The routine application of atherectomy for femoropopliteal disease cannot be justified based on available evidence

Abstract

Kawaji et al1 examined patients from Medicare fee-for-service claims from 2019 to determine the midterm results of first time percutaneous endovascular interventions for claudication. Remarkably, of 15,246 patients, 59.7% were treated with atherectomy versus nonatherectomy. Of atherectomy patients, 48.9% required a repeat percutaneous intervention, compared with 29.8% of nonatherectomy patients (median follow-up, 603 days). High-end physician atherectomy users were most likely to reintervene and more likely to use repeat atherectomy.