Kissing Stents Research Articles

Technical Approach to Antegrade Femoral Access

The number of endovascular procedures for treatment of peripheral arterial disease continues to increase as minimally invasive procedures have become the first-approach solution for lower extremity arterial lesions of any complexity, including Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document on Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC) II category C and D. Although the usual treatment strategy has been to access the contralateral common femoral artery (CFA), an ipsilateral, antegrade CFA approach has certain advantages. The greatest advantages are the decrease in the access-to-lesion distance, which in turn improves the mechanical advantage and responsiveness of the tools used to perform the intervention. In certain clinical situations such as prior endovascular aneurysm repair, aortobifemoral surgical bypass, iliac kissing stents, and aortoiliac occlusive disease, an antegrade approach may be mandatory. In this article, we describe our institutional thought process and techniques for performing a successful antegrade puncture of the CFA, as well as highlight some pitfalls and the associated complication rates of which to be aware.

The Results of Self-Expandable Kissing Stents in Aortic Bifurcation.

Purpose:Kissing stent reconstruction is a widely used technique for the management of aortoiliac occlusive disease involving the aortic bifurcation or proximal common iliac arteries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of self-expandable kissing stents in the aortic bifurcation.Materials and Methods:We reviewed medical records of the patients treated with a kissing stent retrospectively from January 2007 to December 2012. The primary and secondary patencies were determined with Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression was used to determine the factors associated with patency.Results:A total of 21 patients were included, and all were male (median age 53±15 years, range 48–78 years). Major symptoms were claudication (n=16, 61.9%), rest pain (n=5, 23.8%) and gangrene (n=5, 23.8%). Tans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC) II classification was A 2 (9.5%), B 5 (23.8%), C 7 (33.3%) and D 8 (38%). The mean follow-up was 40.7 months. Major complication occurred in only one case which consisted of distal limb ischemia by emboli. Six patients developed symptomatic restenosis or occlusion. There was no major amputation, but minor amputation occurred in 3 patients. There were 2 mortalities not associated with the procedure (lung cancer and intracranial hemorrhage). Primary patency was 89.6% at 1 year, 74.7% at 3 years and 64.0% at 5 years. Secondary patency was 94.1% at 1 year, 88.2% at 3 years and 68.6% at 5 years. No risk factors for restenosis or occlusion were identified.Conclusion:Self-expandable kissing stents can be used successfully with comparable patency for endovascular treatment of symptomatic atherosclerotic occlusive lesions in the aortic bifurcation area.

Systematic review of results of kissing stents in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease

Introduction: Severe stenosis or occlusion of the aortoiliac bifurcation is typically treated with open surgery. Patency results of aorto-bifemoral bypass are up to 90 % at 5 years. However, the number and severity of complications seem to have reached a plateau level. A less invasive technique, the kissing stent (KS) is available nowadays. The goal of this review was to give an overview of the current results and status of the kissing stent technique. Method: The Scopus search engine was used to retrieve articles concerning KS, this retrieved 78 abstracts, 60 were rejected and 4 more were rejected after full text screening. One article was included after cross referencing. After a quality check, data was extracted for further analysis. Results: 810 patients ( 72.8 % Rutherford classification of 1/2/3) were included. The most prevalent risk factor was hypertension (37.5-96%) and 50% of patients were treated for TASC C & D lesions. Overall the technical success rate was 98.2 %. Procedural protocols greatly differed on applying protrusion and pre or post dilatation. Clinical improvement at 30 days was achieved in 89.9%. Primary patency at 12, 24, and 36 months was 88.8%, 78.9 and 68.5, respectively. A complication rate of 11 % was reported, of which most are minor . No detailed analysis could be performed because individual patient data are lacking. Conclusion: KS treatment of aortoiliac disease is related with only minor complications and acceptable midterm patency results, this can however not surpass the results seen with open surgery.

Geometrical consequences of kissing stents and the Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation configuration in an in vitro model for endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation

Kissing stents (KS) are commonly used to treat aortoiliac occlusive disease, but patency results are often lower than those of isolated stents. The Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) technique was recently introduced to reconstruct the aortic bifurcation in a more anatomical and physiological fashion. The aim of this study is to compare the geometrical consequences of various stent configurations in vitro. Anatomic vessel phantoms of the aortoiliac bifurcation were created to accommodate stent configurations. Self-expandable nitinol KS, balloon-expandable covered KS, and two versions of the CERAB configuration were deployed, one with the iliac legs positioned inside the tapered part of the aortic cuff (1) and one with the legs deployed above this level (2). Computed tomography data were obtained to assess the geometry. The conformation ratio (D-ratio) was calculated by use of the ratio of the major and minor axes. The proximal mismatch area, mean mismatch area, and total mismatch volume were calculated. The highest D-ratios were observed in the nitinol KS and the CERAB configuration, implying an ideal "double-D" shape. The proximal and mean mismatch areas were four- to sixfold lower in the CERAB (1) configuration when compared with nitinol KS and CERAB (2), respectively, whereas the covered KS had the highest mismatch area. Nitinol and covered KS had the largest mismatch volume, whereas the mismatch volume was the lowest in the CERAB (1) configuration. Although nitinol self-expandable stents have a high stent conformation, the lowest radial mismatch was found in the CERAB (1) configuration, supporting the hypothesis that the CERAB configuration is the most anatomical and physiological reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation. Within the CERAB configuration, the two limbs are ideally positioned inside the tapering portion of the cuff, minimizing mismatch.

Side branch ostium stenting with main vessel drug-eluting balloon kissing (BOMB): An innovative approach for isolated coronary stenosis at side branch ostium

Side branch ostium stenting with main vessel drug-eluting balloon kissing (BOMB): An innovative approach for isolated coronary stenosis at side branch ostium

Crushing Versus Kissing Stenting in ‘Real World’ Unprotected Left Main Bifurcation Intervention with Drug-eluting Stents

Crushing Versus Kissing Stenting in ‘Real World’ Unprotected Left Main Bifurcation Intervention with Drug-eluting Stents

Percutaneous coronary intervention in unprotected left main coronary artery disease.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected left main coronary artery disease is potentially an important intervention in surgically unstable patients. A detailed review of medical record and visual analysis of coronary angiography and PCI procedure was undertaken. The study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, from January 2003 to December 2007. Patients included in the study had unprotected > 70% left main stenosis with ongoing ischemia, considered unsuitable for surgical revascularization. A total of 9 patients were included with a mean age of 70.1 years. Six patients had cardiogenic shock. Eight patients had bifurcation lesion. Simultaneous kissing stenting technique was used in 4 patients. There were 4 in-hospital deaths while 5 patients were alive at discharge. All 4 patients who expired had cardiogenic shock. Four patients were alive at a mean follow-up of 17 months. PCI turned out to be an alternative therapeutic option for unprotected left main coronary artery disease when surgery is declined.

“Kissing Stents” as an Adjunct to Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Warts and All

A 75-year-old man presented with symptomatic thoracic aneurysm involving the origin of the left subclavian artery. To obtain an adequate landing zone, a simultaneous stent was placed in the left common carotid artery. Until fenestrated and branch graft technology is more available, snorkel approaches may be an acceptable approach for patients with contraindications to open repair.

“Kissing Stents” as an Adjunct to Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Warts and All

“Kissing Stents” as an Adjunct to Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Warts and All

Simultaneous Dual Vascular Access Site for the Treatment of Coronary Artery Bifurcation Lesions by Complex 2‐Stent Technique

To propose an original approach based on simultaneous dual vascular access site (DAS) using 2 small-size guiding catheters to easily perform complex 2-stent techniques for bifurcation coronary lesions (BL). Simultaneous kissing stenting and classic crush technique require large 7 or 8Fr guiding catheters leading to large amounts of contrast medium, vascular access site complications, and sometimes frictions or criss-cross of the 2-stent delivery systems. DAS was used in 30 patients with BL (11 radio-radial, 16 radio-femoral, and 3 femoro-femoral). Among 60 guiding catheters, the size was 5Fr in 28, 6Fr in 30, and 7Fr in 2 cases of double adjacent BL. When 2 different size catheters were used, contrast medium injections were done using the smallest size catheter. DAS patients were compared with a group of 30 BL patients treated using a single femoral vascular access site (SAS) with 7 or 8Fr catheters. Success rate was 100% in all patients. Contrast volume used was smaller in DAS than in SAS patients (277 ± 156 cc vs. 380 ± 165 cc,P = 0.01). No vascular access site complication occurred in the sub-group of the 11 DAS radio-radial patients. Postintervention hospitalization duration was shorter in DAS than in SAS (1.9 ± 2 vs. 2.8 ± 2 days,P = 0.048). DAS allows to successfully perform complex stenting technique of BL using small-size guiding catheters leading to decreased contrast medium volume, decreased vascular access site complications rates, and shortened hospitalization duration.

Acute lower limb ischaemia due to delayed upstream migration of an iliac stent

We report a case of acute limb ischaemia due to unusual upstream stent migration into the aorta 2 years after successful kissing stenting. Angiography showed a misplacement of both common iliac stent into the aorta, upstream migration with a fracture on the left external iliac stent into the iliac common artery, occlusion of the left iliac and femoral artery, dilatation of aortic bifurcation and stent separation on the right side. The patient underwent a successful axillo-bifemoral bypass graft. Vessel wall remodelling due to overestimation of stent size, aortic turbulence and rebound effect may explain this complication.

Aortic rupture due to pneumococcal infection in aortoiliac stents

We report a rare case of pneumococcal aortitis secondary to endovascular bare-metal stent infection. The patient was a 70-year-old man presenting with back pain 1 year after aortoiliac implantation of bare-metal kissing stents. Final diagnosis was microbial aortitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae involving the stents that resulted in a contained aortic rupture requiring urgent surgical treatment. Emergency extra-anatomic revascularization, excision of the infected tissues, and appropriate antibiotic therapy led to a favorable outcome. A high index of suspicion is required in such a situation because the mortality rate is very high in the absence of appropriate treatment.

Transradial simultaneous kissing stenting (SKS) with SheathLess access

Transradial coronary intervention is usually performed via a 5 or 6 Fr sheath due to the small calibre of radial arteries. Simultaneous kissing stenting (SKS) technique requires a guiding catheter 7 Fr or larger and is therefore difficult to perform via transradial approach. Conversion to femoral approach or additional arterial access is usually required to achieve this goal. To overcome this limitation, a hydrophilic 7.5 Fr SheathLess guiding catheter can be exploited. This catheter possesses approximately the same size outer diameter as a 6 Fr sheath and an internal diameter of a 7.5 Fr catheter. A smooth and successful performance of SKS through transradial approach is described using this catheter.

Kissingstents in the Aortic Bifurcation – a Valid Reconstruction for Aorto-iliac Occlusive Disease

ObjectiveTo evaluate outcome and patency predicting factors of kissingstent treatment for aorto iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). MethodsPatients treated with kissingstents for AOID between 1995 and 2004 at a tertiary referral center were identified through local databases. Chart review and preoperative images were used for TASC and Fontaine classification. Follow-up consisted of clinical exams, ABI and/or duplex. Patency rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox multivariate regression was used to determine factors associated with patency. Results173 consecutive patients (46% male, mean 64 years) were identified. TASC distribution was: A 15%, B 34%, C 10%, D 41%. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range: 1–144). 30-day mortality was 1% (2 patients), and 1-year survival was 91% (157 patients). 2 patients underwent late, open conversion and 13 patients suffered minor puncture site complications. Primary, assisted primary and secondary patency was: 97%, 99% and 100%, and 83%, 90% and 95% at twelve and 36 months respectively. There was no significant difference in patency between the TASC groups. Patency was significantly worse for patients in Fontaine class III. ConclusionsAortoiliac kissing stents is a valid alternative to open repair for TASC A-D lesions. The procedure has low mortality and morbidity and good patency at 3 years.

Kissing Stent Reconstruction of the Aortoiliac Bifurcation

Kissing stent reconstruction of the aortoiliac bifurcation is a widely used technique for the management of aortoiliac occlusive disease involving the aortic bifurcation or proximal common iliac arteries. New advances in delivery systems and stent design have enabled better anatomic results with kissing stenting. Long-term patency is generally excellent, although several factors may adversely affect patency and should be taken into account when devising the stenting configuration and selecting the device to be used. Geometric variables related to individual aortic anatomy and disease pattern (patient dependent) and stenting configuration (operator dependent) may have an impact on long-term patency. Kissing stent aortoiliac reconstruction is effective and durable, even with complex aortoiliac disease and long-segment occlusions. In our experience, TASC (TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus) C and D class disease is not necessarily a contraindication to aortoiliac stent reconstruction, especially in poor operative risk patients. Most restenoses are amenable to endovascular treatment, with excellent long-term assisted patency.

Abstract No. 255: Mid-Term Results for Kissing Covered Stents for Aortic Birfurcation Lesions

Kissing stents are commonly placed for aortic bifurcation lesions wih disappointing mid and long term patency compared to common iliac stents. Covered stents may provide better patency. We reviewed outcomes of percutaneous placement of kissing covered iliac stents for aortic bifurcation atherosclerotic lesions compared to non-covered stents.

Endovascular Reconstruction of Complex Arterial Obstructions in the Mesenteric Arcade with “Kissing Stents”: Technical Note

This report describes a technique for advanced endoluminal reconstruction of complex bifurcational arterial obstructions located within the mesenteric arcade deploying applications from percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty. A patient was treated for persistent mesenteric ischemia during prolonged recovery after initial small bowel resection due to acute mesenteric ischemia. Following endovascular reconstruction of a complex arterial obstruction within the mesenteric arcade, ischemic symptoms subsided quickly and the patient recovered well. According to the literature, this seems to be the first case where such distal reconstruction of the mesenteric arcade has successfully been achieved percutaneously.

Percutaneous Stenting of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Treatment Outcome in Patients with Benign and Malignant Etiology

Symptomatic obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) can be caused by either intrathoracic malignancy or nonmalignant etiology resulting in superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of percutaneous stenting of SVCS in patients with malignant and benign disease. During a 9-year period, 56 patients with SVCS underwent percutaneous stenting placement. Among them, malignant and benign disease was responsible for 40 patients (71%) and 16 patients (29%), respectively. The Wallstent was the most commonly used stent and was used in 45 patients (80%), whereas the Palmaz stent was used in 6 patients (11%). In 38 patients (68%), a single stent was deployed to treat an SVC lesion. In contrast, bilateral kissing stents were deployed in 9 patients (16%), which extended from bilateral brachiocephalic veins to the proximal SVC. Technical success was achieved in all patients while symptomatic improvement was noted in 54 patients (96%). No procedural complications occurred in this series. Primary patency in malignant and benign cases at 1 year was 64% and 76%, respectively. Overall symptom-free survival ranged from 1 to 34 months. Our study showed that endovascular treatment with percutaneous stenting provides an effective treatment strategy in patients with SVCS caused by either malignant or benign disease.

Aorto-iliac Endovascular Reconstruction by Kissing Stenting Through Bilateral Brachial Access

Nowadays, iliac artery stenting is accepted therapy for aorto-iliac artery disease with or without superficial femoral artery involvement [1–3]. Standard routes for iliac artery angioplasty and stenting are retrotegrade ipsilateral femoral artery access and antegrade controlateral crossing-over femoral access. Bilateral retrograde access is preferable in the case of bilateral aorto-iliac stenosis, whereas antegrade crossing-over access is preferable in cases of controlateral iliac artery occlusion which are poorly approachable retrogradely [4]. In rare cases the procedure cannot be accomplished through standard access and a radial access has been suggested [5]. We report a case of bilateral aorto-iliac occlusive disease, where retrograde routes could not be used, which was managed through a bilateral brachial access and a modified kissing stent technique. A 70-year-old woman affected by hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was referred to our center for syncope, excertional dyspnea, and bilateral claudication with a 15-m threshold. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve stenosis, and because she developed rest angina during her first day in hospital, she was listed for coronary angiography. The procedure failed through both retrograde femoral accesses even using a hydrophilic guide wire, so brachial access was used to perform the coronary and left ventricle angiographies. Triple-vessel coronary artery disease (80% stenosis of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, 90% stenosis of middle circumflex artery, and 70% stenosis of distal right coronary artery) with severe left ventricle dysfunction (ejection fraction, 30%) was detected. Hemodynamic examination confirmed the presence of severe mitral insufficiency. Aorto-iliac angiography showed a calcified and diseased abdominal aorta with subocclusive disease of the aortic bifurcation involving the ostia and body of both common iliac arteries (Fig. 1). A Doppler ultrasound confirmed the presence of both iliac stenosis and patency of both superficial and tibioperoneal arteries. After a collegial discussion with the cardiothoracic staff, due to the need to find a viable access for the balloon counterpulsation catheter which was likely to be required following the surgical procedure, it was decided to submit the patient to endovascular repair of aorto-iliac disease

Simultaneous kissing stent technique to treat left main stem bifurcation disease

While several endovascular techniques have been developed for treating arterial bifurcation lesions, there is, as yet, no single, widely accepted technique for treating left main stem (LMS) bifurcation lesions with stents. The simultaneous kissing stent (SCS) technique seems particularly suited for such lesions. The authors describe a consecutive cohort of patients with LMS bifurcation stenosis treated with this technique and present mechanistic insights from a porcine model. Thirty consecutive patients with LMS bifurcation stenosis +/- multivessel disease were treated with SCS technique using paclitaxel-eluting stents. The technique involves simultaneous implantation of two stents (LMS-LAD and LMS-Cx) so that the proximal end of both stents lie at the same level in the body of LMS. Symptom status was recorded and follow-up angiography was performed. In addition, four pigs underwent SCS implantation of the LMS and were studied by direct examination, histology, and scanning electron microscopy. The patients' mean age was 63, 26 were elective and 19 were male. Paclitaxel-eluting stents (Taxus, Boston Scientific) were used. There was one in-hospital death in a highly unstable patient. At 6-month follow-up angiography, two patients required target lesion revascularization. At 13 +/- 3 month follow-up, the remaining patients remain well, with no other major adverse cardiac events. The animals all survived with patent stents. SEM demonstrated full re-endothelialization and histology showed a thin but complete neointima covering the stent struts. The SCS technique for treating LMS bifurcation disease with paclitaxel-eluting stents is safe and feasible. Medium term clinical and angiographic results are good. An endothelium and a thin neointima cover the metal struts.