Transluminal Recanalization Research Articles

Fusion imaging guidance for endovascular recanalization of peripheral occlusive disease

ObjectiveEndovascular procedures are now the first line option for treatment of lower extremity arterial disease. Fusion imaging guidance has been reported to reduce radiation exposure and reintervention rates during fenestrated and branched endovascular repairs, but limited literature exists on its benefits during lower extremity arterial disease endovascular procedures, and more specifically peripheral occlusive disease (POD). This study aims to evaluate the radiation exposure and technical success benefits of fusion imaging guidance in a large cohort of patients treated endovascularly for complex POD. MethodsFrom January 2017 to September 2019, in a single center, all consecutive patients presenting symptomatic occlusions (Rutherford Baker categories 3 to 6) in the setting of POD and treated endovascularly were retrospectively assessed for inclusion. All procedures were performed under augmented fluoroscopy guidance (Vessel ASSIST, GE Healthcare), overlaying on live imaging the 3D path for transluminal recanalization based on the preoperative computed tomography angiography. Technical success, dose area product (DAP), total cumulated air kerma (CAK), and fluoroscopy time were collected. DAP results were compared with the literature. ResultsDuring the study period, 179 patients were treated for iliac (n = 56) or femoropopliteal (n = 123) symptomatic arterial occlusions. Technical success was reported in 171 of 179 procedures (95.5%). The use of a re-entry catheter was required to achieve technical success in 11 patients (6.1%). Mean DAP and CAK were 12.70 Gy·cm2 and 135 mGy, respectively, with a mean fluoroscopy time of 15.26 minutes. DAP and CAK were significantly higher in the iliac group when compared with the femoropopliteal group, although fluoroscopy time was not significantly different. DAP was lower than levels reported in the literature. ConclusionsRoutine use of fusion imaging guidance during POD endovascular treatment is associated with low radiation exposure, high technical success, and reduced need for re-entry systems.

Progression of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Percutaneous transluminal recanalization(PTR)has been performed for more than 20 years and progressing because of the development of endovascular devices. However, the results have been changing dramatically since PTR was first introduced owing to dynamic social environments. Thus, we evaluated the progression of the treatment by reviewing the medical records of patients who received the treatment. The present author has worked in three hospitals and performed PTR for 39 cases of acute ischemic stroke from 1996 to 1998. From 2012 to 2014, PTR was performed for 57 cases, and results were compared between the early and recent periods by using patient medical files and records. Elderly patients were treated with PTR in the recent period. The main target of PTR was the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery in the early period. The internal carotid artery-to-posterior circulation ratio increased in the recent period. Regarding the methods of PTR, mechanical retrieval devices were mainly used in the recent period and resulted in a significantly more complete recanalization. The recovery rate based on the Glasgow outcome scale score increased, and the mortality rate decreased significantly in the recent period. Along with the development of endovascular devices, the results of PTR have been improving.

A Case of Common Hepatic Arterial Occlusion Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy Successfully Treated with Percutaneous Transluminal Recanalization

A Case of Common Hepatic Arterial Occlusion Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy Successfully Treated with Percutaneous Transluminal Recanalization

Impact of Myocardial Reperfusion Status on QT Dispersion After Successful Recanalization of the Infarct‐Related Artery in Acute Myocardial Infarction

To determine whether adequate myocardial perfusion status after transluminal recanalization is associated with prompt improvement of QT dispersion (QTd). Transluminal recanalization of the infarct-related coronary artery in acute myocardial infarction aims to promptly restore myocardial perfusion, to maximize electrical and mechanical recovery. QTd represents the heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization, which may affect electrical stability. Forty patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for their first anterior acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled. Myocardial reperfusion status was assessed by myocardial blush grade (MBG) on the final angiogram after successful recanalization (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Grade 3 flow). Preprocedural QTd was similar in patients with final MBG 0-1, 2, and 3 (76 ± 24, 67 ± 13, and 69 ± 13 milliseconds, respectively; P = 0.661). After recanalization, QTd decreased in patients with MBG 3 (39 ± 16 milliseconds, P < 0.001) but not in patients with MBG 0-1 (74 ± 20 milliseconds) or MBG 2 (82 ± 16 milliseconds). Multivariate analysis showed that postprocedural MBG was an independent predictor of QTd after recanalization (standardized regression coefficient = -0.628, P < 0.001). Adequate tissue perfusion may be crucial for electrical stability of the myocardium after reperfusion.

Stent-supported recanalization of supra-aortic vessels in takayasu arteritis—A case report

The aim of our article was to describe the use of transluminal recanalization supported by endovascular stenting in the case of multiple stenosis/occlusion of the supra-aortic vessels as a result of Takayasu arteritis. A 43-year-old male, suffering from upper-limb claudication and dizziness, was found to have severe stenosis of the right innominate artery and total occlusion of the left subclavian artery, leading to flow reversal in the left vertebral artery with consequent subclavian steal. The clinical picture was consistent with Takayasu arteritis in a quiescent stage. Dilatation and stenting of the innominate artery and recanalization and stenting of the left subclavian artery were performed without complication. At one-year followup the patient was asymptomatic; angiography disclosed full patency of the vessels treated, right common carotid ostium included, with no sign of restenosis.Transluminal percutaneous revascularization with stenting was successful and long-lasting in this patient with complex, nonatherosclerotic great vessels disease.

Proximal protection in recanalization of totally occluded saphenous vein grafts in acute coronary syndrome

Percutaneous treatment of old, degenerated saphenous vein grafts (SVG) is associated with a high likelihood of major adverse cardiac events. When an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) develops in a patient with old SVG, fresh thrombus may superimpose on an old, degenerative atheroma: a sudden increase in the athero-thrombotic burden ensues with consequent, frequent total occlusion of the lumen. In this scenario, transluminal recanalization of the graft is usually associated with the highest chance of distal embolization and no-reflow and positioning of an embolic protection device (EPD) is almost mandatory. However, distal EPD are difficult to place when the vessel is totally occluded and do not completely avoid distal embolization. We report two cases of totally occluded SVG in patients admitted for ACS that were recanalized with the aid of a proximal EPD system with angiographic and clinical success.

Popliteal Artery Occlusion in a Young Baseball Athlete

Popliteal artery occlusion is a rare vascular complication in athletes and has not been previously documented in baseball players. A 21-year-old male baseball player presented with a 10-month history of progressive claudication because of repeated trauma-induced popliteal artery occlusion from frequently practicing stealing bases by sliding down onto his right leg. He was found to have a transient deficiency in both protein C and protein S. The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal recanalization angioplasty followed by anticoagulation therapy, with good results. This case illustrates the importance of awareness of this potential complication in baseball athletes, work-up for a hypercoagulable state and the feasibility of angioplasty therapy in the management of ischemic limbs after trauma.

Management of complete ureteral obstructions with a transluminal puncture technique

The traditional delayed treatment of iatrogenic complete ureteral obstruction is open surgery. An easy endourological technique, transluminal re-canalization of the ureter by guide-wire puncture under fluoro-endoscopic control, which has been performed on 4 patients, is described. With the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy, by moving the C-arm to different planes, the tip of the ureteroscope is directed to the correct plane to meet the obliterated proximal end of the ureter and under direct vision, transluminal puncture is performed using the stiff end of a 0.035-inch guide wire. Once the stiff end of the guide-wire is in the lumen of the proximal ureter, an ureteral catheter is introduced over the guide wire, the guide wire is then removed and reinserted through the ureteral catheter with its soft end leading and a double J catheter is inserted. Ureteral stricture, if later encountered, is treated with balloon dilatation. Continuity of the ureter was restored in all 4 patients. The double J stents were removed 6 weeks later and a retrograde pyelography revealed resolution of the hydronephrosis without extravasation of urine. Although a very satisfactory result was achieved in our cases, more cases are needed to show if it can be an alternative to conventional surgical repair. However, we believe that this minimally invasive technique can be used for short obliterated ureteral segments and neither delays nor does it preclude further management using open surgery.

Stent-supported recanalization of supra-aortic vessels in takayasu arteritis—A case report

The aim of our article was to describe the use of transluminal recanalization supported by endovascular stenting in the case of multiple stenosis/occlusion of the supra-aortic vessels as a result of Takayasu arteritis. A 43-year-old male, suffering from upper-limb claudication and dizziness, was found to have severe stenosis of the right innominate artery and total occlusion of the left subclavian artery, leading to flow reversal in the left vertebral artery with consequent subclavian steal. The clinical picture was consistent with Takayasu arteritis in a quiescent stage. Dilatation and stenting of the innominate artery and recanalization and stenting of the left subclavian artery were performed without complication. At one-year followup the patient was asymptomatic; angiography disclosed full patency of the vessels treated, right common carotid ostium included, with no sign of restenosis.Transluminal percutaneous revascularization with stenting was successful and long-lasting in this patient with complex, nonatherosclerotic great vessels disease.

Molecular mechanisms of restenosis after percutaneous peripheral angioplasty and approach to endovascular therapy.

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Interventional procedures are the first treatments proposed for most PAD patients. Balloon angioplasty alone may offer good immediate results; however, has it been proposed that the addition of stents improves the procedural success of angioplasty and extends its application to more types of lesions. Isolated aortic lesions are relatively rare, and the indications for stent placement have not been established. Percutaneous transluminal recanalization of chronic iliac occlusions remains controversial. However, results of recent studies have been encouraging, with initial technical success rates greater than 90%, low complication rates, and good long-term results. About the use of stent in atherosclerotic lesions involving iliac arteries and upper region of femoral arteries, we think that it is feasible. Differently, for the lower region of the femoral artery and for the popliteal artery, the results on the use of stents are controversial. More difficult is the therapy of infrapopliteal arteries disease in which perhaps the best option is medical therapy. The Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus Group summarized the results of femoropopliteal stenting as follows: in a comparison of 11 trials involving femoropopliteal artery stenting in 585 patients, the primary patency rate was 58% at 36 months. For percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, the patency rates were 51% at 36 months. Although the results are satisfactory in femoral lesions, especially in stenoses shorter than 10 cm, they are less favorable both in longer femoral lesions than in the popliteal artery, where the results were worst. Large clinical series after angioplasty of lower limb arteries have confirmed the clinical and economical impact of restenosis: its rate varies in a range between 30% and 50%. The restenosis after stent deployment is the result of neointima formation; therefore, the interest of investigators turned towards an agent to suppress neointimal growth and restenosis after stent deployment, as Sirolimus and/or Taxolo. The first multicenter, randomized study, evaluating the 6-month outcomes of drug-eluting stent implantation in long-segment obstructions of the superficial femoral artery, was SMART trial, published in 2002. This is the first trial to show that controlled drug release is also feasible using a self-expandable nitinol stent platform. The results at 6 months demonstrate inhibition of in-stent neointimal proliferation, reflecting a trend toward a reduction in late loss.

Stent placement in short unilateral iliac occlusion. . Technique and 24-month results

Purpose: To determine the success rate and 24-month follow-up results of primary stent implantation for reconstruction of unilateral short iliac occlusion involving the aortic bifurcation. Material and Methods: In 90 patients attempts of percutaneous transluminal recanalization of a short unilateral occlusion of the iliac arteries were performed. In 72/90 patients, the treatment was successful. Stent implantation was performed after recanalization in all 72 patients. Pre-interventional angiography of successfully treated patients showed unilateral occlusions and contralateral stenosis in 34/72 patients. In 38/72 patients unilateral occlusion without contralateral stenosis was diagnosed. The recanalization of the common iliac artery obstructions were performed with a guidewire and excimer laser angioplasty. Totally 152 stents were used for the treatment of iliac occlusion. Standardized treadmill testing and color-coded Doppler ultrasound were performed before treatment and during the follow-up. Results: In all patients, stents were placed successfully; 5 major and 7 minor complications were observed. A clinical improvement of +2 to +3 according to the American Heart Association criteria was observed in 62 and 10 patients, respectively. Angiographic control was performed after 1–30 months. The primary angiographic patency rate was 83.1%. Angiography revealed significant restenoses in 4 patients successfully treated with transluminal angioplasty, and re-occlusion in 6 patients which were referred to surgery. The patency rate after 24 months was 90.0%. Conclusion: Primary stent implantation is an effective treatment for short iliac obstructions and represents a true endovascular alternative to surgery.

Stent placement in short unilateral iliac occlusion. Technique and 24-month results.

To determine the success rate and 24-month follow-up results of primary stent implantation for reconstruction of unilateral short iliac occlusion involving the aortic bifurcation. In 90 patients attempts of percutaneous transluminal recanalization of a short unilateral occlusion of the iliac arteries were performed. In 72/90 patients, the treatment was successful. Stent implantation was performed after recanalization in all 72 patients. Pre-interventional angiography of successfully treated patients showed unilateral occlusions and contralateral stenosis in 34/72 patients. In 38/72 patients unilateral occlusion without contralateral stenosis was diagnosed. The recanalization of the common iliac artery obstructions were performed with a guidewire and excimer laser angioplasty. Totally 152 stents were used for the treatment of iliac occlusion. Standardized treadmill testing and color-coded Doppler ultrasound were performed before treatment and during the follow-up. In all patients, stents were placed successfully; 5 major and 7 minor complications were observed. A clinical improvement of +2 to +3 according to the American Heart Association criteria was observed in 62 and 10 patients, respectively. Angiographic control was performed after 1-30 months. The primary angiographic patency rate was 83.1%. Angiography revealed significant restenoses in 4 patients successfully treated with transluminal angioplasty, and re-occlusion in 6 patients which were referred to surgery. The patency rate after 24 months was 90.0%. Primary stent implantation is an effective treatment for short iliac obstructions and represents a true endovascular alternative to surgery.

Percutaneous transluminal recanalization for an occluded modified Potts shunt

We performed percutaneous transluminal recanalization successfully for an occluded modified Potts shunt in a 35-year-old man with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect. Percutaneous transluminal recanalization deserves to be considered for occluded shunts if the duration of obstruction is short.

Effects of acute percutaneous transluminal recanalization on cerebral embolism.

The effects of percutaneous transluminal recanalization (PTR) on critical hemodynamics of cerebral embolism were studied using stable xenon-enhanced computed tomography in patients within 6 hours after onset. PTR was conducted in 10 cases (PTR group) and not conducted 8 cases (non-PTR group). The development of infarction was followed by CT scan. In the cortical arterial regions, the lowest cerebral blood flow (CBF) value in regions of interests (ROIs) without development of infarction was 12.9 ml/100 g/min in the PTR group and 17.0 ml/100 g/min in the non-PTR group. In ROIs with a cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CRC) less than 0 ml/100 g/min, even with a CBF greater than 12.9 ml/100 g/min, 3 of 4 ROIs underwent cerebral infarction. PTR conducted within 6 hours after onset of cerebral embolism would prevent the cortical regions with a CBF greater than 12.9 ml/100 g/min and with a CRC greater than 0 ml/100 g/min from undergoing cerebral infarction.

Recanalization of Chronically Occluded Coronary Arteries: Single‐Center Experience in 400 Cases, Including Long‐Term Angiographic Follow‐Up

The study presented comprises the initial and angiographic long‐term results of a consecutive series of recanaliza‐tion procedures in a single center. Between 1988 and 1992, a total of 400 patients underwent transluminal recanalization for total coronary occlusions. In 82% of successfully attempted patients, the occlusion could be passed by a standard guidewire. The overall initial success rate was 75% (298 of 400). The highest success rates could be achieved in the left circumflex artery (84%) and left anterior descending coronary artery (77%). Complications were uncomplicated myocardial infarction in ten patients (2.5%) and death in two patients (0.5%). Angiographic follow‐up 3–6 months after recanalization could be achieved in 263 (88%) of 298 patients. Significant restenosis (≥ 50% minimum lumen diameter) was found in 57 (22%) of 263, and reocclusion was present in 38 (14%) of 263 patients, resulting in a total recurrence rate of 36%. In conclusion, recanalization can be performed with an initial success rate of 75% using bare‐wire technique under the prerequisite operator experience. If a nearly complete angiographic follow‐up is performed, the overall recurrence rate is 36%, which seems to be very acceptable in comparison with PTC A results for incomplete obstructions published so far. (J Interven Cardiol 1996;9:73–79)

Emergency cardiopulmonary bypass support in patients with severe cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction.

A total of 16 patients who developed severe cardiogenic shock were resuscitated with a percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system (PCPS). The etiology of shock was acute myocardial infarction (n = 7), or post-infarction left-ventricular (LV) free wall rupture (n = 9). After successful resuscitation with the PCPS, 15 patients underwent therapeutic interventions: closure of an LV rupture (n = 9), coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 4), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 1), and percutaneous transluminal coronary recanalization (n = 1). Of the 16 patients, 14 were weaned from PCPS or standard cardiopulmonary bypass. Six patients survived longer than 30 days, 3 (19 percent) of whom were discharged from the hospital. The long-term survival rate in the 6 patients who underwent coronary revascularization was 33 percent (2/6). Of the 9 patients with LV free wall rupture, 1 was discharged from the hospital. Even though it cannot be concluded, from this small number of patients, that cardiopulmonary resuscitation using PCPS improves survival, it appears that PCPS is a powerful resuscitative modality for seriously ill patients with acute myocardial infarction or LV rupture.

Transluminal Recanalization of Occluded Iliac Arteries: A Surgical Experience

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transluminal techniques in an unselected group of patients and to assess long-term outcome in successful procedures. All patients in whom iliac artery recanalization was attempted were included in this study. Patients with an occluded prosthesis or recent embolism were excluded. A total of 37 patients were studied. Assessment of the success or failure of the procedure was based on the results of control arteriography. Recanalization was deemed successful in 31 patients. This study demonstrates that transluminal recanalization of occluded iliac arteries by a surgeon is indeed feasible. Primary patency was 66% at 24 months. The potential risk, however, is long-term restenosis. Thus follow-up examination every 6 months is recommended including pressure index measurements after exercise and color Doppler ultrasonography of the recanalized zone.

Coronary artery rupture during transluminal coronary recanalization and angioplasty in a case of acute myocardial infarction and shock

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a widely performed and effective therapy for coronary artery disease. Evolution of the dilatation instruments during the last decade has led to an increased success rate of PTCA and to the development of newer techniques such as recanalization of totally occluded coronary arteries. We report a case of coronary artery recanalization complicated by fatal coronary artery rupture.

Human Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Xenografts: A Model for Investigation of Transluminal Recanalization

A model for testing transluminal recanalization techniques was developed. Fragments of human atherosclerotic coronary arteries were transplanted into carotid arteries of dogs and evaluated by angiographic, angioscopic, and histologic study within a three-month period. An inflammatory response was most intense within the first week. By two weeks no inflammation was noted. Total occlusion (n = 13) and stenosis (n = 11) of the carotid arteries were achieved without complications. The model is easy to produce within a short period and the arterial occlusion resembles human vascular disease. This model has been used to evaluate laser recanalization of vascular obstructions.

外傷性尿道断裂による完全閉塞例に対する腔内穿刺による内視鏡的尿道再建術

We performed transluminal re-canalization by needle puncture under fluoro-endoscopic control on a total of ten patients (membranous urethra, 8; bulbous urethra, 2) with complete obliteration after traumatic urethral disruption. The re-canalized tract was created by balloon dilation, internal urethrotomy or endoscopic resection of the scar tissue. The patient age ranged from 10 to 57 years (mean age; 37.9 +/- 15.3 years). A transluminal puncture was attempted in three patients by transperineal-transurethral approach and in seven by transurethral approach. In one of them, who sustained a complete membranous disruption 5 weeks ago, transluminal puncture failed because of the movable proximal urethra. The remaining nine patients voided without difficulty for the mean follow-up period of 18.1 +/- 14.3 months (range: 2-46). Three patients had mild stress urinary incontinence. A transluminal puncture is less invasive, safe and reliable for re-establishment of the true proximal part of the disrupted urethra. It can be recommended as a useful technique for endo-urological re-establishment for a completely obliterated urethra. Although this endoscopic re-establishment requires urethral sounding or internal urethrotomy for 6 months postoperatively, it may be an alternative to conventional surgical repair.