Effect Of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Research Articles

Endovascular intravascular intervention for central venous stenosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundThe number of people undergoing maintenance hemodialysis is increasing rapidly worldwide. Central vein stenosis (CVS) is a common vascular complication in undergoing hemodialysis, especially those with a history of catheterization. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of CVS and the clinical effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone and sequential percutaneous transluminal stenting (PTS) in hemodialysis patients with CVS.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 26 cases of endovascular intervention for CVS using PTA alone or sequential PTS was performed. The characteristics of CVS and the clinical effectiveness of these procedures were evaluated.ResultsThis study included 26 hemodialysis patients who presented with symptomatic CVS. Of these 26 patients, 53.85% were male, and their mean age was approximately 54.96 years. All the patients had a history of catheter placement or pacemaker implantation. The incidence of brachiocephalic vein stenosis was significantly higher than that of subclavian vein stenosis (46.16% vs. 26.92%). Based on the degree of stenosis and elastic retraction, these patients were administered PTA alone or sequential PTS. There was no difference in patient age, hemodialysis time, catheter retention time, or stenosis length between the PTA alone and sequential PTS groups. However, the degree of venous stenosis in the PTS group was more severe than that in the PTA alone group. The primary patency rates in the sequential PTS and PTA alone groups were 94.12% and 100% at 3 months; 88.24% and 88.89% at 6 months; 75.00% and 85.71% at 9 months; and 66.67% and 71.43% at 12 months, respectively. It is worth noting that for 7 patients with complete occlusion of the brachiocephalic vein, we used sharp recanalization technology and stenting placement, with patency rates of 85.71% and 71.43% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.ConclusionsPTA alone is recommended for patients with less than 50% central venous elastic retraction, while sequential PTS is recommended for patients with ≥ 50% central venous elastic retraction. PTA and PTS are safe and effective methods for the treatment of CVS in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Has collateral blood flow any effect on restenosis rate? Our experience.

Restenosis is one of the important factors affecting the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. We aimed to clarify whether recruitable collateral flow could cause restenosis in patients treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting. Our study retrospectively analyzed patients with symptomatic severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (≥70%) who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting. We enrolled 28 patients with restenosis and 71 patients without restenosis. We analyzed baseline data, perioperative events, and follow-up results of patients in the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify restenosis predictors. For preoperative stroke, the restenosis group had a greater likelihood of having a previous stroke (89.3%), which was less prevalent in the non-restenosis group (66.2%) (P = 0.020). The restenosis group had a higher rate of re-stroke (21.4 vs. 4.2%, P = 0.022). After binary logistic regression analysis, collateral circulation and residual stenosis were independent risk factors of restenosis, with overall risk (95% confidence intervals) of 5.034 (1.484-4.066, P < 0.001) and 1.064 (1.006-1.125, P = 0.030), respectively. Restenosis risk increased 1.456-fold for each collateral circulation grade increase. However, for each 1% increase in residual stenosis, restenosis risk increased by 5.9% (P = 0.03). The chance of restenosis is minimal when the residual stenosis rate after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent implantation is 15.85%. Good collateral circulation was significantly associated with restenosis in patients undergoing intracranial angioplasty, the residual stenosis rate tends to be 15.85% to reduce restenosis risk. Compared to patients with restenosis, those without restenosis have a low stroke risk during follow-up.

Stent reconstruction in intracranial atherosclerotic disease related acute ischemic stroke results in high revascularization rates

ObjectivesIntracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a major cause of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our study aimed to analyze the effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) in patients with ICAD undergoing rescue treatment in terms of functional outcome and mortality rate at 90 days and compare the results to LVO with thromboembolic origins. Materials and methodsA retrospective review of a mechanical thrombectomy (MT) single center database from 01/2019 to 09/2021 was carried out using chart review and angiogram analysis. From 469 acute stroke patients, 361 patients were enroled in the study, of whom twenty-four (6.6%) were diagnosed with underlying ICAD and treated with angioplasty and stent reconstruction (PTAS) with a standardized medication protocol. Successful reperfusion, peri-procedural complications, and functional independence at 90 days were collected as outcomes. ResultsThere was no difference in age or admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Onset to groin puncture (median 460 vs 277 min, P = 0.019) was significantly longer in the ICAD group. The procedure time (median 73 vs 60 min, P = 0.137) did not differ. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 95.8% of ICAD and 91.1% of the remaining patients (P = 0.445). Functional independence (mRS ≤ 2) at 90 days was achieved in 45.8% (11/24) and 42.7% (144/337, (P = 0.767)). The mortality rates (mRS 6) at 90 days were similar (29.2% vs 29.4% (P = 0.983)). ConclusionDespite significantly longer treatment delays, the outcome and revascularization rates of ICAD patients were similar to the thromboembolic cohort. Our proposed protocol of PTAS and medication protocol in ICAD was effective with a similar safety profile as MT in general.

Effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and associated factors in access hand oxygenation in patients undergoing hemodialysis

In hemodialysis (HD) patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF), changes in systemic or peripheral tissue circulation occur non-physiologically via the presence of AVF; however, associations between blood flow and tissue oxygenation in the brain and access hand are uncertain. In this study, 85 HD patients with AVF were included and evaluated for changes in flow volume (FV) and regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) in the brain and hands with AVF before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Furthermore, we evaluated the factors that determine access hand rSO2 without stenosis after PTA. Brachial arterial FV increased after PTA (p < 0.001), and carotid FV decreased (p = 0.008). Access hand rSO2 significantly decreased after PTA (p < 0.001), but cerebral rSO2 did not significantly change (p = 0.317). In multivariable linear regression analysis of factors associated with access hand rSO2, serum creatinine (standardized coefficient: 0.296) and hemoglobin (standardized coefficient: 0.249) were extracted as independent factors for access hand rSO2. In conclusion, a decrease in access hand oxygenation and maintenance of cerebral oxygenation were observed throughout PTA. To maintain access hand oxygenation, it is important to adequately manage Hb level and maintain muscle mass, in addition to having an AVF with appropriate blood flow.

Effect of recanalization of anterior tibial artery and peroneal artery on targeted angiosomes of posterior tibial artery in the foot through different aspects

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of ipsilateral peroneal artery and the anterior tibial artery for revascularization of targeted angiosomes in the vascular territory of posterior tibial artery (PTA) in the foot, through interconnecting branches, and the resulting effect on existing wound healing and limb salvage, in comparison with the effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty on PTA alone on revascularization and wound healing in these angiosomes. Patients and methods We included 80 patients for 80 angioplasty procedure (80 limbs) who were divided into two equal groups. Group A included patients with peroneal and anterior tibial patent vessel runoff, who were fit for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for both vessels, whereas group B were candidates for PTA angioplasty. We studied the arterial supply in 80 limbs with TASC C-D lesions with follow-up along 1 year, all with PTA occlusion. Patients with single-vessel or three-vessel runoff were excluded from the study. Outcome measures included wound healing of targeted angiosomes of PTA with complete epithelialization of the affected lesion with or without secondary interventions such as debridement or skin grafting and limb salvage with absence of major amputation. Conclusions We found that recanalization of peroneal artery together with anterior tibial artery can supply angiosomes of PTA and accelerate wound healing through communicating branches in the foot with comparable outcome on wound healing and decreased incidence of major amputation to single recanalization of PTA as primary and secondary outcome, obviating the need for lengthy and more risky interventional procedure.

Angioplasty versus stenting for iliac artery lesions

Angioplasty versus stenting for iliac artery lesions

Effects of percutaneous angioplasty on kidney function and blood pressure in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

BackgroundPrevious randomized controlled trials of revascularization for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) were not successful. We investigated the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent insertion (PTA/S) on kidney function and blood pressure (BP) control in patients with ARAS.MethodsFrom 2000 to 2017, 47 subjects who underwent PTA/S for ARAS were identified. A high-risk group was defined, composed of patients having one or more of the following clinical presentations: pulmonary edema, refractory hypertension, and rapid deterioration of kidney function. Subjects who met the criteria of ‘kidney function improvement’ or ‘hypertension improvement’ after PTA/S were classified as responders.ResultsTwenty-one (44.7%) subjects were classified into the high-risk group. Two subjects (8.0%) in the low-risk group (n = 25) and 5 subjects (27.8%) in the high-risk group (n = 18) showed improvement in kidney function after PTA/S (P = 0.110). In patients with rapid decline of kidney function, estimated glomerular filtration rate improved from 28 (interquartile range [IQR], 10–45) mL/min/1.73 m2 to 41 (IQR, 16–67) mL/min/1.73 m2 at 4 months after PTA/S, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.084). Regarding BP control, 9 (36.0%) and 14 (77.8%) subjects showed improvement after PTA/S in the low- (n = 25) and high-risk (n = 18) groups, respectively (P = 0.007). In patients with refractory hypertension, the systolic BP dropped from 157 (IQR, 150–164) mmHg to 140 (IQR, 131–148) mmHg at 4 months after PTA/S (P = 0.005). Twenty-five subjects were defined as responders and comprised a significant proportion of the high-risk group (P = 0.004).ConclusionPTA/S might improve BP control and kidney function in patients with ARAS presenting with high-risk clinical features. The optimal application of PTA/S should be based on individual assessment of the clinical significance of renal artery stenosis.

Feasibility of ischemic leg ulcer healing using percutaneous techniques: a real-life study.

Background Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is established as the first-line vascular procedure in patients with lower extremity artery disease. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the technical and clinical effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the management of ischemic foot ulcers. Material and Methods All consecutive patients presenting with a foot ulcer at the outpatient vascular surgery clinic of our hospital between June 2009 and June 2015 were evaluated using foot pulse assessment, ankle-brachial index, and duplex scanning. If non-invasive parameters suggested lower extremity artery disease, CT angiography and/or digital subtraction angiography were performed and a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was carried out when feasible during the same session. All patients were followed until healing, amputation, death, or for at least two years. Short- and long-term clinical success was evaluated based on ulcer size and appearance. Patients with worsening ulcers after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty underwent bypass grafting or amputation. Results Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in 161 patients (100%) with stenoses &gt; 50%, including cases lesions &gt; 10 cm and/or multiple/calcified lesions, 144 of which completed the study. In 88 (61.2%) patients, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in the suprapopliteal axis exclusively, in 10 (6.8%) patients in the infrapopliteal axis only, and in 46 (31.9%) in both levels. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was technically successful in 141 (98%) patients. After 3.1 years, the rate of healing was 68%, limb salvage 88%, overall survival 69.5%, and amputation-free survival 64%. Conclusion Our data suggest that percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for ischemic foot ulceration treatment is in the majority of patients feasible, effective, and safe with high rates of healing and limb salvage.

Endovascular management of central venous stenosis in hemodialysis patients

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without stent deployment for treatment of venous hypertension resulting from central venous stenosis (CVS) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to determine the relationship between the temporary dialysis catheters and the type of the fistula from one side and development of CVS on the other side. Background The quality of life of HD patients depends mainly on the patency and proper function of their arteriovenous shunts. Vascular surgeons should have many surgical and endovascular plans to keep the hemodialysis access working properly, endovascular management of CVS is one of these plans. Patients and methods A prospective study in which 30 recruited patients with end-stage kidney disease on regular hemodialysis (HD) complaining of venous hypertension owing to CVS with functioning arteriovenous fistulas or arteriovenous grafts was carried out during the period from October 2015 to February 2017. Results Endovascular management through percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stent deployment resulted in a significant higher fistula flow rate at 3 months (593.18 vs. 1964.54 ml/min; P = 0.05), and there was a significant improvement of patient symptoms and angiographic findings. Additionally, there was a higher incidence of CVS with past history of central veins cannulation and proximal arteriovenous fistulas. Conclusion Endovascular treatment of the CVS and venous hypertension whether by balloons and/or stents has a significant positive effect on the fistula flow and relief of venous hypertension symptoms in HD patients.

Center volume and the outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar stenoses: A meta-analysis.

BackgroundEvidence for the preventative effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) on the recurrence of stroke in patients with severe intracranial vertebrobasilar stenoses (IVBS) varies, and the influence of study characteristics on the study outcomes have not been determined.MethodsA study level based meta-analysis was performed to investigate the influence of baseline characteristics on the 30-day and follow-up stroke recurrence or death in symptomatic IVBS patients receiving PTAS. Relevant single center studies were retrieved by searching PubMed and Embase. A random effect model was applied to synthesize the outcomes. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the potential influence of study characteristics on outcomes.ResultsFifteen cohort studies comprising 554 symptomatic IVBS patients were included. PTAS was associated with an 8% incidence of stroke recurrence or death (95% CI: 5% to 12%) in IVBS patients within 30 days, and 8 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 5 to 11 per 100 person-years) of cumulative stroke recurrence or death during follow-up. Meta-regression indicated that the center volume, as defined by the numbers of cases per year, was negatively correlated with 30-day (regression coefficient = -0.09, p = 0.02) and follow-up (regression coefficient = -0.60, p = 0.01) stroke recurrence or death. Age, gender, or comorbidities have no significant effect on the outcomes.ConclusionsCenters of higher procedural volume may be associated with better clinical outcomes for symptomatic IVBS patients receiving PTAS.

Effects of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Superficial Femoral Artery on Photoplethysmographic Pulse Transit Times.

We analyze the changes in upper and lower limb pulse transit times (PTT) caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its treatment with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the superficial femoral artery. PTTs were extracted from the photoplethysmograms (PPG) recorded from an index finger and 2nd toes. PTTs were defined between the R-peaks of the ECG and different reference points of the PPG: foot and peak points, maxima of 1st and 2nd derivative, and by means of intersecting tangents method. Also the PTTs between the toe and finger pulses were analyzed. Our sample consists of 24 subjects examined before and after the PTA and in 1-month follow-up visit. Also 28 older than 65 years controls having normal ankle-to-brachial pressure index (ABI) and no history in cardiovascular diseases as well as 21 younger subjects were examined. The differences between the groups and pre- and post-treatment phases were analyzed by means of non-parametric statistical tests. The changes in the PTTs of upper limb and non-treated lower limb were negligible. The agreement with the reference values, ABI and toe pressures, was studied by kappa-analysis, resulting in kappa-values of 0.33-0.91. Differences in PTTs were found between pre-treatment state of the treated limb, post-treatment state and the follow-up visit, as well as between the pre-treatment state and controls. If patients' age and systolic blood pressure were taken into consideration, the method of lower limb PTT calculation from the peak point turns out feasible in finding the markers of PAD and monitoring post-treatment vascular remodellation.

The effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of superficial femoral artery on pulse wave features

We aimed to analyze the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) on arterial pulse waves (PWs). Altogether 24 subjects i.e. 48 lower limbs were examined including 26 treated lower limbs having abnormal ankle-to-brachial pressure index (ABI) (ABI<0.9 or ABI>1.3) and 22 non-treated lower limbs. The measurements were conducted in pre-, peri- and post-treatment phases as well as in follow-up visit after 1 month. Both ABI and toe pressures measured by standard equipment were used as reference values. PW-derived parameters include ratios of different peaks of the PW and time differences between them as well as aging index. Both treated and non-treated limbs were compared in pre- and post-treatment as well as follow-up visit conditions. The results were evaluated in terms of statistical tests, Bland-Altman-plots, free-marginal multirater κ-analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. PTA was found to cause small changes to the studied PW-derived parameters of the treated limb which were observed immediately after the treatment, but the changes were more pronounced in the follow-up visit. In addition, we observed that the endovascular instrumentation itself does not cause significant changes to the PW-derived parameters. The results show that PW-analysis could be a useful tool for monitoring the treatment-effect of the PTA. However, because the pre-treatment differences of the treated and non-treated limb were small, further studies with subjects having no arterial diseases are required. The study demonstrates the potential of the PW analysis in monitoring vascular abnormalities.

Endovascular Treatment of Haemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula with Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty: A Single-Centre Study.

To evaluate the effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) on haemodialysis fistulas utilising drug-coated balloons with plain balloon vessel preparation (DCB). In the study group, 31 patients (16 men; mean age 62.8 ± 17.2years) with failing arteriovenous fistulas were treated, with DCB, and compared with a control group (31 patients; 15 men; mean age 67.0 ± 8.44years), in which only plain balloon PTA was performed. All stenoses were dilated with regular PTA balloons. After achieving haemodynamic success (< 30% residual stenosis), drug-coated balloons were used for drug administration in the study group. The follow-up intervals were 6, 12 and 24months. Target lesion primary patency, primary assisted patency and secondary patency were compared. The statistical significance was set at 0.05. Target lesion primary patency was compared in both groups and was significantly higher in the study group (DCB) at 6months (90.3 vs. 61.3%; p = 0.016), 12months (77.4 vs. 29%; p = 0.0004) as well as 24months (45.2 vs. 16.1%; p = 0.026). Kaplan-Meier survival curves also showed a significant difference for target lesion primary patency (534.2 vs. 315.7days; p = 0.0004). There were no significant differences in target lesion primary assisted patency and in secondary patency. However, only 38.7% of patients in the study group were treated twice or more versus 80.6% in the control group (p = 0.002). DCB increases target lesion primary patency during the first 24months and decreases the rate of reinterventions.

Current Status and Future Perspective of Stenting for Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) by conducting a meta-analysis. Two independent observers searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies up to 31 December 2016. A meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Three studies involving 581 cases were included. The meta-analysis indicated that any stroke (RR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.80–5.42), ischemic stroke (RR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.19–3.89), and intracranial hemorrhage (RR = 14.71; 95% CI: 1.96–110.48) within 30 days in medical therapy alone were lower compared with PTAS plus medical therapy, but there were no significant differences in any stroke and ischemic stroke beyond 30 days between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in any death and myocardial infarction between the two groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that, compared with medical therapy alone, PTAS for ICAD had a high risk of complication, but most complications in PTAS group occurred within 30 days after the operation, and beyond 30 days the PTAS was not inferior compared with medical therapy alone. Further studies are needed to reduce the periprocedural complications and reappraise the PTAS.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Patients With Infrapopliteal Arterial Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Contemporary outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions are not well characterized. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this approach in patients with advanced below-the-knee arterial disease. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for contemporary studies (2005-2015) on the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of infrapopliteal lesions. A random effects meta-analysis model was used to analyze procedural (technical success, flow-limiting dissection, provisional stent placement) and long-term (primary patency, repeat revascularization, major amputation, all-cause mortality) outcomes. Ultimately, 52 studies encompassing 6769 patients with 9399 below-the-knee lesions were included in the analysis. Technical success was 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.8-93.0), and the incidence of flow-limiting dissections and bailout stenting was 5.6% (95% CI, 3.2-9.8) and 9.1% (95% CI, 6.3-12.9), respectively. Outcomes at 1 year were primary patency, 63.1% (95% CI, 57.3-68.6); repeat revascularization, 18.2% (95% CI, 14.5-22.6); major amputation, 14.9% (95% CI, 12.3-18.0); and all-cause mortality, 15.1% (95% CI, 12.8-17.7). Significant heterogeneity and publication bias were observed for most percutaneous transluminal angioplasty outcomes. Contemporary studies of the use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as primary treatment for patients with infrapopliteal arterial disease reveal suboptimal procedural and 1-year clinical outcomes.

Effect of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty on the Stenosis of Autogenous Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis

각각 74.8, 55.8, 55.8, 55.8%였으며, 누적 개통률은 6, 12, Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) on stenosis of autogenous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCF) for hemodialysis and to determine the factors influencing patency. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 136 patients referred for PTA of RCF stenosis between March 2005 and July 2014. The technical success rate, complications, and patency rate were evaluated. The following factors were analyzed as they might influence patency: age, gender, site and duration of arteriovenous fistula, underlying disease, body mass index, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, peripheral artery or coronary artery occlusive disease, stenosis length/grade, cutting balloon, and balloon size. Results: The initial technical success rate was 91.9% (125/136). Complications included vessel rupture (n = 2) and vessel dissection (n = 2). The patency rates at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months after PTA were 81.9, 67.1, 52.7, and 42.3%, respectively. The patency rate was higher in cases with longer (> 3 cm) stenosis (p = 0.04). Use of cutting balloon and larger size of balloon catheter made the patency longer, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.637, 0.258). Conclusion: PTA is a safe and effective way to manage stenosis in RCF. The length of stenosis was the only factor which affected the patency rate in this study. Index terms Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Complications Vascular Patency

Hemodynamic alterations in unilateral chronic middle cerebral artery stenosis patients and the effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting: a perfusion-computed tomography study.

The Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial indicated that most patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis are not good candidates for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) because of a higher complication risk than with conservative treatment. However, enrollment of SAMMPRIS patients was based on lesion severity only, without functional imaging. To determine whether perfusion computed tomography (PCT) can effectively evaluate hemodynamic compromise in unilateral chronic middle cerebral artery stenosis and the alterations of hemodynamics after PTAS. In this prospective study, 89 patients with unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis/occlusion were enrolled and classified into four groups according to the degree of stenosis. Cerebral hemodynamics was evaluated by measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and time to peak (TTP) in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres by PCT before and after intervention with PTAS. Differences in hemodynamic parameters before and after intervention were analyzed. Three different hemodynamic patterns were observed in these patients. Patients with severe MCA stenosis (70-99%) or MCA occlusion demonstrated a significant increase of ipsilateral CBV and TTP, indicating hemodynamic compromise. Ten severe stenosis patients with recurrent ischemic symptoms despite of maximal conservative therapy were selected for PTAS. PTAS induced a rapid recovery of cerebral hemodynamics (especially TTP) at 1 week post intervention. PCT appears to be a valuable noninvasive technique to evaluate hemodynamic compromise in unilateral chronic MCA stenosis and the improvements after PTAS.

Angioplasty versus stenting for iliac artery lesions.

Atherosclerosis of the iliac artery may result in a stenosis or occlusion, which is defined as iliac artery occlusive disease. A range of surgical and endovascular treatment options are available. Open surgical procedures have excellent patency rates but at the cost of substantial morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment has good safety and short-term efficacy with decreased morbidity, complications and costs compared with open surgical procedures. Both percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting are commonly used endovascular treatment options for iliac artery occlusive disease. A stenotic or occlusive lesion of the iliac artery can be treated successfully by PTA alone. If PTA alone is technically unsuccessful, additional stent placement is indicated. Alternatively, a stent could be placed primarily to treat an iliac artery stenosis or occlusion (primary stenting, PS). However, there is limited evidence to prove which endovascular treatment strategy is superior for stenotic and occlusive lesions of the iliac arteries. To assess the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty versus primary stenting for stenotic and occlusive lesions of the iliac artery. The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched April 2015) and Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS) (2015, Issue 3). The TSC searched trial databases for details of ongoing and unpublished studies. We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and primary stenting for iliac artery occlusive disease. We excluded quasi-randomised trials, case reports, case-control or cohort studies. We excluded no studies based on the language of publication. Two authors (JB, NA) independently selected suitable trials. JB and HJ independently performed data extraction and trial quality assessment. When there was disagreement, consensus would be reached first by discussion among both authors and, if still no consensus could be reached, through consultation with BF. We identified two RCTs with a combined total of 397 participants as meeting the selection criteria. One study included mostly stenotic lesions (95%), whereas the second study included only iliac artery occlusions. Both studies were of moderate methodological quality with some risk of bias relating to selective reporting and non-blinding of participants and personnel. The overall quality of evidence was low due to the small number of included studies, the differences in study populations and definitions of the outcome variables. Due to the heterogeneity among these two studies it was not possible to pool the data. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with selective stenting and primary stenting (PS) resulted in similar improvement in the stage of peripheral arterial occlusive disease according to Rutherford's criteria, resolution of symptoms and signs, improvement of quality of life, technical success of the procedure and patency of the treated vessel. Improvement in walking distance as reported by the patient, measured claudication distance, ulcer healing, major amputation-free survival and delayed complications (> 72 hours) were not reported in either of the studies. In one trial, PTA of iliac artery occlusions resulted in a significantly higher rate of major complications, especially distal embolisation. The other trial showed a significantly higher mean ankle brachial index (ABI) at two years in the PTA group (1.0) compared to the mean ABI in the PS group (0.91); mean difference (MD) 0.09 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.14; P value = 0.001, analysis performed by review authors). However, at other time points there was no difference. We consider it unlikely that this difference is attributable to the study procedure, and also believe this difference may not be clinically relevant. There is insufficient evidence to assess the effects of PTA versus PS for stenotic and occlusive lesions of the iliac artery. From one study it appears that PS in iliac artery occlusions may result in lower distal embolisation rates. More studies are required to come to a firm conclusion.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for dysfunctional femoral hemodialysis graft.

We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for dysfunctional femoral arteriovenous graft and analyze clinical or anatomic predictors of graft patency. The records of 45 patients who underwent PTA or thromboaspiration for dysfunctional or thrombosed femoral arteriovenous graft from 2005 to 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Primary and secondary patency rates were determined at three, six, and 12 months after PTA. The primary patency rate was analyzed according to the presence of diabetes mellitus, graft age from the time of creation to the first intervention (<12 months or ≥12 months), presence of thrombus, shape of graft (U-shape vs. straight-shape), anastomosis type of graft (femoral-femoral vs. femoral-saphenous), location of stenosis (central vs. peripheral), length of stenosis (<2 cm vs. ≥2 cm), degree of stenosis severity (<70% vs. ≥70%), and stent insertion. A total of 124 PTAs were performed in 45 patients. The primary patency rate at three, six, and 12 months was 84.8%, 63.6%, and 24.2%, respectively. The secondary patency rate at three, six, and 12 months was 95.2%, 95.2%, and 85.7%, respectively. The mean duration of primary and secondary patency was 13.2 and 35.7 months, respectively. No significant clinical or anatomical predictors of primary patency could be identified. Stent placement had a negative effect on primary patency. PTA is a safe and effective treatment for dysfunctional femoral arteriovenous grafts. Stent placement seems to improve technical success, but does not enhance the primary patency rate of dysfunctional femoral arteriovenous grafts.

Angioplasty versus bare metal stenting for superficial femoral artery lesions.

Lower limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common, important manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis. Stenoses or occlusions in the superficial femoral artery may result in intermittent claudication or even critical ischaemia, which may be treated by balloon angioplasty with or without stenting. This is the first update of a review published in 2009. The primary aim was to determine the effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) compared with PTA with bare metal stenting for superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenoses on vessel patency in people with symptomatic (Rutherford categories1 to 6; Fontaine stages II to IV) lower limb peripheral vascular disease.In addition, we assessed the efficacy of PTA and stenting in improving quality of life, ankle brachial index and treadmill walking distance. For this update the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched August 2013) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 6). Randomised trials of angioplasty alone versus angioplasty with bare metal stenting for the treatment of superficial femoral artery stenoses. Two review authors (MC, CT) independently selected suitable trials, assessed trial quality and extracted data. Furthermore, these two review authors performed assessments of methodological quality and wrote the final manuscript. The third review author (ADM) cross-checked all stages of the review process. We include three new studies in this update, making a total of 11 included trials with 1387 participants. The average age was 69 years and all trials included men and women. Participants were followed for up to two years. There was an improvement in primary duplex patency at six and 12 months in participants treated with PTA plus stent over lesions treated with PTA alone (six months: odds ratio (OR) 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 7.18, P = 0.02, six studies, 578 participants; 12 months: OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.10, P = 0.04, nine studies, 858 participants). This was lost by 24 months (P = 0.06). There was a significant angiographic patency benefit at six months (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.17, P = 0.0005, four studies, 329 participants) which was lost by 12 months (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.00, P = 0.24, five studies, 384 participants). Ankle brachial index (ABI) and treadmill walking distance showed no improvement at 12 months (P = 0.49 and P = 0.57 respectively) between participants treated with PTA alone or PTA with stent insertion. Three trials (660 participants) reported quality of life, which showed no significant difference between participants treated with PTA alone or PTA with stent insertion at any time interval. Antiplatelet therapy protocols and inclusion criteria regarding affected arteries between trials showed marked heterogeneity. Although there was a short-term gain in primary patency there was no sustained benefit from primary stenting of lesions of the superficial femoral artery in addition to angioplasty. Future trials should focus on quality of life for claudication and limb salvage for critical ischaemia.