Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines for atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities: management of asymptomatic disease and claudication

Outcomes of endovascular treatment of patients with intermittent claudication due to femoropopliteal disease

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular treatment in patients with moderate and severe claudication due to femoropopliteal disease, that is, disease of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients with moderate and severe claudication (Rutherford 2 and 3) undergoing endovascular treatment for FP disease between January 2012 and December 2017 at two university-affiliated hospitals was performed. All procedures were performed by vascular surgeons. Primary outcomes were mortality, freedom from reintervention, major adverse limb events defined as major amputations, open surgical revascularization, or progression to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years, and last follow-up. Unadjusted odds ratios were calculated to identify variables associated with adverse outcomes, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to determine mortality and freedom from reintervention.

Results

Eighty-five limbs in 74 patients were identified on review. Mean age was 69.6 ± 9.8 years and 74.3% were males. At a median follow-up of 49.0 ± 25.5 months, all-cause mortality rate was 8.1% (6 patients) with 16.7% being due to cardiovascular causes. Reintervention rates were 1.2%, 16.5%, and 21.2% at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Major adverse limb events occurred in 3 patients and rates were 0%, 1.2%, and 2.4% at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Progression to CLTI was 0%, 1.2%, and 1.2% at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Claudication had improved or resolved in 55.6% (n = 34 patients), stable in 38.9% (n = 21 patients), and worse in 5.6% (n = 3 patients) Age ≥ 70 years (OR = 4.09 (1.14–14.66), p = 0.027), TASCII A lesion (OR = 4.67 (1.14–19.17), p = 0.025), and presence of 3-vessel runoff (OR = 3.70 (1.18–11.59), p = 0.022) predicted symptoms’ improvement. TASCII A lesions were less likely to require reintervention (OR = 0.23 (0.06–0.86), p = 0.020). Reintervention within 1 year (OR = 11.67 (0.98–138.94), p = 0.017), reintervention with a stent (OR = 14.40 (1.19–173.67), p = 0.008) and more than one reintervention (OR = 39.00 (2.89–526.28), p < 0.001) predicted major adverse limb events.

Conclusions

Careful patient selection is important when planning endovascular treatment in patients with intermittent claudication and FP disease. This could result in symptomatic improvement in more than half of the patients. Adverse outcomes such as major adverse limb events, progression to CLTI, and amputations occur at low rates.

Availability of interventional-radiological revascularization procedures in Germany - an analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data 2018/19

PURPOSE

 Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition with high socio-economic relevance. Therefore, qualified nationwide provision of interventional treatments of PAD is important for maintaining a high quality medical service in Germany.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 All data on revascularization procedures from the quality management system of the German interventional radiological society (DeGIR) for the years 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Number and distribution of DeGIR certified endovascular specialists and treatment centres was mapped. Documented procedures were broken down to the level of administrative districts. Absolute number of revascularization procedures and normalized number per one million inhabitants were computed.

RESULTS

 In 2019 there were 57 732 revascularization procedures from 228 participating centres performed by DeGIR certified interventional radiologists. A median of 62 recanalization procedures were documented per centre. 36 centres were considered to be high volume centres, with more than 500 procedures each. On a regional level in the years 2018 and 2019 combined a median (range) of 2324 (323-12 518) revascularization procedures per administrative district were performed by DeGIR certified interventional radiologist.

CONCLUSION

 There is a comprehensive nationwide high quality interventional-radiology service for the provision of revascularization procedures available in Germany.

KEY POINTS

  · In Germany there is a nationwide comprehensive infratsructure for the interventional-radiological treatment of PAD. · The volume of interventional-radiological treatments for PAD is growing. · There is a sufficient number of training and treatment centres for the delivery of interventional radiology procedures.

CITATION FORMAT

· Mahnken AH, Nadjiri J, Schachtner B et al. Availability of interventional-radiological revascularization procedures in Germany - an analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data 2018/19. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; DOI: 10.1055/a-1535-2774.

Virtual Reality-Assisted Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Interventional Treatment of Lower-Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans

This study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of the vascular wall during virtual reality- (VR-) assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and its effect on the treatment of lower-extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (LEAO). In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) model and a finite-element model of arteries were constructed first, and various fluid mechanics were analyzed. Then, the virtual expansion simulation (VES) of individualized PTA was performed based on the ABAQUS/Explicit module to analyze the interaction between the balloon and the blood vessel at different times and the changes in the vascular shape and structural stress distribution. Finally, an LEAO animal model was constructed. Based on conventional PTA (PTA group) and VR-assisted PTA (VR-PTA) treatment, the morphological changes of vascular lumen of the two animal models were evaluated. The results showed that the normal, stenotic blood vessels and blood models were successfully constructed; the pressure of the stenotic blood vessel at the stenosis decreased obviously and the shear stress of blood vessel wall increased compared with that of the normal blood vessels, and there may be a blood reflux area in the poststenosis stage. The simulation results of the VES showed that the maximum principal stress value at 3 mm of the marginal vessel was much lower than that at 5 mm (about 10% lower), so the maximum principal stress change within 2 mm of the balloon-expanded vessel was the most obvious. The treatment results of the animal model showed that the VR-PTA group showed an obvious increase in the diameter of the vascular lumen, a decrease in the intima and media area, and a decrease in the thickness of the vessel wall in contrast to the PTA group (P < 0.05), which had an important effect on the reconstruction and expansion of the vascular lumen. The VR-PTA treatment on LEAO was realized in this study, which provided critical reference for the follow-up application of VR technology in the evaluation of surgical plan and research on biomechanical mechanisms of restenosis after PTA.

First experiences of local pulse wave velocity measurements in 4D-MRI in focally stented femoropopliteal arteries

Background: In peripheral arterial disease (PAD) the femoropopliteal (FP) artery is the most frequently recanalized lower limb artery. Stent-based interventions change the biomechanical properties of FP arteries. However, no clinical tool for functional imaging is established for quantitative measurements in vivo. Four-dimensional-flow magnetic resonance imaging enables a detailed evaluation of the hemodynamics of the central and - more challenging - the peripheral arteries. The present study aimed to determine the feasibility of assessing pulse wave velocities (PWV) as a marker of vessel stiffness in PAD patients with multiple spot stents and to compare the values with age-matched subjects and young-adult healthy subjects. Patients and methods: Contrast-free 4D-flow MRI was performed in seven PAD patients with focally stented FP arteries, five age-matched subjects after exclusion of PAD, and five young, healthy adults. PWV values were calculated from flow curves by using the foot-to-foot method. Results: Four-D-flow MRI sequences offering high spatial and temporal resolution enables quantification of flow velocity measurements and estimation of PWVs. Assessment of segmental PWV as a surrogate of vascular stiffness in focally stented femoral arteries is feasible. PWV values across all groups were 15.6±5.2 m/s, 13.3±4.1 m/s, and 9.9±2.2 m/s in PAD patients, senior-aged volunteers, and young-adult volunteers respectively. PWV values in PAD patients were similar with those in the senior-aged volunteers group (15.6±5.2 vs. 13.3 ±4.1 years, p=0.43). However, when compared to the young-adult volunteers, PAD patients had a statistically significantly higher mean local PWV (15.6±5.2 m/s vs. 9.9±2.2 m/s, p<0.05). Conclusions: Calculating segmental PWV in the femoral arteries is feasible in PAD patients with focally stented FP arteries. PWV values in PAD patients were similar to those in senior-aged volunteers, both of which were higher than in young-adult volunteers.

One-Year Clinical Outcome and Risk Factor Analysis of Directional Atherectomy Followed With Drug-Coated Balloon for Femoropopliteal Artery Disease

PURPOSE

This study investigated the 1-year clinical outcomes of directional atherectomy combined with drug-coated balloon (DA + DCB) in femoropopliteal artery disease (FPAD) from real-world experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of patients treated between July 2016 and June 2019 using DA + DCB for FPAD. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, clinical characteristics and outcomes, and angiography and duplex ultrasound findings were analyzed. The 6-month and 1-year primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, and freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors of primary patency loss or CD-TLR.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine consecutive patients (83 lesions, mean age 70.9 years, 52 men) were included. Twenty-seven limbs had lifestyle-limiting claudication and 56 limbs had critical limb ischemia. There were 73 and 10 limbs with de novo lesion and in-stent restenosis, respectively. The mean lesion length of all the patients was 22.1 cm. The mean length of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) was 8.3 cm. Severe calcification was found in 32.5% cases. The 1-year primary patency rate was 80.8% and freedom from CD-TLR was 92.2%. The bailout stenting rate was 2.4%. Patients with CTO >10 cm had significantly lower 1-year primary patency rate and freedom from CD-TLR than did patients with CTO ≤10 cm. Total length of CTO (stratified as ≤5 cm, 5-10 cm, >10 cm) was identified as an independent risk factor of 1-year primary patency loss and CD-TLR.

CONCLUSION

DA + DCB appears to be a safe and effective endovascular therapy to treat FPAD in real-world clinical practice, with a promising 1-year patency rate with a low rate of bailout stenting.

Aneurysmal degeneration of fluoropolymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent in the superficial femoral artery: a rising concern

BACKGROUND

Although several clinical reports demonstrated a durable patency rate after a novel fluoropolymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent (Eluvia; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) placement, aneurysmal degeneration after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) placement has raised clinical concerns. Here, we report a case with progressive aneurysm formation on serial angiography and intravascular ultrasound over 50 months after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) placement for a superficial femoral artery atheromatous plaque.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 79-year-old woman with right leg intermittent claudication at 100 m distance was referred to our hospital. Pre-procedural angiography showed long-segment severe stenosis from the middle-to-distal part of the right superficial femoral artery, and a 7 mm wide drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) was placed. However, the patient had a recurrence of intermittent claudication in the right lower extremity 25 months thereafter. Angiography revealed de novo stenosis in the distal part of the popliteal artery and proximal superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis. Subsequently, the patient underwent endovascular therapy for these lesions. In addition, intravascular ultrasound at the time of endovascular therapy revealed femoral artery enlargement with a maximum vessel diameter of 10.0 mm at the distal edge of the stent. Intermittent claudication on the right side recurred again 50 months after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia). Angiography demonstrated de novo severe stenosis from the distal part of the superficial femoral artery to the middle part of the popliteal artery. Peri-stent contrast staining was found at the distal part of the drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) site. Intravascular ultrasound showed a further enlargement of maximum vessel diameter to 12.0 mm at the distal edge of the stent.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a case with progressive aneurysm degeneration on serial angiography and intravascular ultrasound over 50 months after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) placement for a superficial femoral artery stenosis.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of ankle-brachial index screening in patients with coronary artery disease to optimize medical management

INTRODUCTION

Screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is currently not recommended in the general population; however, previous studies advocate screening in high-risk populations. Although providers may be hesitant to prescribe low-dose rivaroxaban to patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) alone, given the reduction in cardiovascular events and death associated with rivaroxaban, screening for PAD with the ABI test and accordingly prescribing rivaroxaban may provide additional benefits. We sought to describe the cost-effectiveness of screening for PAD in patients with CAD to optimize this high-risk populations' medical management.

METHODS

We used a Markov model to evaluate the ABI test in patients with CAD. We assumed that all patients screened would be candidates for low-dose rivaroxaban. We assessed the cost of ABI screening at $100 per patient and added additional charges for physician visits ($100) and rivaroxaban cost ($470 per month). We used a 30-day cycle and performed analysis over 35 years. We evaluated quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from previous studies and determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) according to our model. We performed a deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses of variables with uncertainty and reported them in a Tornado diagram showing the variables with the greatest effect on the ICER.

RESULTS

Our model estimates decision costs to screen or not screen at $94,953 and $82,553, respectively. The QALYs gained from screening was 0.060, generating an ICER of $207,491 per QALY. Factors most influential on the ICER were the reduction in all-cause mortality associated with rivaroxaban and the prohibitively high cost of rivaroxaban. If rivaroxaban cost less than $95 per month, this would make screening cost-effective based on a willingness to pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our model, screening patients with CAD for PAD to start low-dose rivaroxaban is not currently cost-effective due to insufficient reduction in all-cause mortality and high medication costs. Nevertheless, vascular surgeons have a unique opportunity to prescribe or advocate for low-dose rivaroxaban in patients with PAD to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Urinary fatty acid binding protein 3 (uFABP3) is a potential biomarker for peripheral arterial disease

Plasma levels of fatty acid binding protein 3 (pFABP3) are elevated in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Since the kidney filters FABP3 from circulation, we investigated whether urinary fatty acid binding protein 3 (uFABP3) is associated with PAD, and also explored its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for this disease state. A total of 130 patients were recruited from outpatient clinics at St. Michael's Hospital, comprising of 65 patients with PAD and 65 patients without PAD (non-PAD). Levels of uFABP3 normalized for urine creatinine (uFABP3/uCr) were 1.7-folds higher in patients with PAD [median (IQR) 4.41 (2.79-8.08)] compared with non-PAD controls [median (IQR) 2.49 (1.78-3.12), p-value = 0.001]. Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant effect of cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, hypercholesteremia, diabetes and smoking) on uFABP3/uCr in both PAD and non-PAD patients. Spearmen correlation studies demonstrated a significant negative correlation between uFABP3/uCr and ABI (ρ = - 0.436; p-value = 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that uFABP3/Cr levels were associated with PAD independently of age, sex, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, prior history of coronary arterial disease and Estimated Glomerular Filtration rate (eGFR) [odds ratio: 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.47-3.75) p-value < 0.001]. Lastly, receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated unadjusted area under the curve (AUC) for uFABP3/Cr of 0.79, which improved to 0.86 after adjusting for eGFR, age, hypercholesteremia, smoking and diabetes. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a strong association between uFABP3/Cr and PAD and suggest the potential of uFABP3/Cr in identifying patients with PAD.

Impact of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Lower Extremity Revascularization for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)

BACKGROUND

The optimal antiplatelet regimen after lower extremity revascularization in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) is unknown since current recommendations are based on extrapolation of data from trials in coronary artery disease and stroke.

METHODS

We identified all patients undergoing an elective lower extremity revascularization for CLTI in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry discharged on a mono antiplatelet agent (MAPT) or dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

RESULTS

From 2003 to 2018, 50,890 patients underwent revascularization procedures for CLTI, and were discharged on MAPT or DAPT. Of these, 33,781 patients underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) and 17,109 patients underwent open surgery (OS) procedures. The rate of major amputation at 30 days in the target limb in the EVT group was 0.3% and 0.4% in the OS group (P=.22). On Kaplan Meier analyses, patients on MAPT at discharge had a higher risk 1-year major amputation compared to DAPT after EVT but not after OS procedures. Patients on MAPT had lower overall survival and amputation free survival (AFS) at 30 days and 1 year compared to DAPT after both EVT and OS. At 1 year, the MAPT group was at higher risk for target lesion re-intervention after EVT compared to the DAPT group (15.9% vs. 13%, P= .0012). There was no significant difference in thrombosis at 1 year between MAPT and DAPT groups either after EVT (3.9% vs. 3.7%; P = .3048) or OS (3.1% vs. 3.2%; P= .2893). On cox regression analysis, DAPT was associated with improved survival but not major amputation after both EVT and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In CLTI patients, DAPT at the time of discharge has a positive impact on AFS and overall survival after both EVT and OS as well as target lesion re-intervention after EVT. DAPT was not associated with a positive impact on major amputation after either EVT or OS.

Lower extremity CT angiography in peripheral arterial disease: from the established approach to evolving technical developments

With the advent of multidetector computed tomography (CT), CT angiography (CTA) has gained widespread popularity for noninvasive imaging of the arterial vasculature. Peripheral extremity CTA can nowadays be performed rapidly with high spatial resolution and a decreased amount of both intravenous contrast and radiation exposure. In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), this technique can be used to delineate the bilateral lower extremity arterial tree and to determine the amount of atherosclerotic disease while differentiating between acute and chronic changes. This article provides an overview of several imaging techniques for PAD, specifically discusses the use of peripheral extremity CTA in patients with PAD, clinical indications, established technical considerations and novel technical developments, and the effect of postprocessing imaging techniques and structured reporting.

Effectiveness of Home-Based Pain-Free Exercise versus Walking Advice in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Exercise therapy in the intermediate stages of peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents an effective solution to improve mobility and quality of life (QoL). Home-based programs, although less effective than supervised programs, have been found to be successful when conducted at high intensity by walking near maximal pain. In this randomized trial, we aim to compare a low-intensity, pain-free structured home-based exercise (SHB) program to an active control group that will be advised to walk according to guidelines. Sixty PAD patients aged > 60 years with claudication will be randomized with a 1:1 ratio to SHB or Control. Patients in the training group will be prescribed an interval walking program at controlled speed to be performed at home; the speed will be increased weekly. At baseline and after 6 months, the following outcomes will be collected: pain-free walking distance and 6-min walking distance (primary outcome), ankle-brachial index, QoL by the VascuQoL-6 questionnaire, foot temperature by thermal camera, 5-time sit-to-stand test, and long-term clinical outcomes including revascularization rate and mortality. The home-based pain-free exercise program may represent a sustainable and cost effective option for patients and health services. The trial has been approved by the CE-AVEC Ethics Committee (898/20). Registration details: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04751890 [Registered: 12 February 2021].

Periprocedural Outcomes of Popliteal vs Upper Extremity Access in the Treatment of Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusive Disease

PURPOSE

Percutaneous lower extremity revascularization is being performed via upper extremity, pedal, or popliteal access with increasing frequency. This study aimed to compare periprocedural outcomes of popliteal (POA) and upper extremity (UEA) access for the treatment of isolated superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusive disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study compared the outcomes of patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention of SFA occlusive disease with POA or UEA using the Vascular Quality Initiative database from December 2010 to June 2019. Our primary endpoint was technical success. Secondary endpoints included factors associated with perioperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 349 patients underwent isolated SFA intervention through the popliteal, radial, or brachial artery. UEA was performed in 188 (53.9%) patients and POA in 161 (46.1%). Technical success with TASC A lesions was 95.8% and with TASC D lesions, 65.0%. POA had a higher proportion of TASC D lesions (24.8% vs 10.6%, p<0.001), and larger (≥7 Fr) sheath size (14.3% vs 2.7%, p<0.001). UEA had a higher proportion of no calcification (27.1% vs 11.2%, p<0.001), and smaller (4-5 Fr) sheath size (46.8% vs 34.8%, p=0.023). There was no difference in technical success between UEA and POA (88.8% vs 84.5%, p=0.230), which was also seen on multivariable analysis (p=0.985). Univariate analysis revealed technical failure was associated with TASC D lesions (45.7% vs 12.9%, p<0.001) and the presence of severe calcifications (39.1% vs 17.5%, p=0.002). Multivariable analysis confirmed technical failure was associated with degree of calcification (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.18 to 4.89; p=0.016) and TASC D lesions (OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 2.45 to 10.24; p<0.001). Postoperative complications were associated with UEA on univariate (p=0.041) and multivariate analysis (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 0.80 to 5.37; p=0.016). Access site complications were also associated with UEA compared to POA (4.3% vs 0.0%, p=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in technical success between UEA and POA when treating isolated SFA occlusive disease, and UEA is associated with a higher complication rate. Technical success is dependent on calcification and TASC II classification. Based on similar technical success rates and low complication rates, POA should be considered as a viable alternative to UEA when planning endovascular interventions.

Efficacy and one-year outcomes of Luminor® paclitaxel-coated drug-eluting balloon in the treatment of popliteal artery atherosclerosis lesions

PURPOSE

Reporting outcomes with a new generation paclitaxel eluting balloon (Luminor®; iVascular, Vascular, S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain) in the popliteal district. Endovascular treatment of popliteal artery atherosclerotic disease is still debated without definitive evidences.

METHODS

From January to June 2019, patients' data presenting popliteal artery atherosclerotic diseases and treated with the Luminor® (iVascular) drug eluting balloon (DEB) were prospectively collected. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) or severe claudication associated with popliteal artery stenosis >50% were the inclusion criteria. Measured outcomes were technical success, early and late results; including mortality, morbidity, symptoms recurrence, amputation, ankle-brachial index (ABI), survival, primary patency, secondary patency, freedom from restenosis. Median follow-up was 22.43 ± 4 (mean:21.58; IQR:20-24) months.

RESULTS

Of the 33 included patients, 28 (85%) were diagnosed with CLI, with a mean preoperative run-off score of 5.39 (r:0-10; SD:3) and a chronic popliteal occlusion in 21 (64%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. Perioperative mortality was observed in 1 (3%) patient and perioperative complications in 2 (6%). During the follow-up were reported 2 symptoms recurrence; a significant ABI increase (0.57; IQR:0.41-0.47 vs. 0.69; IQR:0.50-0.67; P < 0.01); 1 (3%) major and 2 (6%) minor amputations. Estimated 24 months survival, primary patency, secondary patency, and freedom from restenosis were 97%, 96.9%, 100%, and 93.8% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective study, the use of the Luminor® (iVascular) was safe and effective in addressing atherosclerotic popliteal artery lesions. Larger studies with longer term-outcomes are required to assess the durability of this device in the popliteal artery.

Walking Training Improves Systemic and Local Pathophysiological Processes in Intermittent Claudication

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the impact of submaximal walking training (WT) on local and systemic nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with intermittent claudication (IC).

METHODS

The study employed a randomised, controlled, parallel group design and was performed in a single centre. Thirty-two men with IC were randomly allocated to two groups: WT (n = 16, two sessions/week, 15 cycles of two minutes walking at an intensity corresponding to the heart rate obtained at the pain threshold interspersed by two minutes of upright rest) and control (CO, n = 16, two sessions/week, 30 minutes of stretching). NO bioavailability (blood NO and muscle nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]), redox homeostasis (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], lipid peroxidation [LPO] measured in blood and muscle), and inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], tumour necrosis factor α [TNF-α], intercellular adhesion molecules [ICAM], vascular adhesion molecules [VCAM] measured in blood and muscle) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

WT statistically significantly increased blood NO, muscle eNOS, blood SOD and CAT, and muscle SOD and abolished the increase in circulating and muscle LPO observed in the CO group. WT decreased blood CRP, ICAM, and VCAM and muscle IL-6 and CRP and eliminated the increase in blood TNF-α and muscle TNF-α, ICAM and VCAM observed in the CO group.

CONCLUSION

WT at an intensity of pain threshold improved NO bioavailability and decreased systemic and local oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with IC. The proposed WT protocol provides physiological adaptations that may contribute to cardiovascular health in these patients.

[Amputation as an anticipated consequence of peripheral artery disease and ways to improve the prognosis of limb salvage]

Peripheral artery disease is a common and acute social burden worldwide. The main method of treatment of PAD consists in open surgical or endovascular revascularization. However, despite steady growth of the number and quality of interventions, the incidence of lower-limb amputation still remains at a high level. Lower-limb amputation is a severe psychological blow for the patient and leads to significant deterioration of his or her quality of life, as well as has an extremely negative prognosis concerning the frequency of subsequent complications and survival. Consequences of amputations include not only severe disability but also an unfavourable prognosis of life, thus determining the necessity of adequate prevention of such events. Reconstructive and endovascular operations, as well as amputations are associated with a significant increase of the probability of the development of major adverse cardiovascular events, the frequency of repeat hospitalizations and, finally, the cost of treatment. Prescribing pathogenetically substantiated antithrombotic therapy is considered to be one of the methods to improve the results of surgical treatment and prognosis for the patient. Presented in the article is a literature review making it possible to assess the risks and consequences of amputations in patients with PAD, as well as to determine therapy capable of improving the prognosis.

Smaller Superficial Femoral Artery is Associated with Worse Outcomes after Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for De Novo Atherosclerotic Disease

BACKGROUND

With the exponential increase in the use of endovascular techniques in the treatment of peripheral artery disease, our understanding of factors that affect intervention failures continues to grow. We sought to assess the outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for isolated de novo superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease based on balloon diameter.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for patients undergoing percutaneous balloon angioplasty for isolated de novo atherosclerotic SFA disease. Based on the diameter of the angioplasty balloon as a surrogate measure of arterial diameter, patients were stratified into 2 groups: group 1, balloon diameter <5 mm (354 patients) and group 2, balloon diameter ≥5 mm (1,550 patients). The primary patency and major adverse limb event (MALE) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test, based on vessel diameter. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the primary patency.

RESULTS

From January 2010 through December 2018, a total of 1,904 patients met criteria for analysis, with a mean follow-up of 13.3 ± 4.5 months. The mean balloon diameters were 3.92 ± 0.26 mm and 5.47 ± 0.55 mm in group 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean length of treatment and distribution of TASC lesions were not statistically different between the groups. Primary patency at 18 months was significantly lower in group 1, compared with group 2 (55% vs. 67%; log-rank P < 0.001). The MALE rate was higher in group 1 than group 2 (33% vs. 26%; log-rank P < 0.001). Among patients with claudication, there was no significant difference in the primary patency (61% vs 68%; log-rank P = 0.073) and MALE (27% vs. 22%; log-rank P = 0.176) at 18 months between groups 1 and 2, respectively. However, in patients with CLTI, group 1 had significantly lower 18-month primary patency (47% vs. 64%; log-rank P < 0.014) and higher MALE rates (41% vs. 35%; log-rank P = 0.012) than group 2. Cox proportional hazard analysis confirmed that balloon diameter < 5 mm was independently associated with increased risks of primary patency loss (HR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04-1.72; P = 0.021) and MALE (HR 1.29; 95% CI, 1-1.67; P = 0.048) at 18-months.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing isolated SFA balloon angioplasty for CLTI, smaller SFA (<5 mm) was associated with worse primary patency and MALE. Using balloon size as a surrogate, our findings suggest that patients with a smaller SFA diameter appear to be at increased risk for treatment failure and warrant closer surveillance. Furthermore, these patients may also be considered for alternative approaches, including open revascularization.

Effect of Low-Intensity vs High-Intensity Home-Based Walking Exercise on Walk Distance in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: The LITE Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Supervised high-intensity walking exercise that induces ischemic leg symptoms is the first-line therapy for people with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), but adherence is poor.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether low-intensity home-based walking exercise at a comfortable pace significantly improves walking ability in people with PAD vs high-intensity home-based walking exercise that induces ischemic leg symptoms and vs a nonexercise control.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted at 4 US centers and including 305 participants. Enrollment occurred between September 25, 2015, and December 11, 2019; final follow-up was October 7, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants with PAD were randomized to low-intensity walking exercise (n = 116), high-intensity walking exercise (n = 124), or nonexercise control (n = 65) for 12 months. Both exercise groups were asked to walk for exercise in an unsupervised setting 5 times per week for up to 50 minutes per session wearing an accelerometer to document exercise intensity and time. The low-intensity group walked at a pace without ischemic leg symptoms. The high-intensity group walked at a pace eliciting moderate to severe ischemic leg symptoms. Accelerometer data were viewable to a coach who telephoned participants weekly for 12 months and helped them adhere to their prescribed exercise. The nonexercise control group received weekly educational telephone calls for 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was mean change in 6-minute walk distance at 12 months (minimum clinically important difference, 8-20 m).

RESULTS

Among 305 randomized patients (mean age, 69.3 [SD, 9.5] years, 146 [47.9%] women, 181 [59.3%] Black patients), 250 (82%) completed 12-month follow-up. The 6-minute walk distance changed from 332.1 m at baseline to 327.5 m at 12-month follow-up in the low-intensity exercise group (within-group mean change, -6.4 m [95% CI, -21.5 to 8.8 m]; P = .34) and from 338.1 m to 371.2 m in the high-intensity exercise group (within-group mean change, 34.5 m [95% CI, 20.1 to 48.9 m]; P < .001) and the mean change for the between-group comparison was -40.9 m (97.5% CI, -61.7 to -20.0 m; P < .001). The 6-minute walk distance changed from 328.1 m at baseline to 317.5 m at 12-month follow-up in the nonexercise control group (within-group mean change, -15.1 m [95% CI, -35.8 to 5.7 m]; P = .10), which was not significantly different from the change in the low-intensity exercise group (between-group mean change, 8.7 m [97.5% CI, -17.0 to 34.4 m]; P = .44). Of 184 serious adverse events, the event rate per participant was 0.64 in the low-intensity group, 0.65 in the high-intensity group, and 0.46 in the nonexercise control group. One serious adverse event in each exercise group was related to study participation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with PAD, low-intensity home-based exercise was significantly less effective than high-intensity home-based exercise and was not significantly different from the nonexercise control for improving 6-minute walk distance. These results do not support the use of low-intensity home-based walking exercise for improving objectively measured walking performance in patients with PAD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02538900.

Incidence of Major Atherothrombotic Vascular Events among Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease after Revascularization

BACKGROUND

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) treated with lower extremity revascularization are at increased risk of major atherothrombotic vascular events (acute limb ischemia (ALI), major non-traumatic lower-limb amputation, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular (CV)-related death). This study assessed the incidence of major atherothrombotic vascular events, venous thromboembolism (VTE) events and rates of subsequent lower extremity revascularizations in the real-world among patients with PAD after revascularization.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥50 years with PAD who underwent peripheral revascularization were identified from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart claims database (Q1/2014-Q2/2019). The first lower extremity revascularization after PAD diagnosis was defined as index date. Incidence rates of major atherothrombotic vascular events (i.e., composite of ALI, major non-traumatic lower-limb amputation, MI, ischemic stroke, and CV-related death) and VTE were assessed during follow-up as the number of events divided by patient-years of observation (censored at the first event). Rates of subsequent revascularizations and VTE were estimated overall and compared between patients with major atherothrombotic vascular events and those without.

RESULTS

Of the 38,439 patients included, 6,675 (17.4%) had a major atherothrombotic vascular event during a median follow-up of 1.0 year. The composite major atherothrombotic vascular and VTE incidence rates were 13.81/100 patient years and 1.77/100 patient years, respectively, and 40.2% of patients experienced subsequent revascularizations. Patients with a post-revascularization major atherothrombotic vascular event had significantly higher rates of subsequent revascularizations (64.6% vs. 35.1%, standardized difference [SD] ≥10%) and VTE (4.6% vs. 2.1%, SD ≥10%) versus those without.

CONCLUSION

One-in-six PAD patients aged ≥50 years who underwent peripheral revascularization experienced a major atherothrombotic vascular event within one year, and consequently, experienced higher rates of subsequent revascularizations compared with those without a major atherothrombotic vascular event post-revascularization. These findings highlight the need to improve strategies to prevent major atherothrombotic vascular events after revascularization.

Revascularization of intermittent claudicants leads to more chronic limb-threatening ischemia and higher amputation rates

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The most common symptomatic presentation of PAD is intermittent claudication (IC), reproducible leg pain with ambulation. The progression of symptoms beyond IC is rare, and a nonprocedural approach of smoking cessation, supervised exercise therapy, and best medical therapy can mitigate progression of IC. Despite the lack of limb- or life-threatening sequelae of IC, invasive treatment strategies of IC have experienced rapid growth. Within our health care system, PAD is treated by multiple disciplines with varying practice patterns, providing an opportunity to investigate the progression of IC based on treatment strategy. This study aims to compare PAD progression and amputation in patients with IC with and without revascularization.

METHODS

This institutional review board-approved, single institute retrospective study reviewed all patients with an initial diagnosis of IC between June 11, 2003, and April 24, 2019. Revascularization was defined as endovascular or open. Time to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) diagnosis and amputation were stratified by revascularization status using the Kaplan-Meier method. The association between revascularization status and each of CLTI progression and amputation using multivariable Cox regression, adjusting for demographic and clinical potential confounding variables was assessed.

RESULTS

We identified 1051 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 328 had at least one revascularization procedure and 723 did not. The revascularized group was younger than the nonrevascularized group (60.3 years vs 62.1 years; P = .013). There was no significant difference in sex or comorbidities in the two groups other than a higher rate of diabetes mellitus type 2 (32.3% vs 16.3%; P < .001) and COPD (4.3% vs 1.7%; P = .017) in the revascularized group. Multivariable Cox regression found revascularization of patients with IC to be significantly associated with the progression to CLTI (hazard ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-4.2) and amputation (hazard ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-9.5). These findings were also demonstrated in propensity-matched cohorts of 218 revascularized and 340 nonrevascularized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Revascularization of patients with IC is associated with an increased rate of progression to CLTI and increased amputation rates. Given these findings, further studies are required to identify which, if any, patients with IC benefit from revascularization procedures.

A Pilot Study Investigating the Use of Regional Oxygen Saturation as a Predictor of Ischemic Wound Healing Outcome after Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Objective: To determine the prognostic value of regional tissue oxygenation saturation (rSO₂) for ulcer healing after endovascular treatment (EVT) of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Materials and Methods: Among PAD patients, 34 patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia underwent EVT for limb salvage. We retrospectively analyzed the cutoff rSO₂ values on postoperative day 1 to predict ulcer healing and patient prognosis. Skin perfusion pressure (SPP) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO₂) were also used to assess wound healing.

Results: A finger-mounted tissue oximeter can easily measure rSO₂ on the dorsal foot. Among the 34 patients, the ulcer healed in 25, and no changes were observed in 2 patients at 1 month after EVT. However, 7 patients needed major amputation at the same time. Wound healing was achieved in all patients with rSO₂≥50%. With this cutoff, the sensitivity and specificity of the new device for wound healing were 100% and 64%, respectively. In all the wound healing cases, SPP was ≥45 mmHg, and TcPO₂ was ≥40 mmHg.

Conclusion: To assess limb ischemia, rSO₂ can be measured quickly and easily using this device. We suggest that an rSO₂>50% shows good prognosis for ulcer healing.

Rehabilitation progress after lower-extremity bypass surgery in patients with peripheral arterial disease with different occlusive lesions

[Purpose] To examine the differences in rehabilitation progress after lower-extremity bypass surgery for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) depending on the occlusive lesions. [Participants and Methods] This was a retrospective study. We included 50 patients (61 limbs; 38 males and 12 females; mean age, 73 years) who underwent lower-extremity bypass surgery for Fontaine stage 2–3 PAD. The patients were assigned to the aortoiliac (A-I) group (n=23), femoropopliteal (F-P) group (n=18), and below-knee group (n=9). We evaluated the postoperative rehabilitation progress and length of hospital stay of these groups. [Results] The postoperative ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) of the A-I group was significantly lower than that of the F-P group, although there were no differences before surgery. The progress of rehabilitation and the length of hospitalization showed no significant differences among the three groups. The postoperative date of independent walking was significantly later in the presence of complications than in the absence of complications. [Conclusion] The progress of rehabilitation after lower-extremity bypass surgery did not differ depending on the occlusive lesions, and patients may acquire independent walking ability in approximately 5 days in the absence of postoperative complications.

Current Status of Angiogenic Cell Therapy and Related Strategies Applied in Critical Limb Ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) constitutes the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it is characterized by progressive blockade of arterial vessels, commonly correlated to atherosclerosis. Currently, revascularization strategies (bypass grafting, angioplasty) remain the first option for CLI patients, although less than 45% of them are eligible for surgical intervention mainly due to associated comorbidities. Moreover, patients usually require amputation in the short-term. Angiogenic cell therapy has arisen as a promising alternative for these "no-option" patients, with many studies demonstrating the potential of stem cells to enhance revascularization by promoting vessel formation and blood flow recovery in ischemic tissues. Herein, we provide an overview of studies focused on the use of angiogenic cell therapies in CLI in the last years, from approaches testing different cell types in animal/pre-clinical models of CLI, to the clinical trials currently under evaluation. Furthermore, recent alternatives related to stem cell therapies such as the use of secretomes, exosomes, or even microRNA, will be also described.

A prospective, randomized, controlled, crossover study comparing three multilayered foam dressings for the management of chronic wounds

Aim: Compare foam dressings - Mepilex Border Flex (MxBF), Allevyn Life (AL) and Optifoam Gentle EX (OGEX) - in treatment of chronic wounds. Materials & methods: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial (crossover design). Subjects received one dressing for 2 weeks, then comparator dressing for following 2 weeks. Wound/periwound characteristics evaluated weekly at dressing change. Primary end point: dressing durability (incidence of exudate strikethrough). Results: Higher incidence of intact dressings (no strikethrough) at Day 7 (Week 1) with MxBF (6/17; 35.3%) compared with AL (1/18; 5.6%), and with MxBF (7/16; 43.8%) compared with OGEX (2/16; 12.5%; p < 0.05). No significant differences between groups regarding wound size reduction. Conclusion: MxBF had statistically greater durability than AL/OGEX during first critical week of treatment.

Outcomes of Lower Extremity Endovascular Revascularization: Potential Predictors and Prevention Strategies

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of atherosclerosis, which may affect arteries of the lower extremities. The most dangerous PAD complication is chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Without revascularization, CLTI often causes limb loss. However, neither open surgical revascularization nor endovascular treatment (EVT) ensure long-term success and freedom from restenosis and revascularization failure. In recent years, EVT has gained growing acceptance among all vascular specialties, becoming the primary approach of revascularization in patients with CLTI. In clinical practice, different clinical outcomes after EVT in patients with similar comorbidities undergoing the same procedure (in terms of revascularization technique and localization of the disease) cause unsolved issues that need to be addressed. Nowadays, risk management of revascularization failure is one of the major challenges in the vascular field. The aim of this literature review is to identify potential predictors for lower extremity endovascular revascularization outcomes and possible prevention strategies.

The Effect of Patient and Hospital Characteristics on Total Costs of Peripheral Bypass in New York State

INTRODUCTION

With the aging U.S. population, peripheral vascular procedures will become increasingly common. The objective of this study is to characterize the factors associated with increased total costs after peripheral bypass surgery.

METHODS

Data for 34,819 patients undergoing peripheral bypass surgery in NY State were extracted using the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database for years 2009-2017. Patient demographics, All Patient Refined Diagnostic Related Groups (APR) severity score, mortality risk, hospital volume, and length of stay data were collected. Primary outcomes were total costs and length of stay. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

28.1% of peripheral bypass surgeries were performed in New York City. 7.9% of patients had extreme APR severity of illness whereas 32.0% had major APR severity of illness. 6.3% of patients had extreme risk of mortality and 1 in every 5 patients (20%) had major risk of mortality. 24.9% of patients were discharged to a facility. The mean length of stay (LOS) was 9.9 days. Patient LOS of 6-11 days was associated with +$2,791.76 total costs. Mean LOS of ≥ 12 days was associated with + $27,194.88 total costs. Multivariate analysis revealed risk factors associated with an admission listed in the fourth quartile of total costs (≥$36,694.44) for peripheral bypass surgery included NYC location (2.82, CI 2.62-3.04), emergency surgery (1.12, CI 1.03-1.22), extreme APR 2.08, 1.78-2.43, extreme risk of mortality (2.73, 2.34-3.19), emergency room visit (1.68, 1.57-1.81), discharge to a facility (1.27, CI 1.15-1.41), and LOS in the third or fourth quartile (11.09, 9.87-12.46).

CONCLUSION

The cost of peripheral bypass surgery in New York State is influenced by a variety of factors including LOS, patient comorbidity and disease severity, an ER admission, and discharge to a facility.

Medical therapy for cardiovascular and limb-related risk reduction in critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) constitutes the most advanced form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is characterized by ischemic rest pain, tissue loss and/or gangrene. Optimized medical care and risk factor modification in addition to revascularization could reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and major adverse limb events, improving patients' quality of life and promising higher survival rates. Adequate adherence to cardioprotective medications, including antithrombotic therapy (e.g., antiplatelets, anticoagulants), cholesterol-lowering agents (e.g., statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and smoking cessation should be strongly encouraged for patients with CLI. This review examines these guideline-recommended therapies in terms of cardiovascular and limb-related risk reduction in patients with CLI.

The effect of lifestyle and risk factor modification on occlusive peripheral arterial disease outcomes: standard healthcare vs structured programme-for a randomised controlled trial protocol

Background

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million of the global population. PAD represents a marker for premature cardiovascular events. Patients with PAD, even in the absence of a history of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke, have approximately the same relative risk of death from cardiovascular causes as patients with a history of coronary or cerebrovascular disease. Despite the high prevalence of PAD and the strong association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, patients with PAD are less likely to receive appropriate treatment for their atherosclerotic risk factors than those who are being treated for coronary artery disease.

Atherosclerotic risk factor identification and modification play an important role in reducing the number of adverse outcomes among patients with atherosclerosis. Risk reduction therapy decreases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with PAD. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors.

Methods

This is a randomised, parallel group, active-control trial to compare the effectiveness of the risk factor modification intervention programme to standard healthcare in a tertiary vascular care centre, in the reduction of modified risk factors in PAD patients. The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors at 3 and 12 months. The secondary outcomes are to compare the impact of the programme on clinical outcomes in PAD patients at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include amputation-free survival, clinical improvement, haemodynamic improvement, need for revascularisation procedures, outcomes of revascularisation procedures, changes in quality of life and the incidence of adverse events.

Discussion

This study will provide clear evidence on the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors, through a high-quality, well-powered clinical trial.

Trial registration

This trial was registered (11/07/2017) on the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT number 2017-002964-41) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03935776) which was registered on 02 May 2019.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05087-x.

The epidemiology of lower extremity amputations, strategies for amputation prevention, and the importance of patient-centered care

Dysvascular amputations, defined as those secondary to the complications of peripheral arterial disease or diabetes mellitus, are the most common cause of lower extremity amputations. Despite recent advancements in diabetes mellitus treatments and the many modern innovations in endovascular therapies, the incidence of dysvascular lower extremity amputations has not improved. In this article, we will review the most recent epidemiological data on lower extremity amputations, discuss the latest recommendations from different medical societies for the prevention of limb loss, and explore the role of the vascular surgeon as part of a multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive care for patients at risk of undergoing amputations for ischemic or diabetic complications. We will also discuss the importance of considering patient perspectives and patient-reported outcomes to better understand the impact of amputations on the patient experience.

Midterm Outcomes on Primary Endovascular Treatment of 395 Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease Patients: A Single-Center Experience

We report the results of endovascular treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC) A&B, TASC C, and TASC D aortoiliac lesions in a single vascular center. In this retrospective, observational cohort study, we analyzed 395 patients (mean age 61.2 ± 9.0; 359 men) between January 2015 and December 2017. Technical success was achieved in 96.5%; in-hospital mortality was 1.2% (n = 5). Median follow-up was 36 months (range 24-49 months). After 1 and 5 years, the primary patency rates were 99% and 85% for TASC A&B, 90%, and 78% for TASC C, and 90% and 74% for TASC D. Secondary patency rates were 99% and 90% for TASC A&B, 98% and 65% for TASC C, and 97% and 65% for TASC D. Previous peripheral revascularization (hazard ratio: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.01-3.08, P = .04) was associated with decreased primary patency along with lower age, TASC C, and TASC D class. This analysis reported the acceptable effectiveness and safety of stenting for all types of aortoiliac occlusive disease in a modern setting, with few complications and excellent long-term primary and secondary patency rates.

TurboHawk plaque rotation system for treatment of arteriosclerosis occlusion in lower extremities: A pilot retrospective study

This pilot study retrospectively assessed the feasible efficacy of TurboHawk plaque rotation system (THPRS) for treatment of arteriosclerosis occlusion in lower extremities (AOLE).A total of 36 eligible patients with AOLE were included in this pilot retrospective study. We divided all those patients into a treatment group and a control group, each group 18 patients. All patients in both groups administered conventional therapy. Additionally, all patients in the treatment group received THPRS, while all patients in the control group received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and percutaneous transluminal stenting (PTS). All outcomes were evaluated and analyzed at 3-month after surgery.At 3-month postsurgery, there were not significant statistical differences in clinical manifestations (intermittent claudication, P = .49; resting pain, P = .28), ankle brachial index change (P = .07), 6-minute walk distance (P = .43), and complications between 2 groups.This pilot study did not show better outcome improvement of THPRS for patients with AOLE. We cautiously draw the present conclusion, because it suffers from several major restrictions. Thus, further studies with larger sample size and longer term follow-up are still needed to warrant the current conclusion.

Intermittent claudication treatment patterns in the commercially insured non-Medicare population

OBJECTIVE

Despite published guidelines and data for Medicare patients, it is uncertain how younger patients with intermittent claudication (IC) are treated. Additionally, the degree to which treatment patterns have changed over time with the expansion of endovascular interventions and outpatient centers is unclear. Our goal was to characterize IC treatment patterns in the commercially insured non-Medicare population.

METHODS

The IBM MarketScan Commercial Database, which includes more than 8 billion US commercial insurance claims, was queried for patients newly diagnosed with IC from 2007 to 2016. Patient demographics, medication profiles, and open/endovascular interventions were evaluated. Time trends were modeled using simple linear regression and goodness-of-fit was assessed with coefficients of determination (R²). A patient-centered cohort sample and a procedure-focused dataset were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 152,935,013 unique patients in the database, there were 300,590 patients newly diagnosed with IC. The mean insurance coverage was 4.4 years. The median patients age was 58 years and 56% of patients were male. The prevalence of statin use was 48% among patients at the time of IC diagnosis and increased to 52% among patients after one year from diagnosis. Interventions were performed in 14.3%, of whom 20% and 6% underwent two or more and three or more interventions, respectively. The median time from diagnosis to intervention decreased from 230 days in 2008 days to 49 days in 2016 (R² = 0.98). There were 16,406 inpatient and 102,925 ambulatory interventions for IC over the study period. Among ambulatory interventions, 7.9% were performed in office-based/surgical centers. The proportion of atherectomies performed in the ambulatory setting increased from 9.7% in 2007 to 29% in 2016 (R² = 0.94). In office-based/surgical centers, 57.6% of interventions for IC used atherectomy in 2016. Atherectomy was used in ambulatory interventions by cardiologists in 22.6%, surgeons in 15.2%, and radiologists in 13.6% of interventions. Inpatient atherectomy rates remained stable over the study period. Open and endovascular tibial interventions were performed in 7.9% and 7.8% of ambulatory and inpatient IC interventions, respectively. Tibial bypasses were performed in 8.2% of all open IC interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been shorter time to intervention in the treatment of younger, commercially insured patients with IC, with many receiving multiple interventions. Statin use was low. Ambulatory procedures, especially in office-based/surgical centers, increasingly used atherectomy, which was not observed in inpatient settings.

The Effect of Dry Carbon Dioxide Bathing on Peripheral Blood Circulation Measured by Thermal Imaging among Patients with Risk Factors of PAD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is becoming a serious health problem of present times. It appears crucial to explore therapies that might help to restore blood flow or increase tissue oxygenation. The most effective methods of detecting early-stage changes in blood circulation in the extremities need to be identified. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of carbon dioxide (CO₂) bathing on peripheral blood circulation measured by thermal imaging among patients with risk factors of PAD and ankle–brachial index (ABI) in the normal range or ABI indicating some or moderate arterial disease (ABI > 0.5). The correlation between surface temperature change and PAD-relevant characteristics was also examined. Forty-six patients who were over 65 years old who had a minimum of two additional PAD risk factors were recruited. A series of ten dry CO₂ baths was performed. Thermal images were taken before and after the intervention. The CO₂ therapy caused a significant change in the body surface temperature of many body areas. Numerous moderate correlations between temperature change and health-related characteristics were identified. Therefore, patients with PAD risk factors could benefit from CO₂ therapy. Improvements in blood flow change the body surface temperature, and these changes could be successfully detected by thermal imaging.

A multicenter, prospective randomized trial of negative pressure wound therapy for infrainguinal revascularization with a groin incision

BACKGROUND

Wound complications after open infrainguinal revascularization are a frequent cause of patient morbidity, resulting in increased healthcare costs. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) on groin wound complications after infrainguinal bypass and femoral endarterectomy.

METHODS

A total of 242 patients who had undergone infrainguinal bypass (n = 124) or femoral endarterectomy (n = 118) at five academic medical centers in New England from April 2015 to August 2019 were randomized to ciNPT (PREVENA; 3M KCI, St Paul, Minn; n = 118) or standard gauze (n = 124). The primary outcome measure was a composite endpoint of groin wound complications, including surgical site infections (SSIs), major noninfectious wound complications, or graft infections within 30 days after surgery. The secondary outcome measures included 30-day SSIs, 30-day noninfectious wound complications, readmission for wound complications, significant adverse events, and health-related quality of life using the EuroQoL 5D-3L survey.

RESULTS

The ciNPT and control groups had similar demographics (age, 67 vs 67 years, P = .98; male gender, 71% vs 70%, P = .86; white race, 93% vs 93%, P = .97), comorbidities (previous or current smoking, 93% vs 94%, P = .46; diabetes, 41% vs 48%, P = .20; renal insufficiency, 4% vs 7%, P = .31), and operative characteristics, including procedure type, autogenous conduit, and operative time. No differences were found in the primary composite outcome at 30 days between the two groups (ciNPT vs control: 31% vs 28%; P = .55). The incidence of SSI at 30 days was similar between the two groups (ciNPT vs control: 11% vs 12%; P = .58). Infectious (13.9% vs 12.6%; P = .77) and noninfectious (20.9% vs 17.6%; P = .53) wound complications at 30 days were also similar for the ciNPT and control groups. Wound complications requiring readmission also similar between the two groups (ciNPT vs control: 9% vs 7%; P = .54). The significant adverse event rates were not different between the two groups (ciNPT vs control: 13% vs 16%; P = .53). The mean length of the initial hospitalization was the same for the ciNPT and control groups (5.2 vs 5.7 days; P = .63). The overall health-related quality of life was similar at baseline and at 14 and 30 days postoperatively for the two groups. Although not powered for stratification, we found no differences among the subgroups in gender, obesity, diabetes, smoking, claudication, chronic limb threatening ischemia, bypass, or endarterectomy. On multivariable analysis, no differences were found in wound complications at 30 days for the ciNPT vs gauze groups (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-2.6; P = .234).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to other randomized studies, our multicenter trial of infrainguinal revascularization found no differences in the 30-day groin wound complications for patients treated with ciNPT vs standard gauze dressings. However, the SSI rate was lower in the control group than reported in other studies, suggesting other practice patterns and processes of care might have reduced the rate of groin infections. Further study might identify the subsets of high-risk patients that could benefit from ciNPT.

Clinical characteristics and response to supervised exercise therapy of people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease

BACKGROUND

Among people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), little is known about variation in response to supervised exercise therapy (SET). Clinical characteristics associated with greater responsiveness to SET have not been identified.

METHODS

Data from participants with PAD in two randomized clinical trials comparing SET vs nonexercising control were combined. The exercise intervention consisted of three times weekly supervised treadmill exercise. The control groups received lectures on health-related topics.

RESULTS

Of 309 unique participants randomized (mean age, 67.9 years [standard deviation, 9.3 years]; 132 [42.7%] women; 185 [59.9%] black), 285 (92%) completed 6-month follow-up. Compared with control, those randomized to SET improved 6-minute walk distance by 35.6 meters (95% confidence interval, 21.4-49.8; P < .001). In the 95 (62.1%) participants who attended at least 70% of SET sessions, change in 6-minute walk distance varied from -149.4 to +356.0 meters. Thirty-four (35.8%) had no 6-minute walk distance improvement. Among all participants, age, sex, race, body mass index, prior lower extremity revascularization, and other clinical characteristics did not affect the degree of improvement in 6-minute walk distance after SET relative to the control group. Participants with 6-minute walk distance less than the median of 334 meters at baseline had greater percentage improvement in 6-minute walk distance compared with those with baseline 6-minute walk distance above the median (+20.5% vs +5.3%; P for interaction = .0107).

CONCLUSIONS

Among people with PAD, substantial variability exists in walking improvement after SET. Shorter 6-minute walk distance at baseline was associated with greater improvement after SET, but other clinical characteristics, including age, sex, prior lower extremity revascularization, and disease severity, did not affect responsiveness to exercise therapy.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a link between complex pedal ulcers and poor clinical results after infrainguinal surgical revascularization

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to evaluate the influence of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on patency and clinical results after infrainguinal surgical revascularization for chronic limb ischemia.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 150 infrainguinal autologous bypasses performed to infragenicular popliteal artery or tibial vessels in 140 (93%) patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and in 10 (7%) with disabling claudication. NLR was calculated using blood samples obtained 24 hours preoperatively. The cohort was stratified into 2 groups according to interquartile ranges of NLR: "ELEVATED-NLR" (Quartile 4 N.=37) and "LOW-NLR" (Quartile 1-2-3 N.=113). Reperfused ulcers were described using the WIfI classification. Patency, freedom from MALE and amputation-free survival at 24 months were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate comparisons between NLR groups were performed using the Log-Rank test. Statistical differences on univariate analysis were adjusted in a multivariate model (Cox regression).

RESULTS

NLR values were similar between CLTI and claudication. Ischemic ulcers were more frequent, (83.4% vs. 59.3% P<0.01), more severe (W2-3: 37.8% vs. 22.1% P=0.01) and pedal infection was deeper (fI 2-3: 40.5% vs. 18.6% P=0.003) in "ELEVATED-NLR" group. Severe ischemia (I3) was similar between groups. High NLR values were independent predictors of patency loss (HR: 1.77 CI95% [1.01-3.10] P=0.04), MALE (HR: 2.04 CI95% [1.03-4.04] P=0.04) and worse amputation-free survival (HR:2.10 CI95% [1.06-4.14] P=0.03) rates at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

High preoperative NLR values are associated with severe and deep infected ulcers and predicts primary patency loss, higher major adverse limb events and worse amputation-free survival rates on long-term follow-up after infrainguinal surgical revascularization.

Evolving Indications for Lower Limb Amputations in South Africa Offer Opportunities for Health System Improvement

BACKGROUND

Rapid urbanization and westernization have precipitated dramatic changes in the profile and prevalence of surgical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Disease of lifestyle is now common. We aimed to review our experience with lower-limb amputations at our surgical service in South Africa.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed of all patients who underwent a lower limb amputation. Inferential and descriptive statistics were performed. Patient demographics, indication, type of amputation, and management were reviewed. The primary outcome was 30-day in-patient mortality rate.

RESULTS

Over a 5-year period (2013-2018), 348 patients underwent lower limb amputations. The median age was 61.5 years. 53.7% were diabetic and 56.3% were hypertensive. 53.2% had associated peripheral vascular disease and 8% preexisting cardiac disease. 30.7% smoked. Guillotine below-knee amputation was frequently performed (44.5% of amputations). 16.1% of these patients required a further operation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 8%. Underlying renal disease was an independent risk factor for mortality (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Currently, the most common indications for LLA in South Africa are diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. This reflects the changing pattern of disease in the country. There is a major problem with access to health care in rural areas in South Africa with significant delays in getting patients to tertiary units for evaluation by specialists. Foot care and prevention at a primary health care level is also lacking. Global improvements in the healthcare system are needed to improve LLA rates in South Africa.

The prescription of best medical therapy following infrainguinal bypass grafting in Australia and New Zealand: a multicentre Australasian audit

BACKGROUND

The benefits of best medical therapy (BMT) for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with peripheral arterial disease are well established. Guidelines recommend prescription of BMT should consist of anti-platelet, statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocking therapy, with evidence this regimen reduces cardiovascular mortality following vascular surgery and improves vascular bypass graft patency. This multicentre study examines the BMT prescription on discharge after infrainguinal bypass (IIB) in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Primary outcome measure was discharge prescription of three BMT pharmacological agents, defined for study purposes as an anti-platelet/anti-coagulant, a lipid-lowering agent, and an anti-hypertensive medication if hypertension was diagnosed.

METHODS

This study retrospectively examined discharge prescriptions and summaries of all patients discharged following IIB in five ANZ hospitals, between January 2015 and April 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 688 admissions for IIB were included (76.9% male; mean age 67.8 ± 12.0). A total of 72.4% of procedures were for chronic limb ischaemia, compared to acute limb ischaemia (12.6%), and aneurysmal disease (15%). The primary outcome of adherence with complete BMT prescription occurred in 66.9% of admissions. Anti-thrombotic agents were most frequently prescribed (96.4%), followed by anti-lipidaemic agents (82.1%). Of the patients with documented hypertension, 43.8% were not prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocking, while 19.2% were discharged without any anti-hypertensive medications.

CONCLUSION

Almost one third of patients were not prescribed complete BMT following IIB. There is potential to improve the outcomes after IIB in ANZ through a focus on risk-factor control and BMT prescription.

Clinical outcomes of polymer-free, paclitaxel-coated stents vs stent grafts in peripheral arterial disease patients with femoropopliteal artery lesions

OBJECTIVE

Zilver PTX polymer-free, paclitaxel-coated stents and Viabahn stent grafts are effective for the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between the two devices in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease in real-world settings.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study concerned a clinical database of 445 patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (Rutherford categories 1-6) who underwent either Zilver PTX or Viabahn implantation for a femoropopliteal lesion of 10 cm or longer with reference vessel diameters of 4.0 to 7.5 mm between 2012 and 2018 at five hospitals in Japan. Outcome measures were primary patency, freedom from stent thrombosis, freedom from any target lesion reintervention, limb salvage, and overall survival. After propensity score matching, these clinical outcomes were compared between patients treated with the Zilver PTX and those treated with the Viabahn. Also assessed were the interaction effects of baseline characteristics on the association of the Zilver PTX and Viabahn with restenosis and stent thrombosis.

RESULTS

In total, 271 patients were treated with the Zilver PTX, and 174 patients were treated with the Viabahn. Propensity score matching extracted 133 patient pairs with no major intergroup differences in baseline characteristics. The Zilver PTX group had a lower rate of 3-year primary patency (59.5%; [95% confidence interval (CI), 53.0%-66.2%] vs 69.6% [95% CI, 59.3%-79.4%]; P = .005), but a higher rate of 3-year freedom from stent thrombosis (93.6% [95% CI, 90.0%-96.3%] vs 82.4% [95% CI, 74.5%-89.0%], P = .038). There was no significant difference in overall survival, limb salvage, or freedom from reintervention (all P > .05). An interaction analysis showed that the restenosis risk of the Zilver PTX was significantly higher vs the Viabahn in patients with no or one below-the-knee runoff vessel and in those with intravascular ultrasound use than in patients with two or three below-the-knee runoff vessels and in those without intravascular ultrasound use, respectively (P for interaction = .046 and .010, respectively), whereas the stent thrombosis risk of the Zilver PTX was significantly smaller vs the Viabahn in patients not on dialysis than in those on dialysis (P for interaction = .034).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with Viabahn stent grafts, Zilver PTX stents have a lower rate of primary patency but a higher rate of freedom from stent thrombosis.

Reliability of the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire for Identifying Symptomatic PAD in General Practice

The Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire (ECQ) was developed to help identify peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the general population but has not been validated against diagnostic arterial imaging methods such as Duplex Vascular Ultrasound Scanning (DUS). In the present study, we assessed the accuracy of the ECQ for diagnosis using DUS. As part of a National Institute of Health Research funded project looking at novel diagnostic methods, 250 patients were studied from 15 general practices across North East England from May 2015 and November 2016. Practices identified those with a PAD diagnosis from their registers as well as age- and sex-matched controls. All the ECQs were recorded by a vascular specialist nurse. Duplex vascular ultrasound scanning was used as a reference standard for the diagnosis of occlusive PAD. The ECQ had a sensitivity of 52.5% (95% CI: 42.3%-62.5%), specificity of 87.1% (95% CI: 80.6%-92.0%), positive likelihood ratio of 4.06 (95% CI: 2.57-6.42), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.44-0.68) compared with reference standard DUS. The ECQ has relatively poor overall diagnostic test accuracy in isolation. It may be helpful in ruling out PAD or as a supplementary test to improve diagnosis of symptomatic disease in General Practice.

Comparison of Cilostazol and Naftidrofuryl in an Experimental Acute Ischemia-Reperfusion Model

INTRODUCTION

Naftidrofuryl and cilostazol are drugs with proven efficacy in the treatment of claudication in peripheral vascular disease. In this experimental study, we evaluated the effects of naftidrofuryl and cilostazol in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury on various tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

40 male albino Wistar rats (8-12 weeks old, 250-350 g.) are randomly divided into 4 groups: Control (Group 1), sham (group 2), cilostazol pre-treatment (group 3), naftidrofuryl pre-treatment (group 4). During 21 days placebo is given to group 2, 12 mg/kg/day cilostazol is given to group 3, 50 mg/kg/day naftidrofuryl is given to group 4 orally. Ischemia and reperfusion are induced at the lower hind limb in Groups 2, 3 and 4. Ischemic muscle, kidney, liver, heart, brain and blood samples are obtained. The total antioxidant capacity, oxidant levels and oxidative stress index are studied for each group.

RESULTS

Both drugs have protective effects of remote organ injury following IR. Systemic effects are similar to each other, both have protective effects of IR injury. It showed no statistical significance in the total antioxidant capacity. Total oxidant levels are significantly affected by cilostazol in the heart (p < 0.01) and by naftidrofuryl in the liver (p < 0.01). The effect on oxidative stress was only significant with cilostazol on the heart (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Cilostazol and naftidrofuryl had beneficial effects in all tissues against tissue damage caused by IR injury. In ischemic muscle, kidney and heart cilostazol had improved outcomes comparing to naftidrofuryl. Naftidrofuryl had benefits over cilostazol in liver tissue.

Endovascular Revascularization for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease

말초동맥질환은 하지혈관을 흔히 침범하는 폐쇄성 질환이다. 대동맥-장골동맥 부위에서 이를 치료하기 위한 재개통술은 전통적으로 수술적인 접근을 통한 우회술을 근간으로 하였으며, 최근에는 국소적이고 단순한 병변들을 위주로 혈관 내 접근법을 통한 치료법이 우선 권고되고 있다. 혈관 내 접근법은 그 최소침습적인 특성으로 인하여 수술의 위험성이 높은 환자에 대해서 활용하는 것이 일반적이었으나, 근래의 다양한 기법 및 기구의 발전으로 보다 다양한 질병 상태를 가진 환자에서 활용되어 수술적인 치료에 근접하는 결과가 보고되고 있다. 이 종설에서는 말초동맥 질환에 대한 진단 및 대동맥-장골동맥 부위의 혈관 내 재개통술에 활용되는 기법 및 기구들에 대해 살펴보고 그 역할에 대해 살펴보고자 한다.

Influence of Infrapopliteal Runoff Vessels on Primary Patency after Superficial Femoral Artery Angioplasty with Stenting in Patients with Claudication

Purpose

The number of infrapopliteal runoff vessels seems to be one of the factors influencing arterial patency in patients who had undergone superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty with stenting. However, the effectiveness of infrapopliteal runoff vessels in predicting patency during SFA angioplasty remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether the number and quality of infrapopliteal runoff vessels affect the primary patency after SFA angioplasty with stenting in patients with claudication.

Methods

Materials and This study reviewed a retrospective database of patients with claudication who underwent SFA angioplasty with stenting between March 2011 and December 2016. The preoperative computed tomography findings of all patients were reviewed to assess infrapopliteal runoff vessels. The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society (TASC) II classification and modified Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) runoff score were used for subsequent analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed, and Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 153 limbs of 122 patients (88.2% male, mean age: 69.1 years) underwent SFA angioplasty with stenting. The overall primary patency rates of TASC II A/B and C/D cases were 77.1% and 31.2%, respectively, at 36 months (P<0.001). The primary patency rates at 36 months using the modified SVS runoff scoring system were 64.6% and 49.8% for the good-to-compromised (≤9 points) and poor (≥10 points) runoff groups, respectively (P=0.011).

Conclusion

The modified SVS runoff scoring system is effective in predicting primary patency after SFA angioplasty with stenting in patients treated for claudication.

The Association of the Day of the Week with Outcomes of Infrainguinal Lower Extremity Bypass

BACKGROUND

The day of the week (DOW) for performing procedures and operations has been shown to affect clinical and resource utilization outcomes. Limited published data are available on vascular surgery operations. Our primary objective was to assess outcomes by DOW for infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB) performed for claudication or rest pain. The secondary objective was to assess outcomes by DOW for LEBs performed for tissue loss.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried from 2003 to 2018 for all elective index infrainguinal LEBs performed for claudication or rest pain. Cases performed for acute limb ischemia as well as concomitant peripheral vascular intervention, nonelective LEBs, sequential grafts, and weekend cases were excluded. LEBs were grouped by DOW: Monday-Tuesday (early weekdays) versus Wednesday-Friday (later weekdays). Baseline data, operative details, and outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. LEBs performed for claudication/rest pain were analyzed together while tissue loss was assessed separately.

RESULTS

There were 12,084 LEBs identified-44.5% performed on Monday-Tuesday and 55.5% on Wednesday-Friday. Overall, the mean age was 65.6 years, 68.6% were male, and 82.8% were Caucasian. LEBs were performed for claudication in 57.4% of cases. An autogenous great saphenous vein was used in 58.8% of cases, whereas a prosthetic graft was used in 35.1% of cases. The most common bypass origin was the femoral artery (94.1%), and target was the popliteal artery (70.1%). Significant differences between Monday-Tuesday versus Wednesday-Friday, respectively, were mean body mass index (27.8 kg/m² vs. 28 kg/m²), preoperative aspirin use (74.2% vs. 72.5%), continuous vein harvest technique (41.9% vs. 44%), and mean operative time (mins) (216.2 vs. 222.6) (all P < 0.05). Univariate postoperative outcomes were significantly different between Monday-Tuesday versus Wednesday-Friday, respectively, for mean length of stay (LOS) (days) (3.9 vs. 4.3), cardiac complications (myocardial infarction/dysrhythmia/congestive heart failure) (3.5% vs. 4.9%), stroke (0.3% vs. 0.6%), and respiratory complications (0.8% vs. 1.3%) (all P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that LEBs performed on Wednesday-Friday versus Monday-Tuesday for claudication/rest pain were independently associated with cardiac complications and prolonged LOS. There were also 8,491 LEBs performed for tissue loss which overall had similar findings to LEBs performed for claudication/rest pain such as increased LOS for LEBs performed for tissue loss on Wednesday-Friday (P < 0.001) and similar likeliness for respiratory complication, wound complication, return to the operating room, and mortality (all P > 0.05). However, LEBs performed for tissue loss on Wednesday-Friday versus Monday-Tuesday had similar cardiac complications (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Elective LEBs performed on later weekdays for claudication/rest pain were associated with cardiac complications and prolonged LOS, whereas tissue loss confirmed association with prolonged LOS. Further investigations are needed to identify whether increased resources or allocation of resources should be focused on later weekdays to optimize patient outcomes.

Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Unifying Mechanism and Therapeutic Target

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis in the lower extremities, which leads to a spectrum of life-altering symptomatology, including claudication, ischemic rest pain, and gangrene requiring limb amputation. Current treatments for PAD are focused primarily on re-establishing blood flow to the ischemic tissue, implying that blood flow is the decisive factor that determines whether or not the tissue survives. Unfortunately, failure rates of endovascular and revascularization procedures remain unacceptably high and numerous cell- and gene-based vascular therapies have failed to demonstrate efficacy in clinical trials. The low success of vascular-focused therapies implies that non-vascular tissues, such as skeletal muscle and oxidative stress, may substantially contribute to PAD pathobiology. Clues toward the importance of skeletal muscle in PAD pathobiology stem from clinical observations that muscle function is a strong predictor of mortality. Mitochondrial impairments in muscle have been documented in PAD patients, although its potential role in clinical pathology is incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanisms causing mitochondrial dysfunction in ischemic skeletal muscle, including causal evidence in rodent studies, and highlight emerging mitochondrial-targeted therapies that have potential to improve PAD outcomes. Particularly, we will analyze literature data on reactive oxygen species production and potential counteracting endogenous and exogenous antioxidants.