Covered Stents for Endovascular Treatment of Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation: A systematic review aggregated data and individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We investigated the early and midterm efficacy and safety of covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation (CERAB) in the treatment of aortoiliac disease (AID).

METHODS

A systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published by August 2023 was performed. The primary end points were primary patency and secondary patency.

RESULTS

Eleven retrospective case series, involving 579 patients, were incorporated in the review with 88.9% of the included lesions being categorized as Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C or D. The pooled primary patency estimates at 12, 24 and 36 months were 94.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.4-99.7), 84.4% (95% CI, 72.3-98.5) and 83.8% (95% CI, 71.4-98.3) respectively. The mean primary patency time, representing the period during which individuals remained event-free, was 51.9 months (95% CI, 43.6-55.4). The pooled 36 months primary patency for studies with a predominantly claudicant patient population (>75% of patients) was 89.4% (95% CI, 78.5-100.0), compared with 71.5% (95% CI, 45.6-100.0) for studies with a mixed population (50% of patients). The pooled 36 months primary patency for studies with a predominantly TASC D patient population (>82% of patients) was 70.4% (95% CI, 46.4-100.0) compared with 91.0% (95% CI, 79.1-100.0) for studies with a more homogenous cohort. The pooled secondary patency estimates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 98.6% (95% CI, 96.2-100.0), 97% (95% CI, 93.1-100.0), and 97% (95% CI, 93.1-100.0), respectively. The pooled technical success, 30-day mortality and 30-day systemic complications estimates were 95.9% (95% CI, 93.7- 97.4), 1.9% (95% CI, 1.0-3.5), and 6.4% (95% CI, 4.4-9.1), respectively. The pooled intraoperative and postoperative 30-day CERAB-related complications estimates were 7.3% (95% CI, 2.0-23.0) and 4.2% (95% CI, 0.7-21.0), respectively. The pooled major amputation and target lesion reinterventions by the end of follow-up were 1.9% (95% CI, 1.0-3.4) and 13.9% (95% CI, 9.9-19.2), respectively. The pooled access site complication estimate was 11.7% (95% CI, 5.9-21.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Although this review has showcased the safety and feasibility of the CERAB technique in treating AID, it has also highlighted the necessity for a close and prolonged follow-up period extending beyond 1 year. Moreover, the favorable secondary patency estimates predominantly attained via endovascular reinterventions emphasize a potentially advantageous characteristic of the CERAB technique, particularly valuable when addressing late-stage AID disease or anatomically complex lesions.

Nationwide Study of the Outcome of Treatment of Lower Extremity Atherosclerotic Lesions With Endovascular Surgery With or Without Drug Eluting Methods in Patients With Diabetes

CLINICAL IMPACT

This retrospective observational registry trial combines national registries for vascular surgical procedures and diabetes mellitus to clarify results of drug eluting technology in treating diabetic subjects with intermittent claudication or chronic limb threatening ischemia compared to treatment of non-diabetic subjects. As earlier proposed and showed in this trial, there may be an implication for a beneficial treatment efficacy with drug eluting therapy in the diabetic population with PAD compared to the non-diabetic population. A finding worth further exploration.

Endovascular Therapy for Vascular Graft Infection After Multiple Bypass Surgeries for Aorto-Iliac Occlusive Disease

BACKGROUND

Vascular graft infection is a very complex disease. Although complete excision of the infected grafts with extra-anatomic bypass or in situ reconstruction is a general treatment strategy, some concerns including reinfection in the new graft remain.

CASE REPORT

An 88 year-old man presented to the hospital with abdominal swelling and bleeding. The patient had undergone revascularization for aorto-iliac occlusive disease twice in the past. The first procedure had been performed 15 years previously, with right ilio-femoral bypass grafting for right iliac artery occlusion and stent implantation for left iliac artery stenosis. The second procedure had been performed 10 years previously, with aorta-to-left femoral and left-to-right femoro-femoral bypass grafting because the terminal aorta, the first ilio-femoral bypass graft, and the stent of the left iliac artery had been occluded. The patient was diagnosed with vascular graft infection, and endovascular therapy was selected as the revascularization method prior to graft excision. It was successfully performed using various devices and techniques, followed by graft excision without critical limb ischemia.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates that endovascular therapy prior to graft excision can be an alternative revascularization method for vascular graft infection after bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease.

Mid-term Results of Endovascular Reconstruction of Aortic Bifurcation Using COVERA Stent Graft

INTRODUCTION

This article aims to evaluate the short-term and mid-term performance of a self-expanding covered stent (COVERA Plus, Bard Tempe, Arizona) during the treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C/D aortoiliac obstructive lesions involving the aortic bifurcation.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent endovascular reconstruction of the aortoiliac bifurcation for obstructive disease, with the use of Covera, from January 2018 to March 2023. All patients received a postoperative CTA (computed tomography angiography) scan within 1 month from the intervention. Precision of deployment, stent conformation, and stent symmetry were evaluated at the arterial phase of the CTA. Early outcomes were technical success and freedom from open aortic reintervention and/or mortality. Late outcomes were primary and assisted primary patency rates and freedom from reintervention.

RESULTS

During the study period, 35 patients underwent primary endovascular treatment of obstructive lesions involving the aortic bifurcation with parallel COVERA stents. Aortoiliac lesions were classified as TASC-IIC in 23 (65.7%) patients and TASC D in 12 (34.2%). Median follow-up was 49 months (interquartile [IQR]: 18-60). Overall survival was 97.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]=91-100) at 60 months. During follow-up, there were one early stent stenosis, treated with an angioplasty and stent relining with an estimated primary patency at 60 months of 97.1% (95% CI=94-100) and a primary-assisted patency of 100%. Estimated freedom from all types of reinterventions at 60 months was 94.3% (95% CI=89-99.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The new self-expanding covered Bard COVERA Plus stent used for endovascular treatment of TASC C/D aorto iliac disease proved to be safe and feasible with high technical procedural success rates. Comparison with other types of stents is necessary to further assess the role of the COVERA Plus stent in aortic bifurcation repair.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This study investigates the safety and feasibility of the new self-expanding covered Bard Covera Plus stent used for endovascular treatment of TASC C/D aorto iliac disease. The retrospective analysis of 35 patients highlights high technical success and primary patency rate at 60 months. The geometric analysis also helped to underline how this stent can be used precisely in particular conditions. These findings suggest the need for further research to compare COVERA with other types of stents in aortic bifurcation repair.

FORWARD Study of GORE VIABAHN Balloon-Expandable Endoprostheses and Bare Metal Stents in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand When Placed to Treat Complex Iliac Occlusive Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Superiority Trial

BACKGROUND

The recommendations for the use of and selection of covered stent grafts in patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The GORE VBX FORWARD clinical study aims to demonstrate the superiority of the GORE VIABAHN VBX Balloon Expandable Endoprosthesis (VBX device) for primary patency when compared to bare metal stenting (BMS) for the treatment of complex iliac artery occlusive disease.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, randomized control study in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand will enroll patients with symptomatic, complex iliac artery occlusive disease. In this study, iliac artery occlusive disease is defined as a unilateral or bilateral disease with single or multiple lesions (with >50% stenosis or chronic total occlusion) each between 4 and 11 cm in length. In an attempt to more closely match real-world practices, patients with minor tissue loss (Rutherford class 5) and patients requiring hemodialysis will be included. Baseline aortoiliac angiography will be performed to assess target lesion characteristics and determine final patient eligibility. Once the patient is confirmed and guidewires are in place across the target lesions, the patient will be randomized in a 1:1 format to treatment with either the VBX device or a BMS. The BMS can be balloon- or self-expanding and must be approved for the iliac artery occlusive disease indication. Patients, the independent core laboratory reviewers, and Clinical Events Committee members will be blinded from the assigned treatment. Dual antithrombotic medical therapy is required through a minimum of 3 months post procedure. The primary end point is 12‑month primary patency and will be adjudicated by an independent imaging core laboratory and Clinical Events Committee. Key secondary end points will be tested for superiority and include technical, acute procedural, and clinical success; changes in Ankle-brachial index; patient quality of life; primary patency; freedom from restenosis; primary-assisted patency; secondary patency; freedom from target lesion revascularizations; cumulative reintervention rate; amputation-free survival; survival; and change in Rutherford category. Study follow-up will continue through 5 years.

RESULTS

Outcomes will be reported following study completion. Enrollment is anticipated to start in October 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will provide definitive, level 1 clinical evidence to clinicians on the optimal choice of stent device to use for the treatment of complex iliac artery occlusive disease. The FORWARD study is powered for superiority and includes only complex, unilateral, or bilateral lesions involving the common or external iliac arteries. This study is a multidisciplinary endeavor involving vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, and interventional radiology across multiple countries with a blinded core laboratory review of end points in hopes that the outcomes will be widely accepted and incorporated into practice guidelines for optimal treatment of patients with complex iliac artery occlusive disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05811364; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05811364.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/51480.

Covered Stents vs Bare Metal Stents for Aortoiliac Arterial Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Covered stents and bare metal stents (BMS) have been regarded as viable treatment options for aortoiliac arterial diseases. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of covered stents with BMS for aortoiliac arterial diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Medline databases were searched by 2 authors (C.Z. and Z.W.) to retrieve all studies comparing the outcomes of covered stents vs BMS for aortoiliac arterial diseases. The Cochrane tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials and observational studies, respectively. The outcomes at the same stage reported in at least 2 studies were pooled together. The fixed effects model combined the data when I2<50%, otherwise the random effects model was applied. The results for dichotomous variables were presented as odds ratio (OR) or risk difference and 95% confidence interval (CI); continuous variables were reported as mean difference and 95% CI.

RESULTS

Herein, 10 studies with a total of 1695 limbs were included. The covered stents significantly increased the freedom from target lesion revascularization (OR 2.85, 95% CI: 1.28-6.33, p=0.010) compared to the BMS during a 24-month follow-up. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the technical success, primary patency, secondary patency, major adverse events (MAEs), ankle-brachial index (ABI) improvement, limb salvage, and survival between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared to BMS, covered stents appear to have similar technical success, primary patency, secondary patency, MAEs, ABI improvement, limb salvage, and survival but may have advantages in reducing target lesion revascularization. More well-designed, prospective studies are warranted to determine such findings.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Covered stents may increase freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) compared to bare metal stents (BMS) in the treatment of aortoiliac arterial diseases. However, technical success, primary patency, secondary patency, major adverse events (MAEs), ABI improvement, limb salvage, and survival were similar. The aforementioned results are still not sufficient to draw a solid conclusion about the selection of stents for aortoiliac arterial diseases. More well-designed, prospective studies are warranted to determine such findings.

Clinical outcome of endovascular therapy using a VIABAHN VBX-covered stent for complex aortoiliac artery disease: the AVOCADO II study

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of a balloon-expandable covered stent (CS) for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). However, the real-world clinical outcomes and the underlying factors remain unclear. We assessed the clinical outcomes and factors associated with primary patency after implantation of a balloon-expandable CS for patients with complex AIOD. This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled 149 consecutive patients undergoing VIABAHN® VBX-CS (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) implantation for complex AIOD (age, 74 ± 9 years; male, 74%; diabetes mellitus, 46%; renal failure on dialysis, 23%; chronic limb-threatening ischemia, 26%). The primary study endpoint was 1-year primary patency, and the secondary endpoints were procedural complications, freedom from occlusion, clinical-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), and surgical revision at 1 year. Risk factors for restenosis were explored using random survival forest analysis. The median follow-up period was 13.1 months (interquartile range 9.7-14.0 months). Procedural complications were observed in 6.7% of the patients. The 1-year primary patency was 94.8% (95% confidence interval 91.0-98.6%), while the 1-year freedom rate from occlusion, CD-TLR, and surgical revision rates were 96.5% (93.5-99.5%), 94.7% (90.9-98.6%), and 97.8% (95.4-100%), respectively. The presence of chronic total occlusion, aortic bifurcation lesion, the number of disease regions, and TASC-II classification was significantly associated with the restenosis risk. In contrast, the calcification severity, IVUS use, IVUS parameters were not associated with restenosis risk. We observed excellent 1-year real-world outcomes after implantation of a balloon-expandable CS for complex AIOD; only a few perioperative complications occurred.

Off-label use of interwoven carotid stent in common femoral artery occlusion after surgery

Open surgery is the gold standard for treating common and deep femoral arterial lesions. Nevertheless, significant data have emerged in recent years supporting an endovascular strategy for this peculiar anatomic region, despite certain disadvantages, including the requirement for strong compression resistance and excellent flexibility and conformability when stents are implanted. We present a case of critical limb ischemia due to total common and deep femoral arteries occlusion after endarterectomy that resulted in a very tapered lesion. It was successfully treated with percutaneous angioplasty and off-label application of an interwoven nitinol Roadsaver carotid artery stent, which demonstrated good adaptability.

Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Narrative Review

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) describes the partial or complete occlusion of blood flow in the distal arteries of the body. A decreased arterial patency may occur due to a reduction in the elasticity or diameter of the vessel. The goal of interventions is to decrease incidence and reduce complications by identifying and minimizing the primary causes. This paper discusses PAD affecting the aortoiliac, common femoral, and femoropopliteal arteries. In a significant portion of the population, PAD may lack usual symptoms such as limb pain, claudication, and diminished pulses. Imaging techniques become crucial to ensuring timely diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and preventing recurrence. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is a cheap and non-invasive preliminary technique to detect atherosclerotic plaques and grade arterial stenosis. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides the added advantage of minimizing artifacts. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold standard for grading the degree of stenosis but is only employed second-line to DUS or MRA due to the high dose of nephrotoxic contrast. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is able to overcome the anatomical limitations of DUS and MRA and proves to be a suitable alternative to DSA in patients with renal disease. Preventative measures involve monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and tobacco usage. First-line treatment options include endovascular procedures as well as surgical interventions in cases of significant arterial involvement. Endovascular treatments involve the use of balloon angioplasty, drug-coated balloons, and drug-coated stents, to name a few, that serve as minimally invasive techniques to manage PAD. Surgical procedures, although more complex, are considered gold-standard treatment options for long and intricate lesions. Endovascular methods are generally preferred over surgical options as the complication risk is severely reduced and the rates of reintervention are comparable to surgical options.

Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes for Vascular Stent Coating: Manufacturing, Biomedical and Surgical Applications, Innovations and Case Reports

Coated stents are defined as innovative stents surrounded by a thin polymer membrane based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)useful in the treatment of numerous vascular pathologies. Endovascular methodology involves the use of such devices to restore blood flow in small-, medium- and large-calibre arteries, both centrally and peripherally. These membranes cross the stent struts and act as a physical barrier to block the growth of intimal tissue in the lumen, preventing so-called intimal hyperplasia and late stent thrombosis. PTFE for vascular applications is known as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and it can be rolled up to form a thin multilayer membrane expandable by 4 to 5 times its original diameter. This membrane plays an important role in initiating the restenotic process because wrapped graft stent could be used as the treatment option for trauma devices during emergency situations and to treat a number of pathological vascular disease. In this review, we will investigate the multidisciplinary techniques used for the production of e-PTFE membranes, the advantages and disadvantages of their use, the innovations and the results in biomedical and surgery field when used to cover graft stents.

Particle Image Velocimetry Evaluation of Hemodynamics Proximal to the Kissing Stent Configuration in the Aorto-Iliac Bifurcation

PURPOSE

The kissing stent (KS) method is low-risk compared with open surgery techniques. It is often used to treat aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Deployment of the KS geometry has a high technical success rate. However, stent patency reduces in the first 5 years potentially due to deleterious flow behavior. Potentially harmful hemodynamics due to the KS were investigated in vitro.

METHODOLOGY

A compliant phantom of the aorto-iliac bifurcation was manufactured. Two surrogate stent-grafts were deployed into the phantom in the KS configuration to investigate effects of the presence of the stents, including the compliance mismatch they cause, on the hemodynamics proximal and distal to the KS. The investigation used pulsatile flow through a flow circuit to simulate abdominal aortic flow. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to quantify the hemodynamics.

RESULTS

PIV identified peak proximal and distal velocity in vitro was 0.71 and 1.40m·s-1, respectively, which were within physiological ranges. Throughout systole, flow appeared normal and undisturbed. A lumen wall collapse in the sagittal plane formed during late systole and continued to early diastole proximal to the aorto-iliac bifurcation, distal to the inlet stent position. The wall collapse led to disturbed flow proximal to the stented region in early diastole producing potential recirculation zones and abnormal flow patterns.

CONCLUSION

The normal systolic flow behavior indicates the KS configuration is unlikely to cause an inflammatory response of the arterial walls. The collapse has not been previously identified and may potentially cause long-term patency reduction. It requires further investigation.

CLINICAL IMPACT

The role of this article is to provide further insight into the haemodynamic behavior through a stented aorto-iliac artery. The results of this investigation will improve the understanding of the effects that using the kissing stent method may have on a patient and help to identify high risk regions that may require more detailed monitoring. This paper also develops the in vitro modelling techniques that will enable further research that cannot be carried out within patients.

Management of chronic peripheral artery disease patients with indication for endovascular revascularization

With an increasing global burden of patients with chronic peripheral artery disease (PAD) the safe and effective provision of lower limb revascularisation is a growing medical need. Endovascular procedures for the treatment of PAD have become a crucial cornerstone of modern vascular medicine, and the first line revascularisation approach if technically feasible and taking patient choice into consideration. With the increasing age of patients with PAD and the increasing number of comorbidities open vascular surgery is also often not feasible. We outline a framework of key messages, endorsed by the board of the European Society of Vascular Medicine for pre-, peri- and post procedural management of patients requiring endovascular arterial procedures of the lower limbs. These key messages emphasize the important and increasing role of interventional vascular physicians.