Femoropopliteal Artery Research Articles

POSB37 Real-World Costs of Reintervention in Stenting with Femoropopliteal Artery Revascularization

Repeat procedures or reintervention presents a potential economic burden when considering alternative approaches to femoropopliteal artery revascularization. This study estimated the cost of reintervention following femoropopliteal artery revascularization with stenting among Medicare beneficiaries.

Endovascular interventions in patients with glass iii infrainguinal arterial disease: 2-year results

To evaluate the results of endovascular surgery in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) with infrainguinal arterial disease GLASS III. Treatment outcomes were analyzed for the period 2017-2018. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years, CLTI, extended (>20 cm) stenosis de novo and occlusion of femoropopliteal segment (FPS) combined with occlusive lesion of tibial arteries. We analyzed 147 patients divided into 2 groups depending on stenting strategy. FPS-1-TA included 53 patients who underwent angioplasty (± stenting) of femoropopliteal arteries and lower leg arteries resulted at least one patent tibial artery. FPS-2-TA enrolled 94 patients who underwent angioplasty of femoropopliteal arteries and lower leg arteries resulted ≥2 patent tibial arteries. Mean age was 71.0±9.8 years. There were 75 men. Demographics and clinical characteristics of patients were similar. Technical success rate was 100%. Mean length of stenting was 203 ± 99 mm. Occlusion of all 3 leg arteries correlated with high incidence of femoropopliteal stenting. In the FPS-1-TA group, stents were implanted in 39 patients, in the FPS-2-TA group - in 71 patients (73.6% and 75.5%, respectively, p=0.8). Braided nitinol stents were used for stenting of the lower third of superficial femoral artery and p1-p3 segments. Mean follow-up period was 22.6±1.1 months. Two-year results were not age-specific in our study. Kaplan-Meier overall survival, freedom from amputation and amputation-free survival for the entire sample were 79.6%, 81.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. We compared these values in both groups using Mantel-Cox log-rank test and obtained significant differences (67.9% vs 86.2%, p=0.004; 64.2% vs 90%, p<0.0001; 47.2% vs 77.7%, p<0.0001, respectively). Our results are comparable with literature data regarding freedom from amputation and amputation-free survival. We obtained significant differences in overall survival and freedom from amputation depending on endovascular strategy for tibial arteries. Correction of distal vessels with recanalization of at least two tibial arteries is advisable for endovascular treatment of diffuse complex lesions.

Changes in deep femoral artery topography during open revascularization of the lower limbs

To study topographic changes of femoral triangle arteries during open revascularization of the lower limbs. A retrospective study included 30 men aged 59.6±3 years with atherosclerotic femoropopliteal occlusion and chronic lower limb ischemia IIb-III stage according to the Pokrovsky-Fontaine classification. All patients underwent open reconstructive interventions. Ten patients underwent above-knee femoropopliteal replacement with a synthetic prosthesis, 10 patients - above-knee femoropopliteal bypass with a synthetic prosthesis, 7 patients - above-knee femoropopliteal bypass with autologous vein, 3 patients - below-knee femoropopliteal bypass with autologous vein. Control group consisted of 30 healthy mean aged 60±2 years. Ultrasound was carried out using the Esaote My Lab Alfa scanner (3-12 MHz linear transducer and 3-5 MHz convex transducer). In healthy volunteers, deep femoral artery always arose from common femoral artery under the angle ≤30° in all cases (20° - 93.3% of cases, 30° - 6.7% of cases). In patients with previous surgical treatment, angle of deep femoral artery varied from 35 to 80°. After femoropopliteal bypass grafting with autologous vein, angle of deep femoral artery varied from 35 to 45° (35° - 8 patients, 40° - 1 patient, 45° - 1 patient). After femoropopliteal bypass grafting with a synthetic prosthesis, angle of deep femoral artery increased up to 40-50° (40° - 2 patients, 50° - 8 patients). In case of previous femoropopliteal replacement with a synthetic prosthesis, angle of deep femoral artery increased up to 70-80° (70° - 7 patients, 75° - 2 patients, 80° - 1 patient). Normally, angle of deep femoral artery does not exceed 30°. Open reconstructive surgery on femoropopliteal arteries increases this value from 30° to 80°. Minimal changes are observed after femoropopliteal bypass grafting with autologous vein.

Trans-stent graft thrombectomy for the treatment of long stent graft thrombosis in the femoropopliteal artery.

At present, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal management of stent graft thrombosis in the femoropopliteal artery. We present a case of long thrombosis of a Viabahn stent graft implanted in the superficial femoral artery that was successfully treated by thrombectomy using a trans-Viabahn approach at the mid-thigh segment. The advantages of this approach include that it preserves the common femoral artery and popliteal artery untouched without scarring, allowing for a future site of surgical anastomosis. This technique could be a reasonable approach when performing surgical thrombectomy for stent graft thrombosis in the femoropopliteal artery.

Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Versus Standard Uncoated Balloon Angioplasty for Long Femoropopliteal Lesions: Post Hoc Analysis of the 24-Month Results of the AcoArt I Study

Restenosis is a common complication after endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment has been proven safe and effective in reducing the rate of restenosis for simple and short lesions. However, the clinical results of DCBs for long lesions are still very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCBs in the treatment of long femoropopliteal artery disease. And the results of this study will also complement the existing evidence of DCB treatment of long lesions. Patients with lesion length ≥ 15cm according to computed tomography angiography (CTA) or angiography in the AcoArt I Study were included into this study. Based on the balloon catheter used in treatment, patients were divided into the DCB group and the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) group. The demographic, lesion, and procedural characteristics and 24-month follow-up results were compared between the 2 groups. The primary efficacy endpoints were angiographic late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months or at the time of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), primary patency (PP), freedom from CD-TLR, and changes in the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and Rutherford class during 24 months of follow-up. The safety endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse events. The total number of patients was 87, including 42 in the DCB group and 45 in the PTA group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in demographic, lesion,and procedural characteristics. The 6-month follow-up angiography showed that the LLL was significantly smaller in the DCB group than the PTA group (0.27 ± 0.90 mm vs 1.32 ± 0.91 mm; P < 0.001). At 24 months, compared with the PTA group, the DCB group had a significantly higher rate of freedom from CD-TLR (81.58% vs 43.18%; P < 0.001) and a significantly higher PP rate (46.88% vs 15.00%; P=0.003). The DCB group had a significantly higher ABI than the PTA group at 6, 12, and 24 months (P < 0.001, P=0.004 and P=0.018, respectively). The DCB group had a better Rutherford class than the PTA group at 6 and 12 months (P=0.033 and P=0.012, respectively); the Rutherford class did not significantly differ between the 2 groups at 24 months (P=0.127). The incidence of major adverse events did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. The effectiveness of the DCB is superior to a standard uncoated balloon in treating long lesions during 24 months of follow-up. Furthermore, the safety of the DCB is equivalent to that of PTA.

BioMimics 3D vascular stent system for femoropopliteal interventions

Summary: Background: The MIMICS-3D study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the BioMimics 3D Vascular Stent System for the treatment of symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease in a real-world patient population. Patients and methods: Consecutive participants who were scheduled for implantation of the BioMimics 3D stent were enrolled in the prospective, observational, multicenter study. The primary effectiveness outcome was freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 12 months and the primary safety outcome was a composite of major adverse events comprising death, major target limb amputation, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 30 days. Outcomes through 24 months are reported. Results: A total of 507 patients (70±10 years, 65.5% male sex) were enrolled and treated with the study stent. 24.0% had critical limb-threatening ischemia, lesion length was 127±92 mm, and 56.8% of lesions were totally occluded. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimate of freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization at twelve-months was 90.6% (95% CI: 87.9%–93.3%) and the 30-day primary safety outcome occurred in 1.2% (95% CI: 0.5%–2.7%) of participants. At 24 months, clinical improvement was achieved in 86.6% and the KM estimate of freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization was 82.8% (95% CI: 79.4%–86.4%). The KM estimate of freedom from loss of primary patency according to PSVR &gt;2.4 was 78.6% (95% CI: 74.7%–82.4%). Survival distribution functions regarding primary patency were lower with long lesions (&gt;150 mm; log-rank p&lt;0.001) but did not differ significantly between participants with or without critical limb-threatening ischemia (log-rank p=0.07). Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic femoropopliteal lesions with the BioMimics 3D Vascular Stent System is efficacious and safe in a real-world setting.

Vascular Quality Initiative Surveillance ofFemoropopliteal Artery PaclitaxelDevices.

This study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel (PTX) devices in the treatment of peripheral artery disease involving the femoropopliteal artery. A meta-analysis of PTX devices for the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease reported a mortality signal. This was a multicenter cohort study using an integrated clinical data surveillance system to conduct a prospective, propensity score-matched survival analysis of 2,456 patients in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative from January 2017 to May 2020. The study compared PTX drug-coated balloon angioplasty versus percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty, PTX drug-eluting stents versus bare-metal stents, and any PTX device versus any non-PTX device. The primary outcome was 2-year survival. Secondary endpoints were successful ambulation and interventional success. Treatment with any PTX device versus any non-PTX device was associated with increased 2-year survival (89.5% vs 86.7%; HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.72-0.87; P = 0.004), improved interventional success (81.6% vs 77.6%; HR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.74-0.91; P< 0.001), and higher rates of independent ambulation at 1 year (86.0% vs 83.4%; HR: 0.85; 95%CI: 0.79-0.91; P = 0.008). Treatment with PTX drug-coated balloon angioplasty was associated with improved survival at 2 years (88.9% vs 85.7%; HR: 0.77; 95%CI: 0.70-0.86; P = 0.005), while PTX drug-eluting stent therapy was associated with similar survival compared with bare-metal stent therapy (91.3% vs 89.6%; HR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.70-1.01; P = 0.36). In this prospective, active surveillance of a national clinical registry, PTX-containing devices were associated with increased survival at 2 years and improved clinical outcomes at 1 year. (VQI DELTA Paclitaxel Device Safety Analysis [VQI-PTX]; NCT04110288).

An Individual-Level Meta-Analysis Using Real-World and Pivotal Studies on Mortality From the Use of Paclitaxel-Containing Devices in Japanese Femoropopliteal Disease Patients.

The effect of treatment with paclitaxel-containing devices (PTXD) on mortality in patients with peripheral artery disease remains controversial.Methods and Results:An independent patient-level meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials (1,389 PTXD patients and 1,192 non-PTXD patients) was conducted. This study included 7 pivotal trials and 5 post-marketing surveillance studies on endovascular treatment for femoropopliteal artery by 6 companies. The primary endpoint was all-cause death, and 5-year cumulative mortality was estimated by a Kaplan-Meier curve. Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and confidential interval (CI). During the median follow up of 3.0 years, 459 patients died. The cumulative 5-year mortality for the entire cohort was significantly lower in the PTXD than in the non-PTXD group (24.4% vs. 27.4%, respectively; HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.97; P=0.023), but this difference was no longer significant after adjustment for relevant covariates (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.39-2.58; P=0.987). The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that sex, hyperlipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, hemodialysis, Rutherford category, and age above 75 years were significantly associated with 5-year mortality, but treatment with PTXD was not. This large individual meta-analysis of patients with femoropopliteal artery disease found that the use of PTXD does not have a negative effect on 5-year mortality.

Real-World Clinical Outcomes of IN.PACT Admiral Drug-Coated Balloon for Femoropopliteal Artery Disease - 12-Month Results From Japan Post-Market Surveillance Study.

To confirm the safety and efficacy of the IN.PACT Admiral drug-coated balloon (DCB) based on the indication approved by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency Japan in real-world patients with femoropopliteal artery disease. IN.PACT PMS Japan was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, post-market surveillance (PMS) study conducted in Japan that enrolled 304 participants (mean age 75.3±7.9 years). The primary endpoint was primary patency at 6 months following the index procedure, defined as freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and freedom from restenosis as determined by duplex ultrasound (DUS) peak systolic velocity ratio (PSVR) ≤2.4 (assessed by the independent DUS core laboratory). Secondary endpoints included acute outcomes, primary patency at 12 months post-index procedure, freedom from CD-TLR, and major adverse events at 12 months. The mean lesion length was 97.81±58.97 mm. The primary endpoint, 6-month primary patency, was 91.3% (240/263). Kaplan-Meier estimates of primary patency and freedom from CD-TLR through 12 months were 91.5% and 94.1%, respectively. The CD-TLR rate was 5.8% (14/240) with low rates of thrombosis (0.8%) and target limb amputation (0.4%) at 12 months. The results of this real-world PMS study were consistent with outcomes from previous IN.PACT DCB studies, confirming the safety and efficacy of the IN.PACT Admiral DCB for broader use in patients seen in everyday practice.

C28. Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia in Patient With Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease (Leriche Syndrome) and Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract Background Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a manifestation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which is characterized by stenosis or occlusion of peripheral arteries causing impaired perfusion to the extremities, especially during rest and chronic progresses, which are associated with decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. Case Description A 51-year-old man complained of wound on both legs and pain during light activity. Risk factor is smoking for 30 years. History of primary pulmonary hypertension since 30 years. Physical examination revealed decreased pulsation from femoral artery to dorsalis pedis arteries in both leg. Echocardiography with RA and RV dilatation, D-shaped LV during systolic, mild TR and normal LV systolic function. Dupplex ultrasound and MSCT scan pulmonary-abdominal angiography shows thrombus in the abdominal aorta causing occlusion of blood flow distally. There is a comorbid pulmonary hypertension which causes right heart failure with symptoms of dyspnea. This patient is at high risk of undergoing revascularization surgery, so that in severe comorbid conditions an extraanatomical bypass with axillobifemoral bypass graft is considered. Discussion Atherosclerosis that occurs in the abdominal aorta, iliac artery, and femoropopliteal artery is called aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). This condition when symptomatic is known as Leriche syndrome with a triad of symptoms of claudication, impotence, and reduced or no palpable pulsation of the femoral artery. Medical management include antiplatelet, statin, analgetic, and therapy according to risk factors. The main purpose is revascularization by surgery or endovascular which aims to improve blood flow to the distal artery.

C28. Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia in Patient With Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease (Leriche Syndrome) and Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract Background Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a manifestation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which is characterized by stenosis or occlusion of peripheral arteries causing impaired perfusion to the extremities, especially during rest and chronic progresses, which are associated with decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. Case Description A 51-year-old man complained of wound on both legs and pain during light activity. Risk factor is smoking for 30 years. History of primary pulmonary hypertension since 30 years. Physical examination revealed decreased pulsation from femoral artery to dorsalis pedis arteries in both leg. Echocardiography with RA and RV dilatation, D-shaped LV during systolic, mild TR and normal LV systolic function. Dupplex ultrasound and MSCT scan pulmonary-abdominal angiography shows thrombus in the abdominal aorta causing occlusion of blood flow distally. There is a comorbid pulmonary hypertension which causes right heart failure with symptoms of dyspnea. This patient is at high risk of undergoing revascularization surgery, so that in severe comorbid conditions an extraanatomical bypass with axillobifemoral bypass graft is considered. Discussion Atherosclerosis that occurs in the abdominal aorta, iliac artery, and femoropopliteal artery is called aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). This condition when symptomatic is known as Leriche syndrome with a triad of symptoms of claudication, impotence, and reduced or no palpable pulsation of the femoral artery. Medical management include antiplatelet, statin, analgetic, and therapy according to risk factors. The main purpose is revascularization by surgery or endovascular which aims to improve blood flow to the distal artery.

Safety and Efficacy of Hybrid Angiography in Chronic Lower Extremity Ischemia Patients at Risk of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and safety of hybrid angiography consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2) angiography supplemented by small doses of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) in the endovascular treatment of chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). This prospective study comprised all non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients presenting for endovascular management of CLTI. All endovascular interventions were done using CO2 as a contrast medium whether alone or supplemented by ICM (hybrid angiography) to treat unilateral arterial steno-occlusive lesions of iliac, femoropopliteal, or BTK arteries. Study outcomes included feasibility of the device, technical success, and freedom from contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), renal replacement therapy, and CO2 angiography-related complications. A total of 206 CKD patients underwent endovascular intervention using CO2 only as a contrast medium (159 patients, 77.2%), or hybrid CO2-ICM angiography (47 patients, 22.8%). The overall technical success was 95.6%. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 17.9 ± 4.6 months. The mean volumes of CO2, and ICM consumption were 200.7 ± 95.1mL, and 11.8 ± 4.4mL, respectively. The mean procedural, and fluoroscopy times were 95.6 ± 12.5 and 49.5 ± 10.8 minutes, respectively. BTK lesions were significantly associated with the need for hybrid angiography (P = <.0001). The mean pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels were comparable (P = .08). Two patients (4.3%) showed transient manifestations of CI-AKI, but neither required renal replacement therapy. No statistically significant differences were encountered between the two study groups regarding procedure outcomes. Hybrid CO2-ICM angiography is safe, feasible, effective, and a fairly simple alternative during endovascular interventions to treat chronic lower extremity ischemia. Using supplemental small volumes of ICM to overcome the suboptimal images generated by CO2 alone does not jeopardize the renal functions in CKD patients.

Mid-term Efficacy and Safety of Drug-coated Balloon versus Nitinol Bare Metal Stent for Primary Lesions in Femoropopliteal Artery Disease

To compare drug-coated balloon (DCB) and bare metal stent (BMS) for primary lesions in femoropopliteal artery disease in Chinese population and to make subgroup analysis between the groups. Patients with primary lesions who underwent BMS or DCB treatment of a single tertiary vascular center were included and followed up for 24 months. Clinical and anatomic status were reported using the criteria recommended by the Society for Vascular Surgery. The primary endpoint included primary patency, clinically target limb revascularization, composite safety endpoint and all-cause death over 24 months assessed by Kaplan-Meier. Secondary endpoints included technical success rate and stent-related complications. A total of 284 patients with 324 limbs were pooled into analysis and most of the baseline characteristics did not show significant difference. A total of 74 in BMS group and 71 in DCB group were claudicants while 83 in BMS group and 56 in DCB group suffered from chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). The mean cumulative lesion length was 18.7 ± 9.8cm in BMS group while 17.2 ± 10.3cm in DCB group. Kaplan-Meier estimates of primary patency were 75.3% and 80.9% for BMS and DCB groups at 12 months while decreased to 63.9% and 70.2% at 24 months (log-rank P=0.167), respectively. Freedom from clinically driven target limb revascularization was 86.8% and 92.7% for BMS and DCB groups at 12 months while dropped to 82.5% and 85.9% at 24 months (log-rank P=0.342). Estimates of primary patency between BMS and DCB group did not show significant difference on lesions with poor runoff (58.8% vs. 67.3%, log-rank P=0.127), severe calcification (64.5% vs. 69.4%, log-rank P=0.525) and popliteal artery involvement (59.3% vs. 60.3%, log-rank P=0.695) at 24 months. The overall survival (92.6% for BMS, 90.3% for DCB, log-rank P=0.391) and freedom from composite safety endpoint (79.3% for BMS, 79.2% for DCB, log-rank P=0.941) showed no significant difference at 24 months. Over the 24 month follow-up, BMS and DCB showed equivalent efficacy and safety outcomes for primary femoropopliteal artery disease, which indicated the reduction of permanent metallic implant insertion might be possible.

Predictability and usefulness of intravascular ultrasound-guided angioplasty in patients with femoropopliteal lesions.

The aim of this study was to assess whether intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided angioplasty in femoropopliteal lesions would improve clinical outcomes and predict restenosis. Studies in which IVUS-guided angioplasty was used for femoropopliteal lesions were searched from the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases; articles with the full text were included. The primary endpoint of this study was primary patency at 12 months, while the secondary endpoints were primary patency at 24 months, freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months, and correlation of restenosis with the distal external elastic membrane (EEM) area, postintervention minimum lumen area, lesion length, dissection, and calcification. Altogether, 11 observational studies involving 1521 patients (1703 lesions) were analyzed. The quality of the evidence for 7 main outcomes was assessed as "very low" by The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) classification. The mean follow-up period was 1.5 years. The pooled rates were: 78% for 12-month primary patency (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.83), 74.3% for 24-month primary patency (95% CI: 0.71-0.78), and 80% for 12-month freedom from TLR (95% CI: 0.74-0.86). The 12-month primary patency of IVUS use (relative risk [RR], 2.01; 95% CI: 1.48-2.74) was higher compared to non-IVUS use. The minimum lumen (stent) area (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.30; 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.15) and dissection (OR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.01-2.49, P=0.047), were associated with midterm patency in terms of restenosis. In IVUS-guided angioplasty in patients with femoropopliteal lesions, the minimum lumen (stent) area and dissection were associated with restenosis. Nevertheless, there is limited and heterogeneous evidence regarding the usefulness and Predictability of IVUS in patients with peripheral arterial disease in the femoropopliteal artery, especially in long-term patency and as a predictor of declining patency. The optimal role of IVUS in such patients should be elucidated in the future.

Delphi Consensus Study Toward a Comprehensive Classification System forAngioplasty-Induced FemoropoplitealDissection: The DISFORM Study.

The aim of this study was to seek expert consensus regarding the features that predict adverse outcomes in order to develop a dedicated angiographic classification system for femoropopliteal artery dissection. Dissection of the femoral and popliteal arteries is common after percutaneous angioplasty. Its classification is important. However, all current classification systems have significant limitations. Delphi consensus methodology was performed over 3 rounds, using an expert panel of 17 interventionalists. Each was asked to rank dissection features with the potential to lead to acute technical failure and/or early restenosis and then which combination of features would require the placement of a metallic scaffold to avoid those outcomes. Results were used to develop a novel grading system and dissection treatment algorithm. Four main characteristics were identified from a comprehensive preliminary list. There was a good level of agreement between panelists from 773 responses (48 combinations). All panelists recommended scaffolding if a dissection produced a≥50% diameter reduction (100%). Most recommended scaffolding if the dissection had a spiral shape (73%-100%), was severely flow limiting (93%-100%), or had complex morphology defined by long and multiple dissections (65%-100%). Multiple combinations of those features were more likely to receive a recommendation to scaffold. Scaffolding of a postangioplasty dissection is recommended in the presence of significant diameter reduction, spiral shape, flow impairment, or adverse morphology (DISFORM). The DISFORM classification system has been developed as a tool to provide uniform language to standardize reporting and for discussion of dissection treatment and prognosis.

Angioscopic Ulcerated Plaques in the Femoropopliteal Artery Associated with Impaired Infrapopliteal Runoff

PurposeTo determine the correlation between upstream atherosclerosis in the femoropopliteal arteries, assessed using angioscopy, and impaired infrapopliteal runoff. Materials and MethodsThirty-one patients with peripheral arterial disease who underwent endovascular therapy and angioscopy were prospectively included. Yellow plaque color scores were semiquantitatively determined as 0, 1, 2, or 3. Irregular plaques with rough surfaces, similar to gastric ulcers, were defined as ulcerated plaques (UPs). Angioscopic data were correlated with angiographic runoff scores (ARS). ResultsUPs were detected in 74.2% of enrolled diseased legs using angioscopy. Mural thrombi were more commonly observed in the femoropopliteal artery in patients with UPs than in those without UPs (91.3% vs 37.5%, respectively; P = .006) and were frequently found on the UPs (21/23 patients with UPs). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that the presence of UPs was positively and independently associated with a poor ARS and that oral anticoagulant use was independently associated with a preferable ARS (standardized β = 0.462, P = .004 and standardized β = −0.411, P = .009, respectively, in the multivariate analysis). ConclusionsUPs, associated with mural thrombi and diagnosed by angioscopic examination, were demonstrated to be one of the factors associated with poor infrapopliteal runoff.

Differences Between Patients With Intermittent Claudication and Critical Limb Ischemia Undergoing Endovascular Intervention: Insights From the Excellence in Peripheral Artery Disease Registry.

There are limited data on differences in angiographic distribution of peripheral artery disease and endovascular revascularization strategies in patients presenting with intermittent claudication (IC) and critical limb ischemia (CLI). We aimed to compare anatomic features, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes between patients with IC and CLI undergoing endovascular revascularization. We examined 3326 patients enrolled in the Excellence in Peripheral Artery Disease registry from 2006 to 2019 who were referred for endovascular intervention for IC (n=1983) or CLI (n=1343). The primary outcome was 1-year major adverse limb events, which included death, repeat target limb revascularization, or target limb amputation. Patients with CLI were older and more likely to have diabetes and chronic kidney disease and less likely to receive optimal medical therapy compared with IC. Patients with IC had higher femoropopliteal artery interventions (IC 87% versus CLI 65%; P<0.001), while below the knee interventions were more frequent in CLI (CLI 47% versus IC 12%; P<0.001). Patients with CLI were more likely to have multilevel peripheral artery disease (CLI 32% versus IC 15%, P<0.001). Patients with IC were predominantly revascularized with stents (IC 48% versus CLI 37%; P<0.001) while balloon angioplasty was more frequent in CLI (CLI 37% versus IC 25%; P<0.001). All-cause mortality was higher in patients with CLI (CLI 4% versus IC 2%; P=0.014). Major adverse limb event rates for patients with IC and CLI were 16% and 26%, respectively (P<0.001) and remained higher in CLI after multivariable adjustment of baseline risk factors. Patients with IC and CLI have significant anatomic, lesion, and treatment differences with significantly higher mortality and adverse limb outcomes in CLI. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01904851. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Atherectomy of the Femoropopliteal Artery (fpa) Is Associated with Reduced Mortality and Major Amputation in Patients Treated for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (clti)

Atherectomy of the Femoropopliteal Artery (fpa) Is Associated with Reduced Mortality and Major Amputation in Patients Treated for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (clti)

Delayed stenosis regression after drug-coated balloon angioplasty for femoropopliteal artery lesions.

Paclitaxel has the potential for inducing lumen enlargement by vessel enlargement, healing of dissection, and plaque regression. This study was carried out to determine the possibility of and the relevant factors of delayed stenosis regression after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for femoropopliteal (FP) artery lesions. A total 105 de novo FP lesions were finalized with DCB angioplasty in our institute between May 2018 and June 2020. Among them, cases in which residual stenosis was detected by duplex ultrasonography (DUS) after the procedure were included in this study. Significant stenosis was defined as peak systolic velocity ratio ≥ 2.4 by DUS. Follow-up DUS was routinely performed 6months after the procedure, and we defined cases without stenosis as cases of delayed stenosis regression according to the follow-up DUS. DUS showed that 26 (25.5%) of 102 lesions had residual stenosis after DCB angioplasty, and delayed stenosis regression was observed in 12 (57.1%) of 21 lesions 6months after the procedure. The percentage of lesions containing calcified plaque as detected by intravascular ultrasound analysis was significantly higher in the non-regression group than in the regression group (18.2% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.02). Vessel remodeling and dissection patterns were not associated with delayed stenosis regression. The results of our analyses indicate that delayed stenosis regression may occur after DCB angioplasty for FP lesions in more than half of cases with residual stenosis. Delayed stenosis regression may be difficult in cases of calcified lesions.

Intravascular Lithotripsy for Peripheral Artery Calcification: 30-Day Outcomes From the Randomized Disrupt PAD III Trial

Randomized, controlled, multicenter trial at 45 centers in Austria, Germany, New Zealand, and the United States between February 2017 and May 2020 (Shockwave Medical Peripheral Lithoplasty System Study for PAD, Santa Clara, California [Disrupt PAD III]). There were 306 patients with moderate or severe calcification in a femoropopliteal artery who were allocated randomly to vessel preparation with intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) (n = 153) or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (n = 153) followed by definitive treatment with a drug-coated balloon or provisional stenting. Procedural success (66% vs 50%) and the percentage of lesions with residual stenosis of no more than 30% (66% vs 52%) were significantly greater in the IVL group, whereas flow-limiting dissections occurred significantly more frequently in the PTA group (1% vs 7%) after dilatation (5% vs 17%) and stent placement (5% vs 18%) were significantly greater in the PTA group. IVL is an effective vessel preparation strategy that facilitates definitive endovascular treatment in calcified femoropopliteal arteries.