Stents For Treatment Research Articles

Chargemaster Pricing Variation for Commonly Billed Procedures in Interventional Cardiology.

A chargemaster is a database of all of the billable items offered by a hospital with their base price listings. A 2018 executive order required all American hospitals to publish their chargemasters to increase price transparency and reduce healthcare expenditures. Chargemaster listings, however, demonstrate marked variability and inconsistency and have not been associated with consumer benefit. The objective of this study was to analyze chargemasters for commonly billed interventional cardiology procedures across five diverse states to explore relationships between price listings and hospital characteristics, ownership, location, and hospital quality. Chargemasters were downloaded from hospitals in five states selected to represent the nation's healthcare diversity. Price listings for five interventional cardiology procedures (percutaneous coronary angiography, coronary angiography, single-vessel angioplasty, single-vessel stent, and percutaneous coronary intervention of acute myocardial infarction) were extracted. Statistical analyses such as the Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to explore relationships between mean chargemaster price listings for each procedure and hospital characteristics, ownership, location, and quality ratings. The median mean chargemaster price of four of the five interventional cardiology procedures significantly differed across all states. Price listings were significantly higher in urban versus rural areas and in general acute care hospitals and state government-owned facilities. The highest prices were found with the highest hospital quality rating. Chargemaster price listings for common interventional cardiology procedures varied significantly across these five states. Urban and metropolitan hospital location, hospital type, and hospital ownership could be factors driving increased chargemaster procedure prices. Prices were highest at hospitals with the highest quality rating.

1115 Assessing Patient Understanding of Treatment Indications and Follow-Up Procedures Following Emergency Ureteric Stent Insertion: A Single Centre Study

Abstract Aim Ureteric stents are inserted to maintain urinary drainage from the kidney to the bladder in the presence of ureteral obstruction or injury. Over the last 24 months, multiple stents have been retained at our institution, requiring additional invasive surgery to remove encrusted stents with associated loss of kidney function, infection, and morbidity. The aim of this audit is to assess patients’ understanding of the indications for ureteric stent insertion, duration of treatment and how to arrange timely stent removal to avoid the risk of further complications. Method We collected prospective data from patients undergoing emergency JJ-ureteric stent insertion within the Urology department of Northampton General Hospital. We assessed patient understanding of stent indications, treatment duration and stent removal using a questionnaire format. Results All patients surveyed were aware of the indications for stenting. 75% of patients were aware of the minimum duration of stent treatment, however more than half of patients were unaware of when their stent needed to be removed. All patients surveyed did not know how to arrange a stent removal or change, or who to contact regarding this. Conclusions There is a notable lack of patient knowledge and understanding regarding stent removal. We have designed, and plan to implement, a stent passport to provide patients with the relevant information regarding the indications for stenting, duration of treatment and contact details to arrange stent removal. We plan to re-audit patient understanding and outcomes following implementation of the stent passport.

Effectiveness of using dual stent to intervene true left main coronary artery bifurcation lesions

Abstract: Lesions at the bifurcation of the left main coronary artery are dangerous lesions that account for approximately 4–8% of CAD (coronary artery disease) cases. In Vietnam, dual stent percutaneous coronary intervention has been used to treat true left main stem coronary artery bifurcation lesions, but there is no study that summarizes the recent results and evaluates them after a follow-up period. Consequently, we conducted this study.
 Research objectives: Effectiveness of using dual stent to intervene true left main coronary artery bifurcation lesions.[1]
 Objects and research methods: Crossectional study, review of all patients who received LMCA bifurcation lesions interventional stenting with dual stent at Hanoi Heart Hospital from 1/2018 to 6/2020.
 Research results: The rate of major cardiovascular events was determined as follow: 1 patient died during hospital stay; 18% of patients had at least one major cardiovascular event during the 12-month follow-up period; 3 patients had cerebrovascular accidents, which accounted for 6%; 3 patients had acute myocardial infarction, which accounted for 6%; and 2 patients had acute myocardial infarction, which accounted for 6%. Two patients require revascularization, representing 4% of the total population.

Outcome after stent and endoscopic vacuum therapy-based treatment for postemetic esophageal rupture

Objectives Extent of surgical repair of spontaneous esophageal effort rupture (Boerhaave syndrome) has gradually decreased by the emergence of minimal invasive treatment based on endoscopic stent sealing of the perforation. However, for this diagnosis, use of endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is still in its beginning. We present our results after 7-years with both stent and/or EVT-based treatment. Materials and methods 17 consecutive patients with Boerhaave syndrome from June 2015 to May 2022 were retrospectively registered in a database. The perforation was sealed by stent and/or EVT, and gastric effluent was drained transthoracically by a chest tube or pigtail catheter. Eight out of 14 patients responded to questions on fatigue and dysphagia (Ogilvie’s score). Results Seventeen patients aged median 67 years (range 34–88), had a primary hospital stay of 38 days (7–68). Ninety-day mortality was 6% (n = 1). Perforations were sealed with stent (n = 10), EVT (n = 3) or stent and EVT (n = 4). One patient (6%) needed laparoscopic lavage and transhiatal drainage. Eight patients (47%) were re-stented due to persistent leakage (n = 4) and stent migration (n = 4). Fifteen patients (88%) had complications, including multi-organ failure (n = 9), pleural empyema (n = 8) and esophageal stricture (n = 3). The perforations healed. After 35.5 months (range 2–62) fourteen patients were alive. Eight that responded had no dysphagia and total fatigue score comparable to an age-matched reference population. Conclusion Mortality rate was low after initial stent and EVT-based treatment of Boerhaave syndrome, combined with adequate transthoracic drainage of gastric effluent. Patients required repeated minimal invasive procedures, but with no apparent negative effect on functional outcome.

Impact of postprocedural minimum lumen area on clinical outcome after femoropopliteal drug-eluting stent implantation.

Although favorable results of fluoropolymer-based drug-eluting stent (FP-DES) treatment for femoropopliteal lesions have been reported, it is unclear whether minimal lumen area (MLA) after FP-DES implantation affects clinical outcomes. This study aimed to reveal the association between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-evaluated MLA and the 1-year risk of restenosis and aneurysmal degeneration after FP-DES implantation for femoropopliteal lesions. A subanalysis of the CAPSICUM (Contemporary outcomes After Paclitaxel-eluting peripheral Stent implantation for symptomatic lower limb IsChemia with sUperficial feMoral or proximal popliteal lesion) study analyzed 718 limbs in 686 patients with available IVUS-evaluated MLA data. The association of MLA with the 1-year risk of restenosis and aneurysmal degeneration was analyzed using the generalized propensity score method. The 1-year incidence rate of restenosis was estimated to be 8.8% (95% CI, 6.1% to 12.5%) for the upper quartile of MLA (21.1 mm2) versus 14.3% (95% CI, 10.7% to 18.7%) for the lower quartile of MLA (15.2 mm2), with an odds ratio of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.93; p = 0.024), whereas the 1-year incidence rate of aneurysmal degeneration was 23.8% (95% CI, 19.5% to 28.8%) for the upper quartile versus 16.8% (95% CI, 12.6% to 22.0%) for the lower quartile, with an odds ratio of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.04 to 2.32; p = 0.031). A large MLA after FP-DES implantation for femoropopliteal lesions was associated with decreased restenosis risk but increased aneurysmal degeneration risk. These findings suggest that MLA is a valuable predictor of clinical outcomes.

Occlusion of thoracic duct stent resulting in recurrent chyluria: role of renal-lymphatic fistula embolization

BackgroundThoracic duct (TD) stenting is considered a treatment option for certain pathological conditions caused by TD obstruction, such as chyluria. Several studies have reported on the efficacy of TD stent treatment for both obstructive and leakage condition of TD, but few have evaluated the stent patency. This report aims to describe the patency of TD stent and the effectiveness of renal-lymphatic fistula embolization in the treatment of chyluria.Case presentationWe report a case of chyluria treated by TD stent previously, stent was placed at the TD venous junction four months before the symptoms recurred. At the second intervention we found the stent was obstructed by debris. We recanalized the stent and successfully catheterised the microcatheter through the stent retrograde into the TD then into the renal-lymphatic fistula branch. After embolization of that abnormal branch, the recurrent chyluria was treated and no further episode of chyluria was occurred during 12 months follow up.ConclusionStent in the TD may be occluded by debris. Embolization of renal-lymphatic fistula might be the most important treatment for spontaneous chyluria.

Allicin-Loaded Intelligent Hydrogel Coating Improving Vascular Implant Performance.

Coronary atherosclerosis is closely related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Owing to poor biocompatibility, lack of personalized treatment, and late toxic side effects, traditional drug-eluting stent intervention, releasing antiproliferative drugs, can delay endothelial repair and cause late thrombosis. The inflammation caused by atherosclerosis results in an acidic microenvironment and oxidative stress, which can be considered as triggers for precise and intelligent treatment. Here, we used catechol hyaluronic acid (C-HA) and cystamine (Cys) to prepare C-HA-Cys hydrogel coatings by amide reaction. The H2S-releasing donor allicin was loaded in the hydrogel to form an intelligent biomimetic coating. The disulfide bond of Cys made the cross-linked network redox-responsive to the inflammation and oxidative stress in the microenvironment by releasing the drug and H2S intelligently to combat the side effects of stent implantation. This study evaluated the hemocompatibility, anti-inflammatory capacity, vascular wall cytocompatibility, and in vivo histocompatibility of this intelligent hydrogel coating. Furthermore, the effect of H2S released from the coating on atherosclerosis-related signaling pathways such as CD31 and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), CD36, and ACAT-1 was investigated. Our results indicate that the C-HA-Cys-Allicin hydrogel coating could be manufactured on the surface of vascular interventional devices to achieve a precise response to the microenvironment of the lesion to release drug, which can attain the purpose of prevention of in-stent restenosis and ensure the effectiveness and safety of the application of interventional devices.

DEPLOYMENT BEHAVIOR OF STENT IN TAPERED VESSELS WITH MULTIPLE STENOSES: EFFECT OF DIFFERENT IMPLANTATION PLANNING SYSTEMS

In-stent restenosis (ISR), which is a common complication after stent intervention, affects the long-term outcome of stent intervention. Suitable implantation planning will effectively reduce the incidence of ISR. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different implantation planning on the mechanical behavior of stents in tapered vessels with multiple stenoses and select a better implantation planning. The finite element method (FEM) was used in this study. A different planning was designed as follows: (a) using a cylindrical balloon to deploy cylindrical stent (plan CC), (b) using the tapered balloon to deploy cylindrical stent (plan TC) and (c) using the tapered balloon to deploy tapered stent (plan TT). When the stent was expanded to the maximum diameter, the position of maximum vascular stress all appeared at distal plaque in three implantation plans. After balloon was deflated, the vascular stress in plan TC was the minimum. Using tapered balloon to deploy cylindrical stent has advantages in the tapered vessels with multiple stenoses and could reduce the probability of ISR. Moreover, this method could assess the mechanical properties of stent deployment in multiple stenoses and then select a better implantation planning.

Hypoechoic Halo Imaging Findings Following Femoropopliteal Artery Stent Implantation: Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes

BackgroundHypoechoic peri-stent areas in duplex ultrasonography (DUS) (ie, “halo”) have been noted following femoropopliteal artery stenting. ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and potential safety implications of hypoechoic halos identified with DUS following stent implantation in the IMPERIAL (ELUVIA Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Zilver PTX Stent) and EMINENT (Trial Comparing ELUVIA Versus Bare Metal Stent in Treatment of Superficial Femoral and/or Proximal Popliteal Artery) trials. MethodsThe IMPERIAL and EMINENT studies of femoropopliteal artery stenting included polymer-based drug-eluting stent, nonpolymer drug-coated stent, and bare metal stent treatment arms. A dedicated DUS protocol was implemented for core laboratory assessment of halo presence at study follow-up visits. Logistic regressions were used to investigate risk factors for a halo sign and its impact on clinically driven target lesion revascularization and primary patency. ResultsDiagnostic DUS imaging from 659 patients was obtained at time points ranging from 6 months to 5 years post–stent implantation. Halo prevalence ranged from 20% to 35% of patients with diagnostic DUS and was present at all time intervals. Halos were identified surrounding all stent types. In analyses of patients with diagnostic imaging from at least 2 visits, halo presence typically persisted, with occasional cases of regression and development at later times. No statistically significant association was found for halo status (ie, halo vs no halo) on 1-year clinically driven target lesion revascularization (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.70-2.30; P = 0.4240) or primary patency (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.43-1.07; P = 0.0927). ConclusionsA hypoechoic halo following a femoropopliteal stent procedure is a common occurrence associated with all studied stent types. The presence of a halo appears to be benign with no associated clinical sequelae or effect on target vessel revascularization rates within 1 year of stent implantation.

Sol Yan ağrısının Açıklanamayan Nadir Bir Sebebi: Nutcracker Sendromu

Nutcracker syndrome refers to the compression of the left renal vein, usually between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Flank pain is the most common complaint and hematuria can be seen among the laboratory findings. This syndrome, which is more common in women with low body mass index, can be difficult to diagnose.
 A 41-year-old female patient with persistent left flank pain was admitted to our family medicine outpatient clinic. There was no finding that could explain the pain in the patient, who did not have any features in his history, despite many polyclinic applications. Computed tomography requested in our family medicine outpatient clinic revealed that the left renal vein was compressed between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, and the patient was diagnosed with nutcracker syndrome.
 Nutcracker syndrome is an exclusion diagnosis that should be considered in patients who present with atypical left flank pain that is difficult to diagnose.
 In the treatment, depending on the severity of the symptoms, a wide range of methods are applied, from conservative treatment to endovascular stenting and surgical treatment.

Comparation of intraureteral stent and conventional stent at different stages: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Stent related symptom (SRS) is the most common adverse effect of ureteral stenting. In recent years, many efforts have been made to develope modified ureteral stents to ameliorate SRS. It has been reported that intraureteral stents have the potential to improve the tail end adverse effect of the bladder and alleviate SRS. However, there still lack of evidence for the efficacy and the safety of clinically applying intraureteral stents. The aim of this work is to investigate the efficacy and safety of intraureteral stents. A systematic review was performed by using the PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library. The studies published before February 2023 were included. The study selection was following the guideline from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). The searching strategy was: "Pigtail suture stent" OR "Intra-ureteric stent" OR "Suture Stent" OR "Intraureteral stent" AND "Ureteroscopy" OR "Urinary calculi" OR "Stent-related symptoms" OR "Lower urinary tract symptoms". The data from randomized clinical trials which meet the selection criteria were extracted. Revman 5.4 was employed to proceed the meta-analysis. A total of six randomized clinical trials of intraureteral stents were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. According to the different investigation time, the results could be divided into four stages: early-stage, middle-stage, late-stage, and long-term evaluation. Urinary symptoms, pain score, and general health were significantly improved in intraureteral stents group at middle stage. For late-stage, intraureteral stent achieved better outcomes in urinary symptoms index, VAS score, quality of life, general health, and pain score. However, for early-stage and long-term evaluation, there was no significant difference between two groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis reveal that regardless of the stage of treatment, the efficacy and safety of intraureteral stent are no worse than that of conventional stent. During 7-14 days postoperation, which is the most commonly time for clinically using ureteral stent, most of the outcomes of intraureteral stent are better than those of conventional stent. Hence, it is confirmed that intraureteral stent is worth for more clinical study and application.

Long Term Results of a Randomised Trial of Stenting of the Superficial Femoral Artery for Intermittent Claudication

Primary stenting of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) in intermittent claudication (IC) has been shown to increase health related quality of life (HRQoL) after 12 and 24 months. An extended follow up of HRQoL 36 and 60 months after randomisation is presented. A multicentre randomised controlled trial was conducted at seven vascular clinics in Sweden between 2010 and 2020. One hundred patients randomised to either primary stenting and best medical treatment (BMT; n = 48) or BMT alone (n = 52) were followed for 60 months. HRQoL, assessed by the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and EuroQoL 5 dimensions (EQ5D) 36 and 60 months after randomisation, was the primary outcome. Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) score, re-interventions, progression to chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI), amputation, and death were secondary outcomes. At the 36 month follow up, the stent group (n = 32) had statistically significantly better scores in the SF-36 domain “Role Physical” (p = .023) and the Physical Component Summary (p = .032) compared with the control group (n = 30); however, there was no statistically significant difference in EQ5D scores (p = .52). WIQ was statistically significantly better in the stent group compared with the control group (p = .029) at 36 months. At the 60 month follow up, no statistically significant difference in HRQoL was seen between patients in the stent (n = 31) and control groups (n = 32). Crossover from the control group to the stent group was 25% at 60 months. There were no differences in progression to CLTI, amputation (2.1% vs. 1.9%), or mortality (14.6% vs. 15.4%) between groups. In patients with IC caused by isolated SFA lesions, primary stenting conferred benefits to HRQoL until 36 months from treatment vs. BMT alone, but these benefits were no longer detectable at 60 months, where a high crossover rate affected the power of the final analysis.

A Randomised Trial Comparing Drug Coated Balloons and Conventional Balloons for the Treatment of Stent Graft Stenosis in Dialysis Vascular Access

Previous studies on arteriovenous fistulas have demonstrated the potential benefit of drug coated balloons (DCBs) in maintaining the patency of dialysis access. However, stenoses involving stent grafts were excluded from these studies. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of DCBs in treating stent graft stenosis. This was a prospective, single blinded, randomised controlled study. From March 2017 to April 2021, 40 patients with dysfunctional vascular access owing to stent graft stenosis were randomised to treatment with a DCB or conventional balloon. Clinical follow up was scheduled at one, three, and six months, and angiographic follow up was performed six months after the intervention. The primary outcome was angiographic late luminal loss at six months, and secondary outcomes included target lesion and access circuit primary patency at six months. Thirty-six participants completed follow up angiography. The DCB group had a superior mean late luminal loss at six months compared with the control group (1.82 mm ± 1.83 mm vs. 3.63 mm ± 1.08 mm, respectively, p= .001). All 40 patients completed clinical follow up. The DCB group had a superior six month target lesion primary patency compared with the control group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 - 0.71; p= .005). Additionally, the DCB group had a numerically higher six month access circuit primary patency rate than the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.26 - 1.11, p= .095). Conventional balloon angioplasty is not durable in stent graft stenosis treatment. Treatment with DCBs provides less angiographic late luminal loss and potentially superior primary patency of the target lesion than treatment with conventional balloons. [ClinicalTrials ID: NCT03360279.].

Computer Simulation of the Coupling Between Recirculation Flows and Drug Release from a Coronary Drug-Eluting Stent

This study examines the effect of recirculation zones and flow pulsatility on the transfer of the active ingredient from drug-eluting stents to the arterial wall, which can be hindered by recirculation zones located upstream and downstream of stent struts, leading to restenosis and thrombosis. Numerical simulations were conducted using a left coronary artery model with steady or pulsatile flows, and mass transfer analysis was performed on a single-stent strut with a square cross section. The findings offer valuable insights into optimizing the geometric design of drug-eluting stents by controlling the size and dynamics of induced recirculation cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of stent treatments.

Midterm Results of the Conservative, Bare Stent, and Bare Stent-Assisted Coiling Treatments for Symptomatic Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection

We compared the early and mid-term (31, 3-63 months) outcomes of conservative treatment, bare stent treatment (BST) and bare stent-assisted coiling treatment (BSACT) to determine the most effective treatment for patients with symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD). Consecutive patients with SISMAD admitted to the study hospital between January 2016 and December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Their demographic data, clinical findings, treatment options, early outcomes and follow-up results were analyzed. A total of 121 patients were included in the study (23 with conservative treatment, 42 with BST, 56 with BSACT). Symptoms were relieved in 91.3% of conservative patients, whereas all patients (100%) with BST or BSACT had symptom relief, p= .035. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two endovascular treatments (EVT) (p=0.9051), but hospital stay was significantly shorter compared to conservative treatment (p<0.0001). The cumulative rate of complete remodeling was 100% for BSACT vs. 46.3% for BST (p < .0001) vs. 42.9% for conservative patients (p < .0001). There were no significant differences between the last two groups (p = .3925). The prevalence of adverse events for abdominal pain recurrence and aneurysm formation was also significantly lower in the BSACT group at follow-up. BSACT for SISMAD has a preferable early outcome. The cumulative complete remodeling rate and the event-free survival rate are satisfactory at mid-term follow-up. BSACT is an effective approach for SISMAD.

Don't be afraid of black holes: Vacuum sponge and vacuum stent treatment of leaks in the upper GI tract-a case series and mini-review.

Twenty-two patients (15 male, 7 female) with leaks in the esophagus, at the esophago-gastric junction or anastomotic leaks underwent EVT by placing a sponge connected to a negative pressure pump into or near the leak. VST was applied in three patients. EVT led to closure of the leak in 18 of 22 Patients (82%). In 9 patients (41%), EVT was followed by application of a cSEMS. One patient (5%) died during the hospital stay due to an aorto-esophageal fistula near the leak, four others (18%) due to underlying disease. The stricture rate was 3/22 (14%). All three patients in whom VST was applied had closure of the leak and recovered. Reviewing the literature, we identified sixteen retrospective series of ten or more patients (n = 610) with an overall closure rate for EVT of 84%. In eight additional retrospective observations, a comparison between the efficacy of EVT and cSEMS therapy was performed that revealed a success rate of 89% and 69%, respectively (difference not significant, chi-square test). For VST, two small series show that closure is possible in the majority of patients. EVT and VST are valuable options in the treatment of leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Effect of stent treatment on hemodynamics in iliac vein compression syndrome with collateral vein.

Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) leads to blood flow obstruction in the lower extremities and is usually treated with stents, but stenting may worsen the hemodynamics and increase the risk of thrombosis in the iliac vein. The present work evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the stent on IVCS with a collateral vein. The computational fluid dynamics method is adopted to analyze the preoperative and postoperative flow fields in a typical IVCS. The geometric models of the iliac vein are constructed from medical imaging data. The porous model is used to simulate the flow obstruction in IVCS. The preoperative and postoperative hemodynamic characteristics in the iliac vein are obtained, e.g., the pressure gradient at two ends of the compressive region and the wall shear stress. It is found that the stenting restores the blood flow in the left iliac vein. Impacts of the stent are classified into short-term and long-term effects. The short-term effects are beneficial in relieving IVCS, i.e., shortening the blood stasis and reducing the pressure gradient. The long-term effects increase the risk of thrombosis in the stent, i.e., enlarging wall shear stress due to a large corner and a diameter constriction in the distal vessel, and suggests the need to develop a venous stent for IVCS.

ZILVERPASS Study: ZILVER PTX Stent vs. Bypass Surgery in Femoropopliteal Lesions, 3 year results and economic analysis.

To report the 3-year safety and effectiveness results of a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing the ZILVER PTX paclitaxel-eluting stent to surgical bypass and to conduct a health economic analysis up to 3-year follow-up of the two treatment modalities. This is a study in symptomatic TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C and D femoropopliteal lesions comparing endovascular ZILVER PTX stenting vs. surgical bypass surgery using a prosthetic graft (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01952457). Between October 2013 and July 2017, 220 patients (mean age 68.6±10.5 years; 159 men) were enrolled and randomized to the ZILVER PTX treatment group (113, 51.40%) or the bypass treatment group (107, 48.60%). One of the secondary outcomes was primary patency at 3-year, defined as no evidence of binary restenosis or occlusion within the target lesion or bypass graft based on a duplex ultrasound peak systolic velocity ratio <2.4 and no clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) in endovascular cases or reintervention to restore flow in the bypass. An economic analysis was conducted to analyze the cost differences between ZILVER PTX and bypass, which shows the perspective of the public authority/organization that pays for healthcare in the two countries (payor), Germany and USA. The 3-year primary patency rate was 53.30% (95% CI 61.40% to 45.20%) for the ZILVER PTX group vs. 58.20% (95% CI 67.10% to 49.30%) for the bypass arm (P=0.9721). Freedom from TLR at 3-year was 62.80% (95% CI 72.60% to 53%) for the ZILVER PTX group vs. 65.30% (95% CI 75.40% to 55.20%) for the bypass group (P=0.635). There was also no significant difference (P=0.358) in survival rate at 3-year between the ZILVER PTX group 78.50%, (95% CI to 87.70% to 69.30%) and the bypass group 87.40% (95% CI 97.6% to 77.2%). None of the deaths was categorized as related to the procedure or device. The economic analysis, taking into account procedural-, hospitalization- and reintervention costs, showed a clear cost-benefit for Zilver PTX in both investigated countries up to 3-year follow-up: Germany (Bypass €9446 per patient versus ZILVER PTX €5755) and USA (Bypass $26,373 per patient versus ZILVER PTX $19,186). The non-inferior safety and effectiveness results of the ZILVER PTX stent were associated with lower costs for the payer and confirmed that ZILVER PTX stent treatment can be considered as a valid alternative for bypass surgery in long and complex femoropopliteal lesions.

An experimental study on effects of interventional stent treatment on hemodynamics in elastic aneurysms

Cerebral hemodynamics plays a significant role in the growth and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), which pose a threat to human health. Real time visualization experiment is applied to observe fluid flow in the aneurysm using a high-speed camera in this paper with a focus on the influences of interventional stent treatment for elastic aneurysms on hemodynamics. The effects of blood flow rate, wall compliance as well as stent on IA hemodynamics patterns and flow field are explored. It indicated that, compared to the low inflow rate ranging between 12 and 18 l/h, there are less steady flow field variables and poorer stability in the aneurysm compared to that at high inflow rate ranging between 11.5 and 22 l/h. Wall compliance, allowing blood to pass in and out aneurysm more easily, acts as a buffer, especially at an excessive inflow range. In addition, the stent not only attenuates the effect of wall compliance but also acts as a flow diverter in the blood vessel to the reduction in the risk of aneurysm rupture. Consequently, this paper offers a contribution to clinical reference in predicting the risk of IA rupture and holds great promise for optimal treatment.

OUTCOME EVALUATION OF FLOW DIVERTER STENT PLACEMENT IN TREATMENT OF RUPTURED AND UNRUPTURED CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS

Background: Cerebral aneurysms affect about 5% of the population and are associated with high mortality rates and severe complications for families and society. Complex aneurysm types include giant aneurysms, wide - necked aneurysms, blister - like aneurysms, recurrent aneurysms, fusiform aneurysms, and multiple aneurysms, which are difficult to manage with conventional endovascular or surgical methods due to complications such as coil migration and high rates of re - rupture. The development of flow diverter stents has been a breakthrough in recent decades and has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating aneurysms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of flow diverter stent placement in the treatment of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study that followed up on 23 patients diagnosed and treated for cerebral aneurysms with flow - diverter stent intervention at the Stroke Department of Hue Central Hospital from 6/2020 to 6/2022. The follow - up data after 6 months and 12 months were recorded. Results: There were 23 patients (9 males, 14 females) with 28 cerebral aneurysms, with a mean age of 51.7 ± 9.9 years. Aneurysms were predominantly located in the anterior circulation (85.7%) and 14.3% in the posterior circulation. The most common aneurysm type was fusiform (75%), followed by dissecting (17.9%) and blister - like (7.1%). Most aneurysms had wide necks, with a neck - to - dome ratio &lt; 1.5, accounting for 82.1%. Flow diverter stent placement was successfully performed in 91.3% of patients, with 27 stents used. Stents were properly positioned, well - expanded in 88.9%. The complication rate after intervention was 4.3%. Complete aneurysm occlusion rates at 6 to 12 months were 92.9% and 96.4%, respectively. The rate of mild in - stent stenosis without clinical symptoms was 4.3%. The good outcome rate (mRS 0 - 2) was 91.3%. Conclusion: Flow diverter stent is effective and safe with high rate of successful and low procedural complications in the treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms.