Outcome and complications after intra-arterial thrombolysis for lower limb ischaemia with or without continuous heparin infusion

[Ischemia-related compartment syndromes in vascular surgery]

Even after the endovascular revolution, acute compartment syndrome (CS) remains an important and frequently present differential diagnosis after many operations. Based on a qualitative review this article gives an overview of the most frequent forms of CS as well as some less frequent entities that require attention in the routine clinical practice. Additionally, the pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment as well as current research topics for CS, especially concerning the lower leg, are dealt with in detail. In summary, nothing has essentially changed ever since the first description of CS in that the clinical estimation remains the gold standard. The detection and the adequate treatment especially of abdominal CS and CS of the lower leg remain a key competence of vascular surgeons.

Bypass Patency and Amputation-Free Survival after Popliteal Aneurysm Exclusion Significantly Depends on Patient Age and Medical Complications: A Detailed Dual-Center Analysis of 395 Consecutive Elective and Emergency Procedures

Background/Objectives: A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is traditionally treated by an open PAA repair (OPAR) with a popliteo-popliteal venous graft interposition. Although excellent outcomes have been reported in elective cases, the results are much worse in cases of emergency presentation or with the necessity of adjunct procedures. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that might decrease amputation-free survival (efficacy endpoint) and lower graft patency (technical endpoint). Patients and Methods: A dual-center retrospective analysis was performed from 2000 to 2021 covering all consecutive PAA repairs stratified for elective vs. emergency repair, considering the patient (i.e., age and comorbidities), PAA (i.e., diameter and tibial runoff vessels), and procedural characteristics (i.e., procedure time, material, and bypass configuration). Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistics were used. Results: In 316 patients (69.8 ± 10.5 years), 395 PAAs (mean diameter 31.9 ± 12.9 mm) were operated, 67 as an emergency procedure (6× rupture; 93.8% severe acute limb ischemia). The majority had OPAR (366 procedures). Emergency patients had worse pre- and postoperative tibial runoff, longer procedure times, and more complex reconstructions harboring a variety of adjunct procedures as well as more medical and surgical complications (all p < 0.001). Overall, the in-hospital major amputation rate and mortality rate were 3.6% and 0.8%, respectively. The median follow-up was 49 months. Five-year primary and secondary patency rates were 80% and 94.7%. Patency for venous grafts outperformed alloplastic and composite reconstructions (p < 0.001), but prolonged the average procedure time by 51.4 (24.3-78.6) min (p < 0.001). Amputation-free survival was significantly better after elective procedures (p < 0.001), but only during the early (in-hospital) phase. An increase in patient age and any medical complications were significant negative predictors, regardless of the aneurysm size. Conclusions: A popliteo-popliteal vein interposition remains the gold standard for treatment despite a probably longer procedure time for both elective and emergency PAA repairs. To determine the most effective treatment strategies for older and probably frailer patients, factors such as the aneurysm size and the patient's overall condition should be considered.

Predictors of bleeding complications during catHeter-dirEcted thrombolysis for peripheral arterial occlusions (POCHET)

INTRODUCTION

The risk of major bleeding complications in catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute limb ischemia (ALI) remains high, with reported major bleeding complication rates in up to 1 in every 10 treated patients. Fibrinogen was the only predictive marker used for bleeding complications in CDT, despite the lack of high quality evidence to support this. Therefore, recent international guidelines recommend against the use of fibrinogen during CDT. However, no alternative biomarkers exist to effectively predict CDT-related bleeding complications. The aim of the POCHET biobank is to prospectively assess the rate and etiology of bleeding complications during CDT and to provide a biobank of blood samples to investigate potential novel biomarkers to predict bleeding complications during CDT.

METHODS

The POCHET biobank is a multicentre prospective biobank. After informed consent, all consecutive patients with lower extremity ALI eligible for CDT are included. All patients are treated according to a predefined standard operating procedure which is aligned in all participating centres. Baseline and follow-up data are collected. Prior to CDT and subsequently every six hours, venous blood samples are obtained and stored in the biobank for future analyses. The primary outcome is the occurrence of non-access related major bleeding complications, which is assessed by an independent adjudication committee. Secondary outcomes are non-major bleeding complications and other CDT related complications. Proposed biomarkers to be investigated include fibrinogen, to end the debate on its usefulness, anti-plasmin and D-Dimer.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The POCHET biobank provides contemporary data and outcomes of patients during CDT for ALI, coupled with their blood samples taken prior and during CDT. Thereby, the POCHET biobank is a real world monitor on biomarkers during CDT, supporting a broad spectrum of future research for the identification of patients at high risk for bleeding complications during CDT and to identify new biomarkers to enhance safety in CDT treatment.

A single-centre protocol using low-dose urokinase for catheter-directed thrombolysis in the treatment of acute lower limb ischaemia

OBJECTIVES

Catheter-directed thrombolysis is one of the main treatments for acute limb ischaemia. Urokinase is still a widely used thrombolytic drug in some regions. However, there needs to be a clear consensus on the protocol of continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis using urokinase for acute lower limb ischaemia.

METHODS

A single-centre protocol of continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis with low-dose urokinase (20,000 IU/hour) lasting 48-72 h for acute lower limb ischaemia was proposed based on our previous experiences. A retrospective study from June 2016 to December 2020 was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this protocol. The target lesion revascularisation, amputation and death were also monitored during follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used for the subgroup analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for reinterventions and death.

RESULTS

90 lower limbs were involved, including 51 Rutherford Grade I, 35 Grade IIa and four Grade IIb. During a 60.8-h thrombolysis, 86 cases (95.5%) were considered effective according to the angiogram. No major bleeding complication occurred during thrombolysis, and one amputation occurred after. Freedom from target lesion revascularisation, amputation and death were 75.6%, 94.4% and 91.1% during a mean 27.5-month follow-up, respectively. According to the Kaplan-Meier estimator, aortoiliac lesions had lower reintervention rates than femoropopliteal lesions (Log-rank p = 0.010), and cases without narrowing atheromatous plaque had a lower reintervention rate (Log-rank p = 0.049). Age was an independent risk factor for death (p = 0.038, hazard ratio 1.076, 95% confidence interval 1.004-1.153).

CONCLUSIONS

The single-centre protocol of catheter-directed thrombolysis we proposed for acute lower limb ischaemia was effective and safe. Strict blood pressure control during catheter-directed thrombolysis ensured safety. Aortoiliac lesions and cases without narrowing atheromatous plaque had lower reintervention rates during follow-up.

Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Not Immediately Threatening Acute Limb Ischaemia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis reports the outcomes of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in patients with not immediately threatening (Rutherford I) acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify observational studies and trials published between 1990 and 2022 reporting on the results of CDT in patients with Rutherford I ALI. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The outcomes of interests were treatment duration, angiographic success, bleeding complications, amputation and mortality rates, primary and secondary patency, and functional outcome expressed as pain free walking distance.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were included, comprising 1 861 patients who received CDT for not immediately threatening ALI. Funnel plots showed an indication of publication bias, and heterogeneity was substantial. Data from 5 to 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled treatment duration was 2 days (95% CI 1 - 2), with an angiographic success rate of 80% (95% CI 73 - 86) and a 30 day freedom of amputation rate of 98% (95% CI 92 - 100). The major bleeding rate was 5% (95% CI 2 - 14), with a 30 day mortality rate of 3% (95% CI 1 - 5). The amputation free survival rate was 71% (95% CI 62 - 80) at the one year and 63% (95% CI 51 - 73) at the three year follow up. Long term patency rates were retrieved from four studies: 48% at one year (95% CI 27 - 70). No data could be retrieved on patient walking distance.

CONCLUSION

Although CDT in the treatment of not immediately threatening ALI showed high angiographic success, the long term outcomes were relatively poor, with low patency and a substantial risk of major amputation. Further research is required to interpret the outcome of CDT in the context of potential confounders such as age and comorbidities.

Short-term complications and outcomes in pharmaco-mechanical thrombolysis first and catheter-directed thrombolysis first in patients with acute lower limb ischemia

BACKGROUND

Pharmaco-mechanical thrombolysis (PMT) has emerged as a treatment option in patients with acute lower limb ischemia (ALI), especially Rutherford IIb (motor deficit) for rapid revascularization, but supportive data is scarce. The aim of the present study was to compare effect of thrombolysis, complications, and outcomes of PMT first versus catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) first in a large cohort of patients with ALI.

BASIC PROCEDURES

All endovascular thrombolytic/thrombectomy events in patients with ALI performed between January 1^st 2009 and December 31^st 2018 (n=347) were included. Successful thrombolysis/thrombectomy was defined as complete or partial lysis. Reasons for use of PMT was described. Complications such as major bleeding, distal embolization, and new onset of renal impairment, and major amputation and mortality at 30 days were compared between PMT (AngioJet™) first and CDT first groups in a multi-variable logistic regression model with adjustment for age, gender, atrial fibrillation, and Rutherford IIb.

MAIN FINDINGS

The most common reason for initial use of PMT was need of rapid revascularization, and the most common reason for use of PMT after CDT was insufficient effect of CDT. Presentation of Rutherford IIb ALI was more common in the PMT first group (36.2% vs 22.5%, respectively, p=0.027). Among 58 patients receiving PMT first, 36 (62.1%) were terminated within a single session of therapy without need of CDT. The median duration of thrombolysis was shorter (p<0.001) for the PMT first group (n=58) compared to the CDT first (n=289) group (4.0 hours vs 23.0 hours, respectively). There was no significant difference in amount of tissue plasminogen activator given, successful thrombolysis/thrombectomy (86.2% and 84.8%), major bleeding (15.5% and 18.7%), distal embolization (25.9% and 16.6%), major amputation or mortality at 30-day (13.8% and 7.7%) in the PMT first compared to the CDT first group, respectively. The proportion of new onset of renal impairment was higher in the PMT first compared to the CDT first group (10.3% versus 3.8%, respectively), and the increased odds (Odds ratio 3.57, 95% CI 1.22 - 10.41) was maintained in the adjusted model. In Rutherford IIb ALI, no difference in rate of successful thrombolysis/thrombectomy (76.2% and 73.8%), complications or 30-day outcomes was found between PMT first (n=21) and CDT (n=65) first group.

CONCLUSION

PMT first appears to be a good treatment alternative to CDT first in patients with ALI, including Rutherford IIb. The found renal function deterioration in the PMT first group needs to be evaluated in a prospective, preferably, randomized trial.

Novel Endovascular Therapy, AGET, for In-Stent Occlusions in Iliac and Femoropopliteal Arteries

Catheter-directed intra-arterial thrombolysis (CDT) is useful for not only patients with acute limb ischemia but also those with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the lower extremity arteries. However, it is difficult to determine whether CTO lesions have significant thrombi, which can be treated by CDT, or not in a clinical setting. Angioscopy can accurately detect thrombi. We investigated the clinical impact of angioscopy guided endovascular therapy following thrombolysis (AGET) for in-stent occlusions (ISOs) in iliac or femoropopliteal arteries.We performed AGET in 7 patients with ISOs whose occlusion duration was less than 1 year. We performed angioscopy to evaluate the area of the thrombi after a successful wire crossing of an ISO lesion. In addition, we performed biopsies of ISO lesions to confirm whether the angioscopic findings coincided with the histopathological findings at 20 sites. We selectively performed a continuous infusion of urokinase using a fountain infusion catheter for ISO lesions. The next day, we evaluated the lesion flow and performed intervention only at the plaque stenosis site if necessary.AGET could achieve TIMI 3 flow in all patients, and preserved a 1-year patency in 5 patients (71.4%). The angioscopic findings of thrombi and plaque perfectly coincided with the histopathological findings.In conclusion, this new endovascular therapy technique, AGET, was observed to be feasible and safe for iliac or femoropopliteal artery ISO lesions.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) First in Patients with Lower Limb Ischemia in Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection: Clinical Outcome and Morphology

Acute Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can cause organ malperfusion, e.g., lower limb ischemia (LLI). Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) represents the standard treatment for complicated TBAD; however, with respect to LLI, data is scant. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and morphological outcomes in patients with complicated TBAD and LLI managed with a "TEVAR-first" policy. Between March 1997 and December 2021, 731 TEVAR-procedures were performed, including 106 TBAD-cases. Cases with TBAD + LLI were included in this retrospective analysis. Study endpoints were morphological/clinical success of TEVAR, regarding aortic and extremity-related outcome, including extremity-related adjunct procedures (erAP) during a median FU of 28.68 months. A total of 20/106 TBAD-cases (18.8%, 32-82 years, 7 women) presented with acute LLI (12/20 Rutherford class IIb/III). In 15/20 cases, true lumen-collapse (TLC) was present below the aortic bifurcation. In 16/20 cases, TEVAR alone resolved LLI. In the remaining four cases, erAP was necessary. A morphological analysis showed a relation between lower starting point and lesser extent of TLC and TEVAR success. No extremity-related reinterventions and only one major amputation was needed. The data strongly suggest that aTEVAR-first-strategy for treating TBAD with LLI is reasonable. Morphological parameters might be of importance to anticipate the failure of TEVAR alone.

A Very Rare Cause of Thrombotic Peripheral Occlusion

A 45-year-old healthy woman presented with claudication of the right leg. The resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) was reduced to 0.6, and a duplex scan revealed an occlusion of the right popliteal artery. Angiography presented a patent superficial femoral artery that ends above the knee joint. Laterally, there was delayed retrograde contrast filling of the popliteal artery. After exploring the internal iliac artery, we crossed a thrombotic occlusion of a persisting sciatic artery (PSA). Local thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (1 mg/h) was initiated. The Angiography 18 hours later showed a reduction of thrombotic material and relevant stenosis in the proximal part of the vessel. Residual thrombus and the stenosis were covered by two stentgrafts (Gore Viabahn Endoprosthesis) that were stabilized by an interwoven stent (Supera). Final angiography displayed a patent sciatic artery and a three-vessel run off. Postinterventional ABI was normalized to 1.0. The magnetic resonance imaging 6 days after the intervention demonstrated a patent PSA again and a normal blood flow on the left leg. A PSA should be included in the differential diagnosis of lower limb ischemia or suspected aneurysm formation. We demonstrated the feasibility of an interventional approach with an excellent outcome in this case.

In-Hospital Outcomes after Endovascular Therapy for Acute Limb Ischemia: A Report from a Japanese Nationwide Registry [J-EVT Registry]

Aim: The aim of the current study was to describe the clinical profile, frequency of in-hospital complications, and predictors of adverse events in patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute limb ischemia (ALI), and to compare them with those of patients undergoing EVT for chronic symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Methods: The current study compared 2,398 cases of EVT for ALI with 74,171 cases of EVT for chronic symptomatic PAD performed between January 2015 and December 2018 in Japan. We first compared the clinical profiles of ALI patients with those of PAD patients. We then evaluated the proportion of in-hospital complications and investigated their risk factors in the ALI patients. The association of clinical characteristics with the risk of in-hospital complications was analyzed via logistic regression modeling.

Results: Patients with ALI were older and had a higher prevalence of female sex, impaired mobility, and history of cerebrovascular disease, but a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and history of coronary artery disease. The proportion of in-hospital EVT-related complications in ALI was 6.1% and was significantly higher compared with those in chronic symptomatic PAD patients (2.0%, P ＜0.001). Bedridden status (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.74 [1.14 to 2.66]; P =0.010), history of coronary artery disease (aOR, 1.80 [1.21 to 2.68]; P =0.004), and a suprapopliteal lesion (aOR, 1.70 [1.05 to 2.74]; P =0.030) were identified as independent risk factors for in-hospital complications.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that ALI patients with significant comorbidities show a higher proportion of in-hospital complications after EVT.

Percutaneous Aspiration Thrombectomy for Arterial Thromboembolic Occlusion Following Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty: Technical Success Rates and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE

 We aimed to analyze the technical success rate of manual percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy (PAT) in patients with peripheral arterial thromboembolism as a complication of infrainguinal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and we sought to evaluate the 30-day postintervention clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 We retrospectively identified 29 patients (men/women, 18/11; mean age, 74 years) who underwent infrainguinal PAT to treat thromboembolic complications of infrainguinal PTA. Primary and secondary technical successes were defined as residual stenosis of < 50 % of the vessel diameter after PAT alone and PAT with additional PTA, respectively. Clinical outcome parameters (e. g., amputation, need for further intervention) were evaluated during the first 30 days after intervention.

RESULTS

 The primary and secondary technical success rates were 58.6 % (17/29) and 79.3 % (23/29), respectively. Clinical outcome data were available for 93.1 % (27/29) of patients. No further intervention was required within 30 days in 81.5 % (22/27) of patients. Four patients underwent minor amputations owing to preexisting ulcerations (Rutherford Category 5), and no patients underwent major amputations (Rutherford Category 6). Revascularization of the previously treated vessel segment with PTA was necessary on the first postintervention day in one patient.

CONCLUSION

 Manual PAT, with PTA if needed, has a good technical success rate and satisfactory early clinical outcome in patients with iatrogenic thromboembolic complications after infrainguinal PTA.

KEY POINTS

  · Manual PAT is a possible first-choice treatment of infrainguinal PTA-induced acute thromboembolism.. · Performing additional PTA increases the success rate of manual PAT.. · Unlike catheter-directed intraarterial lysis, manual PAT carries no risk of bleeding..

CITATION FORMAT

· Schicho A, Bäumler W, Verloh N et al. Percutaneous Aspiration Thrombectomy for Arterial Thromboembolic Occlusion Following Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty: Technical Success Rates and Clinical Outcomes. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; DOI: 10.1055/a-1652-1726.

Acute Compartment Syndrome Following Thrombolysis For Acute Lower Limb Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Acute Compartment syndrome (ACS) with subsequent need for fasciotomy is a serious and insidious complication after revascularization for acute lower limb ischemia (ALI). The development of ACS during endovascular catheter directed thrombolysis is particularly difficult to identify. The aim was to identify the incidence, predisposing factors, wound treatment, and outcome in terms of amputation and survival for patients presenting with ALI that develop ACS during catheter directed thrombolysis. Patients who did not develop ACS after thrombolysis were analyzed as controls.

METHODS

Descriptive retrospective analysis of prospective databases from two large tertiary-referral vascular centers. Patients with ACS after thrombolysis for ALI between 2001-2017 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight cases and 621 controls were identified. Mean age was 72 years and 30 (38.5%) were women in the ACS group. Patients that developed ACS presented with significantly more severe preoperative ischemia. With 38.5% having Rutherford 2b classification as compared to 22.7 % in the control group (P = 0.002). Occluded popliteal artery aneurysms were also associated with a higher incidence of ACS (P = 0.041). Treatment of the fasciotomy wound was most commonly treated with regular wound dressing in 45 (58%) of cases, while wound dressing and foot pump and vacuum assisted closure were used in 14 (18%) and 19 (24%) respectively. These differing approaches did not affect the number of wound infections and amputations, which was similar regardless of treatment type. Vacuum assisted closure was associated with a higher degree of skin graft closure (P = 0.001). The median time to complete wound closure was 10 days. One year after thrombolysis, the major amputation rate in the ACS group was 31% as opposed to 17% in control group, P = 0.003. Mortality measured at 16.7% and 15.3%, respectively, P = 0.872. Amputation-free survival in the ACS group was 62% vs. 73% in the control group, P = 0.035. These differences level out, however, when applying long-term analysis of amputation-free survival in Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank 0.103).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients that developed ACS during endovascular CDT presented with a more severe pre-operative ischemia, more occluded popliteal artery aneurysms and had a higher amputation rate during the first year, compared to controls. The development of ACS during endovascular treatment of ALI with thrombolysis is not uncommon and warrants both clinical awareness and rapid treatment.

Safety aspect of intraoperative, local urokinase lysis in patients with acute lower limb ischemia

BACKGROUND

Acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) is associated with a high risk of limb loss and death.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluates the safety of intraoperative, local urokinase lysis in patients with ALI and crural artery occlusion.

METHODS

A total of 107 patients (115 legs) were treated surgically for ALI with additional intraoperative urokinase lysis to improve the outflow tract. Minor and major bleeding as well as efficacy of treatment and amputation-free survival were investigated.

RESULTS

Complete restoration of at least one run-off vessel was achieved in 64%. Collateralization was improved in 34%. Lysis failed in 2%. Major amputation rate was 27% overall (12% within 30 days) and depended on Rutherford class of ALI (overall/30 day: IIa 11%/6%; IIb 20%/17%; III 37%/15%). Amputation-free survival turned out to be 82% after 30 days, 58% after one, and 41% after five years. Minor bleeding occurred in 21% (24/115) and major bleeding in 3.5% (4/115). One of these patients died of haemorrhage. No patient experienced intracranial bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative urokinase lysis improves limb perfusion and causes low major and intracranial bleeding. It can be safely applied to patients with severe ischaemia when surgical restoration of the outflow tract fails.

The plasma D-dimer trends and their value in acute lower limb ischemia patients treated by catheter directed thrombolysis

To investigate the change trends of plasma D-dimer during catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) patients and their clinical value. A retrospective review of patients with ALI who received CDT was carried out. The repeated measurements of plasma D-dimer were analyzed by generalized estimating equations (GEEs) and the change trends of D-dimer were analyzed by spline regression approach. A total of 150 patients were included. Among them, 3 days of CDT was ineffective in 41 cases, effective in 33 cases and markedly effective in 76 cases. The results of GEEs analysis showed that serum D-dimer changed significantly with time (time effect, P < 0.001). Serum D-dimer levels of patients with different treatment outcomes were different after treatment (group effect, P < 0.001), and serum D-dimer levels in these three groups showed different trends over time (group*time effect, P < 0.001). The different trends in serum D-dimer level with time after treatment in the three groups could be directly seen in the spline regression curve (P < 0.001). The plasma D-dimer changes regularly during CDT for ALI. We can predict the efficacy of CDT and guide adjustments of the therapeutic regimen according to the trend of D-dimer changes during thrombolysis.

Catheter-directed intra-arterial thrombolysis for lower extremity arterial occlusions

Catheter-directed intra-arterial thrombolysis (CDT) is a rational treatment method in patients with acute/subacute and even some chronic occlusions of lower extremity arteries and bypass grafts having salvageable limb ischemia. Immediate vessel patency can be achieved with an acceptable complication rate in many patients, especially those with fresh thrombus or emboli. It can be also an adjuvant treatment modality for endovascular interventions for chronic occlusions. There is no standard method of CDT including thrombolytic agent dose and technique. Selection of treatment strategy should be based on individual judgment based on viability of limb, lesion characteristics, and risks of hemorrhage.

Heterogeneity in Standard Operating Procedures for Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Peripheral Arterial Occlusions in The Netherlands: A Nationwide Overview

OBJECTIVE

Catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute arterial occlusions of the lower extremities is associated with a risk of major bleeding complications. Strict monitoring of vital functions is advised for timely adjustment or discontinuation of thrombolytic treatment. Nevertheless, current evidence on the optimal application of CDT and use of monitoring during CDT is limited. In this study the different standard operating procedures (SOPs) for CDT in Dutch hospitals were compared against a national guideline in a nationwide analysis.

METHODS

SOPs, landmark studies, and national and international guidelines for CDT for acute lower extremity arterial occlusions were compared. The protocols of 34 Dutch medical centres where CDT is performed were assessed. Parameters included contraindications to CDT, co-administration of heparin, thrombolytic agent administration, angiographic control, and patient monitoring.

RESULTS

Thirty-four SOPs were included, covering 94% of medical centres performing CDT in the Netherlands. None of the SOPs had identical contraindications and a strong divergence in relative and absolute grading was found. Heparin and urokinase dosages differed by a factor of five. In 18% of the SOPs heparin co-administration was not mentioned. Angiographic control varied between once every 6 h to once every 24 h. In 76% of the SOPs plasma fibrinogen levels were used for CDT dose adjustments. However, plasma fibrinogen level threshold values for treatment adjustments varied between 2.0 g/L and 0.5 g/L.

CONCLUSION

The SOPs for CDT for acute arterial occlusions of the lower extremities differ greatly on five major operating aspects among medical centres in the Netherlands. None of the SOPs exactly conforms to current national or international guidelines. This study provides direction on how to increase homogeneity in guideline recommendations and to improve guideline adherence in CDT.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular and surgical revascularization techniques in acute limb ischemia

BACKGROUND

The initial treatment of patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) remains undefined. The aim of this article was to compare the safety and effectiveness of catheter-driven thrombolysis (CDT) with surgical revascularization and evaluate the various fibrinolytic agents, endovascular, and pharmacochemical approaches that aim for thrombectomy.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on the management of ALI by means of surgical or endovascular recanalization, returning 520 studies. All randomized, controlled trials, nonrandomized prospective, and retrospective studies were included comparing treatment of ALI.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies, investigating a total of 4689 patients, were included for meta-analysis spread across nine different comparisons. No differences were found in limb salvage between thrombectomy and thrombolysis. More major vascular events were seen in the thrombolysis group (6.5% compared with 4.4% in the surgically treated group; odds ratio [OR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.87; P = .02; I² = 20%). Comparable limb salvage was found for high- and low-dose recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA). No significant differences were found in major vascular event between low r-tPA (14%) and high r-tPA (10.5%; P = .13). The 30-day limb salvage rate was 79.7% for r-tPA treatment and 60.4% for streptokinase (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.26-7.85; P = .01; I² = 0%). AngioJet showed more limb salvage at 6 months compared with r-tPa (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.17-4.18; P = .01; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both CDT and surgery have comparable limb salvage rates in patients with ALI; however, CDT is associated with a higher risk of hemorrhagic complications. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the risk of hemorrhagic complications regarding thrombolytic therapy by means of r-tPA, streptokinase, or urokinase. Insufficient data are available to conclude the preference of using a hybrid approach, ultrasound-accelerated CDT, heated r-tPA. or novel endovascular (rheolytical) thrombectomy systems. Future trials regarding ALI need to be constructed carefully, ensuring comparable study groups, and should follow standardized practices of outcome reporting.

Acute Limb Ischemia Therapies: When and How to Treat Endovascularly

Acute limb ischemia is an emergent limb and life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality. An understanding of the presentation, clinical evaluation, and initial workup, including noninvasive imaging evaluation, is critical to determine an appropriate management strategy. Modern series have shown endovascular revascularization for acute limb ischemia to be safe and effective with success rates approaching surgical series and with similar, or even decreased, perioperative morbidity and mortality. A thorough understanding of endovascular techniques, associated pharmacology, and perioperative care is paramount to the endovascular management of patients presenting with acute limb ischemia. This article discusses the diagnosis and strategies for endovascular treatment of acute limb ischemia.

Open or endovascular revascularization in the treatment of acute lower limb ischaemia

Background

Consensus is lacking regarding intervention for patients with acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI). The aim was to study amputation‐free survival in patients treated for ALI by either primary open or endovascular revascularization.

Methods

The Swedish Vascular Registry (Swedvasc) was combined with the Population Registry and National Patient Registry to determine follow‐up on mortality and amputation rates. Revascularization techniques were compared by propensity score matching 1 : 1.

Results

Of 9736 patients who underwent open surgery and 6493 who had endovascular treatment between 1994 and 2014, 3365 remained in each group after propensity score matching. Results are from the matched cohort only. Mean age of the patients was 74·7 years; 47·5 per cent were women and mean follow‐up was 4·3 years. At 30‐day follow‐up, the endovascular group had better patency (83·0 versus 78·6 per cent; P < 0·001). Amputation rates were similar at 30 days (7·0 per cent in the endovascular group versus 8·2 per cent in the open group; P = 0·113) and at 1 year (13·8 versus 14·8 per cent; P = 0·320). The mortality rate was lower after endovascular treatment, at 30 days (6·7 versus 11·1 per cent; P < 0·001) and after 1 year (20·2 versus 28·6 per cent; P < 0·001). Accordingly, endovascular treatment had better amputation‐free survival at 30 days (87·5 versus 82·1 per cent; P < 0·001) and 1 year (69·9 versus 61·1 per cent; P < 0·001). The number needed to treat to prevent one death within the first year was 12 with an endovascular compared with an open approach. Five years after surgery, endovascular treatment still had improved survival (HR 0·78, 99 per cent c.i. 0·70 to 0·86) but the difference between the treatment groups occurred mainly in the first year.

Conclusion

Primary endovascular treatment for ALI appeared to reduce mortality compared with open surgery, without any difference in the risk of amputation.

Endovascular may save lives

Acute Limb Ischemia

Acute limb ischemia is technically defined as ischemia of the lower extremities lasting 14 days or less. The condition affects between 15 and 26 persons per 100,000 each year in the United States. The associated morbidity and mortality is extremely high, with 1-year mortality rates reported at over 40%. Acute limb ischemia is 20 times more common in the lower extremities than the upper extremities. Both interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons bring unique skills to the table in caring for these patients, and therefore should approach the care of these patients in a multidisciplinary manner to ensure the best outcomes for each patient. Patients should be classified according to the Rutherford classification scale for acute limb ischemia. Catheter-directed thrombolysis can be a viable treatment alternative for these patients, offering a minimally invasive option to patients with outcomes similar to surgery. It is important to know the presentation, physical examination, risks and benefits, as well as the techniques and equipment required to treat patients with acute lower limb ischemia.

Outcome of intra-arterial thrombolysis in patients with diabetes and acute lower limb ischemia: a propensity score adjusted analysis

The presence of diabetes mellitus is rarely addressed in acute lower limb ischaemia (ALLI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of local intra-arterial thrombolysis for ALLI in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Outcome of all thrombolytic events performed in an endovascular first-strategy centre during a 13-year period between 2001 and 2013 in patients with ALLI were followed to January 2017. A propensity score adjusted analysis was performed to evaluate results in patients with (n = 83) versus without (n = 316) DM. Patients with DM were younger (p = 0.001), more often women (p = 0.014), more often had renal insufficiency (p = 0.041), foot ulcers (p < 0.001), and thrombosis (p = 0.032) than the patients without DM. At presentation, patients with DM had a lower degree of ischemia judged by the Rutherford classification, compared to those without DM (p = 0.023). None of the 83 diabetic patients had a popliteal artery aneurysm, compared to 25 (7.9%) of the 316 patients without DM (p = 0.008). The amount of tPA administered to patients with DM was higher than to patients without DM (p = 0.03). In the propensity score adjusted analysis, patients with DM had a higher rate of major amputation at 1 (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.22–5.20) and 3 years (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.26–5.04), and a lower amputation-free survival at 3 years (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25–0.85), than those without DM. Patients with DM presenting with ALLI differ in clinical characteristics, presentation, and aetiology compared to patients with DM, and have a higher rate of major amputation and lower amputation-free survival rate after intra-arterial thrombolysis.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of low-molecular-weight heparin versus aspirin thromboprophylaxis in patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of low molecular weight heparin versus aspirin as primary thromboprophylaxis throughout chemotherapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated with protocols including thalidomide from the perspective of French health care providers.

METHODS

We used a modeling approach combining data from the only randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of the two treatments and secondary sources for costs, and utility values. We performed a decision-tree analysis and our base case was a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 patients. A bootstrap resampling technique was used. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated using estimated quality-adjusted life years as the efficacy outcome. Incremental costs and effectiveness were estimated for each strategy and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated. One-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The number of quality-adjusted life years was estimated to be 0.300 with aspirin and 0.299 with heparin. The estimated gain with aspirin was therefore approximately one day. Over 6months, the mean total cost was € 1518 (SD=601) per patient in the heparin arm and € 273 (SD=1019) in the aspirin arm. This resulted in an incremental cost of € 1245 per patient treated with heparin. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the aspirin versus heparin strategy was calculated to be - 687,398 € (95% CI, -13,457,369 to -225,385).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspirin rather than heparin thromboprophylaxis, during the first six months of chemotherapy for myeloma, is associated with significant cost savings per patient and also with an unexpected slight increase in quality of life.

Safety of Intra-arterial Catheter Directed Thrombolysis: Does Level of Care Matter?

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to assess whether the level of care influenced the safety related outcomes of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) for patients presenting with limb ischaemia and dialysis access thrombosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. All consecutive patients at two tertiary referral centres for vascular surgery undergoing CDT for limb ischaemia and dialysis access thrombosis (N = 252) between 2012 and 2014 were included. Patients at Centre 1 were cared for on a general vascular ward and patients at Centre 2 were kept on a post-operative recovery unit with an increased level of care including invasive haemodynamic monitoring. Patient medical records were retrospectively scrutinised and data collected on comorbidities, anti-thrombotic medication, indications for CDT, technical success of CDT, bleeding and non-bleeding related complications, and transfer to a higher level of care.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the frequency of non-bleeding related complications between Centre 1 and Centre 2. Patients on the vascular ward had a higher frequency of minor bleeding (p = .002) but there was no difference in major bleeding (p = .12). Eleven patients on the ward required an increased level of care for medical reasons and six were moved for a lack of resources. The presence of cardiac disease was an independent risk factor for patient transfer (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.04-9.8, p = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

CDT may be undertaken outside of a high dependency setting without a significantly increased risk of complications. Pre-existing cardiac disease was an independent risk factor for transfer to a higher level of care. These findings could have an implication for the clinical cost-effectiveness of CDT.

Acute Arterial Thrombosis of the Hand

Arterial thrombosis of the hand occurs infrequently but may result in considerable morbidity and compromise of hand function. The hand surgeon may be called upon to direct management in cases of acute arterial thrombosis of the hand and should have an understanding of the available diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. This article discusses the vascular anatomy of the hand and clinical manifestations of arterial thrombosis. Differences between isolated thrombosis and diffuse intravascular injury are detailed, and treatment options for these conditions are described. Appropriate care often requires coordination with interventional radiologists or vascular surgeons. Outcomes after treatment of arterial thrombosis of the hand are variable, and prognosis may be related to whether isolated thrombosis or diffuse intravascular injury is present.

Effects of Intravenous and Catheter Directed Thrombolytic Therapy with Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (Alteplase) in Non-Traumatic Acute Limb Ischemia; A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous and catheter directed thrombolysis by recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (Alteplase) in the patients with non-traumatic acute limb ischemia (ALI).

METHODS

This was a randomized clinical trial being performed between 2009 and 2011 in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. We included those patients who were<75 years, with symptoms of less than 14 days duration, ALI of grade IIa and IIb (according to Rutherford classification) and absence of distal run off. Baseline assessment of peripheral circulation performed in all the patients. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo intravenous (n=18) or catheter directed thrombolysis (n=20) with Alteplase. The primary endpoint of the study was improvement of clinical status measured by Rutherford classification, ankle brachial index (ABI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score measured at 1, 3 and 6 months. The secondary endpoint of the study was complete or near complete recanalization of the occluded artery.

RESULTS

A total number of 38 patients with mean age of 54.13±13.5 years were included in the study. There were 23 (60.5%) men and 15 (39.5%) women among the patients. Overall 3 (7.9%) patients had upper and 35 (92.1%) lower extremity ischemia. There was no significant difference between two study groups. None of the patients experienced major therapeutic side effects. Both ABI and VAS score improved in patients who have received first dose of t-PA within 24-hourof ALI. There was no significant difference between two study groups regarding the 6-month clinical grade (p=0.088), VAS score (p=0.316) and ABI (p=0.360). The angiographic improvement was significantly higher in CDT group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous and catheter directed thrombolysis with t-PA is a safe and effective method in treatment of acute arteriolar ischemia of extremities. However there both intravenous thrombolysis and CDT are comparable regarding the clinical outcome.