Tibial Artery Disease Research Articles

Distal Adjuncts for High-Risk Lower Extremity Bypasses

This review will discuss the use of distal adjuncts for improving graft patency in high-risk lower extremity bypasses. Factors that contribute to the increased risk of failure in high-risk lower extremity bypasses, such as the use of nonautogenous conduits, the creation of bypasses to very distal arterial targets, and bypasses in patients with significant tibial arterial disease, will be discussed. The use of surgical techniques such as creating venous cuffs, venous patches, and arteriovenous fistulas have been shown to improve the patency of high-risk bypasses. Despite the increased risk of failure, the use of surgical adjuncts such as cuffs, patches, and arteriovenous fistulas can improve the patency rates of high-risk lower extremity bypasses.

Outcomes and predictors of amputation-free survival in patients undergoing below-knee popliteal-distal bypass

ObjectiveThe infrageniculate popliteal artery is a potential source for inflow in lower extremity bypass surgery in patients with isolated tibial artery disease. The objective of our study was to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of popliteal-distal bypasses using data from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). MethodsThe VQI registry was queried between 2003 and 2021 for patients undergoing surgical revascularizations with the below-knee popliteal artery serving as inflow. Demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier models were used to estimate amputation-free survival, survival, and freedom from amputation. Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with major amputation or death. ResultsA total of 1884 procedures were analyzed. The mean age of the included patients was 67.7 years. The most frequently observed preoperative comorbidities included insulin-dependent diabetes (52.3%), coronary disease (32.4%), and end-stage renal disease (14.4%). Of all the patients, 670 (35.6%) had a history of ipsilateral endovascular intervention. The procedures were performed for a variety of indications, including tissue loss (84.3%), rest pain (10.9%), and claudication (4.8%). Intraoperatively, the outflow targets were the dorsalis pedis (31.4%), the posterior tibial (24.4%), and the anterior tibial arteries (15.6%). Vein conduit was used in 92.1% of cases. The rate of perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) was 2.4%, and the 30-day mortality was 1.9%. The median length of follow up was 371 days. Amputation-free survival was found to be 85.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.0%-87.2%) at 6 months and 78.6% (95% CI, 76.6%-80.4%) at 12 months. Survival was found to be 93.4% (95% CI, 92.2%-94.5%) at 6 months and 88.6% (95% CI, 87.1%-90.0%) at 12 months. Freedom from amputation was found to be 92.0% (95% CI, 90.7%-93.3%) at 6 months and 89.0% (95% CI, 87.3%-90.4%) at 12 months. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that age greater than 65 years, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and end-stage renal disease were associated with a higher risk of major amputation or death (P < .05). ConclusionsBelow-knee popliteal-distal bypass is a safe and effective approach to treat severe tibial vessel occlusive disease in this challenging patient cohort. Patients exhibited low perioperative complication rates and good amputation-free survival at 1 year.

Case planning and execution of inframalleolar bypass for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is challenging to treat because of the complex patient population, heterogeneity of limb presentations, and complicated arterial pathology. To meet this challenge, vascular surgeons need a broad range of skills to appropriately tailor interventions to each patient's specific needs. One tool in the armamentarium for patients with extensive arterial occlusive disease below the knee is an inframalleolar bypass. However, these procedures require a systematic approach to surgical planning and a high degree of technical competence. We describe our approach to inframalleolar bypass for limb preservation in suitable patients with advanced tibial artery disease.

Cohort Study Examining the Presentation, Distribution, and Outcomes of Peripheral Artery Disease in Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Non-Indigenous Australians

This retrospective cohort study investigated the anatomical distribution, severity, and outcome of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander compared with non-Indigenous Australians. The distribution, severity, and outcome of PAD were assessed using a validated angiographic scoring system and review of medical records in a cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians. The relationship between ethnicity and PAD severity, distribution, and outcome were examined using non-parametric statistical tests, Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses. Seventy-three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and 242 non-Indigenous Australians were included and followed for a median of 6.7 [IQR 2.7, 9.3] years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients were more likely to present with symptoms of chronic limb threatening ischaemia (81% vs. 25%; p < .001), had greater median [IQR] angiographic scores for the symptomatic limb (7 [5, 10] vs. 4 [2, 7]) and tibial arteries (5 [2, 6] vs. 2 [0, 4]) and had higher risk of major amputation (HR 6.1, 95% CI 3.6 - 10.5; p < .001) and major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0 - 2.3; p = .036) but not for revascularisation (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5 - 1.3; p = .37) compared with non-Indigenous Australians. The associations with major amputation and major adverse cardiovascular events were no longer statistically significant when adjusted for limb angiographic score. Compared with non-Indigenous patients, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians had more severe tibial artery disease and higher risk of major amputation and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Distal Bypass Versus Infrageniculate Endovascular Intervention for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) carries a high risk of amputation and warrants urgent intervention. CLTI involving the infrageniculate vessels, in particular, carries a considerably higher risk of major limb amputation. Open surgical bypass is the historical gold standard for the treatment of tibial arterial disease; however, endovascular therapy provides an attractive alternative in this high-risk patient population. In this article, we review the existing literature regarding distal bypass and infrageniculate endovascular intervention in patients with CLTI.

Abstract 13049: Peripheral Artery Disease In Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement In Northern New England

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is now more common than surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for severe aortic valve stenosis. In the general population, the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR is 25%, with higher risk of adverse outcomes including bleeding, readmission, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of peripheral artery disease in patients undergoing TAVR at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC). Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of 569 patients undergoing TAVR between 1/1/2012-4/8/2020. PAD was defined as presence of aorto-iliac, femoral-popliteal, below-knee tibial, reno-vascular, mesenteric, cerebrovascular, aortic disease, or upper extremity arterial disease noted in the patient’s chart prior to TAVR. Results: Of 569 TAVR patients, 19% (n=109) had concomitant PAD. Of these, 70 patients (64%) were established with a vascular specialist and 54 (50%) had a prior intervention relating to their disease. Figure 1 characterizes the distribution and location of PAD among patients. Conclusion: In a Northern New England population, 1 in 5 patients undergoing TAVR had concomitant PAD. Cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease were most common. Understanding PAD epidemiology is of paramount importance with respect to vascular access and longitudinal management in a vulnerable aortic stenosis population.

Commentary on Pedal Revascularization: Extending the Limits of Endovascular or Surgical Means to Prevent Amputation

Critical limb ischemia carries risk of significant morbidity and mortality and revascularization is particularly challenging in patients with tibial and pedal arterial disease. Recent advances in both endovascular therapies and open revascularization techniques have expanded our ability to treat patients with below the knee disease who may otherwise be subject to amputation. This commentary briefly reflects on emerging endovascular and open revascularization techniques for limb salvage in complex below knee arterial disease in order to raise awareness and minimize primary amputation without attempts at these “state of the art” modalities.

CT-Guided Lumbar Sympathectomy as a Last Option for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia of the Lower Limbs: Evaluation of Technical Factors and Long-Term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of anatomic and technical factors on the long-term outcome of CT-guided lumbar sympathectomy in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Thirty patients (28 men, two women; mean age, 45.8 years) with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and diffuse tibial arterial disease not amenable to revascularization were included. CT-guided lumbar sympathectomy was performed at the L2-L3 level with a 22-gauge Chiba needle and absolute alcohol. Any periprocedural complication was noted. Numeric pain score (1-10 scale) and skin ulcers were assessed before the procedure and 3 weeks, 3 months, and 1 and 2 years after the procedure. According to spread of alcohol, patients were categorized into those with medial spread and those without medial spread (lateral spread group) with the lateral edge of the vertebral body as the reference point. Treatment results were categorized as improved, unchanged, or worsened on the basis of clinical response. RESULTS. There were 22 (73.3%) patients in the medial spread group and eight (26.7%) in the lateral spread group. The mean volumes of alcohol injected per side were not significantly different (p = .50). One major complication occurred in the group with medial spread. Mean numeric pain scores before the procedure and 3 weeks, 3 months, and 1 and 2 years afterward were 7.31, 2.95, 2.47, 2.10, and 2.04 in the medial spread group and 6.25, 4.13, 4.50, 4.35 and 4.32 in the lateral spread group (p < .001). At 2 years, 16 patients in the medial spread group and two patients in the lateral spread group showed clinical improvement (p < .001), and the limb salvage rates were 100% and 87.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a trend in improvement with smoking cessation, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = .15). The direction of spread of the neurolytic agent, however, was a major determinant of outcome. CONCLUSION. CT-guided lumbar sympathectomy is a simple, safe, and effective procedure. Ensuring medial spread of the neurolytic agent significantly improves long-term results.

Tibial angioplasty in diabetics

BackgroundDiabetics are pron e to develop serious complications such as nephropathy, retinal detachment, and others, and among such complications lies the devastating serious complication of diabetic foot, whether ulceration or diabetic foot infections up till gangrene. This could be attributed to either one or all of the following etiological factors: peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, and/or infection owing to impaired immunity.Patients and methodsWe enrolled 88 diabetic ischemic patients with tibial artery disease confirmed by Duplex. Their mean age was 67 years (54 males and 34 females). Patients were subjected to ipsilateral antegrade transluminal or subintimal tibial angioplasty. The procedure and its complication and alternatives were explained to the patients, and a written informed consent was signed.ResultsA total of 54 males and 34 females, with mean age of 67 years, were recruited. Patients were categorized as Rutherford 3 (three patients), 4 (seven patients), 5 (54 patients), and 6 (23 patients). In two patients, failed crossing of the lesion resulted in major amputation. Minor amputation rate after successful revascularization was 48.2% of patients and healed completely. One case was complicated by pseudoaneurysm. No mortalities were encountered in our series. Follow-up by Duplex assessment revealed a rate of freedom from occlusion of 68% and secondary patency of 80% at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionSuccessful tibial angioplasty could result in limb salvage and reduction of limb amputation rate in diabetics with otherwise controlled risk factors.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers have no effect on the outcomes of endovascular revascularization in tibial arterial occlusive disease

The effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) on angiogenesis, myocardial remodeling and intermittent claudication have been studied. Clinical studies have shown reduced re-intervention after cardiac stenting with the use of ACEI/ARBs. We hypothesized that the use of ACEI/ARBs decreases re-interventions after endovascular revascularization in tibial artery disease (TAD) patients. This is a retrospective study comparing the effects of ACEI/ARBs on the outcomes after endovascular revascularization for TAD. We divided all patients that underwent endovascular revascularization into Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/Angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) and No Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/Angiotensin receptor blockers (NoACEI/ARBs) groups. A total of 360 patients underwent endovascular intervention for TAD. One hundred and ninety-six (54%) patients, 124 (57%) males, were on ACEI/ARBs after endovascular intervention for TAD, whereas 164(46%) patients, 87 (53%) males were not. The groups were well matched in the demographic variables except higher incidence of congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and dialysis in the ACEI/ARBs group (p = .001, 0.02, 0.01 respectively). Reintervention rates were not associated with ACEI/ARBs use (p = .097). Even when corrected for statin use and antiplatelet therapy, no difference was seen in the reintervention rates in the two groups (p = .535, 0.547 respectively). Primary patency, assisted primary patency and secondary patency did not differ with the use of ACEI/ARBs (p = .244 0.096,0.060 respectively). No difference was seen in overall survival between the two groups (p = .690).ACEI/ARBs do not appear to affect the patency and reintervention rates for patients undergoing endovascular revascularization for TAD.

Adverse Events After Atherectomy: Analyzing Long-Term Outcomes of Endovascular Lower Extremity Revascularization Techniques.

BackgroundThe long‐term effectiveness of atherectomy treatment for peripheral arterial disease is unknown. We studied 5‐year clinical outcomes by endovascular treatment type among patients with peripheral arterial disease.Methods and ResultsWe queried the Medicare‐linked VQI (Vascular Quality Initiative) registry for endovascular interventions from 2010 to 2015. The exposure was treatment type: atherectomy (with or without percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA]), stent (with or without PTA), or PTA alone. The outcomes were major amputation, any amputation, and major adverse limb event (major amputation or any reintervention). We used the center‐specific proportions of atherectomy procedures performed in the 12 months before a patient's procedure as the instruments to perform an instrumental‐variable Cox model analysis. Among 16 838 eligible patients (median follow‐up: 1.3–1.5 years), 11% underwent atherectomy, 40% received PTA alone, and 49% underwent stenting. Patients receiving atherectomy commonly underwent femoropopliteal artery treatment (atherectomy: 65%; PTA: 49%; stenting: 43%; P<0.001) and had worse disease severity (Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus score [TASC] B and greater; atherectomy: 77%; PTA: 68%; stenting: 67%; P<0.001). The 5‐year rate of major adverse limb events was 38% in patients receiving atherectomy versus 33% for PTA and 32% for stenting (log rank P<0.001). Controlling for unmeasured confounding using instrumental‐variable analysis, patients treated with atherectomy experienced outcomes similar to those of patients treated with PTA, except for a higher risk of any amputation (hazard ratio: 1.51; 95% CI, 1.08–2.13). However, compared with stenting, atherectomy patients had a higher risk of major amputation (hazard ratio: 3.66; 95% CI, 1.72–7.81), any amputation (hazard ratio: 2.73; 95% CI, 1.60–4.76), and major adverse limb event (hazard ratio: 1.61; 95% CI, 1.10–2.38).ConclusionsAtherectomy is used to treat severe femoropopliteal and tibial peripheral arterial disease even though long‐term adverse outcomes occur more frequently after this treatment modality.

Outcomes of Duplex-Guided Paramalleolar and Inframalleolar Bypass in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of duplex ultrasonography (DUS)-guided autologous vein bypass to paramalleolar (distal third of tibial arteries and peroneal artery) and inframalleolar arteries (dorsalis pedis, common plantar, medial, and lateral plantar arteries) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and extensive tibial artery disease Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D. Between January 2007 and October 2016, all paramalleolar or inframalleolar bypasses performed in patients with CLI, planned only on the basis of DUS, were collected and analyzed retrospectively. DUS evaluation included arterial disease extension, inflow and outflow arteries' diameter, outflow vessels resistance, and autologous veins quality. Patient's demographics and clinical characteristics were assessed. Tissue loss was graded according to Texas University Wound Classification (TWC). Follow-up included periodic clinical and DUS examinations. Primary end points were technical success (TS) (patent bypass with distal anastomosis performed on the Duplex-selected runoff artery, without stenosis >30% and in line flow with the inframalleolar arteries at completion angiography and without hemodynamic bypass stenosis at postoperative DUS) and bypass patency (primary [PP], assisted [AP], and secondary [SP]). Secondary end points were perioperative and follow-up patient survival (PS), limb salvage (LS), and amputation-free survival (AFS). Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed. Univariate and Multivariate Cox analyses were used to define risk factors. Seventy-four bypasses in 73 patients with CLI (Rutherford 5-6 93.2%, TWC stage III in 63.5% and grade D in 48.6%) were performed in the study period (January 2007-October 2016). diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and kidney disease were present in 67.6%, 60.8%, and 37.8% patients, respectively. Distal anastomosis was performed at the paramalleolar and inframalleolar arteries in 47.3% and 52.7%, respectively. Only autologous veins were used as conduit. TS was 98.6%. At 1-month, PP, AP, SP, PS, LS, and AFS were 87.8%, 91.9%, 93.2%, 95.9%, 94.6%, and 90.5%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 33.7months; at 1-year, PP, AP, SP, PS, LS, and AFS were 54.4%, 71.4%, 75.1%, 89.9%, 84.3%, and 79.1%, respectively, and at 3-year, 42.3%, 63%, 66%, 67.5%, 80.6%, and 61%, respectively. At univariate and multivariate analyses, arterial hypertension was protective for PP (P=0.035) while insulin-dependent diabetes was a negative predictor (P=0.01); insulin-dependent diabetes was a negative predictor of LS (P=0.002); TWC grade D was a negative predictor of AP (P=0.047) and SP (P=0.013). Age (P<0.001) and major amputation (P=0.014) resulted as negative predictors of PS. Bypass of the Duplex-selected paramalleolar and inframalleolar arteries in CLI has high TS and high rate of perioperative and late LS. Duplex evaluation and planning in CLI patients with extensive tibial arteries disease is associated with efficacy of surgical revascularization and high LS rates.

Prior Endovascular Intervention Is Not Detrimental to Pedal Bypasses for Ischemic Wounds

Endovascular strategies are often preferred for revascularization of ischemic foot wounds secondary to infrapopliteal disease because of the less invasive technique and faster recovery. Bypass is typically reserved for failures or lesions not amenable to balloon angioplasty. However, the effects of an endovascular-first approach on subsequent bypass grafts are largely unknown. This study evaluates the effects of prior endovascular tibial interventions (PTIs) on successive bypasses to pedal targets. Patients who presented with ischemic tissue loss and tibial arterial occlusive disease to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2006 and 2013 and underwent a surgical bypass to pedal arteries were included in this study. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain patient demographics, past medical history, extent of disease, prior tibial endovascular interventions, the treatment intervention, subsequent interventions, wound healing status, limb salvage, and patient survival. The primary outcome was primary patency of the pedal bypass graft. From 122 eligible patients, 27 had a PTI, whereas 95 had no prior endovascular tibial intervention (nPTI) in the treatment of ischemic pedal wounds with mean follow-up of 24.5 and 20.5months, respectively (P=0.36). The 2 groups were largely similar in terms of demographics, comorbidities, wound size, and degree of ischemia. Runoff scores between the 2 groups were also comparable (5.0±1.6 for PTI and 4.8±1.9 for nPTI, P=0.59). The plantar artery was a more common target vessel in the PTI group, whereas the posterior tibial artery was targeted more often in the nPTI group (P=0.04). At 12months, those with a PTI exhibited a shorter primary patency (34.8% vs. 60.2%, P=0.04). In a multivariate model, PTI was a significant risk factor for primary patency loss (hazard ratio 2.51, P=0.004). Primary assisted patency and secondary patency were similar between the 2 groups. Wound healing was improved in those patients who had a prior endovascular intervention with 63.8% healed at 1 year compared with only 34.8% of those without intervention (P=0.01). Amputation-free survival was similar (P=0.68), as was survival alone (P=0.50). Despite a decrease in primary patency, pedal bypass was not otherwise negatively affected by a PTI. Similar primary assisted patency, secondary patency, wound healing, and survival between the 2 patient populations indicate that an endovascular-first approach is a feasible treatment strategy to achieve similar clinical outcomes in the management of ischemic foot wounds.

Bypass versus endovascular intervention for healing ischemic foot wounds secondary to tibial arterial disease

ObjectivePedal (inframalleolar) bypass is a long-standing therapy for tibial arterial disease in patients with ischemic tissue loss. Endovascular tibial intervention is an appealing alternative with lower risks of perioperative mortality or complications. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of these two treatment modalities with respect to patency and limb-related clinical outcomes. MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of patients presenting between 2006 and 2013 with ischemic foot wounds and infrapopliteal arterial disease who underwent a revascularization procedure (either open surgical bypass to an inframalleolar target or endovascular tibial intervention). Data were collected on baseline demographics and comorbidities, procedural details, and postprocedure outcomes. The primary outcome was successful healing of the index wound, with mortality, major amputation, and patency assessed as secondary outcomes. ResultsWe identified 417 patients who met our eligibility criteria; 105 underwent surgical bypass and 312 underwent endovascular intervention, with mean follow-up of 25.0 and 20.2 months, respectively (P = .08). The endovascular patients were older at baseline (P = .009), with higher rates of hyperlipidemia (P = .02), prior cerebrovascular accidents (P = .04), and smoking history (P = .04). Within 30 days postoperatively, there was no difference in mortality (P = .31), but bypass patients had longer hospital length of stay (P < .0001), higher rate of discharge to nursing facility (P < .001), and higher rates of myocardial infarctions (P = .03) and wound complications (P < .001). At 6 months, the rate of wound healing was 22.4% in the bypass group compared with 29.0% in the endovascular group (P = .02). At 1 year, survival was higher after bypass (86.2% vs 70.4%; P < .0001), but freedom from major amputation was similar (84.9% vs 82.8%; P = .42). Primary patency (53.1% vs 38.2%; P = .002) and primary assisted patency (76.6% vs 51.7%; P < .0001) were higher in the bypass group, but there was no difference in secondary patency (77.3% vs 73.8%; P = .13). ConclusionsEndovascular tibial intervention is associated with poorer primary patency but similar secondary patency and wound healing rates compared with the “gold standard” of surgical bypass to a pedal target. In patients with tibial arterial disease, endovascular intervention should be considered a lower risk alternative to pedal bypass that provides similar clinical outcomes.

Prevalence of Tibial Artery and Pedal Arch Patency by Angiography in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia and Noncompressible Ankle Brachial Index.

Approximately 20% of patients undergoing ankle brachial index testing for critical limb ischemia have noncompressible vessels because of tibial artery calcification. This represents a clinical challenge in determining tibial artery patency. We sought to identify the prevalence of tibial artery and pedal arch patency by angiography in these patients. One hundred twenty-five limbs (of 89 patients) with critical limb ischemia and ankle brachial index ≥1.4 who underwent lower extremity angiograms within 1 year were included. Reviewers of angiography were blinded to results of physiological testing. Tibial artery vessels were classified as completely occluded, significantly stenosed (≥50%), or patent (<50% stenosis). The sensitivity of toe brachial index and pulse volume recording to predict tibial artery disease was also determined. Of 125 limbs with noncompressible ankle brachial index, 72 (57.6%) anterior tibial and 80 (64%) posterior tibial arteries were occluded. Another 23 (18.4%) anterior tibial and 13 (10.4%) posterior tibial arteries had ≥50% stenosis. Pulse volume recording was moderate to severely dampened in 54 of 119 (45.4%) limbs. Toe brachial index <0.7 was found in 75 of 83 (90.4%) limbs. Moderate to severe pulse volume recording dampening was 43.6% sensitive, whereas toe brachial index <0.7 was 89.7% sensitive in diagnosing occluded or significantly stenotic tibial artery disease. The pedal arch was absent or incomplete in 86 of 103 (83.5%) limbs. Among patients with critical limb ischemia and noncompressible ankle brachial index results, the prevalence of occlusive tibial and pedal arch disease is very high. Toe brachial index <0.7 is more sensitive in diagnosing occluded and significantly stenotic tibial artery disease in these patients compared with ankle pulse volume recording.

Correlation between Peripheral Arterial Disease and Coronary Artery Disease in Bangladeshi Population- A Five Years Retrospective Study

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is under diagnosed in primary care practices, yet the extent of unrecognized PAD in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown.Objective: To assess the prevalence of previously unrecognized PAD in patients undergoing coronary angiogram and to determine the relationship between presence of PAD and severity of CAD. Material &amp;Methods: This five years retrospective study was conducted at invasive lab of the department of Cardiology, Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital &amp; Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2010 to December 2014. Total 77 patients were included in this study. Study variables were age, sex, risk factors like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking habit and positive family history for ischemic heart disease, severity of coronary artery and peripheral artery disease.Results: Mean age was 56.83±13.64 years, Male mean age was 53.98±15.08 years and female mean age was 54.5±1.73years. Hypertension were detected in 55.8%, diabetes in 87%, dyslipidaemia in 81.8%, smoking habits in 88.3% and 58.4% had positive family history. After catheterization 88.3% had peripheral arterial disease and 71.4% had coronary artery disease. Out of 77 patients 52 had both coronary and peripheral arterial disease which was statistically significant (p&lt;.014). Coronary angiogram revealed 28.6% (22) patients had triple vessel disease, 23.3% (18) had single vessel disease, 19.5% (15) had double vessel disease and 28.6% (22) were normal coronary arteries. Peripheral angiogram revealed 51.9% had superficial femoral artery disease, 24.7% had anterior tibial artery disease, 26% had posterior tibial artery disease, 15.6% had common iliac artery and common femoral artery disease and 2.6% had renal artery disease.Conclusion: There is a strong and definite correlation between coronary and peripheral arterial disease. We found that cardiovascular risk factors were in fact risk factors for both PAD and CAD.University Heart Journal Vol. 11, No. 2, July 2015; 79-84

Categorisation of tibial artery disease on computer tomography angiography according to the TASC II classification.

Purpose Computer tomography angiography is used to assess peripheral arterial disease. Its preference over other imaging modalities is based upon its rapid acquisition and high spatial resolution, along with ease of access. TASC II have recently updated their vascular lesion classification to include infrapopliteal lesions, and our aim is to assess the reproducibility of TASC II on infrapopliteal disease when using computer tomography angiography. Methods A retrospective analysis of a series of consecutive computer tomography angiographies was performed by seven assessors (three consultant radiologists, two consultant vascular surgeons and two vascular specialty trainees). Each assessor was asked to classify the target vessel based on the TASC II classification. Statistical analysis was performed using Cohen's weighted kappa. Results Seven assessors analysed 48 target vessels in 25 patients (20 men), with a mean age of 72.9 years. Twenty posterior tibial, 27 anterior tibial and one peroneal artery were analysed. Poor agreement was demonstrated between the two vascular consultants, with a kappa of 0.094. Weak agreement was demonstrated among the radiologists, with a kappa of 0.547. The total group of assessors had a kappa of 0.176. Conclusion This study showed poor agreement between assessors when applying the TASC II classification to infrapopliteal lesions on computer tomography angiography. TASC II should not be used to classify lesions, for clinical or research purposes, with this image modality.

Balloon Angioplasty in Tibioperoneal Interventions for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia

Tibial arterial disease represents the final frontier in the battle against critical limb ischemia (CLI). Isolated infrapopliteal (IP) disease is mainly seen in the elderly (>80 years old), diabetic, and dialysis-dependent patients with CLI. With the development and evolution of catheter-based technology, endovascular therapy (mainly balloon angioplasty) has become the method of choice for revascularization in these patients. The most common challenges are the severely calcified lesion recalcitrant to dilation (as calcium is heterogeneously distributed in the arterial wall) and the long tibial chronic total occlusions. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty achieves a technically successful result (<30% residual stenosis) in most cases, but it is limited by high restenosis rates. Although several devices have been used in the IP arena (including orbital and directional atherectomy, laser atherectomy, "contact" atherectomy [CROSSER, Bard], and re-entry devices), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with plain old balloons has been the subject of most studies with several modified iterations, that is, cryoplasty, cutting balloons, focal force balloons, nitinol-"cage"-constrained balloons, tapered balloons, and most recently drug-coated balloons. In this article, we share our current approach to endovascular IP endovascular interventions. We cover the spectrum from pathophysiology, clinical indications, equipment choices, and procedural steps used in our laboratory when treating patients with CLI (which is synonymous with complex anatomy). Regarding what represents the "gold standard" for the treatment of IP disease, a definite answer is currently not available, as multiple studies looking at new generation drug-coated balloons used alone or in combination with different forms of atherectomy are currently under way. We anxiously wait for these results and in the meantime continue to design newer approaches.

Impact of Cilostazol on Angiographic Restenosis after Balloon Angioplasty for Infrapopliteal Artery Disease in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

ObjectiveTo investigate whether cilostazol reduces restenosis and revascularization after infrapopliteal angioplasty. Design: This study was a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective registry. Materials and methodsBetween February and April 2011, 63 patients (68 limbs, 101 lesions) with critical limb ischemia (CLI) were enrolled. Of these, 32 were cilostazol treated and 31 were the non-cilostazol-treated group. Outcome measures were binary restenosis by angiogram, reocclusion, target lesion revascularization (TLR), limb salvage rate and complete wound healing at 3 months. ResultProcedural success was obtained in all patients. The backgrounds and lesion characteristics of patients with isolated tibial artery disease and CLI did not differ significantly between the two groups. In a lesion-based analysis, binary restenosis and reocclusion were significantly lower in the cilostazol group than in the non-cilostazol group (56.8% vs. 86.0%; p = 0.015, 20.5% vs. 43.6%; p = 0.015, respectively). The TLR was also significantly lower in the cilostazol group (27.5% vs. 52.8%, p = 0.014). After adjustment for covariables, cilostazol was found to be associated with reduced angiographic restenosis, reocclusion and TLR rates in CLI patients at 3 months after infrapopliteal angioplasty. However, it remained unclear whether cilostazol was also associated with improved clinical outcomes. ConclusionCilostazol may be associated with reduced restenosis, reocclusion and clinically driven TLR at 3 months after infrapopliteal angioplasty.

First Experience With Drug-Eluting Balloons in Infrapopliteal Arteries: Restenosis Rate and Clinical Outcome

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) in the treatment of long infrapopliteal lesions with regard to the short-term restenosis rate and midterm clinical result. Restenosis rates of long-segment tibial artery disease are very high. Recently, a restenosis rate of 69% at 3 months after standard balloon angioplasty was demonstrated. Infrapopliteal angioplasty was performed with a paclitaxel-eluting balloon (In.Pact Amphirion, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Clinical and angiographic follow-up was performed at 3 months to detect binary restenosis, and further clinical assessment was performed over a 12-month period thereafter. In 104 patients, 109 limbs were treated for critical limb ischemia (82.6%) or severe claudication (17.4%). Mean lesion length of the arteries treated was 176 ± 88 mm. Angiography studied in 84 treated arteries at 3 months showed a restenosis in 27.4% (19.1% had restenosis of more than 50%, and 8.3% were totally occluded) and usually occurred focally. Only in 9.5% of all angiographically followed up arteries was the entire treated segment restenosed or reoccluded. During a follow-up period of 378 ± 65 days, 1 patient was lost and 17 died. Of the 91 limbs remaining in the analysis, clinical improvement was present in 83 (91.2%). Complete wound healing occurred in 74.2%, whereas major amputation occurred in 4 patients, resulting in limb salvage of 95.6% for patients with critical limb ischemia. The early restenosis rate of long-segment infrapopliteal disease is significantly lower after treatment with DEBs compared with historical data using uncoated balloons. Randomized trials are required to show whether this difference will lead to improvement in clinical outcomes.