Venous stenting across the inguinal ligament

Preliminary report on a new concept stent prototype designed for venous implant

Venous obstruction at iliocaval level in both forms, primary and secondary, is a significant cause of severe chronic venous insufficiency. A new therapeutic approach to this pathology emerged with the introduction of stenting procedures that proved effective, leading to good long-term results. However, at present, the majority of implanted stents have been designed for arterial implant and this can pose a limit in particular districts. The purpose of this preliminary acute study was to verify the deliverability and safety of a new stent specially designed for venous-vessel implant. We assess the safety and deliverability of two braided, self-expanding, nickel–titanium stents (Jotec GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) specially designed for endovascular implant in veins. The two stents, despite being based on the same concept, have a different design: stent A presents a proximal tapering shape specially designed to reduce migration, while stent B does not. Both of them are enlarged at their distal extremity and present variable radial force the length of the stent itself, the said force becoming very high in the intermediate segment. Stents were implanted in the internal jugular vein of a sheep, showing optimal deliverability. The completion venography showed the migration of stent B into the right atrium. Stent A maintained its location, confirmed by intravascular ultrasound examination. No scaffolding effect was detected and an adequate adherence and adaptability to the vein wall was obtained. In conclusions, the stent A design matches the characteristics required by vein implants. Stability is achieved even where difficult anatomical conditions apply, such as in the jugular vein. Deployment is easy and precise in a given landing zone. Radial resistive force is very high, as required in specific vein districts, but is also associated with good flexibility. Following this preliminary acute report, further studies are required.

Which criteria demand additive stenting during catheter-directed thrombolysis?

Many factors are necessary for obtaining satisfactory results after catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Selections of patients, composition of the thrombolytic fluid, anticoagulation per- and post-procedural, recognition and treatment of persistent obstructive lesions of the iliac veins are the most important contributors. Stenting has been known for 15 to 20 years. The first publication on CDT in 1991 was combined with ballooning the iliac vein, an additive procedure which has been abandoned as an isolated procedure. This chapter will discuss selection, indication, such as an iliac compression syndrome, and outcome of iliac stenting in combination with CDT. The reported frequency of stenting used after CDT is very inconsistent, therefore this will be discussed in details. It is concluded that selection for stenting is of the greatest importance, when CDT is used for iliofemoral DVT, but strict criteria for stenting are not available in the existing literature. The potential value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is also discussed.

Endovascular management of venous ulcer in a patient with occluded duplicated inferior vena cava and review of inferior vena cava development

Duplication of inferior vena cava (IVC) is the most common IVC anomaly. We report a successful iliac vein and collateral stenting for venous decompression in a patient with an occluded right femorocaval graft with a duplicated IVC. We also review the literature of embryological development of IVC.

Indications for endophlebectomy and/or arteriovenous fistula after stenting

Endovenous recanalization with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in post-thrombotic syndrome patients with iliocaval obstruction is a treatment modality quickly gaining popularity. Studies show good patency and clinical success rates. If the obstruction extends distally, below the inguinal ligament, stenting remains controversial. Without adequate inflow, the patency of stented iliocaval segments drops dramatically. This suggests that treatment of diseased common femoral, femoral and profunda femoral veins is required to ensure adequate inflow. Endophlebectomy, the removal of synechiae and septae from the common femoral vein, is a viable option in these cases. Another option, which can be done concurrently with the endophlebectomy, is the creation of an arteriovenous fistula. Selecting patients for these interventions however remains difficult, as precise preoperative prediction of inflow into the stented segments is difficult. In this paper we describe our experience in using duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance venography and conventional venography to assess the patency of the inflow trajectory. We believe this approach is essential in dealing with cases of complex post-thrombotic disease extending below the inguinal ligament. There is a great need to establish criteria to accurately assess pre- and postinterventional flow through treated vein segments.

Indications for stenting during thrombolysis

The most important vein segment to thrombolyse after deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the outflow tract meaning the iliofemoral vein. Iliofemoral DVT is defined as DVT in the iliac vein and the common femoral vein. Spontaneous recanalization is less than 50%, particularly on the left side. The compression from adjacent structures, predominantly on the left side is known as the iliac vein compression syndrome. Therefore, it is essential that supplementary endovenous procedures have to be performed in case of persistent obstructive lesions following catheter-directed thrombolysis. Insertion of a stent in this position is the treatment of choice facilitating the venous flow into an unobstructed outflow tract either from the femoral vein or the deep femoral vein or both. The stent, made of stainless steel or nitinol, has to be self-expandable and flexible with radial force to overcome the challenges in this low-pressure system. The characteristics of the anatomy with external compression and often a curved vein segment with diameter difference make stent placement necessary. Ballooning alone has no place in this area. The proportion of inserted stents varies in the published materials with catheter-directed thrombolysis of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Multifaceted management of the postthrombotic syndrome

The postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent cause of chronic pain, swelling, ulceration, and disability in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As interventional radiologists are consulted on more patients with chronic DVT and PTS, their management strategies must be informed by a balanced understanding of the different facets of chronic DVT care and the available treatment options. This article provides an overview of the important elements of a multifaceted approach to the management of patients with PTS that includes pharmacological, physiological, and endovascular aspects of care.

Endovascular treatment options for chronic venous obstructions

Chronic venous obstructions have been treated by means of bypass surgery, until, in recent decades, it was surpassed by endovascular treatment options. Although techniques may differ, some issues should be universal. It is recommended that patients are treated under general anaesthesia. Secondly, obstructive lesions should be fully stented. Finally, self-expandable stents should mainly be used. Recanalization and stenting proved safe and efficient with excellent mid- and long-term patency rates. However, failures due to re-occlusion do occur and are basically related to imperfect stent design and/or suboptimal inflow. Therefore, the main focus should be on the development of optimal stent configuration, that is, sufficient length, highest possible radial force and flexibility. Moreover, the significance of endophlebectomy with or without creation of an arteriovenous fistula should be established.

Tratamento endovascular das obstruções venosas crônicas do segmento iliocaval

A insuficiência venosa crônica é um grave problema de saúde pública no mundo, consumindo grandes quantias de recursos e causando grande prejuízo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes portadores de suas formas mais avançadas. A cirurgia para o tratamento de obstruções no sistema venoso profundo não foi incorporada à prática da maioria dos cirurgiões vasculares, ficando restrita a poucos centros em alguns países. Com o advento da cirurgia endovascular, a possibilidade de tratar alguns tipos de lesões obstrutivas por uma técnica minimamente invasiva e com resultados promissores renova o interesse da comunidade vascular pelas formas mais complexas de doença venosa.

Catheter-based therapy of common femoral artery atherosclerotic disease

The objective of this paper is to describe outcomes of endovascular therapy in patients with symptomatic common femoral artery (CFA) lesions. Symptomatic atherosclerotic disease of the common femoral artery is an uncommon clinical entity, and there is no consensus regarding the suitability of catheter-based therapy. We reviewed the records of 26 consecutive patients treated with catheter-based therapy for symptomatic CFA lesions between 1994 and 2009. Angiographic success and procedure success were obtained in all vessels and in all patients. At 1 year, 100% (16/16) of the claudication patients and 70% (7/10) of the critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients maintained clinical success. The ankle— brachial index (ABI) significantly improved from a baseline of 0.47 ± 0.18 to 0.77 ± 0.18 ( p < 0.001) after the procedure. At their most recent clinic visit (31 months ± 14 months), clinical success was maintained in 100% of the claudication patients and in 70% (7/10) of the CLI patients. During the follow-up period, femoral vascular access for an unrelated procedure was obtained through the CFA stent. In conclusion, patients with symptomatic CFA atherosclerotic disease obtained excellent clinical outcomes with angioplasty with stenting. We found that angioplasty with stenting of the CFA did not preclude future CFA vascular access. Our data suggest that catheter-based therapies should be considered as an option to open surgery in selected patients with symptomatic CFA disease.

Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is responsible for the hospitalization of >250 000 Americans annually and represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Despite the publication of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to aid in the management of VTE in its acute and chronic forms, the clinician is frequently confronted with manifestations of VTE for which data are sparse and optimal management is unclear. In particular, the optimal use of advanced therapies for acute VTE, including thrombolysis and catheter-based therapies, remains uncertain. This report addresses the management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE), iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT),and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The goal is to provide practical advice to enable the busy clinician to optimize the management of patients with these severe manifestations of VTE. Although this document makes recommendations for management, optimal medical decisions must incorporate other factors, including patient wishes, quality of life, and life expectancy based on age and comorbidities. The appropriateness of these recommendations for a specific patient may vary depending on these factors and will be best judged by the bedside clinician.

Factors affecting outcome of open and hybrid reconstructions for nonmalignant obstruction of iliofemoral veins and inferior vena cava

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors affecting long-term outcome after open surgical reconstructions (OSR) and hybrid reconstructions (HR) for chronic venous obstructions.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical data of 60 patients with 64 OSR or HR for chronic obstruction of iliofemoral (IF) veins or inferior vena cava (IVC) between January 1985 and September 2009. Primary end points were patency and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Sixty patients (26 men, mean age 43 years, range 16-81) underwent 64 procedures. Ninety-four percent had leg swelling, 90% had venous claudication, and 31% had active or healed ulcers (CEAP classes: C3 = 30, C4 = 12, C5 = 8, C6 = 12). Fifty-two OSRs included 29 femorofemoral (Palma vein: 25, polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]: 4), 17 femoroiliac-inferior vena cava (IVC) (vein: 3, PTFE: 14) and six complex bypasses. Twelve patients had HR, which included endophlebectomy, patch angioplasty, and stenting. Early graft occlusion occurred after 17% of OSR and 33% HR. Discharge patency was 96% after OSR, 92% after HR. No mortality or pulmonary embolism occurred. Five-year primary and secondary patency was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI] 29%-55%) and 59% (CI 43%-72%), respectively. For Palma vein grafts it was 70% and 78%, for femoroiliac and ilio-infrahepatic IVC bypasses it was 63% and 86%, and for femoro-infrahepatic IVC bypasses it was 31% and 57%, respectively. Complex OSRs and hybrid procedures had 28% and 30% 2-year secondary patency, respectively. The only factor that significantly affected graft patency in multivariate analysis was May-Thurner syndrome with associated chronic venous thrombosis. For HR, stenting into the common femoral vein patch vs iliac stents only significantly increased patency. At last follow-up, 60% of the patients had no venous claudication and no or minimal swelling. All ulcers with patent grafts healed but 50% of these recurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Both OSR and HR are viable options if endovascular procedures fail or are not feasible. Palma vein bypass and femoroiliac or iliocaval PTFE bypasses have excellent outcomes with good symptomatic relief.

Iliac vein stenting in postmenopausal leg swelling

BACKGROUND

Leg swelling in menopausal women is well known. Prevailing concept in primary care is that it is polycentric and a treatable cause may not be found. Patients are placed on empiric diuretics often without benefit. Our clinical experience indicates that iliac venous vein obstruction is the core cause; a variety of secondary factors common in postmenopausal women precipitate symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 163 limbs in 150 postmenopausal women (≥ 55 years of age) with leg swelling unresponsive to conservative therapy underwent intravascular ultrasound-guided iliac vein stenting over an 11-year period. Preoperative investigations included duplex, airplethysmography, venous pressure tests, contrast studies, and lymphangiography. The postmenopausal group constituted 9% of all limbs (n = 1760) stented for chronic venous disease (CVD) during the same period and 18% of those stented for swelling (n = 922). Median age was 67 (range, 55-92) and left-to-right ratio 2:1.

RESULTS

Iliac vein obstruction was "primary" (nonthrombotic) in 65% and postthrombotic in 35% of limbs; 35% of limbs had obstruction only and 65% combined obstruction/reflux. Lymphatic dysfunction was present in 21% of the limbs. Mean intravascular ultrasound area stenosis was 68% ± 22 SD. Mean follow-up was 22 months (± 26 SD) (range, 1-113 months). Secondary stent patency (6 years) was 100% in primary and 91% in postthrombotic limbs; overall 98%. Swelling improved significantly (P < .0001) from preoperative grade 2.5 (± 0.8 SD) to postoperative grade 1.2 (1.2 SD). Associated pain also improved significantly (P < .0001) from preoperative visual analog scale 3.5 (± 3 SD) to postoperative 0.9 (2.1 ± SD). Quality-of-life (CIVQ) scores improved significantly in every category and overall (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with postmenopausal leg swelling often have obstructive venous pathology even though suggestive venous history and other signs are often absent. Morbidity arises from painful swelling that affects mobility, quality of life, and ability of self-care at later stages of life. Outpatient percutaneous iliac vein stenting affords substantial symptom relief and improvement in quality-of-life measures. Recognition of the clinical complex as a distinct entity of venous origin may lead to greater awareness and effective treatment.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis of lower limb thrombosis

Late complications of thrombosis of the deep veins in the region between the popliteal vein termination and the confluence of the common iliac veins and inferior vena cava (suprapopliteal deep-vein thrombosis) are common and often unrecognized by those responsible for the initial management. Pharmacomechanical-assisted clearance of the thrombus at the time of first presentation provides the best opportunity for complete recovery with preservation of normal venous valve function and avoidance of recurrent deep-vein thrombosis and postthrombotic syndrome. Recent interventional radiology methods provide for rapid and complete thrombolysis even in some patients in whom thrombolysis was previously considered contraindicated. This review describes the methods, safety, and efficacy of acute interventional treatment of suprapopliteal deep-vein thrombosis.

Retrograde popliteal approach to common femoral vein stenosis in an intravenous drug user with hostile groin: a case report

Intravenous (IV) drug abuse is a common problem in our society. One complication of this practice is venous stenosis, endovascular management of which can be technically challenging especially in patients with a hostile groin. We describe an ipsilateral retrograde popliteal approach in a 26-year-old IV drug user presenting with swelling of the left leg secondary to common femoral vein stenosis. This approach represents the next best method following failed contralateral/cross-bifurcation access and is a safe, convenient alternative offering a "straight run" at the lesion.