Combination of mechanical atherectomy and drug-eluting balloons for femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis

Mechanical atherectomy for instent restenosis (ISR) seems to be limited by a low patency rate. This might be due to the mechanical trauma that induces an inflammatory response leading to recurrent ISR. Addition of drug eluting balloon angioplasty could overcome these challenges while preserving the advantages of a better acute result. Due to lack of clinical data combination of atherectomy and DEB remains an experimental procedure for ISR treatment.

Endovascular Treatment of Long Femoropopliteal Lesions with Contiguous Bare Metal Stents

OBJECTIVES

Recent controversies on the use of drug coated/eluting devices in the arteries of the lower extremities renewed the focus on the evaluation of more conventional techniques. The results of the stenting of short and/or intermediate femoro-popliteal lesions are well known, but little data relate to the endovascular treatment of long femoro-popliteal lesions with contiguous bare metal stents (ETLFBS). The objective of this study was to report our results of ETLFBS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and December 2017, 1233 patients had an infrainguinal angioplasty in our center. The files of patients treated for femoropopliteal lesions longer than 250 mm using extensive stenting with contiguous bare metal stents were reviewed and analyzed. The primary outcome was the 12-month primary patency, defined by the absence of restenosis (≥50%) and/or reintervention on the target lesion. Continuous data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Survival analysis was carried out according to Kaplan-Meier.

RESULTS

Overall, 64 patients aged 80 ± 11 years were included, with 49 (76.6%) presenting with critical limb ischemia. Lesions were classified as TASC D in 54.7% of the cases. The length of the lesions was 295 ± 64 mm and 3 ± 1 stents were implanted. The 30-day mortality was null but two patients (3.1%) presented nonvascular major complications. With a follow-up of 27 ± 17 months, 22 patients (34.3%) died including three of vascular causes. The healing of the trophic disorder was obtained in 77.5% of the cases. The rate of amputation was 10.9%. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month primary patency rates were 79.7%, 66.6%, and 60.9%, respectively. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month rates of freedom from target lesion revascularization were 96.3%, 73.9%, and 71.9%, respectively. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month survival rates were 90.3%, 83.6%, and 65.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 12-month primary patency rate of ETLFBS is acceptable. This strategy constitutes an acceptable alternative in patients presenting with critical limb ischemia and a limited life expectancy.

Predictors of recurrence after paclitaxel drug-coated balloon use for treating femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis

OBJECTIVE

Paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (PDCB) angioplasty has been shown to be an effective treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) at the femoropopliteal (FP) arteries. Long-term studies, however, have shown a progressive decrease in the patency rates following PDCB. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of stenosis recurrence after PDCB treatment of FP-ISR, and its immediate and mid-term outcomes.

METHODS

This prospective, non-randomized study included all chronic lower extremity ischemia patients of Rutherford class 3-6 who underwent PDCB angioplasty to treat >50% FP-ISR between June 2017 and December 2019. The primary endpoint was primary patency, defined as freedom from binary restenosis and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included 12-months freedom from CD-TLR and major adverse events (MAEs).

RESULTS

A total of 73 symptomatic chronic limb ischemia patients (73 limbs including 63 with limb threatening ischemia) underwent PDCB angioplasty of FP-ISR lesions (13.7% Tosaka class I, 54.8% class II, and 31.5% class III). The mean ISR lesion length was 121.8 ± 52.7 mm. Technical success was achieved in 70 (95.9%) patients. Kaplan-Meier estimate of the 12-months rates of primary patency and freedom from CD-TLR was 76.1% and 87.4%, respectively. At one year, MAEs occurred in eight patients (11.0%) including two deaths (2.7%), one major amputation (1.4%), and six (8.2%) surgical revascularizations. Multivariable analysis showed that Tosaka class III ISR (HR 4.51, CI: 1.31-15.53, p < 0.001) and reference vessel diameter (HR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18-080, p = 0.01) were independently associated with recurrent ISR.

CONCLUSIONS

PDCB is safe and effective treatment of FP-ISR lesions. Occlusive ISR lesions and reference vessel diameter were independently associated with recurrent ISR stenosis after PDCB treatment.

Sitting knee-flexion angle does not influence endothelial-dependent vasodilation in laboratory or free-living conditions

INTRODUCTION

Single bouts of prolonged bent-legged sitting attenuate popliteal endothelial-dependent vasodilation (as assessed via flow-mediated dilation [FMD]), which is partially attributed to arterial 'kinking'. However, the impact of knee-flexion angle on sitting-induced popliteal FMD is unknown. The objective of this study was to perform separate laboratory and free-living studies to test the hypotheses that: (1) popliteal FMD impairments would be graded between knee flexions at 90° (bent-legged sitting) > 45° > 0° (straight-legged sitting) following a 3-hour bout of sitting; and (2) more habitual time spent bent-legged sitting (< 45°) would be associated with lower FMD.

METHODS

The laboratory study included eight young, healthy adults (24 ± 2 years; four women) who underwent two sitting bouts over 2 days with one leg positioned at a knee-flexion angle of 0° or 90° and the opposite leg at 45° knee flexion. Popliteal FMD was assessed at pre- and postsitting timepoints.

RESULTS

Sitting-induced reductions in FMD were similar between all knee-flexion angles (all, p > 0.674). The free-living study included 35 young, healthy adults (23 ± 3 years; 16 women) who wore three activPAL monitors (torso, thigh, shin) to determine detailed sedentary postures. Time spent sedentary (624 ± 127 min/day), straight-legged sitting (112 ± 98 min/day), and bent-legged sitting (442 ± 106 min/day) were not related to relative FMD (5.3 ± 1.8%; all, p > 0.240).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that knee-flexion angle-mediated arterial 'kinking' during sitting is not a major contributor toward sitting-induced popliteal endothelial-dependent vasodilatory dysfunction.

Editor's Choice - Impact of Infrapopliteal Revascularisation Establishing In Line Flow to the Wound in Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the impact of infrapopliteal (IP) revascularisation establishing in line flow to the wound (IFW) on wound healing in chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI), using a core laboratory assessment for wounds and in line flow.

METHODS

The Wound directed Angiosome RevasculaRIsation apprOach to patients with cRitical limb iSchaemia (WARRIORS) multicentre observational study enrolled patients with CLTI with tissue loss undergoing IP revascularisation in Japan, with scheduled two year follow up. The primary outcome measure was complete wound healing, defined as achievement of complete epithelialisation of all wounds without major amputation. IP revascularisation establishing IFW was defined as revascularisation after which a tibiopedal artery that actually fed an injured pedal unit was patent. The incidence of wound healing was compared between the IFW and non-IFW groups using inverse probability of treatment weighting based on the propensity score.

RESULTS

A total of 440 patients with CLTI (median age, 75 years; male, 64.1%; diabetes mellitus, 72.0%; dialysis, 57.7%) with tissue loss (Wound, Ischaemia, and foot Infection stage 4, 66.4%) who underwent IP revascularisation (endovascular procedure, n = 304; bypass grafting, n = 136) between October 2017 and June 2020 were registered. During a median follow up of 23.6 months, 51.1% achieved wound healing. Successful IP revascularisation with IFW was achieved in 68.2%. After analysis, the IFW group had a higher rate of wound healing than the non-IFW group (34.5 vs. 16.1 per 100 person years; p = .030). The association between IFW and wound healing was not statistically different between patients undergoing bypass grafting and those undergoing an endovascular procedure (p for interaction = .38). There was no statistically significant interaction effect between IFW and direct revascularisation for wound healing (p for interaction = .51).

CONCLUSION

IP revascularisation establishing IFW was statistically significantly associated with a higher wound healing rate in patients with CLTI.

DETOUR2 trial outcomes demonstrate clinical utility of percutaneous transmural bypass for the treatment of long segment, complex femoropopliteal disease

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous transmural arterial bypass (PTAB) using the DETOUR system aims to create a percutaneous, endovascular femoropopliteal bypass for the treatment of long segment, complex superficial femoral and proximal popliteal artery disease. The goal of the DETOUR2 study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the therapy in comparison with pre-established performance goals.

METHODS

The DETOUR2 investigational device exemption study is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, international trial of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease patients (Rutherford classes 3-5) undergoing the DETOUR procedure for long segment (>20 cm) superficial femoral artery disease. Prespecified end points included primary safety (composite of major adverse events) at 30 days, and effectiveness (primary patency defined as freedom from restenosis or clinically driven target lesion revascularization) at 1 year.

RESULTS

We enrolled 202 patients at 32 sites with 200 treated with the DETOUR system. The mean lesion length was 32.7 cm, of which 96% were chronic total occlusions (CTO) and 70% were severely calcified. Technical success was achieved in 100% of treated patients. The primary safety end point was met with a 30-day freedom from major adverse event rate of 93.0%. The 1-year primary effectiveness end point was met with 72.1% primary patency at 12 months. Primary-assisted and secondary patency were 77.7% and 89.0%, respectively, at 12 months. The 12 month deep venous thrombosis incidence was 4.1% with no pulmonary emboli reported. Venous quality-of-life scores showed no significant changes from baseline. There was a Rutherford improvement of at least one class through 12 months in 97.2% of patients. The mean ankle-brachial index also improved from 0.61 to 0.95 during this period. There were marked improvements in quality-of-life and functional status measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The DETOUR2 study met both the primary safety and effectiveness end points, demonstrating clinical usefulness of this novel therapeutic strategy in long femoropopliteal lesions.

A unique mechanism of restenosis after drug-coated balloon in peripheral artery: Insight from optical frequency domain imaging

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have been widely used in endovascular therapy for femoropopliteal arteries with atherosclerotic lesions. Vascular response after DCBs remains unclear. This mini-review proposes a possible mechanism of restenosis after the DCB strategy. Balloon dilatation including DCBs expands the vascular lumen by producing dissections, which is composed of the original vascular lumen and the cavity surrounded by dissected flaps. The cavity surrounded by dissected flaps is eventually replaced with the thrombus in the healing process after balloon dilatation. However, the thrombus may propagate to the expanded vascular lumen through the entry point of the dissection. Subsequently, the thrombus both in the cavity and the expanded lumen would be organized over time. The vascular lumen in the chronic-phase after DCBs may be influenced by the propagated thrombus from the cavity surrounded by dissected flaps.

Impact of Below-the-Knee Runoff in Patients With Lower Extremity Artery Disease Who Underwent Endovascular Therapy Using Drug-Coated Balloons in Femoropopliteal Lesions

BACKGROUND

The impact of below-the-knee (BK) runoff after drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment in femoropopliteal (FP) lesions has not been well investigated.

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter observational study enrolled 291 consecutive patients with lower extremity artery disease who underwent endovascular therapy with DCBs for FP lesions between January 2018 and December 2021. Patients were classified into four groups based on the BK runoff. Outcome measures included primary patency, freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and amputation, and overall survival rates at 24 months. The predictors of restenosis at 24 months were also investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 43, 98, 117, and 33 patients were classified into three, two, one, and no BK runoff groups, respectively. In three, two, one, and no BK runoff groups, the primary patency rates were 72.1%, 67.3%, 61.4%, and 44.1% (p = 0.028); freedom from CD-TLR rates were 87.1%, 78.8%, 71.7%, and 47.1% (p < 0.001); freedom from amputation rates were 95.2%, 97.9%, 92.8%, and 91.5% (p = 0.499); and overall survival rates were 89.4%, 83.2%, 76.6%, and 61.2% (p = 0.007), respectively, at 24 months. Multivariate analysis showed that chronic limb-threatening ischemia, no BK runoff, Lutonix use, and residual stenosis > 30% were independent predictors of primary patency loss at 24 months. The risk score, calculated as the number of predictors, reflected the risk of restenosis.

CONCLUSION

No BK runoff was associated with worse midterm primary patency, freedom from CD-TLR, and overall survival rates than at least one BK runoff.

French multicentric registry on LUMINOR drug-eluting balloon for superficial femoral and popliteal arteries

BACKGROUND

Endovascular interventions using drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have shown promise in improving outcomes for femoropopliteal (FP) revascularizations. Luminor, a nanotechnology-based paclitaxel coated balloon, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in Effpac (Effectiveness of Paclitaxel-coated Luminor Balloon Catheter Versus Uncoated Balloon Catheter in the Arteria Femoralis Superficialis). The LUMIFOLLOW (European All-comers' Multicentric Prospective REGISTRY on LUMINOR Drug Eluting Balloon in the Superficial Femoral Artery and Popliteal Artery With 5 Years Follow-up) registry, a large-scale, prospective, multicenter study, aims to assess the real-world performance of Luminor in FP lesions.

METHODS

LUMIFOLLOW enrolled 542 patients with 580 lesions across 15 French centers. It included both de novo and restenotic lesions, with calcified and/or long occlusions. Primary end points were medical safety (defined as freedom from peri-procedural death, index limb amputation, and/or all-cause mortality) and efficacy (primary patency defined as freedom from target lesion revascularization and/or binary restenosis); secondary end points included acute device success, procedural and clinical success, major adverse events, and functional assessments.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 71.2 years, with 67.2% male patients. Prevalent comorbidities included diabetes (n = 231/542 [42.6%]), hypertension (n = 391/542 [72.1%]), hyperlipidemia (n = 305/542 [56.3%]), and current smoking (n = 147/540 [27.2%]); 23.8% were classified as Rutherford category 2 (n = 129/542), 43.2% as Rutherford category 3 (n = 234/542), 16.8% as Rutherford category 4 (n = 91/542), and 16.2% as Rutherford category 5 (n = 88/542). Lesions were located in the superficial femoral artery (n = 329/572 [57.5%]) and could extend to the popliteal artery (n = 243/572 [42.5%]), with 43.6% classified as Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C or D; 24.2% were restenosis (n = 139/575) with a 44.3% rate of total occlusions (n = 255/576). The mean lesion length was 140.55 ± 99.42 mm. Provisional stenting was required in 43.1% of patients (n = 249/580), with a mean stent length shorter than the initial lesion length at 87.21 ± 42.30 mm. The acute procedural success rate was 99.4% (n = 536/539), with two in-hospital deaths and one thrombosis of target lesion. Acute clinical success was achieved in 93.5% (n = 504/539). The 12-month composite safety end point was 82.7% (5.7% all-cause mortality, 0.7% index limb major amputation) and the estimated primary patency was 87.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.1%-90.1%), with freedom from target lesion revascularization at 96.2% (95% CI, 93.9%-97.6%) and from target vessel revascularization at 94.9% (95% CI, 92.5%-96.6%). The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire indicated significant improvements in quality of life at 12 months, with 67.4% improved mobility, 63.5% reduced pain and discomfort, and 47.8% enhanced usual activities. Walking Impairment Questionnaire scores increased significantly in walking distance, speed, and stair-climbing ability (from 31.4 ± 24.7 to 62.5 ± 31.0; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The LUMIFOLLOW registry demonstrates that Luminor DCBs are effective and safe for FP interventions. The significant improvement in quality of life and walking ability, along with high primary patency and low complication rates, underscore the benefits of Luminor DCBs in real-world settings. However, the high rate of provisional stenting underscores the need for these devices to be used alongside other endovascular techniques in challenging lesions.

[Versatility of arterial and venous responses to the action of physiologic stimuli in rats with DOCA-salt hypertension]

The reactivity of the rat popliteal, mesenteric and renal arteries and veins to electrical stimulation, noradrenaline, serotonin and potassium chloride in the DOCA-salt hypertension, was studied. The data obtained reveal the organ heterogeneity of the blood vessels contractile responses and the changes of arterial and venous responses in the hypertension, the character and extent of these changes depending on a particular vascular bed and the type of stimulation. Functional changes in hypertensive veins were stronger than in arteries. The artery and vein contractile responses were found to be associated with the external calcium altered in the hypertension. A direct influence of the DOCA and the salt overload on vascular reactivity was studied as well.

[Radio-anatomy of anastomoses between the deep femoral artery and the femoro-popliteal axis]

The anastomoses between the deep femoral artery and the femoro-popliteal arterial axes are clearly visible in angiographic studies when there is an obstruction of the main arterial axis. These anastomoses which allow blood to flow into the distal arteries occur especially in the femoral perforating arteries (ramus perforans arteriae femoralis) in the lateral circumflex femoral artery (arteria circumflexa femoris lateralis) and in the medial circumflex femoral arteries (arteriae circumflexae femoris medialis).

A simple infusion method for measurement of intraoperative peripheral vascular runoff resistance

A simple infusion system to assess the status of distal runoff was investigated on both hindlimbs of five mongrel dogs. Infusion catheters were placed in the superficial femoral arteries and the origin of the lower leg arteries was exposed for anatomic manipulation of the distal runoff. Saline solution was infused through the superficial femoral arteries at 64, 129, and 193 cm levels to calculate volume flow and index of resistance to flow. The in vitro part of the study was undertaken to analyze the effect of different-size catheters on flow rates in a rigid undistensible model. In the hindlimb study the flow differed significantly between two- and one-vessel runoff status at 50 and 100 mm Hg infusion pressures. In the in vitro study, in contrast to the hindlimb study, index of resistance to flow values for different-size catheters remained almost unchanged as the infusion pressure increased, demonstrating the distensibility of the runoff bed in dogs. A preliminary clinical study in 13 patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery demonstrated a good correlation between angiographic runoff evaluation and intraoperative flow values. Valuable information can be obtained about the status of the distal runoff by this simple infusion method, which might be used to improve the prediction of outcome of infrainguinal bypass surgery.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: implications for nursing care

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is an extremely rare phenomenon, with only 249 cases in the English literature over the past 30 years. Obstruction of the popliteal artery caused by abnormal anatomic development results in diminished blood supply to the extremity. Unlike more common vascular problems, this syndrome often produces claudication and symptoms of arterial insufficiency in young, healthy, even athletic individuals with no other apparent vascular risk factors. Accurate assessment and monitoring are critical in identifying this syndrome, minimizing complications, and preventing long-term adverse effects on activities of daily living.

[The physiopathology and medical treatment of acute traumatic occlusion of the popliteal artery. The point of view of the anesthesiologist-resuscitator]

The acute occlusion of the popliteal artery involves: 1. A regional disease: muscular ischaemia with an increase of capillary permeability and oedema. The recovery of the circulation brings with it the formation of free radicals. 2. Sometimes, a general and metabolic illness complicates the muscular ischaemia. It associates to varying degrees: hypovolemic shock, metabolic troubles, acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, infection. It can compromise the vital prognosis. The reanimation which completes the surgical treatment includes two stages: 1. The prehospital stage when the first imperative is to commit the patient to the vascular surgeon's care as soon as possible and in the best hemodynamic conditions. 2. The hospital stage when the therapeutic objectives are represented by: a) the treatment of hypovolemia; b) the curing of acute renal failure (bicarbonates 2 mmol.kg-1, hypertonic mannitol 1 g.kg-1; c) fight against infection; d) Heparin: 1 to 2 mg.kg-1 (if there is no counterindication); e) hyperbaric oxygen treatment in some situations. Despite the progress of reanimation, the initially intended amputation is subject to discussion in the following circumstances: crushing which in fact accomplishes an amputation, prolonged and complete ischemia lasting more than 10 to 12 hours, severe I.V.D.C., associated serious lesions (cranial traumatism, pelvis crushing).

Endovascular treatment of asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms: 8-year concurrent comparison with open repair

AIM

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to compare the results of 8-years experience of endovascular treatment (ET) of popliteal aneurysms (PAs) using the Hemobahn/Viabahn endograft with those achieved with open repair (OR). Endpoints were primary and secondary patency rate.

METHODS

The study was a prospective randomized clinical trial from January 1999 to December 2003 and a prospective comparative study from January 2004 to December 2006. Patients with an asymptomatic aneurismal lesion in the popliteal artery 2 cm at angio-computed tomography were included in the study. Indication for ET was PA (proximal and distal neck length >1 cm); contraindications were: 1) age <50 years; 2) poor distal run-off; 3) contraindication to antiplatelet, anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy.

RESULTS

Between January 1999 and December 2006, of a total of 42 patients with 48 PA, 27 were treated with OR (group A) and 21 with ET (group B). The primary patency rate was 100% in group A and 80.9% in group B at 12 months and 71.4% and 88.1%, respectively, at 72 months; the secondary patency rate at 72 months was 88.15% and 85.9% in groups A and B, respectively. No statistical differences were observed at the log-rank test. During the entire study period, 3 (14.3%) patients in group B required conversion to open surgery because of endograft occlusion.

CONCLUSION

Within the power limitations of this study, ET for asymptomatic PA in patients with suitable anatomy can be considered safe, with long-term results comparable with those of OR.

[Indications and choice of method of treatment of the lower extremities obliterating arterial atherosclerosis in elderly and senile patients with diabetes mellitus]

Results of treatment of 93 patients with diabetes mellitus and occlusive-stenotic affection of arteries of femoro-popliteal and popliteal-tibial segments were analyzed. Indications for performance of operation were established, basing on analysis of clinical manifestations of the disease and results of instrumental methods of investigation. Femoro-popliteal autovenous shunting performed in 47 (50.5%) patients, endarterectomy from the same segment--in 26 (28%), roentgenoendovascular dilatation of segments of femoral superficial and popliteal arteries--in 11 (11.8%), popliteal-tibial autovenous shunting--in 9 (9.7%). In 84 (90.4%) of patients succeeded to preserve the extremity. Postoperative lethality was 4.3%. Passability of autovenous femoro-popliteal-tibial shunts during 5 years was noted in 49.5%, passability of arteries after endarterectomy--in 38.7% of observations.

Value of arterial pressure measurements in the proximal and distal part of the thigh in arterial occlusive disease

A prospective study was carried out comparing two techniques of segmental arterial pressure measurements of the leg to detect, localize and quantify regional arterial occlusive disease. The measurement of pressures of the proximal and distal parts of the thigh with the narrow cuff technique permitted correct anatomic localization of aortoiliac, femoropopliteal or combined disease in 78 per cent of diseased extremities, including all limbs with isolated aortoiliac or femoropopliteal disease. A single wide cuff arterial pressure measurement of the thigh correctly localized arterial obstructions in only 19 per cent of diseased extremities. Although a wide cuff is associated with less artifactual elevation in measured arterial pressure at the thigh, this advantage is outweighed by the limitation of diagnostic accuracy in localizing segmental arterial occlusive disease. We recommend that segmental arterial pressure measurements of the limb be made at four levels on the lower extremity, including arterial pressures of the proximal and distal parts of the thigh to achieve maximal diagnostic accuracy.

[Revascularization of the lower limbs for ischemic diabetic foot with pyonecrotic tissue lesions]

This paper analyzes the results of the treatment of 213 patients with ischemic diabetic foot marked by pyonecrotic tissue lesions. On examination of the patients the authors were governed by the clinical findings as well as by the data supplied by the research methods such as ultrasound Doppler, percutaneous oxymetry, contrast angiography and laser flowmetry. Altogether 89 patients underwent revascularisation of the lower limbs by means of restoring arterial circulation; 72 patients were provided lumbar sympathectomy. The indications were elaborated for use of one or another revascularization technique. It has been established that of the 161 patients provided limb revascularization, the satisfactory results with limb salvage were obtained in 132 (81.9%) patients; high amputations were performed in 22 (13.6%) cases; 7 (4.3%) patients did not improve; after operation no lethal outcomes were recorded. Of the 52 patients who did not undergo lower limb revascularization, the beneficial results were obtained in 37 (71.1%), high amputations were performed in 15 (28.9%) patients. The conclusion is drawn that limb revascularization allows to minimize the number of high amputations more than two fold.

Preoperative measurement of the intrathrombotic pressure of a thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm for decision of surgical indication

To evaluate the risk of rupture of a 77 mm thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) in an 82-year-old woman, the aneurysm was percutaneously punctured and the intrathrombotic pressure (ITP) was measured preoperatively. The percentage of the mean ITP to the mean brachial artery pressure was 80%. The aneurysm was judged to have the risk of rupture, and replacement with a prosthetic graft was performed. The percentages of the mean ITP to the mean radial artery pressure and to the mean femoral artery pressure measured intraoperatively were 83% and 71%, respectively, which approximated to the percentage measured preoperatively. PAA may have the risk of rupture even though thrombosed, and preoperative measurement of the ITP might be useful to decide surgical indication.

Supra-Inguinal Inflow for Distal Bypasses Have Acceptable Patency and Limb Salvage Rates

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data evaluating outcomes of lower extremity bypass (LEB) using supra-inguinal inflow for revascularization of infra-inguinal vessels. The purpose of this study is to report outcomes after LEB originating from aortoiliac arteries to infra-femoral targets.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2020) was queried for patients undergoing LEB from the aortoiliac arteries to the popliteal and tibial arteries. Patients were stratified into 3 cohorts based on outflow targets (above-knee [AK] popliteal, below-knee [BK] popliteal, and tibial arteries). Perioperative and 1-year outcomes including primary patency, amputation-free survival (AFS), and major adverse limb events (MALEs) were compared. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the independent prognostic factors of outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 403 LEBs, 389 (96.5%) originated from the external iliac artery, while the remaining used the aorta or common iliac artery as inflow. In terms of the distal target, the AK popliteal was used in 116 (28.8%), the BK popliteal in 151 (27.5%), and tibial vessels in 136 (43.7%) cases. BK popliteal and tibial bypasses, compared to AK popliteal bypasses, were more commonly performed in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (69.5% and 69.9% vs. 48.3%; P < 0.001). Vein conduit was more often used for tibial bypass than for AK and BK popliteal bypasses (46.3% vs. 21.9% and 16.3%; P < 0.001). In the perioperative period, BK popliteal and tibial bypass patients had higher reoperation rates (16.9% and 13.2% vs. 5.2%; P = 0.02) and lower primary patency (89.4% and 89% vs. 95.7%; P = 0.04) than AK bypass patients. At 1 year, compared with AK popliteal bypasses, BK and tibial bypasses demonstrated lower primary patency (81.9% vs. 56.7% vs. 52.4%, P < 0.001) and freedom from MALE (77.6% vs. 70.2% vs. 63.1%, P = 0.04), although AFS was not significantly different (89.7% vs. 90.6% vs. 83.8%, P = 0.19).On multivariable analysis, compared with AK popliteal bypasses, tibial bypasses were independently associated with increased loss of primary patency (hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.51, P = 0.04). Subanalysis of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia demonstrated significantly higher primary patency in the AK popliteal cohort at discharge and 1 year, but no difference in AFS or freedom from MALE between the cohorts at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

LEB with supra-inguinal inflow appear to have acceptable rates of 1-year patency and limb salvage in patients at high risk of bypass failure. Tibial outflow target was independently associated with worse primary patency but not with MALE or AFS.