bypass grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed comprising a cohort of patients who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis procedures of occluded infra-inguinal bypass grafts between January 2013 and January 2022, with a follow-up period until June 2022. This included 55 procedures via the native vessel approach and 18 procedures via the direct puncture approach. Primary outcomes were technical success and procedural safety; secondary outcomes included re-intervention rate, limb salvage, and mortality as assessed by log-rank testing and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the two groups with regard to patient demographics, except for the number of previous vascular procedures (n=6.83 ± 3.07 direct approach versus n=4.96 ± 2.79 native vessel approach, p=0.025). Thrombolysis was comparably successful in both groups (n=13/18; 72% direct approach versus n=42/55; 76%, p=0.723). There were no differences in the duration of thrombolysis administration. The rate of adverse events was slightly lower in the direct approach group, but without significance (p=0.092). There were no adverse events related to the puncture site in the direct approach group. No differences were found between the time-to-event values for re-occlusion, re-intervention, amputation, or mortality respectively (p=0.662; p=0.520; p=0.816; p=0.462).

CONCLUSION

The direct puncture approach seems to be a safe and efficient approach for catheter-directed thrombolysis procedures in infra-inguinal occluded bypass grafts, with clinical outcomes comparable to the native vessel approach.