Infrapopliteal Occlusions Research Articles

Evaluation of acute and midterm outcomes after complex combined antegrade/retrograde recanalization for occlusions of the femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal arteries

BackgroundWhen antegrade recanalization of femoropopliteal and/or infrapopliteal occlusions fails, retrograde access has become an established option. To evaluate the results of combined antegrade and retrograde recanalization of femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions, patients undergoing secondary retrograde recanalization attempts were analyzed retrospectively. MethodsThe primary end point was the success of the procedure (successful occlusion crossing using the antegrade/retrograde technique). Secondary end points include complication rate, primary patency and target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate, amputation rate, changes in ankle-brachial index, and Rutherford-Becker class. Predictors for procedure failure and TLR were analyzed. ResultsWe included 888 patients: 362 with femoropopliteal (group 1), 353 with infrapopliteal (group 2), and 173 with multilevel (group 3) recanalization. Critical limb-threatening ischemia was present in group 1, 2, and 3 in 36%, 62%, and 76% of patients, respectively. The intervention was successful in 92.5%, 93.8%, and 90.8% of the respective cases (P = .455). The overall peri-interventional complication rate was 7.2%. At 6, 12, and 24 months, primary patency was highest in group 1 (63.9%, 45.8%, and 33.3%), followed by group 3 (59.8%, 46.1%, and 33.3%), and group 2 (58.5%, 43.1%, and 30.4%; P = .537). The risk of undergoing repeated TLR within 24 months was 31.4% for group 1, 39.1% for group 2, and 45.7% for group 3. At 24 months, the survival rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 93.8%, 79.4%, and 87.5%, respectively. Over 24 months, 75 patients (8.4%) had to undergo amputation. Significant improvements in both ankle-brachial index and Rutherford-Becker class were present at discharge as well as at 6, 12, and 24 months (P < .001). Dialysis dependency was a predictor of unsuccessful antegrade/retrograde recanalization (P = .048). Lesion length (P = .0043), dialysis (P = .033), and recanalization level (P = .013) increase the risk of TLR. ConclusionsUsing a combined antegrade/retrograde access, recanalization of occluded femoropopliteal and/or infrapopliteal arteries can be achieved in a large number of cases. Owing to the high rate of repeated TLR across all lesion localizations, the indication for antegrade and retrograde recanalization may be limited to patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia.

Rotational atherectomy for below the knee lesions in critical limb threatening ischemia: Is it a wild goose chase?

Aim: Treatment of infrapopliteal peripheral arterial disease is still challenging. Rotational atherectomy (RA) is a novel option that aims removal of calcium from the lumen and improvement in outcomes. Material and Methods: Data of 27 patients (19 males, 8 females; mean age: 59.8±13.7 years; range, 25 to 79 years) with infrapopliteal occlusions treated by RA between January 2017 and December 2019 was retrospectively collected. The Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) and the Rutherford classification (RC) were used for evaluation. The objective performance goals of Conte et al. (major adverse limb event [MALE] and major adverse cardiovascular event [MACE]) were used for assessing outcome performance. Visits were scheduled at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. In each visit, symptoms, RC, wound status, smoking status, lifestyle modifications, and medications were questioned, laboratory tests and Doppler ultrasonography were carried out, and the next visit was planned. Results: Device success was 88.89%, whereas procedural success was 100%. Unanticipated amputation rate was 11.1% in the 12-month follow-up. Over half of the patients (66.67%) showed RC improvement with a mean change of 3±1.17. Thirty-day safety endpoints were as follows: MALE, MACE, and amputation rates were 12.5%, 0%, and 8.33%, respectively. One-year efficacy endpoints were as follows: freedom from MALE+perioperative death was 71.42%, amputation-free survival was 76.19%, freedom from reintervention (amputation was 75%, limb salvage was 80%, and survival was 90.47%. Associations between RC (5-6) and calcification, chronic renal insufficiency and amputation, being a nonsmoker and failure to improve RC, and smoking and high infrapopliteal GLASS were found. Smoking cessation came with RC improvement in every case. Nonquitters experienced worsening more often compared to quitters (0% vs. 25%). Conclusion: Rotational atherectomy is feasible and effective in infrapopliteal chronic total occlusions. Closer follow-up is suggested for nonsmokers and patients with chronic renal insufficiency or advanced GLASS stages as they are prone to unfavorable clinical results. Quitting smoking should be underlined with its potential positive clinical effect even after the procedure.

Sirolimus-Coated Balloon Angioplasty of Infra-popliteal Lesions for the Treatment of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: Study Protocol for the Randomized Controlled LIMES Study

PurposeEvidence on efficacy and long-term safety of paclitaxel-coated devices is still conflicting. Therefore, this study aims to assess whether sirolimus-coated balloon angioplasty is safe and effective for the treatment of infra-popliteal occlusions in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).Study designThe randomized controlled, single-blinded, multicentre, investigator-initiated study aims to enrol 230 participants with CLTI and infra-popliteal occlusions at up to 25 centres. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either sirolimus-coated balloon angioplasty or to plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA). Bailout stenting in case of flow-limiting dissection or ≥ 50% residual diameter stenosis is permitted.Outcome measuresPrimary outcome is the Kaplan–Meier estimate of primary patency at 6 months, defined as the absence of target lesion occlusion with restoration of in-line flow to the ankle. Key secondary outcome is non-inferiority in the proportionate occurrence of major adverse limb events and perioperative all-cause death at 30 days. Overall, participants will be followed for 36 months to assess further secondary efficacy and safety outcomes.Assumed gain of knowledgeIf sirolimus-coated balloon angioplasty turns out to be superior to uncoated-balloon angioplasty regarding patency of infra-popliteal lesions without safety signals, it could become a welcome treatment option for patients with CLTI.Trial Registration ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT04772300, German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00024629.Level of Evidence Level 2a, randomized controlled trial.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Using Kissing Y-Solitaire as a Rescue Treatment for Refractory Acute Popliteal and Infrapopliteal Occlusion in Elderly Patients

Six patients were included to retrospectively review the preliminary efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy using kissing Y-Solitaire as a rescue treatment. This technique was performed following failed single Solitaire thrombectomy in 5 patients (5/6), and the remaining patient (1/6) underwent unsuccessful AngioJet thrombectomy (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts). The ranges of the target vessel clot length and diameter were 4.9–6.9 mm and 27–38 mm, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all patients (6/6). They (6/6) had notable acute limb ischemia (ALI) symptom relief after 1 or 2 passes of retrieval, and clinical success was achieved in all patients (6/6). No complications were observed other than reversible vasospasm in 1 patient (1/6). Amputation or death did not occur. Mechanical revascularization with the use of kissing Y-Solitaire seems to be a potentially rapid, safe, and effective modality for selected patients with refractory short-segment occlusion of ALI secondary to popliteal and infrapopliteal arteries.

Outcome of catheter directed thrombolysis for popliteal or infrapopliteal acute arterial occlusion.

Management of acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to occlusions in popliteal and infrapopliteal arteries remains a challenge. Open surgical methods and even the novel percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy devices have not shown satisfactory results in these small arteries. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in this type of ALI with distal occlusion. Between April 2017 and June 2019, 22 patients with ALI secondary to popliteal or infrapopliteal occlusion were enrolled in the study. Patients with thrombosis, embolism, and thrombosed bypass graft were included; all belong to category I or IIa of Rutherford's classification. Technical success, limb salvage, complications, and mortality were evaluated at short- and long-term follow-up. Technical success was achieved in 81.8%, while 36.4% of patients needed additional balloon angioplasty, major amputation in 13.6%, minor bleeding in 18.2%, andno major hemorrhage. Limb salvage at 30days and 1year was 86.4% and 72.7%, respectively. At 1year, primary patency was 63.6% and mortality was 9.1%. Catheter directed thrombolysis is a safe and highly effective treatment modality for popliteal or infrapopliteal acute limb ischemia unless contraindicated.

Interventional angiology : Endovascular treatment of chronic and acute limb ischemia

The development of new technologies and techniques has significantly advanced the field of endovascular peripheral interventions for chronic and acute limb ischemia over the last 20years. Nowadays, the majority of patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial occlusive disease can be treated percutaneously using an endovascular first approach as aminimally invasive alternative to classical bypass surgery. Balloon angioplasty and stent implantation are the mainstays of endovascular interventions. For reconstruction of complex aortoiliac occlusions covered stents are frequently used. Patency rates after femoropopliteal interventions have been improved by the introduction of drug-eluting balloon and stent technologies. Advances in material and access techniques now enable the successful endovascular treatment of more complex infrapopliteal stenoses and occlusions.

Short term outcome of retrograde tibiopedal access in management popliteal and infrapopliteal disease

Background: Aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde tibiopedal access after failed antegrade recanalization in patients with femero-popliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions.Methods: This is a retrospective study including patients presenting with critical limb ischemia due to femero-popliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions for whom retrograde transpedal/tibial access was used after failure of antegrade approach at the vascular surgery unit in Kasr Al Aini hospitals in the period from June 2015 to June 2017.Results: The study included 18 patients with a mean age of 64 years and male to female ratio 2.6:1. All patients presented with CLI (Rutherford category 4-6), all lesions were Trans Atlantic Society Consensus (TASC) II D, and Technical success was accomplished in 17 cases (94.4 %). In one case, failure to cross the target lesion via both antegrade and retrograde accesses occurred and the patient was immediately converted to an open surgery (popliteal tibial bypass). Complications included 2 puncture site hematoma that were managed conservatively; no AVF. There was no perioperative mortality. Primary patency was 81.25 % at 6 month.Conclusions: retrograde tibiopedal access is safe and effective technique after failed antegrade recanalization in patients with popliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions.

Drug-delivering endovascular treatment versus angioplasty in artery occlusion diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The best management of patients with femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal artery occlusion disease is not clear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents (DESs) with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with femoropopliteal or infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease.Methods: Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from 1 January 2000 until 30 June 2016.Results: Compared with PTA, significant benefits in favor of DCB and DES were found for target lesion revascularization (TLR) (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.66, p = .001 for DCB; OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.81, p < .001 for DES). Primary patency rate was greater with DCB (p = .001) and DES (p < .001) than PTA. Compared with PTA, a significant reduction in mortality was observed in the DCB group (p = .039) but not in the DES group. Subgroup analysis found a lower rate of TLR and a higher rate of primary patency in the active group (DCB and DES) compared with the control group (PTA) in patients with femoropopliteal arterial occlusion (p ≤ .016) but not in patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusion (p ≥ .063). Mortality was similar between active replacement and control groups both in the femoropopliteal arterial occlusion and the infrapopliteal arterial occlusion subgroups (all p > .05).Conclusions: Significantly better TLR and primary patency rate were found in the drug-delivering endovascular treatments compared with the PTA group for patients with femoropopliteal arterial occlusion but not for patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusion.

Innovations in the Endovascular Management of Critical Limb Ischemia: Retrograde Tibiopedal Access and Advanced Percutaneous Techniques.

Retrograde tibiopedal access and interventions have contributed to advance of endovascular techniques to treat critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients. This review encompasses the spectrum from advanced diagnostic imaging and technical therapeutic approaches for infrapopliteal occlusions, to a discussion of current standards and future directions. Contemporary studies of infrapopliteal angioplasty show suboptimal short-term and 1-year clinical outcomes. Comparative data is needed to shift the focus from PTA to disruptive treatment modalities that can further improve outcomes. Retrograde pedal access has emerged as an important tool to facilitate successfully percutaneous revascularization and limb salvage in patients with CLI. To efficiently approach the complexity of CLI, new thought processes are needed to change the reigning paradigms. Retrograde tibial-pedal access has shown improvement in the rate of successful revascularizations and is an important tool in the amputation-prevention armamentarium. Additional technologies may further improve success rates. Drug-eluting stents have shown better outcomes than PTA in patients with focal infrapopliteal lesions. Registry data have demonstrated the advantage of several atherectomy devices in the tibial arteries. More recently, bioresorbable vascular scaffolds have been used successfully, and further studies with drug-coated balloons are underway. Interventional operators are now even working in the inframalleolar space to reconstitute the plantar arch. Well-conducted studies are needed to generate high-quality evidence in the field of critical limb ischemia management.

Retrograde Pedal Access and Endovascular Revascularization: A Safe and Effective Technique for High-Risk Patients with Complex Tibial Vessel Disease

Endovascular revascularization is an established approach for limb salvage in the setting of critical limb ischemia. However, failure rate of antegrade recanalization in complex femoropopliteal to infrapopliteal occlusions is as high as 20%. We report a series of 21 patients who underwent retrograde pedal access and recanalization of below-the-knee chronic total occlusions after failed antegrade attempts. This is a retrospective review of prospectively maintained data for all patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous pedal access for retrograde endovascular treatment of advanced tibial vessel disease between 2011 and 2014. All patients had undergone prior unsuccessful attempts at antegrade revascularization. Pedal vessel access was followed by angioplasty with selective stenting and completion angiogram. Patients were followed up with duplex ultrasound to evaluate for patency. Time-dependent outcomes were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Median follow-up was 9months. A total of 21 patients (17 men, 4 women, mean age 68) underwent retrograde tibial recanalization. Eighty-one percent of the patients presented with Rutherford category 4, 5, or 6 critical limb ischemia. The average Prevent III amputation risk score was 7.0±2.9. Eighteen patients (86%) were medium or high risk (Prevent III amputation risk score≥4). Retrograde pedal access was successful in 95% of the patients (dorsalis pedis=11, posterior tibial=5, anterior tibial=4). Retrograde revascularization was achieved in 14 patients (67%) using balloon angioplasty (n=14) and additional stent placement (n=2). Revascularization failed in 7 patients (33%). There were no pedal access site complications. Forty-eight percent of the patients experienced improvement or resolution of their symptoms. The 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE), major adverse limb events (MALE), and amputations were all 5%. At 1 year, limb salvage was 88±8% with amputation-free survival of 61±12% and freedom from MALE of 81±10%. Primary assisted and secondary patencies were both 84±10% at 1year. Early outcomes for ultrasound-guided retrograde pedal access show that it is safe, with low 30-day mortality, and a low rate of MACE. Freedom from MALE and limb salvage are both high at 1-year follow-up. This technique expands revascularization options after failed conventional endovascular antegrade approaches.

Patency of runoff detected by MR angiography at 3.0 T with cuff-compression: a predictor of successful endovascular recanalization below the knee.

Our aim was to assess the reliability of detecting distal runoff vessels using contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) that were occult on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for predicting the outcome of endovascular recanalization (ER). This retrospective analysis comprised 63 patients with diabetes (98 limbs) who underwent ER for infrapopliteal lesions. Before ER, they underwent CE-MRA and DSA for peripheral arterial disease; runoff vessels were detected with CE-MRA, but not with DSA. Immediate and follow-up postoperative outcomes were assessed. Univariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with successful ER. Successful ER was achieved in 85.7 % of limbs, and runoff score was significantly lower than in failure limbs (5.1 ± 1.1 vs. 6.2 ± 1.3; P < 0.05). During follow-up, sustained ankle-brachial index (ABI) improvement was found in 76.6 % claudication patients, and walking distance improvement in 86.5 %; pain was relieved in 70.6 % of critical limb ischemia (CLI) limbs, ulceration healed in 81.3 %, and limb-salvage rate was 100 %. Restenosis/occlusion rate was higher for patients with CLI at 12 months (48.8 % vs. 96.3 % in claudication; P < 0.01). Runoff score was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of ER success (odds ratio = 4.096, 95 % confidence interval: 2.056-8.158; P < 0.001). Runoff vessels detected using CE-MRA could indicate immediate success and better outcome of ER for infrapopliteal occlusions. • 3-T MRA with cuff compression displayed distal below-the-knee (BTK) runoffs better than DSA • Detected runoffs indicate high recanalization rate and good clinical outcome • Runoff display provides potential opportunity to perform other backup recanalization strategies.

Endovascular recanalization of infrapopliteal occlusions in patients with critical limb ischemia

Endovascular therapies are increasingly used for treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI). Infrapopliteal (IP) occlusions are common in CLI, and successful limb salvage may require restoration of arterial flow in the distribution of a chronically occluded vessel. We sought to describe the procedural characteristics and outcomes of patients with IP occlusions who underwent endovascular intervention for treatment of CLI. All patients with IP interventions for treatment of CLI from 2006 to 2012 were included. Angiographic and procedural data were compared between patients who underwent intervention for IP occlusions vs IP stenosis. Restenosis was determined by Doppler ultrasound imaging. Limb salvage was the primary end point of the study. Additional end points included primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, occlusion crossing success, procedural success, and amputation-free survival. A total of 187 patients with CLI underwent interventions for 356 IP lesions, and 77 patients (41%) had interventions for an IP occlusion. Patients with an intervention for IP occlusion were more likely to have zero to one vessel runoff (83% vs 56%; P < .001) compared with interventions for stenosis. Compared with IP stenoses, IP occlusions were longer (118 ± 86 vs 73 ± 67 mm; P < .001) and had a smaller vessel diameter (2.5 ± 0.8 vs 2.7 ± 0.5 mm; P = .02). Wire crossing was achieved in 83% of IP occlusions, and the overall procedural success for IP occlusions was 79%. The overall 1-year limb salvage rate was 84%. Limb salvage was highest in the stenosis group, slightly lower in the successful occlusion group, and lowest in the failed occlusion group (92% vs 75% vs 58%, respectively; P = .02). Unsuccessfully treated IP occlusions were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of major amputation (hazard ratio, 5.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.89-17.7) and major amputation or death (hazard ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-6.63). Successful endovascular recanalization of IP occlusions can be achieved with guidewire and support catheter techniques in most patients. In patients selected for an endovascular-first approach for IP occlusions in CLI, this strategy can be successfully implemented with favorable rates of limb salvage.

Transpedal access after failed anterograde recanalization of complex below‐the‐knee and femoropoliteal occlusions in critical limb ischemia

Successful angioplasty is one of the main factor of limb salvage during critical limb ischemia. In complex femoropopliteal to infrapopliteal occlusions, an anterograde recanalization attempt can fail in up to 20% of the cases. The purpose of this dual center pilot study was to evaluate the acute success and clinical impact of retrograde transpedal access for retrograde below-the-knee and femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions after failed anterograde attempt and to access the late complications at the puncture site. The clinical and angiographic data of 51 consecutive patients with CLI treated by retrograde transpedal recanalization between 2010 and 2011 were evaluated in a pilot study. We have examined the 2-month and 1 year major adverse events (MAEs) and clinical success. In all cases after failure of the anterograde recanalization of occluded below-the-knee segments due to unsuccessful penetration or failed re-entry, the anterior tibial or posterior tibial artery was punctured under fluoroscopic guidance and retrograde recanalization was performed. Direct revascularization was tried firstly following the angiographic zones, but in failed cases indirect revascularization was carried out with increasing the collateral flow to the wound. Successful direct retrograde revascularization was achieved successfully in 40 patients (78.4%) and indirect revascularization was done in 10 patients (19.6%). Revascularization was failed in one patient (2%). MAE at 2 and 12 months follow-up was 6 (11.7%) and 11 (24%). Limb salvage at 2 and 12 months was 93% and 82.3%, respectively. Balloon angioplasty was performed in all interventions and provisional stenting was done in 34 patients (66.7%). One major and three minor vascular complications occurred after the procedure. The mean basal and control creatinine level was 120.9 ± 133.4 and 123.8 ± 131.3 μmol/L (P = 0.83) after the procedure. Failed antegrade attempts to recanalize CTO-s of femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal vessels can be salvaged using a retrograde transpedal access, with a low acute and late complication rate. This technique could be valuable for patients with critical limb ischemia due to femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions.

Dual vascular access for critical limb ischemia: Immediate and follow‐up results

To describe a procedural technique involving a combined antegrade femoral and retrograde tibial approach for treatment of complex popliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions, and to determine the safety and efficacy of this technique. From May 2008 to March 2010, seven patients presenting with critical limb ischemia received dual vascular access intervention in this institution. Five legs were treated via the retrograde tibial approach after failure of antegrade intervention. A dual access approach was planned and adopted in another two legs. The target vessels were located at popliteal or infrapopliteal arteries. We successfully gained all retrograde tibial access sites and achieved 100% procedural success and immediate hemodynamic improvement. Five legs required stent implantation to optimize the procedural results. No major complication occurred at the tibial access site. During the follow-up period (11.3 ± 7.2, range 3-23 months), no patients required any major amputation; only one patient underwent a mid-foot amputation. The target vessel revascularization rate at 3 and 6 months was 0 and 28.6%, respectively. Dual vascular access was successfully used in a small number of selected patients and this technique may hold promise in improving the success rates in the treatment of complex popliteal and infrapopliteal occlusions.

Limb salvage after delayed diagnosis for blunt traumatic infrapopliteal occlusion

Infrapopliteal occlusion is uncommon after blunt trauma, and limb salvage after delayed diagnosis is even rarer. We present the case of a 56-year-old man who had complex lower leg orthopedic fractures along with a reportedly normal pulse examination with an 11-day diagnostic delay of limb-threatening ischemia requiring distal revascularization. This case illustrates an incidence of delayed infrapopliteal three-vessel occlusion with successful revascularization and subsequent endovascular management to maintain patency. We describe the workup and treatment of delayed infrapopliteal occlusion and a review of the current literature on this topic.

Below the knee PTA in critical limb ischemia results after 12 months: Single center experience

Purpose Evaluation of angioplasty with bare metal stents in infrapopliteal occlusions or severe stenoses in patients with critical limb ischemia. Material and methods Percutaneous stent angioplasty was performed in 58 limbs in 47 patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) in Rutherford stage 4–6. Lesions with up to 5 cm in length with at least one patent vessel below the obstruction were treated. 121 bare metal stents (diameter of 2.5–4 mm; length of 18–38 mm) were implanted. Follow-up examinations were performed up to 12 months postinterventionally using clinical examination, ABI calculation, and color-coded duplex sonography. Patency rates were calculated on the basis of the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results Technical success was achieved in 100%. Minor complications (hematoma, distal emboli, vessel dissection) were documented in 5.17% ( n = 3) limbs, respectively. The 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year primary patency rate was 93.0%, 78.9% and 66.7%, respectively. 86.9% of the lesions healed postinterventionally. The cumulative limb salvage rate was 96.6%. Conclusion Stent angioplasty in infrapopliteal arteries is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of patients with CLI. By consequent clinical monitoring high secondary patency rates can be achieved. The use of a bare metal stent seems to result in high limb salvage, primary and secondary patency rates in the mid-term follow-up.

Imaging in diabetic ischemic foot

Diabetic microangiopathy largely affects the infrapopliteal vessels. Extensive infrapopliteal calcification and occlusions, without the presence of collaterals, are common in diabetic patients. When the diabetic patient presents with a nonhealing ulcer, the investigation of first choice should be duplex ultrasound. Ultrasound is not only safe and noninvasive, it also serves to guide further patient management. In a subset of patient in whom intervention is planned, catheter angiogram is the best choice; if the patient has diabetic nephropathy, MR angiogram is an alternative. Multidetector computed tomography angiogram is not a preferred modality in the diabetic patient because there is likely to be extensive calcification in infrapopliteal vessels.

Is Infrainguinal Percutaneous Atherectomy Better Suited for Certain Arteries Than Others?

We analyzed our results with percutaneous rotational atherectomy catheters and specifically examined whether they were more likely to be associated with a successful outcome when used to treat smaller diameter vessels such as infrapopliteal (IP) arteries compared to larger diameter femoropopliteal (FP) arteries and infrainguinal arterial autogenous vein grafts (GRAFTS). Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006, athrectomies were performed on 32 patients for claudication (14), gangrene (9), rest pain (4), and failing GRAFTS (5). Treated vessels included 14 superficial femoral, 1 popliteal, 5 anterior tibial, 4 posterior tibial, and 3 peroneal arteries along with 5 failing GRAFTS. All procedures were performed by vascular surgeons in an endovascular operating suite using a mobile C-arm. Results for larger diameter vessels including FP arteries and GRAFTS were combined (FP + BYPASSES) and compared to results of IP artery lesions. Follow-up averaged 10 weeks (range, 0.5-34 weeks). Length of treated lesions averaged 4.2 cm (range, 1-15 cm) for FP + GRAFT lesions (9 occlusions, 11 stenoses) versus 1.8 cm (1-4 cm) for IP lesions (6 occlusions, 6 stenoses; P = ns). Procedural success rate based on postoperative segmental pressures, pulse volume recordings, and duplex ultrasound was 70% (14/20) for FP + GRAFTS versus 83% (10/12) for IP lesions (P = .03). Need for concomitant adjunctive balloon angioplasty to treat residual stenosis tended to be higher for FP + GRAFT lesions (40% [8/20]) compared to IP lesions (25% [3/12]; P = ns). During follow-up, 25% (5/20) of FP + GRAFTS lesions required reintervention (3 balloon angioplasties, 1 thrombectomy, 1 GRAFT pseudoaneurysm) versus none for the IP lesions (P = .03). Limb salvage rates were 90% (18/20) for FP + GRAFT lesions versus 100% (12/12) for IP lesions during this short follow-up. These preliminary results suggest that short segment IP arterial stenoses and occlusions can be successfully treated with atherectomy catheters with a lower rate of reintervention during short-term follow-up, less need for concomitant adjunctive balloon angioplasty and a lower complication rate compared to FP + graft lesions.

Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Different Calculations of Ankle Brachial Index and Their Impact on Cardiovascular Risk Prediction”

We thank Jaquinandi et al for their interest in our publication. We want to stress that the patient population of the AtheroGene study is not comparable with the patient populations reported in the articles from Lee et al and Kreitner et al, which included only patients with known advanced peripheral arterial disease.1,2 The AtheroGene study includes primarily patients with coronary artery disease, no patient had rest pain or peripheral ulcers and only 52 patients (6.3%) had intermittent claudication.3 In addition, …

The Role for Cryoplasty in the Treatment of Infrainguinal Artery Disease:Case Studies

Cryoplasty has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in the peripheral vasculature and offers the promise of improving on the results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) by limiting dissection, vessel recoil, and restenosis. The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System utilizes nitrous oxide rather than the standard mixture of saline and contrast medium to inflate and cool the balloon to the desired temperature of approximately -10 degrees C. Cryoplasty can be used in combination with other therapies, can be repeated, and offers the advantage of not leaving any foreign objects in the body. In a multicenter registry of claudicants with de novo or restenotic femoropopliteal lesions and in a multicenter trial of CLI patients with infrapopliteal lesions (86.9% mean diameter stenosis, 33.9% occlusions), favorable results with primary cryoplasty included minimal need for bailout stenting, avoidance of repeat revascularization, and high amputation-free survival. We review cases in which cryoplasty was used for diffuse superficial femoral and popliteal artery disease, for infrapopliteal stenosis and occlusion, for in-stent restenosis, and as part of a hybrid strategy for treating multilevel occlusive disease. As these clinical cases demonstrate, cryoplasty therapy can be employed effectively as a primary strategy, or in conjunction with debulking, for the treatment of lesions of varying severity in different segments of the infrainguinal vasculature. Further studies will be required to better define the role of this therapy relative to the other modalities that are currently available for the treatment of femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal disease.