Clinically-driven Target Lesion Revascularization Research Articles

Real-World Performance of Excimer Laser Ablation Combined with Drug-Coated Balloon Versus Drug-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis Disease.

This study aims to assess the effectiveness and identify the risk factors associated with postoperative restenosis in patients with femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (FP-ISR) disease treated with excimer laser ablation (ELA) combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) versus DCB alone. This retrospective real-world study compares patients with FP-ISR treated with ELA + DCB versus DCB alone. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted for long-segment lesions (lesion length ≥200 mm) and Tosaka III lesions. Then Cox regression analysis was used to examine 24-month outcomes of target lesion revascularization and restenosis. We found no significant differences in primary patency and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) at 24 months between the ELA + DCB group (49 patients) and the DCB group (82 patients). In the subgroup analysis of long-segment lesions (target lesion length ≥200 mm), the results showed that ELA + DCB was superior to DCB at 24 months in terms of both primary patency (55.0% vs 35.3%; P = 0.048) and freedom from CD-TLR (77.8% vs 50.8%; P = 0.033). The 2 treatment methods did not show statistical significance in the subgroup analysis of Tosaka III patients. Target lesion length of ≥200 mm was found to have a significant association with restenosis (hazard ratio = 5.28; 95% CI, 2.48-11.23; P < 0.001) and freedom from CD-TLR (hazard ratio = 3.02; 95% CI, 1.02-9.30; P = 0.044) in the multivariate analysis. We do not have sufficient evidence to show a significant difference between ELA + DCB and DCB alone for FP-ISR. However, for patients with long-segment FP-ISR lesions, ELA + DCB may provide better long-term patency. Our results suggest that for patients with long-segment (≥200 mm) FP-ISR, the efficacy of ELA combined with DCB may be superior to that of DCB alone. For patients with FP-ISR <200 mm, DCB alone may achieve satisfactory efficacy, thus reducing the medical burden on patients and allowing for the selection of more appropriate treatment options for different types of lesions.

Efficacy and safety of the needle rendezvous technique for infrainguinal arterial calcified lesions

BackgroundLower extremity artery disease is increasingly prevalent, and complex lesions such as calcified chronic total occlusions pose significant challenges during endovascular therapy. The needle rendezvous technique, which involves puncturing a needle toward the guidewire within the lesion or lumen and advancing the guidewire into the needle lumen to achieve guidewire externalization, offers a potential solution. If device passage remains challenging, the Rendezvous-PIERCE technique can be subsequently employed by advancing the needle over the externalized guidewire to modify the lesion directly. This study aimed to evaluate the procedural outcomes of needle rendezvous in infrainguinal arterial occlusive lesions.MethodsThis single-center, retrospective, single-arm study included patients treated with needle rendezvous between August 2020 and March 2024. The primary outcome was technical success rate, defined as the device passage following guidewire externalization using needle rendezvous. Secondary outcomes included the rates of procedural success, complications, and 30-day clinical-driven target lesion revascularization (CDTLR).ResultsTwenty-five patients (25 limbs) with 52% on hemodialysis and 80% having chronic limb-threatening ischemia in 52% and 80% were enrolled. All cases involved bilateral calcified occlusions, and 72% targeted the infrapopliteal artery segment. The average needle rendezvous time was 3.7 ± 2.0 min. Rendezvous-PIERCE was performed in 28% of cases. All cases achieved 100% technical and procedural success, with no procedure-related complications. The 30-day CDTLR rate was 8%, limited to below-the-knee lesions.ConclusionsNeedle rendezvous is a safe and effective technique for treating complex infrainguinal arterial occlusions, providing a viable alternative when conventional methods fail.

Drug-eluting devices versus angioplasty in infrapopliteal artery disease:an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and restenosis are common complications in individuals with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and infrapopliteal artery disease undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Drug-eluting balloons, stents, and resorbable scaffolds have emerged as an alternative therapy that may decrease the recurrence of these complications compared to PTA. However, their efficacy and safety are still controversial. Purpose This study aims to update and provide new insights about coated balloons, stents, and resorbable scaffolds as drug-eluting devices compared to PTA in patients with CLTI and infrapopliteal artery disease. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drug-eluting devices, such as stents, coated balloons, and resorbable scaffolds, to PTA in patients with CLTI and infrapopliteal artery disease. The primary endpoint of interest was (1) CD-TLR. We only included trials defining this outcome as angiographically confirmed restenosis associated with wound changes or change in Rutherford classification at 12 months follow-up. This study also reported the following secondary outcomes: (2) binary restenosis and (3) amputation. We performed a subgroup analysis of the drug-eluting devices and between the drug-eluting pharmacological class, comparing the limus drug family subgroup and Pactlitaxel subgroup. Results We included 6 RCTs, encompassing 1263 patients, of whom 761 (60.2%) received a drug-eluting device. The mean age was 70.94 years. In the pooled analysis, the primary endpoint of CD-TLR was not statistically significant(OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.56-1.12; p=0.64; figure 1A). Although binary restenosis (OR: 0.62; 95% CI 0.36-1.05; p= 0.04; Fig.1B) was not statistically significant, our subgroup analysis of different drug-eluting pharmacological classes was significantly different(p&amp;lt;0.01; Fig.1B). Furthermore, the -limus family subgroup presented with a significant lower (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.25 - 0.61; p&amp;lt;0.01; Fig. 1B) binary restenosis. There was no significant difference in the amputation endpoint (OR: 1.12; 95% CI 0.52 - 2.49; p= 0.74) and among the drug-eluting devices subgroup (p=0.63; Fig. 1A) for the CD-TLR endpoint. Conclusion In this updated meta-analysis of patients with CLTI and infrapopliteal artery, drug-eluting devices were not associated with CD-TLR compared to PTA. However, the -limus drug family is associated with a more significant reduction in the binary restenosis endpoint.

Safety and efficacy of low-dose versus high-dose paclitaxel-coated balloons in patients with femoropopliteal lesions: an updated and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have reduced restenosis and reintervention of femoropopliteal lesions compared to uncoated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). However, limited data are available on different dosages of the DCBs. Purpose We aimed to give a comprehensive analysis in this regard and update the current evidence. Methods We searched Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, and WOS from inception till February 2024 to include all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that addressed different dosages of DCBs in femoropopliteal lesions. The primary endpoint was all-cause death, primary patency, and amputation at six months, while the secondary outcomes were all-cause death, primary patency, and amputation at 12 months. Dichotomous data were pooled using Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in a random-effect model. Results A total of 21 studies, including 4081 patients in the analysis. Low-dose DCB was associated with high rates of primary patency compared to the standard dose at both 6 and 12 months of follow-up with the following values (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.48 to 4.08, and 1.93, 95% CI: 1.5 to 2.49, receptively). Also, low-dose DCB reduced the incidence of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) compared to the standard dose at 12 months (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.65). Regarding high-dose DCB, higher primary patency rates were observed when compared to standard doses at 6 and 12 months (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.99, and 5.47, 95% CI: 4.31 to 6.95, respectively). Moreover, high-dose DCB reduced the incidence of CD-TLR at 6 and 12 months of follow-up (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.63, and 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.84, respectively). Conclusion Low-dose DCBs were associated with higher primary patency without significant differences in all-cause mortality or amputation. On the other hand, high-dose DCBs were associated with a higher incidence of amputation without significant differences in other studied outcomes.Low dose Paclitaxel coated balloon vs CoHigh dose Paclitaxel coated balloon vs C

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.

Atherectomy Followed by Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Versus Surgery for Symptomatic Deep Femoral Artery Arteriosclerotic Disease.

Limited data are available regarding endovascular therapy of arteriosclerotic lesions of the deep femoral artery (DFA). In this study, we compare the outcomes of atherectomy combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and open repair of DFA lesions. This is a multicenter retrospective registry of patients with peripheral artery occlusive disease Rutherford categories 2 to 5 treated by surgical profundaplasty (SP) or atherectomy followed by DCB for DFA lesions (symptomatic DFA). The primary endpoint was clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR). Overall mortality, target limb reinterventions, major amputation, and major adverse limb events (MALEs) were additionally analyzed. A total of 373 patients treated for an arteriosclerotic lesion of the DFA between February 2015 and August 2021 were included, 301 treated by SP and 72 with atherectomy and DCB. The rates of chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) were 42.2% and 22.2% (p<0.002) for the surgical and endovascular groups, respectively. A previous DFA intervention was more frequent in the endovascular group (30.6% vs 15.3%; p<0.003). Patients who had an open repair were more likely to have an occlusion of the profunda (34.9% vs 19.7%, p=0.014), severe calcified lesions (26.5% vs 5.6%, p=0.001), and lesions longer than 20 mm (95.7% vs 88.7%, p=0.024). After propensity score matching, no significant differences were found with regard to technical and hemodynamic success. At 24 months, no difference was found in terms of freedom from CD-TLR (95.7% vs 96.8%), freedom from all-cause mortality (94.2% vs 98.5%), freedom from MALE (90.4% vs 93.9%), and amputation-free survival (93.8% vs 97%). Following endovascular therapy, length of stay was significantly lower (p<0.001) and any reintervention on the index limb was more frequent (p=0.039). Patients with CLTI, occlusion of profunda, severe calcified lesions, and longer lesions are more frequently treated by open surgery, while reinterventions are more commonly treated by atherectomy and DCB. In patients with comparable clinical and lesion characteristics after matching, endovascular and surgical reconstruction of DFA lesions showed similar mid-term clinical outcomes. However, the risk of reintervention at the index limb is higher after endovascular treatment. Randomized studies are now warranted to compare both techniques in terms of medical and financial aspects. Atherectomy followed by DCB of symptomatic DFA is safe and effective. In patients with comparable clinical and lesion characteristics, outcomes are comparable with surgery. However, the risk of reintervention at the index limb is higher after endovascular treatment. Therefore, whenever possible an additional outflow vessel revascularization should be performed by the time of the primary intervention. Randomized studies are warranted to compare endovascular techniques and open surgery also under economic aspects.

The Role of Intravascular Ultrasound in Limb Salvage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to review the current literature of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) use in real world cohorts inclusive of chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients and compare the outcomes to patients imaged by angiography alone. The systematic review was registered in Research Registry. A literature search was performed across 4 databases: PubMed, Medline/Embase, Cochrane Review, and Web of Science for eligible comparative studies. The primary outcomes examined were clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), amputation (including minor below the ankle and major above the ankle), all-cause mortality, limb salvage and mean balloon dilation. A random effects model was used when pooling outcomes to account for heterogeneity. Publication bias was determined using eggers test and illustrated on a funnel plot. Six studies were included in this review, with a total of 1883 subjects with Rutherford 1-6. Among the 1883 subjects, 940 had Rutherford 4-6. IVUS was used in 1294 subjects and angiography alone was used in 589 subjects. Pooled analysis determined no significant association in IVUS + angiography with CD-TLR (O.R = 1.43 [CI: 0.80, 2.58]), all-cause amputation (O.R = 0.63 [CI: 0.34, 1.17]), and all-cause mortality (O.R = 0.63 [CI: 0.34, 1.17]). Sub analysis of subjects with CLTI, Rutherford classes 4-6 showed an association between IVUS + angiography use with limb salvage at 1 year, O.R = 2.22 [1.24, 3.97]. The use of IVUS + angiography compared to angiography alone showed larger reference vessel diameter in both all-inclusive Rutherford classifications and the CLTI subset. The use of IVUS + angiography compared to angiography alone showed no difference in CD-TLR at 12 months, lower extremity amputation, and all-cause mortality for Rutherford 1-6. The use of IVUS + angiography compared to angiography alone in the CLTI subset analysis improved limb salvage.

Long-term clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloon angioplasty for de novo coronary lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus.

We investigated whether drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment is effective for all de novo cases of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we also investigated the relationship between the degree of diabetes mellitus and clinical outcomes after DCB treatment. In this study, we included 516 consecutive patients with de novo CAD who were treated with DCB. The patients were divided into the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Patients with diabetes mellitus were further classified into non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (NITDM) and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM). The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular ischemic events (MACE) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR). Within a mean clinical follow-up period of 2.5years, the incidence of MACE among patients with diabetes mellitus (22.1%) was almost twice that of non-diabetic patients (11.9%) with a relative risk of 1.86 (95% CI 1.24-2.79, p = 0.002). The 3-year CD-TLR occurred in 28 patients with diabetes mellitus (10.6%) and 13 non-diabetic patients (5.1%, p = 0.02). ITDM patients had a significantly higher rate of MACE compared with non-diabetic patients with a relative risk of 2.86 (95% CI 1.76-4.63, p = 0.0002). ITDM remained an independent predictor of 3-year MACE with an odd ratio of 1.96 (95% CI 1.00-3.83, p = 0.05). In patients undergoing DCB, the presence of DM was associated with a higher risk of MACE and CD-TLR. Particularly in DCB, treatment was still inadequately effective for ITDM patients.

Effectiveness of Atherectomy and Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty in Femoropopliteal Disease: A Comprehensive Outcome Study.

Atherectomy has been reintroduced for debulking calcified atheroma to enhance the efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCBs); however, its efficacy in severe calcification and related outcomes have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of atherectomy and DCB angioplasty for treating femoropopliteal occlusive disease (FPOD). From 2014 to July 2022, 85 limbs in 76 patients with FPOD underwent atherectomy with DCB angioplasty. We evaluated the efficacy of this procedure using primary patency (PP) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR)-free survival. PP was defined as the duration of uninterrupted patency without occlusion or a peak systolic velocity ratio more than 2.5 at the target lesion. Lesion calcification was evaluated according to Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System, and Grade 4 was classified as severe. Seventy-one (84%) cases were male, and 56 limbs (66%) were treated for claudication. Rotational and directional atherectomies were performed in 62 (73%) and 23 limbs, respectively. The improvement in the median ankle-brachial index was 0.36 (interquartile range, 0.25-0.48). Median follow-up duration was 19.4 months. The overall PP and CD-TLR-free survival rates were 77% and 93% at 1 year and 64% and 83% at 2 years, respectively. On multivariable analysis, female sex (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-10.87, P=0.014), dialysis (aHR, 4.35; 95% CI, 1.33-13.22, P=0.015), and severe calcification (aHR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.07-5.46, P=0.033) were independent risk factors for poor PP. Dialysis (aHR, 11.07; 95% CI, 3.72-32.92, P<0.001) and severe calcification (aHR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.15-8.84, P=0.026) were identified as independent risk factors for CD-TLR. Atherectomy with DCB angioplasty for FPOD did not work well in female patients, patients with lesions with severe calcification, and patients undergoing dialysis. Therefore, careful monitoring of these patients is crucial for patency loss and the requirement for revascularization. Additionally, for these patients requiring revascularization, surgical bypass may be appropriate for suitable candidates; whereas more proactive conservative management may be justified for claudicants.

High- Versus Low-Dose Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons for Femoropopliteal Disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of high- and low doses of paclitaxel in endovascular revascularization procedures for patients with femoropopliteal disease. The databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for studies that had compared outcomes of high-dose and low-dose paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) in the treatment of patients with femoropopliteal disease. Randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized comparative studies (eg, cohort studies and case-control studies) were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes of interest were patency rates, risk of restenosis, and clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR). Pooled effect sizes were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The analysis included 7 studies. High-dose PCB use was associated with higher patency (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.21), reduced risk of restenosis (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.46-0.79), and reduced need for CT-TLR (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.79) compared to low-dose PCB. Rates of limb salvage (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.04), freedom from major adverse limb events (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.79-2.42), and overall survival (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99-1.05) were comparable in the 2 groups. There was no evidence of publication bias. High-dose PCB correlates with superior outcomes in patients with femoropopliteal disease, particularly in terms of better vascular patency, reduced restenosis risk, and lower need for target lesion revascularization, compared to low-dose PCB.

Outcomes of drug-coated balloon angioplasty in patients with dyslipidemia in the BIOLUX P-III registry: A subgroup analysis.

The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term outcomes of the use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) to treat infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with dyslipidemia. BIOLUX P-III is a prospective, international, multicenter, all-comers registry-based study that was conducted at 44 sites with follow-ups at 6, 12 and 24 months. The present study is a subgroup analysis comparing the outcomes associated with endovascular revascularization with those associated with Passeo-18 lux DCBs in patients with and without dyslipidemia. The proportions of patients free from major adverse events (defined as device- or procedure-related mortality within 30 days, clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and major target limb amputation), target vessel revascularization, and patient-reported outcomes within 24 months postintervention were compared between the two groups. A total of 876 patients with symptomatic PAD who underwent peripheral revascularization with DCBs and had information on their dyslipidemia status were included; 588 of those patients had dyslipidemia. There was no difference in the proportion of patients free from MAEs between the groups. The percentages of patients who were 6, 12 and 24 months free from CD-TLR were significantly lower in the dyslipidemia group than in the nondyslipidemia group (86.3% vs 91.9% at 2 years, p = .0183). Similarly, the percentage of patients free from target vessel revascularization was lower in the dyslipidemia group at all timepoints (83.3% vs 89.3% at 2 years, p = .0203). There was no difference in mortality or major or minor limb amputation rates. Other secondary outcomes were similar between the groups. Compared to those without dyslipidemia, patients with symptomatic PAD and dyslipidemia who underwent revascularization with a Passeo-18 lux DCB had greater rates of CD-TLR and TVR. However, having dyslipidemia did not increase the risk of mortality or limb amputation. NCT02276313.

Stellarex Drug-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease: Five-Year Results from the ILLUMENATE Pivotal Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to report the 5-year outcomes from the ILLUMENATE Pivotal randomized controlled trial of the lower dose (2 µg/mm2) Stellarex drug-coated balloon (DCB) (Philips, formerly Spectranetics Corp, Colorado Springs, Colorado) compared with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Long-term safety and effectiveness data for DCBs remains limited. The ILLUMENATE Pivotal was a prospective, randomized, multi-center, single-blinded study. Patients (Rutherford Clinical Category 2 to 4) were randomized 2:1 to Stellarex DCB or PTA. Follow-up was through 60 months. In total, 300 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.8 ± 10.2 years. At 60 months, freedom from a primary safety event was 69.2% in the Stellarex DCB arm and 68.2% in the PTA arm (log-rank, p = 0.623). The cumulative rate of major adverse events was 41.0% compared with 44.6% (p = 0.597), respectively. Freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) was 70.3% in the Stellarex DCB arm compared with 68.2% in the PTA arm (p = 0.505). Time to first CD-TLR was 768.3 ± 478.9 days compared with 613.5 ± 453.4 days, respectively (p = 0.161). Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from all-cause mortality were 80.1% in the Stellarex DCB arm and 80.2% in the PTA arm (log-rank, p = 0.980). In conclusion, the 5-year results of the ILLUMENATE Pivotal randomized controlled trial add to the consistent safety data from the broader ILLUMENATE clinical program. These are the first data to report the 5-year safety and efficacy of a lower dose (2 µg/mm2) DCB for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Clinicaltrials.gov Registration:NCT01858428.

Viabahn endoprosthesis for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair: safety, success rates, and long-term patency

BackgroundThe Viabahn endoprosthesis has become a vital option for endovascular therapy, yet there is limited long-term data on its effectiveness for peripheral aneurysm repair. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, technical and clinical success, and long-term patency of the Viabahn endoprosthesis for treating femoropopliteal aneurysms.MethodsThis retrospective tertiary single-center study analyzed patients who underwent a Viabahn endoprosthesis procedure for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair from 2010 to 2020. Intraoperative complications, technical and clinical success rates, and major adverse events (MAE, including acute thrombotic occlusion, major amputation, myocardial infarction, and device- or procedure-related death) at 30 days were assessed. Incidence of clinically-driven target lesion revascularisation (cdTLR) was noted. Patency rates were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analysis.ResultsAmong 19 patients (mean age, 72 ± 12 years; 18 male, 1 female) who underwent aneurysm repair using the Viabahn endoprosthesis, there were no intraoperative adverse events, with 100% technical and clinical success rates. At the 30-day mark, all patients (19/19, 100%) were free of MAE. The median follow-up duration was 1,009 days [IQR, 462–1,466]. Popliteal stent graft occlusion occurred in 2/19 patients (10.5%) after 27 and 45 months, respectively. Consequently, the primary patency rates were 100%, 90%, 74% at 12, 24, and 36–72 months, respectively. Endovascular cdTLR was successful in both cases, resulting in sustained secondary patency at 100%.ConclusionThe use of Viabahn endoprostheses for femoropopliteal aneurysm repair demonstrated technical and clinical success rates of 100%, a 0% 30-day MAE rate, and excellent long-term patency.

A Novel Sirolimus-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal Lesions: The SELUTION SFA Japan Trial

BackgroundSirolimus-coated balloons (SCB) for the treatment of femoropopliteal (FP) lesions have not been systematically studied, but initial outcomes from early studies are promising. ObjectivesThe authors sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the SELUTION SLR SCB, composed of proprietary microreservoir technology combining sirolimus and biodegradable polymer, when used to treat mild-to-moderate FP disease in a Japanese population. MethodsThis multicenter, prospective, single-arm study (SELUTION SFA JAPAN) enrolled 134 patients with FP disease. It was independently adjudicated by an imaging core laboratory and clinical events committee. The primary endpoint was 12-month primary patency, defined as peak systolic velocity ratio ≥2.5 by duplex ultrasound and compared against a prespecified performance goal of 60% based on established angioplasty data. ResultsThe mean age was 73.8 ± 6.9 years, and 60.3% of patients had diabetes mellitus. The mean lesion length was 127.4 ± 59.7 mm, 17.2% were chronic total occlusions, and 47.8% involved the popliteal artery. Data on 12-month restenosis were available in 127 patients (94.8%). The 12-month primary patency rate was 87.9%, and the freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) was 97.0% per Kaplan-Meier estimate. The major adverse event rate was 6.7%, driven by 4 CD-TLRs and 5 deaths, none of which were related to the device or procedure. Ankle-brachial index data improved significantly from 0.73 ± 0.16 at baseline to 0.96 ± 0.14 at 30 days postprocedure and was sustained through 12 months (0.94 ± 0.13). ConclusionsThe SELUTION SFA JAPAN trial demonstrated that a novel SELUTION SCB is a safe and effective treatment option for FP disease in symptomatic patients.

Twenty-Four-Month Safety and Effectiveness of TCD-17187 Drug-Coated Balloon for Treatment of Atherosclerotic Lesions in Superficial Femoral and Proximal Popliteal Artery

PurposeIn the present trial, the 24-month safety and effectiveness of the TCD-17187 drug-coated balloon (DCB) for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and proximal popliteal artery (PA) were evaluated in Japanese patients.MethodsThis was a prospective, multicenter, core laboratory-adjudicated, single-arm trial. From 2019 to 2020, 121 patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease were enrolled. The primary effectiveness outcome measure was primary patency. The safety outcome measure was the major adverse event (MAE) rate.ResultsAge was 74.5 ± 7.3 years, and diabetes mellitus was present in 67.5%. Lesion length and reference vessel diameter (RVD) were 106.0 ± 52.6 mm and 5.2 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Chronic total occlusion (CTO) and bilateral calcification rate (Grade 3 and 4 by peripheral arterial calcium scoring system (PACSS)) were 17.5% and 50.8%, respectively. The 24-month primary patency rate by duplex ultrasound was 71.3%, while freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) was 87.0%. The MAE rate was 13.2% and all events consisted of CD-TLR. There were no instances of device- or procedure-related deaths major amputations throughout the 24 months. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed significant differences associated with loss of primary patency in the following characteristics: CTO, restenotic lesion and RVD.ConclusionThis trial confirmed the safety and effectiveness of TCD-17187 DCB for atherosclerotic lesions of the SFA and/or proximal PA for up to 24 months.Level of EvidenceLevel 3, Cohort study.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000038612&type=summary&language=J:Registration ID: UMIN000034122. Registration Date: September 13, 2018.

Polymer-based drug-eluting stent treatment extends the time to reintervention for patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease: clinical evidence and potential economic value.

Aim: Use long-term follow-up data from the IMPERIAL study to determine whether drug-eluting polymer-based nitinol stent treatment can delay the time to repeat intervention for femoropopliteal artery disease and how such a delay may result in cost savings in a value-based episode of care. Patients & methods: The IMPERIAL randomized controlled trial was an international study of a paclitaxel-eluting polymer-coated stent (Eluvia, Boston Scientific, MA, USA) versus a polymer-free paclitaxel-coated stent (Zilver PTX, Cook Corporation, IN, USA) for treating lesions of the femoropopliteal arterial segment. Study patients (n=465) had symptomatic lower limb ischemia. Safety and efficacy assessments were performed through 5years. Mean time to first reintervention was calculated in post-hoc analysis for patients who underwent a clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) through 3 or 5years following the index procedure. To simulate potential cost savings associated with differential CD-TLR burden over time, a cost-avoidance analysis using input parameters from IMPERIAL and US 100% Medicare standard analytical files was developed. Results: Among patients with a first CD-TLR through 3years of follow-up, mean time to reintervention was 5.5months longer (difference 166days, 95% CI: 51, 282days; p=0.0058) for patients treated with Eluvia (n=56) than for those treated with Zilver PTX (n=30). Through the 5-year study follow-up period, CD-TLR rates were 29.3% (68/232) for Eluvia and 34.2% (39/114) for Zilver PTX (p=0.3540) and mean time to first reintervention exceeded 2years for patients treated with Eluvia at 737days versus 645days for the Zilver PTX group (difference 92days, 95% CI: -85, 269days; p=0.3099). Simulated savings considering reinterventions occurring over 1 and 5years following initial use of Eluvia over Zilver PTX were US $1,395,635 and US $1,531,795, respectively, when IMPERIAL CD-TLR rates were extrapolated to 1000 patients. Conclusion: IMPERIAL data suggest initial treatment with Eluvia extends the time patients spend without undergoing reintervention. This extension may be associated with cost savings in relevant time frames.

MagicTouch PTA Sirolimus-Coated Balloon for Femoropopliteal and Below-the-Knee Disease: 3-Year Outcomes of the XTOSI Trial

ObjectivesSirolimus coated balloon (SCB) is a potential treatment option for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). There is currently no long term clinical data for this novel treatment for PAD. We present the 3 year results of the first-in-human study of MagicTouch PTA SCB for treatment of PAD for both femoropopliteal and below the knee arteries (BTK). MethodsXTOSI pilot study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, single centre trial evaluating MagicTouch PTA SCB for symptomatic PAD. Assessments through 3 years included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), freedom from major amputation, amputation free survival (AFS), overall survival and ulcer free status. ResultsAt 3 years, the overall freedom from CD-TLR was 84.4%, freedom from major amputation was 86.1%, AFS was 63.3%, overall survival was 63.3% and ulcer free status in remaining survivors with intact limbs was 100%.For femoropoliteal lesions, at 3 years, the freedom from CD-TLR was 92.9%, freedom from major amputation was 93.3%, AFS was 70% and overall survival was 70%. For BTK lesions, at 3 years, the freedom from CD-TLR was 77.8%, freedom from major amputation was 81.0%, AFS was 58.6% and overall survival was 58.6%. ConclusionsSCB in the XTOSI pilot study showed promising clinical results sustained to 3 years and no long term safety concerns were raised. Randomized trials are currently ongoing to investigate the safety and efficacy of SCB for treatment of PAD.

Safety and effectiveness of the Phoenix atherectomy device for endovascular treatment of common femoral and popliteal arteries: Results of the EN-MOBILE trial.

Background: This study aimed to assess the peri- and postprocedural outcomes of atherectomy-assisted endovascular treatment of the common femoral (CFA) and popliteal arteries. Methods: Phoenix atherectomy was used for the treatment of 73 and 53 de novo CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively, in 122 consecutive patients. Safety endpoints encompassed perforation and peripheral embolization. Postprocedural endpoints included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and clinical success (an improvement of ⩾ 2 Rutherford category [RC]). In addition, 531 patients treated for popliteal artery stenosis or occlusion without atherectomy were used as a comparator group. Results: Procedural success (residual stenosis < 30% after treatment) was 99.2%. The need for bail-out stenting was 2 (2.7%) and 3 (5.7%) in CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively. Only one (1.4%) embolization occurred in the CFA, which was treated by catheter aspiration. No perforations occurred. After 1.50 (IQR = 1.17-2.20) years, CD-TLR occurred in seven (9.2%) and six (14.6%) patients with CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively, whereas clinical success was achieved in 62 (91.2%) and 31 (75.6%), respectively. Patients treated with atherectomy and DCB in the popliteal artery after matching for baseline RC, lesion calcification, length, and the presence of chronic total occlusion, exhibited higher freedom from CD-TLR compared to the nondebulking group (HR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.1-8.5, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Atherectomy can be used safely and is associated with low rates of bail-out stenting in CFA and popliteal arteries. CD-TLR and clinical success rates are clinically acceptable. In addition, for the popliteal artery, atherectomy combined with DCB demonstrates lower CD-TLR rates compared to a DCB alone strategy. (German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00016708).

Self-Apposing Stents in Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions: A Pilot Study

This pilot study assessed the 12-month angiographic and clinical outcomes of self-apposing (SA) stents in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Self-apposing (SA) stents may decrease incomplete strut apposition and stent strut coverage that are common after CTO PCI. We compared 20 patients who underwent CTO PCI using SA drug-eluting stents (DESs) with 20 matched control patients who underwent CTO PCI using balloon-expandable (BE)-DESs. All patients were followed up clinically for 12 months and had coronary angiography with optical coherence tomography at the end of the follow-up period. The primary end points were stent strut malapposition and strut coverage. The secondary end point was composite major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at 12 months. Both groups had high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and most of the treated lesions were complex, with 62% having a J-CTO score of ≥3. All CTO PCI techniques were allowed for recanalisation, and 75% of the procedures were guided by intravascular ultrasound. At 12 months, the SA-DES group had fewer malapposed struts (0% [interquartile range (IQR) 0%-0%] vs 4.5% [IQR 0%-20%]; p<0.001) and uncovered struts (0.08% [IQR 0%-1.6%] vs 8.2% [IQR 0%-16%]; p<0.001). However, they showed significantly higher rates of MACEs due to clinically-driven target lesion revascularisation (45% vs 15%; p=0.038). In this pilot study, compared with conventional BE-DESs, SA-DESs used in CTO PCI were associated with fewer malapposed and uncovered stent struts but also with significantly higher rates of in-stent restenosis and MACEs, mainly caused by clinically driven target lesion revascularisation.

A Cost-Consequence Analysis Comparing Balloon-Expandable Covered Stents for the Management of Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.

To compare procedural and long-term costs associated with the use of Balloon-Expandable Covered Stents (BECS) in the management of Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease (AIOD). A cost-consequence model was developed to simulate the intra- and post-operative management of patients with AIOD from the perspective of private health-payers. The study assessed the costs of the LifeStream (BD, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey), iCAST/Advanta V12 (Getinge, Goteborg, Sweden), BeGraft Peripheral (Bentley, Hechingen, Germany), and Viabahn Balloon Expandable (VBX) (W.L. Gore, Flagstaff, Arizona) BECS devices. Device costs were identified from the Australian Prosthesis List, whereas clinical outcomes of BECS were estimated from a systematic review of the literature. Costs were calculated over 24 and 36 month time horizons and reported in US dollars. Long-term, per-patient cost of each device at 24 and 36 months was $6253/$6634 for the LifeStream; $6359/$6869 for the iCAST/Advanta V12; $4806 (data available to 24 months) for the BeGraft Peripheral; and $4839/$5046 for the Viabahn VBX, respectively. Most of the cost difference was attributed to the number of stents required per treated limb and frequency of clinically-driven target lesion revascularization events. Best-available clinical evidence and economic modeling demonstrates that the BeGraft Peripheral and Viabahn VBX were of similar cost and the least costly options at 24 months, whereas at 36 months, the lowest cost BECS option for the treatment of AIOD was the Viabahn VBX. This analysis supports economically informed decision-making for health-payers managing systems that care for patients with AIOD. Stent length and avoiding reintervention were identified as key areas of cost-saving for future BECS development.