12-month Patency Rates Research Articles

Can wound blush be used as an indicator for termination of endovascular procedures in chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients?

Predicting the outcomes of endovascular revascularization of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients with foot wounds can be challenging. Angiographic wound blush (WB) assessment has been found to be a helpful tool to assess wound perfusion. The aim of this study is to evaluate WB during endovascular revascularization of CLTI patients and its effects on treatment outcomes. This prospective study included all CLTI patients with foot wounds who underwent successful endovascular revascularization of infrainguinal arterial disease between 2019 and 2021. Patients were grouped according to the WB status into positive WB (group A) and negative WB (group B). Both groups were compared for demographics, comorbidities, clinical picture, and 12-month limb-based patency (LBP) and amputation-free survival (AFS) rates. The study included 69 patients of Rutherford classes 5 (46.4%) and 6 (53.6%), with the main arterial lesion located at the femoropopliteal (58%) or infrapopliteal (42%) segments. Completion angiography showed positive WB in 38 (55.1%) patients and negative WB in 31 (44.9%) patients. Both groups were comparable regarding patient presentation, site of the main arterial lesion, and distribution of foot lesions in relation to the feeding artery. The overall 12-month LBP and AFS rates were 21.7% and 39.1%, respectively, with significantly better rates in group A than in group B (LBP, 31.6% vs 9.7%, p = 0.001 and AFS, 54.1% vs 22.2%, p = 0.006, respectively). Successful angiosome-based direct flow to the foot was achieved in 38 patients (55.1%), resulting in significantly better 12-month AFS rates than those with indirect revascularization (54.8% vs 26.3%, p = 0.036, respectively), despite the comparable 12-LBP rates between the direct and indirect revascularization groups (29% vs 15.8%, p = 0.133, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified smoking as a significant predictor of a major amputation, whereas positive WB and successful direct revascularization were significant predictors of limb salvage. WB can serve as a predictor for AFS and LBP during endovascular revascularization of CLTI patients with foot wounds. A positive WB may guide the decision to conclude an endovascular procedure, potentially avoiding unnecessary complicated maneuvers to recanalize more vessels. Conversely, a negative WB may suggest the need for further revascularization attempts to augment wound perfusion and healing.

Sharp needle reconstructs peripheral outflow for patients with malfunctional arteriovenous fistula

Objective To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of combining ultrasound-guided sharp needle technique with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for treating outflow stenosis or dysfunction in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) among hemodialysis patients. Methods From October 2021 to March 2023, patients with occluded or malfunctional fistula veins not amenable to regularly angioplasty were retrospectively enrolled in the study. They underwent ultrasound-guided sharp needle intervention followed by PTA. Data on the location and length between the two veins, technical success, clinical outcomes, and complications were collected. Patency rates post-angioplasty were calculated through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results A total of 23 patients were included. The mean length of the reconstructed extraluminal segment was 3.18 cm. The sharp needle opening was performed on the basilic vein (60.9%), brachial vein (26.1%), or upper arm cephalic vein (13%) to create outflow channels. Postoperatively, all cases presented with mild subcutaneous hematomas around the tunneling site and minor diffuse bleeding. The immediate patency rate for the internal fistulas was 100%, with 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month patency rates at 91.3%, 78.3%, and 43.5%, respectively. Conclusion Sharp needle technology merged with PTA presents an effective and secure minimally invasive method for reconstructing the outflow tract, offering a new solution for recanalizing high-pressure or occluded fistulas.

Snuffbox distal transradial access (dTRA) for arteriovenous fistuloplasty in Singapore: Going distal is safe.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction resulting from stenosis or occlusion, is a prevalent issue in end-stage renal failure patients reliant on autogenous AVFs for dialysis. Recently, a distal transradial approach (dTRA) has emerged, offering advantages such as diminished access site complications, better patient comfort and reduced risk of radial artery occlusion. Our study seeks to assess the effectiveness, outcomes and complication rates of employing dTRA for arteriovenous fistuloplasty in Singaporean patients. A retrospective review of all dTRA fistuloplasties performed on dysfunctional or slow to mature AVFs from 2017 to 2023 in our institution was performed. Patients with a distal radial artery measuring 2 mm or more with no evidence of occlusion or thrombosis were included. Patients who required central venoplasty or cutting balloon angioplasty were excluded. Outcome measures included technical success, mean procedure duration, complications and post-intervention primary patency at 1, 3 and 6 months. Patients were followed up for 12 months post-intervention. A total of 37 patients were included. 97.3% of patients undergoing dTRA fistuloplasty had radiocephalic fistulas while 2.7% had brachiobasilic fistulas. There was 100% technical success (defined as success in radial artery cannulation, sheath insertion and crossing of stenotic lesions) in our study as all patients successfully underwent fistuloplasty via dTRA approach. One-month patency rate was 97.4%, 3-month patency rate was 92.1% and 6-month patency rate was 86.8%. There were no immediate complications (haematoma, infection, bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion) of the radial artery post-intervention. Our paper illustrates the safety and efficacy of utilising dTRA for arteriovenous fistuloplasty. This approach offers distinct benefits in addressing non-mature or dysfunctional distal forearm arteriovenous fistulas and should be taken into account in anatomically suitable cases.

The Safety and Efficacy of ZelanteDVT™ Catheter Rheolytic Thrombectomy in the Treatment of Patients with Iliac Vein Stent Thrombosis

ObjectiveTo examine the safety and efficacy of ZelanteDVT™ catheter rheolytic thrombectomy in the treatment of patients with iliac vein stent thrombosis. MethodsA retrospective analysis method was conducted by means of collecting the data of 32 patients who had completed the treatment of iliac vein stent thrombosis with ZelanteDVT™ catheter rheolytic thrombectomy from March 2019 to March 2023. Data on clinical characteristics, technical success, clinical success, complications, and early follow-up were analysed. ResultsThe technical success rates were 100%, intraoperatively, in which 22 cases were improved to thrombus clearance Grade II (50-90%), 10 were Grade III (＞90%). There were 21 cases treated with subsequent catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT), and the average urokinase administration of (120.90±29.63)*10ˆ4 units. The clinical success rates were 100% and the swelling of the affected limbs were significantly improved, a significant difference in the pre/post-operative between-thigh circumference difference [(5.16±1.08) vs (1.75±0.84), P＜0.000]. The pre/post-operative VCSS was [ (12.94±1.70) vs (7.44±1.31), P＜0.000]. No serious complications occurred during the perioperative period. The post-operative and 12-month stent patency rate was 100.00% (32/32) and 71.88% (23/32), respectively. ConclusionThe ZelanteDVT™ catheter rheolytic thrombectomy seems to have a promising application prospect for the treatment of patients with iliac vein stent thrombosis.

Outcomes of Alprostadil As an Adjuvant Therapy with Indirect Angiosomal Revascularization in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia after Failure of Direct Revascularization

This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) when used as an adjuvant therapy with indirect revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) after the failure of direct revascularization (DR). At our centers, 120 patients suffering from infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease with CLI underwent a failed trial of DR procedure, all revascularization procedures were endovascular. Median follow-up was 2years and 2.5years for patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). In the alprostadil group, the mean age was 63.41±12.52; 36 (60%) for males and 24 (40%) for females. Post-endovascular intervention alprostadil was administrated immediately postoperatively by intravenous infusion of 40μg alprostadil diluted in 100ml of normal saline, over 2hr every 12hr for 6days. In the alprostadil group, the mean±standard deviation (SD) of the baseline ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 0.45±0.175, while the mean±SD of ABI at the end of our study was 0.65±0.216 with a difference from the baseline of 0.2±0.041 (P value=0.08, <0.05 meaning that it is significant). Our 1-month primary patency rate was 93.3%, while our 3- and 6-month patency rate was 92.9%. In the control group, the mean±SD of the baseline ABI was 0.68±0.22, while the mean±SD of ABI at the end of our study was 0.69±0.23 with a difference from the baseline of 0.01±0.01 (P value >0.05 meaning that it is nonsignificant) 1-month patency rate was 89%, while 3- and 6-month patency rate was 75%. When we compared the patient's leg vessels before and after our intervention, we found that the percentage of the no-runoff-vessels group decreased from 10 (16.7%) to 4 (6.67%). One-runoff-vessel group percentage dropped from 40 (66.7%) to 36 (60%), whereas, in the two-runoff-vessel group, the percentage increased from 10 (16.7%) to 20 (33.3%). We evaluate leg arteries; we do no pedal arch intervention in the alpostradil group. Out of the total of 60 patients, limb salvage occurred in 58 (96.7%) patients, and 2 (3.3%) patients underwent below-the-knee amputation before the study ended. Our results show the efficacy and safety of alprostadil as an adjuvant therapy with indirect angiosomal revascularization in patients with tissue loss due to CLI.

Comparison between the 0- and 30-s balloon dilation time in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for restenosed arteriovenous fistula among hemodialysis patients: a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial (CARP study)

BackgroundThis study aims to compare patency rates of the 0- and 30-s (sec) balloon dilation time in hemodialysis (HD) patients with restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).MethodsThe patients who underwent PTA within 6 months for failed arteriovenous fistula at the forearm were randomly assigned the 0-s or 30-s dilation time group. Effect of dilation time on the 3- and 6-month patency rates after PTA was examined.ResultsFifty patients were enrolled in this study. The 3-month patency rate in the 30-s dilation group was better than that in the 0-s dilation group (P = 0.0050), while the 6-month patency rates did not show a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.28). Cox’s proportional hazard model revealed that 30-s of inflation time (hazard ratio 0.027; P = 0.0072), diameter of the proximal (hazard ratio 0.32; P = 0.031), and dilation pressure (hazard ratio 0.63; P = 0.014) were associated with better 3-month patency. Dilation pressure between previous and present PTA did not differ in the 0-s (P = 0.15) and 30-s dilation groups (P = 0.16). The 6-month patency rate of the present PTA in the 30-s dilation group was higher than that of the previous PTA (P = 0.015). The visual analog scale did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.51).ConclusionThe presenting data suggest that 30-s dilation potentially results in a better 3-month patency rate than 0-s dilation in HD patients with restenosis after PTA.

Transjugular approach: comparison with conventional endovascular treatment of native arteriovenous fistulas.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of the transjugular approach with those of the conventional approach for endovascular treatment of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Between May 2015 and July 2019, 112 patients with endovascular treatment of dysfunctional or immature AVFs were included and divided into the transjugular (n = 46) and conventional (n = 66) groups. Electronic medical records and angiography of the patients were retrospectively reviewed to assess technical and clinical success rates, time to first fistulography, total procedure time, primary and secondary patency, and complications in both groups. There were no significant differences in technical success rate (87.0% vs 97.0%; P = .062), clinical success rate (80.4% vs 90.9%; P = .109), or total procedure time (60.2 vs 57.9 min; P = .670) between the groups. Cox proportional hazards models showed that the cumulative primary patency was significantly higher in the transjugular group than in the conventional group (P = .041; 6-month patency rates, 93.8% vs 91.5%). Also, a statistically significant difference was found between the cumulative secondary patency of the groups (P = .014; 6-month patency rates, 91.4% vs 86.5%). No major complications were observed. Transjugular endovascular treatment of AVFs was successful and effective. Longer patency periods were observed when treated via transjugular access. This article compared the outcomes of transjugular approaches with those of conventional approaches in the endovascular treatment of native AVFs and showed higher patency periods/rates in the transjugular group than in the conventional group.

Complete stent graft relining of the hemodialysis access circuit for access salvage

Background: Stent grafts (SGs) are widely used in hemodialysis access procedures to maintain function and patency of the access circuit. There are no reports to date describing complete relining of the access circuit with SGs for extreme access salvage. Objective: To report outcomes and experience with complete SG relining of the hemodialysis access circuit. Methods: From April 2020 to May 2023, all hemodialysis salvage procedures that included complete relining of the access circuit with SGs were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively collected database of 970 hemodialysis access interventions. SGs were placed for various pathologies including residual stenosis, perforation, aneurysm, and thrombosis. Follow up outcomes included primary patency, primary assisted patency, and secondary patency. Results: A total of 16 patients were included in the study. Average stented length was 30 cm. Average follow up was 283 days (range 38–647 days). The primary patency of the entire covered segment was 80% and 68% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The primary assisted patency of the segment was 88% and 77% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Secondary patency of the access circuit was 94% at both 6 and 12 months. There were no issues with SG cannulation and zero cases of SG fracture or infection. Conclusions: Salvage of failing hemodialysis access circuits by complete SG relining should be considered for a limited subgroup of patients where the access circuit would otherwise be deemed unsalvageable. Complete SG relining has both good immediate outcomes and 6- and 12-month patency rates.

Comparison of Balloon-Occluded Thrombolysis with Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Patients of Budd-Chiari Syndrome with Occluded Direct Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt.

Objectives Direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (DIPS) stent placement is an effective treatment for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS); however, thrombotic occlusion of DIPS stent remains a cause of concern. The purpose of this study is to describe a novel technique of balloon-occluded-thrombolysis (BOT) for occluded DIPS stent, and compare it with the conventional catheter-directed-thrombolysis (CDT). Methods In this retrospective study, the hospital database was searched for BCS patients who underwent DIPS revision for thrombotic stent occlusion between January 2015 and February 2021. Patients were divided into CDT group and BOT group. The groups were compared for technical success, total dose of thrombolytic agent administered, duration of hospital stay, and primary assisted stent patency rates at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Results CDT was performed in 12 patients, whereas 21 patients underwent BOT. Complete recanalization was achieved in 66.7% (8 of 12) patients of CDT group as compared to 81% (17 of 21) patients of BOT group (nonsignificant difference, p = 0.420). BOT group had a short hospital stay (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 3.5 ± 1.0 days) and required less dose of thrombolytic agent ([2.2 ± 0.4]x10 5 IU versus [8.3 ± 2.9]x10 5 IU of urokinase) as compared to the CDT group and both differences were statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Further, 6-month patency rate was higher in BOT group as compared to CDT group ( p = 0.024). Conclusion The novel BOT technique of DIPS revision allows longer contact time of thrombolytic agent with the thrombi within the occluded stent. This helps in achieving fast recanalization of thrombosed DIPS stent with a significantly less dose of thrombolytic agent required, thus reducing the risk of systemic complications associated with thrombolytic administration.

#3408 A META-ANALYSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS OUTCOMES IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS OVER 75 YEARS OF AGE

Abstract Background and Aims The age of patients with end-stage renal disease is constantly growing, but evidence for the best vascular access for hemodialysis is scarce and controversial for elderly. A meta-analysis was performed in hemodialysis patients over 75 years old to compare the outcomes of different vascular access procedures in the sub-group of elderly ESRD patients ≥ 75 years of age. Method A literature search was performed using the electronic databases MEDLINE and SCOPUS up to October 2021. Twelve eligible articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were finally selected in the meta-analysis (Table). Three of these studies including ESRD patients &amp;gt;70 years of age were exceptionally included as the mean age was well above 75 years. First step analysis was focused on studies that reported the primary patency rates of autologous vs. prosthetic vascular accesses (5 studies). Second step analysis was focused on articles comparing the results of primary and secondary patency rates of distal (forearm) vs. proximal (upper arm) fistulas in elderly patients (8 studies). All these studies were retrospective cohort studies, none was randomized controlled trial. Results Regarding the first step analysis, primary failure rate at 24 months was in favor of AVFs (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.83, p = 0.003, Fig. 1). Although several studies have shown that AVG patency is not affected by age, this meta-analysis showed patency benefit of AVF in this subgroup of elderly patients ≥75 years of age. In a second step, the 12-month primary failure rate was by far in favor of proximal AVFs (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.53-2.97; p&amp;lt;.00001, Fig. 2). The 12-month secondary patency rate of the forearm AVFs was also inferior compared to the proximal AVF (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.12-2.78; p&amp;lt;.01, Fig. 3) These findings favor the use of proximal AVFs as first choice access in this subgroup of elderly patients, especially when they are late referrals or have low life expectancy. Conclusion The question of the right access in elderly ESRD patients does not have an easy answer. The present study shows that patients ≥75 years old should not be excluded from creation of an autologous access, with proximal AVFs having better patency rates.

Kalıcı diyaliz kateterlerinin uzun dönem sonuçları: tek merkez tecrübemiz

Aim: Tunneled dialysis catheters are generally not used as a primary dialysis access but as bridging therapy until a permanent dialysis access is available. However, it has been stated that long-term use may be appropriate if needed. In our study, we aimed to reveal the long-term patency rates of tunneled dialysis catheters and the frequency of catheter-related diseases in a large patient group.&#x0D; Material and Method: Patients who referred to our center for tunneled dialysis catheter insertion procedure between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed with respect of catheter patency durations. The duration between the patients’ repetitive admissions to our center due to catheter dysfunction, the cause of the dysfunction and the procedure applied to achieve the patency were noted. Kaplan- Meier survival analysis was used to calculate patency rates of catheters.&#x0D; Results: 1010 procedures were performed on 464 patients who applied to our center for tunneled dialysis catheter creation or dysfunction. 309 patients were excluded from the study due to short-term follow-up or lack of data. Of the remaining 155 patients with 211 catheter sites included to the study and 467 interventional procedures data analyzed. The mean primary patency duration of the tunneled dialysis catheters was 10.50±10.25 months and the secondary patency duration was 18.00±13.77 months. The 6, 12, and 24-month patency rates of the overall tunneled dialysis catheters were 91.1 %, 83.9 % and 77.9% respectively&#x0D; Conclusion: Although permanent dialysis catheters, which should not be the first choice for arteriovenous access, have associated comorbidities, they are a method with satisfactory patency rates when other access types are not suitable.

Balloon Bronchoplasty for the Treatment of Bronchial Stenosis After Lung Transplantation: A Single-Center 10-Year Experience.

To assess the safety and efficacy of balloon dilatation under dual guidance using fluoroscopy and bronchoscopy for treating bronchial stenosis following lung transplantation (LT), and to elucidate the factors associated with patency after the procedure. From September, 2012, to April, 2021, 50 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 54.4 ± 12.2 years) with bronchial stenosis among 361 recipients of LT were retrospectively analyzed. The safety of balloon dilatation was assessed by evaluating procedure-related complications. Efficacy was assessed by evaluating the technical success, primary patency, and secondary patency. Primary and secondary cumulative patency rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The factors associated with patency after the procedure were evaluated using multivariable Cox hazard proportional regression analysis. In total, 65 bronchi were treated with balloon dilatation in 50 patients. The total number of treatment sessions was 277 and the technical success rate was 99.3% (275/277 sessions). No major procedure-related complications were noted. During the mean follow-up period of 34.6 ± 30.8 months, primary patency was achieved in 12 of 65 bronchi (18.5%). However, the patency rate improved to 76.9% (50 of 65 bronchi) after repeated balloon dilatation (secondary patency). The 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year secondary patency rates were 95.4%, 90.8%, 83.1%, and 78.5%, respectively. The presence of clinical symptoms was a significant prognostic factor associated with reduced primary patency (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.465; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.220-0.987). Early-stage treatment ≤ 6 months (adjusted HR, 3.588; 95% CI, 1.093-11.780) and prolonged balloon dilatation > 5 min (adjusted HR, 3.285; 95% CI, 1.018-10.598) were associated with significantly higher secondary patency. Repeated balloon dilatation was determined to be safe and effective for treating bronchial stenosis following LT. Early-stage treatment and prolonged balloon dilatation could significantly promote long-term patency.

Clinical Outcomes and Patency after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Reduction for Overshunting Adverse Events

PurposeTo assess clinical outcomes and patency after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) reduction for overshunting adverse events. Materials and MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective observational study included 33 patients (male-to-female ratio, 20:13; mean age, 59 years; mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] score, 15) who underwent TIPS reduction between 2007 and 2020. Procedure indications included medically refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (85%), post-TIPS hepatic insufficiency (HI) (12%), and heart failure (3%). The measured outcomes included improvement in HE (classified using the West Haven system) and HI, patency of reduced TIPS, and transplant-free survival (TFS). ResultsTIPS reductions were successfully performed using parallel stent (94%) or other (6%) techniques at a median of 120 days after TIPS creation (HE, median, 164 days; HI, median, 5 days). The portosystemic pressure gradient increased from a mean of 10 to 17 mm Hg (P < .001). The overall HE rate after TIPS reduction was 54%; HE was persistent, improved, and resolved in 21%, 32%, and 46% cases, respectively. In patients with HI, the MELD score increased from a mean of 22 before TIPS to 34 after TIPS (P = .061), but without improvement (0%) in HI after TIPS reduction (mean MELD score, 30; P = .266). Recurrent ascites occurred in 14% of the patients. The median shunt patency was 961 days (95% confidence interval, 476–1,447). The 30-day, 6-month, 1-year, and 3-year shunt patency rates were 92%, 81%, 74%, and 37%, respectively. The median TFS was not reached. The 30-day, 6-month, 1-year, and 3-year survival rates were 97%, 90%, 81%, and 60%, respectively. ConclusionsAlthough TIPS reduction may be an effective and durable approach to treat post-TIPS medically refractory HE, shunt reduction may not achieve meaningful benefit for HI.

Drug-Eluting Stents are Associated with Superior Mid-Term Outcomes for the Treatment of Infrainguinal Bypass Graft Stenoses

We previously demonstrated that everolimus drug-eluting stents (eDES) have reasonable short-term patency for the treatment of infrainguinal bypass stenoses. The aim of this study is to compare mid-term outcomes of eDES, plain balloon angioplasty (PTA), percutaneous cutting balloon (PCB), and drug-coated balloon (DCB) interventions for failing infrainguinal bypasses. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with infrainguinal bypass stenoses treated by endovascular intervention (August 2010-August 2021). The primary outcome was primary patency (PP). Secondary outcomes were primary-assisted patency (PAP), secondary patency (SP), limb salvage (LS), and mortality. Outcomes were compared by treatment using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for baseline differences between groups. Seventy-two consecutive patients with 152 discrete infrainguinal bypass graft stenoses were identified. Mean age was 65.1±10.6years, 55.6% were male, and 48.6% were Black. In total, 81.9% of patients were originally treated for chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and 57.2% of distal anastomoses were to tibial or pedal targets. Of 152 lesions, 44.1% (n=67) were treated with PTA, 17.8% (n=27) with PCB, 20.4% (n=31) with DCB, and 17.8% (n=27) with eDES. Median follow-up was 28.5months (interquartile range 11.5-51.9). There was no difference in bypass configuration, conduit choice, or stenosis location (proximal anastomosis, mid-bypass, distal anastomosis) between groups. At 24 months postintervention, PP was significantly better for eDES (72.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 49.8-85.6), followed by PCB (55.9%, 95% CI 34.2-72.9), PTA (34.4%, 95% CI 21.7-47.4), and DCB (33.6%, 95% CI 14.5-53.9) (P=0.03). PAP, LS, and mortality did not significantly differ between modalities (P>0.05). After risk adjustment, eDES was associated with the lowest risk of PP loss (hazard ratio versus PTA 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.47). eDES is associated with superior 24-month patency rates compared to other endovascular technologies, and should be considered a primary therapy modality for the treatment of infrainguinal bypass graft stenoses.

Directional atherectomy and drug-coated balloon angioplasty vs. bare nitinol stent angioplasty for femoropopliteal artery lesions.

Background: The present study evaluated the prognosis of directional atherectomy (DA)+drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for femoropopliteal artery lesions compared with bare nitinol stent (BNS). Patients and methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with femoropopliteal artery lesions who underwent percutaneous endovascular surgery between January 2016 and June 2019. The primary outcome was the primary patency rate after 12, 24, and 36 months; the secondary outcomes comprised incidence of flow-limiting dissections, technical success, limb salvage, and all-cause death. Results: During the study period, 110 (44%) patients underwent DA+DCB, and 140 (56%) patients underwent bare nitinol stent (BNS). There were no differences in the 12- and 24-month patency rates of the two groups (98.2% vs. 93.6% and 68.2% vs. 60.0%, both p>.05). The 36-month primary patency rate in the DA+DCB group was significantly higher than that of the BNS group (27.3% vs. 15.7%, p=.003). The technical success rate and all-cause death were similar between groups (p>.05). Flow-limiting dissections occurred more frequently in the BNS group than in the DA+DCB group (27.9% vs. 10.9%, p=.033). After adjustment for potential confounders, such as sex, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, ABI after surgery, TASC II B, lesion length ≥15 cm, two-vessel runoff, and three-vessel runoff, the HR for primary patency rate comparing BNS to DA+DCB was 2.61 (95%CI: 1.61-4.25). Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study, DA+DCB was associated with a higher 30-month primary patency rate and a lower flow-limiting dissection incidence than BNS.

Cilostazol effectiveness in reducing drug-coated stent restenosis in the superficial femoral artery: The ZERO study.

Drug-eluting stents (DESs) play an important role in endovascular therapy (EVT) for femoropopliteal (FP) lesions. Cilostazol improves patency after bare-metal nitinol stent (BNS) implantation for femoropopliteal lesions. This study aimed to establish whether cilostazol is effective in improving the patency of DESs and determine whether BNS or DESs with or without cilostazol are more effective in improving the 12-month patency after EVT for FP lesions. In this prospective, open-label, multicenter study, 85 patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease due to de novo FP lesions were enrolled and treated with DESs with cilostazol from eight cardiovascular centers between April 2018 and May 2019. They were compared with 255 patients from the DEBATE SFA study, in which patients were randomly assigned to the BNS, BNS with cilostazol, or DES groups. The primary endpoint was the 12-month patency rate using duplex ultrasound (peak systolic velocity ratio < 2.5). This study was approved by the ethics committee of each hospital. The 12-month patency rates for the BNS, BNS with cilostazol, DES, and DES with cilostazol groups were 77.6%, 93.1%, 82.8%, and 94.2%, respectively (p = 0.007). The 12-month patency rate was higher in the DES with cilostazol group than in the DES group (p = 0.044). In small vessels, the DES with cilostazol group had a higher patency rate than the DES group (100.0% vs. 83.4%, p = 0.023). DES with cilostazol showed better patency than DES alone. Cilostazol improved patency after EVT with DES in FP lesions and small vessels. University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (no. UMIN 000032473).

Comparison of early outcomes associated with coronary artery bypass grafting for multi-vessel disease conducted using minimally invasive or conventional off-pump techniques: a propensity-matched study based on SYNTAX score

BackgroundThis study was designed to compare early outcomes associated with coronary artery bypass grafting for multi-vessel disease conducted using either minimally invasive or conventional off-pump techniques.MethodsFrom January 2017 through January 2021, 582 patients with multi-vessel lesion coronary artery disease underwent either minimally invasive cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) or conventional off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) treatment by our team at Anzhen Hospital. Patients in the MICS CABG group were propensity score-matched with those in the OPCABG at a 1:1 ratio (MICS CABG = 172; OPCABG = 172), using epidemiological data, preoperative clinical characteristics, and SYNTAX score as covariates. Perioperative outcomes and 6-month computed tomography angiography findings were compared between these groups.ResultsNo significant differences between groups were observed with respect to 30-day postoperative mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke incidence. Surgical data indicated that the MICS CABG procedure was able to cover all three main arterial territories with a relatively low need for circulatory assistance. The MICS CABG procedure was associated with a longer operative duration, but was also associated with higher postoperative hemoglobin and activities of daily living index values as well as a shorter duration of postoperative hospitalization (P < 0.05). No differences in 6-month graft patency were observed between groups.ConclusionsMICS CABG is a safe, less invasive alternative to OPCABG when performing complete revascularization provided patients are properly selected, yielding similar in-hospital outcomes and 6-month graft patency rates together with an earlier return of physical function.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Dysfunctional Hemodialysis Vascular Access: Can Careful Selection of Patients Improve the Outcomes?

Introduction:Our study aimed to evaluate the role of endovascular intervention in salvaging hemodialysis access in patients of end-stage renal disease with specific attention to features that may predict a poor outcome. We also evaluated the role of ultrasonography (USG) in the management of these patients.Methods:Forty-two patients with dysfunctional hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) were taken up for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without stent placement. All patients underwent a pre- and postprocedural USG Doppler to assess parameters such as mean flow, mean peak systolic velocity, and vessel diameter. Technical and clinical success rates were calculated, and characteristics causing increased failure rates (long-segment and multisite stenosis and diabetes) were noted.Results:The most common sites of stenosis were the anastomotic and perianastomotic sites (n = 27, 63%) on the venous side followed by distal venous drainage site (23%) and central venous stenosis (14%). The technical and clinical success rates were 98% and 92%, respectively. Three- and 6-month patency rates were 83% and 71%, respectively. Common characteristics in patients with failure (primary or secondary) were diabetes, increased age, increased length of stenosis (>2cm) and multisite stenosis. USG Doppler parameters showed a significant improvement post-PTA (P < 0.001) indicating clinical success. No major complication was noted in our study.Conclusion:PTA is successful for dysfunctional hemodialysis access. Careful selection of patients can improve the success rates and decrease economic burden in a resource-constrained country like ours. USG Doppler is essential in the assessment of iatrogenic hemodialysis AVFs.

MILLER Banding Procedure for Treatment of Dialysis Access-Related Steal Syndrome, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Heart Failure.

A Minimally Invasive Limited Ligation Endoluminal-assisted Revision (MILLER) banding procedure has been used for treating patients with dialysis access-related steal syndrome (DASS) and high-flow vascular access-related pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and heart failure (HF).We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing the MILLER procedure performed for DASS, HF, and PHT from our Vascular Access Database from September 2017 to October 2019. Outcomes included primary patency of banding, primary assisted patency, and secondary patency, using time-to-event analyses with Kaplan-Meier curves and life tables to estimate 6- and 12-month rates.A total of 13 patients (6 men and 7 women, mean age 60 ± 14years) underwent the MILLER procedure, 6 patients for DASS and 7 patients for pulmonary hypertension and heart failure (PHT/HF). Technical success was achieved in all patients. The longest duration of follow-up was 28months (median 12months [IQR 7, 19]). One patient died at 1month after the intervention due to stroke. One patient developed access thrombosis of the graft 3days after the procedure. Repeat banding was required in 1 patient 8months after the first procedure. The 6-month primary patency rate of banding following this procedure was 83% while the 12-month rate was 66%. The 6- and 12-month secondary patency rates were 87% and 75%, respectively.The MILLER procedure can be performed for DASS and PHT/HF with improvement of symptoms and good long-term patency rates. Additional interventions to maintain patency and efficacy are required on long-term follow-up.

Percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation with the 4F WavelinQ EndoAVF System

BackgroundPercutaneous devices for creation of native arteriovenous fistulae offer an alternative to traditional open surgical techniques. The 4F WavelinQ EndoAVF System was developed as a lower profile alternative to facilitate access through smaller vessels and minimize access site complications; The current report is the original first experience of this device, assessing outcome in 120 patients followed for 6 months. MethodsThe use of the 4F WavelinQ system in three studies, EASE (32 patients), EASE-2 (24 patients), and the EU postmarket clinical follow-up study (64 patients) was aggregated and analyzed. Patients were followed with duplex ultrasound at discharge and follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were evaluated as Kaplan-Meier estimates and standard errors. Time to maturity and time to successful cannulation were defined as the mean ± standard deviation days from the procedure in patients enrolled on dialysis. ResultsProcedural success was achieved in 116 patients (96.7%). Primary, assisted-primary, and secondary 6-month patency rates were 71.9% ± 4.5%, 80.7% ± 4.1%, and 87.8% ± 3.3%, respectively. Time to maturity averaged 41 ± 17 days. Time to successful cannulation averaged 68 ± 51 days. Device-related serious adverse events were reported in 3 of 120 patients (2.5%) and procedure-related serious adverse events occurred in 7 of 120 patients (5.8%). Arterial or venous access complications were not reported in any of the patients. Access circuit reinterventions were performed in 23 patients (19.2%), split between those performed for EndoAVF maturation (13/120 [10.8%]) and maintenance (11/120 [9.2%]). ConclusionsPercutaneous creation of native dialysis fistulae with the 4F WavelinQ EndoAVF System is safe and effective, with favorable durability and a low rate of serious complications and reinterventions through 6-month follow-up. Use of the 4F device allows for percutaneous fistula creation between the radial artery and radial vein or the ulnar artery and ulnar vein. These findings suggest that the 4F device is a useful percutaneous alternative to open surgical AVF or endovascular AVF with larger bore devices.