Iliac Chronic Total Occlusion Research Articles

Editor's Choice – Covered vs. Bare Metal Stents in the Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation: Early and Midterm Outcomes from the COBRA European Multicentre Registry

To report outcomes following endovascular revascularisation for severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) using covered (CS) or bare metal (BMS) stent(s). This was a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent treatment with CS or BMS for AIOD between November 2012 and March 2020 in 12 European centres. Outcome measures included death, freedom from target lesion revascularisation (TLR), major amputation, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Overall, 252 patients (53% males; mean age 65 ± 10 years) were included (102 with a bare metal and 150 with a covered aortic stent); 122 (48%) presented with chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). Severe arterial calcification was noted in > 65% of patients, 70% presented with Trans-Atlantic Societies Consensus (TASC) D lesions, 32% and 46% had aortic or iliac chronic total occlusion (CTO), respectively. Median follow up was 17 months (range 6 - 40; none lost to follow up). Median inpatient stay was two days (range two to four). During the first 30 days, two patients died (both with covered aortic stents, because of cardiovascular events), none required TLR, two (1%) patients had a major amputation (all presented with CLTI), and three (1%) had a MACCE. At 17 months, mortality (BMS 14% vs. CS 7%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42 - 2.26, p= .94, log rank test) and TLR (11% vs. 10%, HR 1.98, 95% CI 0.89 - 4.43, p= .095) did not differ statistically significantly between the two groups; only three patients had a major limb amputation during late follow up (all with a covered stent). In a multivariable model, the use of an aortic CS did not influence TLR. In a conditional Cox regression, however, the concomitant use of aortic and iliac CSs was associated with improved freedom from TLR. Endovascular reconstruction with aortic CSs or BMSs for severe AIOD showed comparable midterm performance. The use of both aortic and iliac CSs seems to be associated with reduced TLR.

Antegrade and Retrograde Crossing of Chronic Total Occlusions Using the Outback Re-entry Device

Purpose. The Outback device (Cordis) enables true lumen re-entry during subintimal recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs). This study compared outcomes of patients who underwent subintimal recanalization of lower-extremity arterial CTOs utilizing the Outback device via antegrade and retrograde approaches. Methods. A retrospective analysis identified 39 patients with Rutherford 3 (n = 13), 4 (n = 13), and 5 disease (n = 13) where the Outback device was utilized (19 antegrade crossing femoropopliteal CTOs, 20 retrograde [17/20 transpedal access crossing femoropopliteal/tibioperoneal CTOs, 3/20 femoral access crossing iliac CTOs]) after conventional techniques failed. Mean age was 70.5 years and 67% were men. Most patients had multifocal and/or long-segment occlusions, with 41% having combined above- and below-knee disease. Results. Overall technical success was 90% (95% antegrade and 85% retrograde cohort; P=.15). There were no major complications and 4 minor complications (prolonged bleeding, femoral pseudoaneurysm requiring thrombin injection, and 2 small access-site hematomas). Fifteen percent of the retrograde cohort subsequently underwent distal bypass, compared with 0% in the antegrade cohort (P=.23). A single amputation occurred, in the antegrade group. Twelve-month target-vessel unassisted primary patency was higher with antegrade use (76% in the antegrade group vs 48% in the retrograde group; P=.03), but 12-month assisted primary patency was similar (85% in the antegrade group vs 79% in the retrograde group; P=.85). Conclusion. The Outback can be used safely and effectively from both antegrade and retrograde approaches during recanalization of CTOs. Lower target-vessel unassisted primary patency using the retrograde transpedal approach indicates the need for closer surveillance to achieve high rates of limb salvage.

Effectiveness and long-term outcomes of different crossing strategies for the endovascular treatment of iliac artery chronic Total occlusions

BackgroundThe iliac occlusive disease is usually treated with endovascular procedures in recent years. The effectiveness of different crossing approaches for these occlusions is not precisely known. We performed a retrospective study to explore the optimal crossing approach (antegrade versus retrograde) for iliac artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and to examine the long-term outcomes.Materials and methodsWe performed a study on 107 patients (116 iliac occlusive lesions, mean age 64.0 ± 11.1, 88 men) who underwent an iliac CTO endovascular intervention attempted with the use of both crossing strategies but were managed with one final crossing approach between August 2012 and August 2018. Baseline data, procedural characteristics, and outcomes were described. A Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier method were developed to assess the differences in the two crossing approaches in terms of the 1-year and 5-year primary patency rates, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse limb events (MALEs).ResultsCommon iliac artery (CIA) lesions were more likely to be crossed successfully in the retrograde direction (6.8% for antegrade vs. 20.9% for retrograde, p = 0.005), while lesions in the CIA/ external iliac artery (EIA) were more prone to be crossed successfully in the antegrade direction (58.9% for antegrade vs. 39.5% for retrograde, p = 0.016). There were no significant differences in the crossing approach for EIA lesions between the two groups. The two crossing approaches were associated with similar estimates of 1- and 5-year primary patency, TLR and MALE rates.ConclusionThe antegrade approach was associated with a higher rate of successful crossing in CIA/EIA CTO lesions, while the CIA-only CTOs were more likely to be crossed successfully with the retrograde approach.

Radial Plus Ipsilateral Femoral Approach is Feasible in Percutaneous Interventions for Iliac Artery Chronic Total Occlusion

Compared with conventional bilateral femoral (BF) approach, radial plus ipsilateral femoral (RF) approach may be feasible in the percutaneous intervention for iliac artery chronic total occlusion (CTO). We included patients who underwent iliac CTO intervention between August 2009 and July 2018 in a tertiary referral center in Korea. A total of 83 patients were enrolled in this study. Of them, 51 and 32 patients were categorized into RF and BF initial access groups, respectively. The overall success rates were 98.0% and 96.7% in RF and BF group, respectively, and the techniques were also similar including use of bilateral wiring, stent type and profile, and post balloon but longer procedure time in the BF group. Additional contralateral femoral access was needed in 6 patients for the treatment of contralateral lesions, distal embolization, and due to tortuous right subclavian artery. Periprocedural complications including vascular injury, iliac perforation, and distal embolization occurred similarly in both groups with numerically lower rate of periprocedural bleeding in the RF group (9.8%) than in the BF group (21.9%). Clinical follow-up at 6months showed there were no difference in the rates of death, cardiovascular death, target-limb reintervention, and unplanned target limb amputation in both groups. RF approach for iliac CTO intervention was related to similar technical success rate with acceptable periprocedural safety outcomes compared with conventional BF approach.

Bare Stents for Iliac Chronic Total Occlusions (“TELIS”): A Prospective Cohort Study with a Midterm Follow-up

This study aims to assess primary bare stenting for iliac chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with midterm follow-up. From April 2013 to May 2016, all patients presenting with symptomatic iliac CTO were treated endovascularly and included in a prospective single-center cohort. Common iliac CTOs were treated with balloon-expandable bare-metal stents. External iliac lesions were treated with bare self-expandable nitinol stents. Primary end point was primary sustained clinical improvement. A total of 49 iliac CTOs were treated in 46 patients. A total of 22 lesions were located at the level of the common iliac artery (45%), 20 at the external iliac artery (41%), and 7 extending to both (14%). Mean stenting length was 114.4±49.8mm. Technical success was 98%. Primary sustained clinical improvement was achieved for 93.4±3.7% of patients at 12months and 87.7±5.2% at 24months. Three in-stent thrombosis were observed with no restenosis in the remaining patients at 24months. Freedom from target lesion revascularization was 93.3%±3.7% at 24months. Three stent fractures were noted, none were symptomatic. Mean quality of life (EQ5D-3L) was significantly improved at 24months (71.2±20.3 vs. 52.4±22.6, P=0.001). Our results showed that primary bare-metal stenting for iliac CTO is safe and efficient at 24months and could be considered as a first-line strategy.

Efficacy of three-dimensional roadmapping by fusion of computed tomography angiography with volumetric data from an angiography machine in endovascular therapy for iliac chronic total occlusion: a case report

BackgroundThe usefulness of endovascular therapy (EVT) for the iliac artery has been established. However, difficult cases such as a long total occlusion and tortuous vessels are sometimes encountered. We recently performed rotational angiography with an angiography machine immediately before EVT and fused three-dimensional (3D) anatomical information obtained from preoperative enhanced computed tomography (CT) that had been performed in advance to create a 3D roadmap. We termed this method the CT fusion 3D roadmap (CTf3D-RM) technique and used it for treatment of iliac occlusive disease.Case presentationA 73-year-old man presented with pain in his left leg while resting. CT showed total occlusion from the ostium of the common iliac artery (CIA) to the distal part of the external iliac artery (EIA). A guiding sheath was inserted from the left common femoral artery using the CTf3D-RM technique, and the occlusive vessel was clearly observed. The guidewire could be passed retrogradely without bidirectional wiring. The time taken to pass the guidewire was only about 9 min despite the long and hard chronic total occlusion (CTO). Intravascular ultrasound showed that all of the guidewire followed the intraplaque route. After ballooning the entire lesion, we deployed two stent grafts and three bare nitinol stents from the left CIA ostium to the distal EIA. Final angiography showed good expansion and sufficient flow to the left leg.ConclusionsThe use of a 3D roadmap by fusion of CT angiography with volumetric data from an angiography machine in EVT for iliac CTO was shown to be effective.

Using bifurcated endoprosthesis after iliac artery recanalization for concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm and chronic total occlusions of access routes

ObjectiveConcurrent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and unilateral iliac occlusion is a challenge in the implantation of bifurcated stent grafts (BFGs). The endovascular approach is less invasive than open surgery; the aortouni-iliac (AUI) graft with crossover femorofemoral bypass (CFFB) has many problems associated with extra-anatomic reconstruction. We attempted endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using BFGs in such cases and evaluated the outcomes. MethodsThis was a retrospective study. Between October 2012 and December 2017, there were 649 patients who underwent surgery for AAA, of whom 32 patients underwent open reconstruction and 617 patients underwent endovascular aneurysm repair; 15 patients with unilateral occluded iliac arteries and AAA were included. The analysis included patients with unilateral iliac chronic total occlusion (CTO). The intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up variables were reviewed. ResultsThe occluded lesions were the common iliac artery in 5 patients, the common iliac artery-external iliac artery (EIA) in 2 patients, the EIA in 7 patients, and the EIA-common femoral artery in 1 patient. The mean occlusive length was 89.7 ± 43.6 mm, and the mean AAA size was 54.6 ± 5.6 mm. Technical success was achieved in 13 patients (87%). All patients underwent recanalization through the true lumen and stent placement. The only procedure-related complication was distal embolism, which was treated with intraoperative thrombectomy. Recanalization of CTO lesions was not possible in two patients (13%), who underwent AUI graft placement with CFFB. The 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 0%. The mean follow-up periods were 12 and 32 months for patients who underwent BFG placement and AUI graft placement with CFFB, respectively. During follow-up, the primary patency rate of successfully recanalized arteries was 100%. Aneurysm size decreased in four patients who underwent BFG placement; no change was seen in the other 11 patients. Freedom from aneurysm-related events was 100%; no patient needed secondary interventions. All patients with claudication pain preoperatively reported improvement in their symptoms during follow-up. In addition, the ankle-brachial index improved significantly from 0.51 ± 0.25 preoperatively to 0.88 ± 0.20 postoperatively (P < .001) in patients who underwent BFG placement. ConclusionsRecanalization of unilateral iliac CTO lesions and placement of BFG in cases with concomitant aneurysmal disease and unilateral iliac occlusive disease demonstrated a significant primary patency rate with improvements in claudication and ankle-brachial index.

Use of the Ocelot catheter in iliac chronic total occlusion intervention

The optical-coherence tomography guided Ocelot catheter has previously been shown to be a safe and effective tool for crossing peripheral chronic total occlusions. However, the existing literature focuses mostly on the superficial femoral artery, without prior evidence of use within the suprainguinal vasculature. We present the first known cases of the Ocelot catheter for revascularization of chronic total occlusions in the iliac vasculature. In the first case a retrograde approach is used for intervention of the right common iliac artery, while in the second case an antegrade approach is used for revascularization of the left external iliac artery. In this case report we first demonstrate as proof of feasibility the use of the Ocelot catheter in suprainguinal artery chronic total occlusions.

Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Total Occlusions of the Iliac Arteries: Early and Midterm Results

To examine the effects of endovascular therapy on the treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the iliac arteries. We analyzed a cohort of 48 patients (56 limbs) who were treated by endovascular means for iliac artery CTOs during a period of 4 years in 2 vascular surgery centers in Greece. The data were collected retrospectively and were statistically analyzed to report on technical success, morbidity, mortality, primary and secondary patency, and limb salvage through different patient and/or lesion stratifications. Recanalization was accomplished without assisting devices, and primary stenting was always performed. The technical success of the endovascular treatment reached 91%. Patients experienced 4.2% major morbidity and 2.1% mortality rate. Mean ankle-brachial pressure index increased from 0.43 ± 0.12 preoperatively to 0.89 ± 0.11 postoperatively. A median improvement by 3 Rutherford clinical categories was recorded at the first-month follow-up. The estimated limb salvage rate for patients suffering from critical limb ischemia (CLI) was 90.9% at 36 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimation for overall primary and secondary patency rate of the treated lesions was 91.4% and 95.3%, respectively at 36 months. There were no statistically significant differences in primary and secondary patency rate between patients in different clinical stages (CLI versus intermittent claudication), as well as between CTO lesions of different Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) categories (TASC B versus TASC C versus TASC D). There was not statistical significant difference between the technical success of TASC B, C, and D lesion groups. The endovascular treatment of iliac CTOs seems to be safe and feasible. The technical success of the procedure could be high, whereas primary and secondary patency rates seem to be optimal, with remarkable limb salvage rate and overall clinical improvement. A potential shift to an endovascular-first approach for such lesions might be currently justified.

Reentry Device Aided Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Unilateral Iliac Artery Occlusion

We report 2 cases of patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using reentry devices to recanalize unilateral iliac artery occlusions and complete a bifurcated endovascular repair. Patient 1 is a 70-year-old male with an enlarging 6.5-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and disabling left leg claudication with L external iliac occlusion with patent common and internal iliac arteries. Patient 2 is a 67-year-old male with an asymptomatic 4.0-cm AAA and L iliac chronic total occlusion (CTO) and disabling claudication. Both patients were poor operative candidates for open repair. Both patients underwent elective percutaneous EVAR along with left iliac artery revascularization. Initial angiography in both cases showed a blind ending of the left common iliac artery. Retrograde subintimal dissection through the occluded iliac segment was attempted but in both cases the wire was unable to traverse back into the true aortic lumen. Using either the Outback LTD or Pioneer reentry catheter, direct visualization of the true aortic lumen was obtained to re-enter the true lumen. The subintimal iliac tract was then predilated to facilitate routine EVAR in both cases. Both patients were discharged the following day and 1-year and 6-month follow-up imaging revealed aneurysm exclusion, no endoleak, and patent bilateral common iliac arteries with resolution of claudication symptoms and normal ankle-brachial indexes. The previously patent internal iliac artery was preserved. While not always technically possible, reentry device aided EVAR is safe, feasible, and durable in the mid-term and avoids the morbidity and mortality related to aortouniiliac/femoral-femoral bypass and open repair. This technique should be considered in patients with iliac artery CTO and concurrent AAA to allow total endovascular repair.

Pioneer re‐entry device for iliac chronic total occlusion: Truly a Paradigm shift

The number of percutaneous revascularization procedures performed for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease has significantly increased over the past several years. Traditionally, the use of percutaneous techniques were limited to certain anatomic subsets, such as stenosis or focal occlusions, with surgical treatment preferred for more extensive disease. More recently, endovascular specialists are facing the challenge of peripheral chronic total occlusions. Furthermore, unlike the coronary circulation, these occlusions are often very long and associated with other features of complexity such as severe calcifications. One of the primary issues concerning these lesions is the ability to safely achieve initial angiographic success. This article focus indeed on the Pioneer catheter, a new lumen re-entry device exploiting intravascular ultrasound imaging that was used in a case of totally occluded left common iliac artery with favorable results. The details of this technique, and how this catheter helped in re-entering the true lumen at the aortic bifurcation after subintimal dissection, are thoroughly discussed.

Subintimal angioplasty of chronic total occlusion in iliac arteries: A safe and durable option

Traditionally, aortobifemoral bypass has been the intervention of choice for iliac artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs). However, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, limiting its use in high-risk patients. To reduce procedural risk, subintimal angioplasty (SIA) for femoropopliteal CTO has been utilized by many, but few have extended this endovascular technique to treating iliac artery CTOs. We present our experience with 101 successful SIAs for iliac artery CTOs. A retrospective review of consecutive patients with iliac artery CTOs treated with subintimal angioplasty from June 2000 to January 2009 was completed. Demographic and risk factor data were obtained, along with procedural data. Primary and secondary patency, survival, freedom from claudication, and limb salvage rates were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed to identify factors adversely affecting primary patency. One hundred twenty patients underwent an attempted SIA of an iliac artery CTO, and 101 iliac artery CTOs were successfully treated, giving a technical success rate of 84%. Technical failure was due to the inability to re-enter the lumen in all cases. Indications for intervention were lifestyle-altering claudication in 64 patients (63%) and critical limb ischemia (CLI), in 37 (37%). Eighty-five patients underwent percutaneous SIA, while 11 patients underwent a combined SIA with surgical outflow procedure. Lesions were classified as TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus (TASC) B, 39 (39%); TASC C, 27 (27%); and TASC D, 35 (35%). In 82 (81%) lesions, stents were deployed with an average of 1.2 (range, 0-3) stents utilized. A re-entry device was used in 14 (14%) lesions. Major complication rate was 3.0%, with a 30-day mortality rate of 1.0%. Primary and secondary patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 86% and 94%, 76% and 92%, and 68% and 80%, respectively. Survival rate was 67% at 5 years, reflecting the poor health of this cohort. Limb salvage for CLI patients at 1 and 5 years was 97% and 95%, respectively. Freedom from claudication at 1 and 3 years was 89% and 73%. Univariate analysis identified hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and prior surgical bypass in treated limb as factors for loss of primary patency; however, on multivariate analysis, no factors remained statistically significant. This study demonstrates that SIA of iliac CTOs is feasible and can be performed safely and effectively, even in high-risk patients. Excellent patency and limb salvage rates can be achieved. In our experience, the safety and durability of SIA makes it an attractive first-line therapy for iliac artery occlusive disease.

Practical use of duplex echo-guided recanalization of chronic total occlusion in the iliac artery

Although endovascular therapy for peripheral arterial disease has undergone tremendous changes, chronic total occlusion (CTO) remains a significant challenge for interventionalists. Failed CTO recanalization is predominately due to unsuccessful guidewire crossing. In particular, the unique characteristics of tortuous and deeply located large vessels in the retroperitoneal cavity create challenging endovascular procedures. Real-time guidance based on external direct vessel visualization might be a promising tool for successful recanalization of noncalcific CTO. Here, we describe the practical use of duplex echo-guidance during the procedural course of iliac CTO recanalization.

Primary stent placement for iliac artery chronic total occlusions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical and mid-term results of primary stent placement for chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the iliac artery, in comparison to stent placement for iliac artery stenosis. A retrospective study was carried out on 114 consecutive limbs with 24 CTOs and 90 stenoses of the iliac artery that underwent primary stent placement. Primary, assisted primary patency, and limb salvage rates were determined in accordance with the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines. Angiographic and intravascular ultrasonographic success was achieved in all 114 limbs (100%). Three major complications, including 1 distal embolism and 2 arterial ruptures, occurred in the CTO group. The 2-year primary patency rate in the CTO group was as high as that observed in the stenosis group (91% vs 89%). There were also no significant differences in the assisted primary patency, limb salvage, and survival rates between the two groups. Our results indicate that primary stent placement is a safe and effective treatment for iliac CTOs. However, major complications, including distal embolization and iliac artery rupture, remain a significant problem, and caution should therefore be exercised when performing this technique for iliac CTOs.

AS-50: Clinical and Midterm Outcome of Endovascular Treatment for Iliac Chronic Total Occlusion Lesion

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for iliac artery disease has been recognized as the first-choice procedure in strategies for invasive therapeutic options, even for chronic total occlusion (CTO).We examined clinical and midterm outcomes of iliac CTO.

True lumen re-entry devices facilitate subintimal angioplasty and stenting of total chronic occlusions: Initial report

The acute technical failure of endovascular treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is most often due to the inability to re-enter the true lumen after occlusion is crossed in a subintimal plane. This study reports our initial experience with true lumen re-entry devices in the treatment of CTOs. Patients with treatment of CTOs were identified from our vascular registry. All patients in whom the Pioneer catheter or the Outback catheter were used were also identified from a prospectively maintained separate database of cases in which true lumen re-entry devices were used. We used procedural data from the prospective database and reviewed the medical records. Lesion character and location, access type, location of true lumen re-entry, stent usage, procedural times, and complications, were tabulated. From August 2003 to December 2004, endovascular techniques were used to treat 87 CTOs in 58 iliac and 29 superficial femoral arteries. In 24 (26%), the true lumen could not be re-entered by using standard catheter and wire techniques. The true lumen was not initially re-entered in 20 (34%) of 58 of treated iliac CTOs and four (13%) of 29 of treated superficial femoral artery CTOs (73% TASC C and D lesions). Intravascular ultrasound-guided true lumen re-entry using the Pioneer catheter (21 CTOs), or fluoroscopic-guided true lumen re-entry using the Outback catheter (3 CTOs) was successful in achieving true lumen re-entry in all cases at the location desired. Total time of re-entry catheter manipulation required to achieve re-entry was <10 minutes and was routinely accomplished in <3 minutes. All occlusions were stented. No cases were converted to open repair. Bleeding from the recanalization and angioplasty site occurred in four patients (15%). It was controlled with use of covered stents in two cases, and resolved after placement of uncovered stents in the other two. No significant bleeding occurred at the sites of true lumen re-entry needle deployment. All occlusions treated with true lumen re-entry devices remain clinically patent at a mean follow-up of 5.8 months. Endovascular treatment of chronic total occlusions is often limited by the inability to re-enter the true lumen after subintimal crossing of the occluded segment. This occurs more commonly with treatment of iliac occlusions than in superficial femoral artery occlusions. True lumen re-entry catheters are very effective at gaining wire passage back to the true lumen and facilitating successful endovascular treatment of chronic total occlusions that would otherwise require open bypass.