Rotational coronary atherectomy after unsuccessful coronary balloon angioplasty

Outcomes of rotational atherectomy followed by cutting balloon versus plain balloon before drug-eluting stent implantation for calcified coronary lesions: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare outcomes of rotational atherectomy and cutting balloon (RACB) versus rotational atherectomy and plain balloon (RAPB) before drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in calcified coronary lesions.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing RACB with RAPB were identified through a systematic search of published literature across multiple databases. Random effect meta-analysis was performed to compare the outcome between the two groups.

RESULTS

Four studies were included in the meta-analysis (three observational and one RCT) involving a total of 315 patients. 166 patients had RACB, and 149 patients had RAPB before DES placement with a median follow-up of 11.5 months. Compared with patients who had RAPB there was no difference in MACE (composite of death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization) (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-2.18], slow flow/no reflow (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.23-2.16), all-cause mortality (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.28-14.60), and device success rate (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 0.28-11.18) in the RACB approach. There was a benefit towards less target lesion revascularization in the RACB group; however, this outcome was reported in two studies (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.08-0.99). On meta-regression there was no association between age, sex, diabetes, or lesion location with MACE and all-cause mortality. The studies were homogenous across all outcomes.

CONCLUSION

RACB, as compared with RAPB, had a similar risk of MACE, all-cause mortality, device success, and complication, but a lower risk of target lesion revascularization.

Impact of chronic total occlusion lesions on clinical outcomes in patients receiving rotational atherectomy: results from the ROCK registry

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic total occlusion (CTO) on clinical outcomes in patients with calcified coronary lesions receiving rotational atherectomy (RA). This multi-center registry enrolled consecutive patients with calcified coronary artery disease who underwent RA during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 9 tertiary centers in Korea between January 2010 and October 2019. The primary outcome was target-vessel failure (TVF) which included the composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), and target-vessel revascularization (TVR). A total of 583 lesions were enrolled in this registry and classified as CTO (n = 42 lesions, 7.2%) and non-CTO (n = 541 lesions, 92.8%). The CTO group consisted of younger patients who were more likely to have a history of previous percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The incidence of the primary outcome was 14.1% and 16.7% for the non-CTO group and CTO group, respectively. The primary outcomes observed in the two groups were not significantly different (log-rank p = 0.736). The 18-month clinical outcomes of the CTO group were comparable to those of the non-CTO group in multivariate analysis. About 7% of patients requiring RA have CTO lesions and these patients experience similar clinical outcomes compared with those having non-CTO lesions. Use of RA for CTO lesions was safe despite higher procedural complexity.

Percutaneous Left Main Coronary Intervention: A Review of Plaque Modification in Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis has long been recognized as a marker of increased morbidity and mortality. Current treatment algorithms for LMCA stenosis consider both percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug eluting stents (DES) and coronary bypass surgery, each with advantages based on individual patient characteristics. Since the LMCA is the largest artery in the coronary tree, plaque volume and calcification is greater than other coronary segments and often extends to the distal bifurcation segment. In LMCA bifurcation lesions, larger minimal stent area is strongly associated with better outcome in the DES era. Plaque modification strategies such as rotational, orbital, or laser atherectomy are effective mechanisms to reduce plaque volume and alter compliance, facilitating stent delivery and stent expansion. We present a case of a calcified, medina class 1,1,1 LMCA lesion where intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and orbital atherectomy were employed for optimal results. In this context, we review the evidence of plaque modification devices and the rationale for their use in unprotected left main PCI.

Patient Selection and Procedural Considerations for Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System

Despite advances in technology, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severely calcified coronary lesions remains challenging. Rotational atherectomy is one of the current therapeutic options to manage calcified lesions, but has a limited role in facilitating the dilation or stenting of lesions that cannot be crossed or expanded with other PCI techniques due to unfavourable clinical outcome in long-term follow-up. However the results of orbital atherectomy presented in the ORBIT I and ORBIT II trials were encouraging. In addition to these encouraging data, necessity for sufficient lesion preparation before implantation of bioresorbable scaffolds lead to resurgence in the use of atherectomy. This article summarises currently available publications on orbital atherectomy (Cardiovascular Systems Inc.) and compares them with rotational atherectomy.

Clinical predictors of mortality following rotational atherectomy and stent implantation in high-risk patients: A single center experience

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to assess the procedural success and determine the clinical predictors of postprocedure mortality, following rotational atherectomy (RA) and stenting in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND

RA is mainly used to facilitate stenting in complex lesions. Outcomes involving RA and stenting have been investigated, yet high-risk patients have not been adequately described.

METHODS

Data of 218 consecutive patients who underwent RA were evaluated in a prospective register. Primary endpoints were the angiographic success and long-term mortality. Secondary endpoints were procedural success, consumption of the angioplasty equipment, and periprocedural major adverse cardiac events. The impact of the relevant angiographic and clinical characteristics on long-term mortality was analyzed using uni- and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 70 ± 8.2 years, diabetes was present in 44%, and chronic renal failure in 29%. Prior myocardial infarction and three-vessel disease amounted to 42.2% and 32.6%, respectively. Altogether, 52.8% of patients underwent RA after a failed, non-RA intervention attempt, and 30.7% of cases presented as acute coronary syndromes. Angiographic success was 100%, and all patients received stents after RA. Periprocedural major adverse cardiac events occurred in five (2.3%) patients. Postprocedural death was investigated, with a mean follow-up of 36 months. Mortality amounted to 37.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed that left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min, cardiogenic shock, and diabetes were the only independent mortality predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

We have found that RA and stenting is feasible and viable in an elderly high-risk population, with exceptional procedural success and acceptable long-term results.

Orbital atherectomy system in treating calcified coronary lesions: 3-Year follow-up in first human use study (ORBIT I trial)

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The ORBIT I trial evaluated the safety and performance of an orbital atherectomy system (OAS) in treating de novo calcified coronary lesions. Severely calcified coronary arteries pose ongoing treatment challenges. Stent placement in calcified lesions can result in stent under expansion, malapposition and procedural complications. OAS treatment may be recommended to facilitate coronary stent implantation in these difficult lesions.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Fifty patients with de novo calcified coronary lesions were enrolled in the ORBIT I trial. Patients were treated with the OAS followed by stent placement. Our institution treated 33/50 patients and continued follow-up for 3 years.

RESULTS

Average age was 54.4 years and 90.9% were males. Mean lesion length was 15.9mm. The average number of OAS devices used per patient was 1.3. Procedural success was achieved in 97% of patients. Angiographic complications were observed in five patients (two minor dissections, one major dissection and two perforations). The cumulative major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate was 6.1% in-hospital, 9.1% at 30 days, 12.1% at 6 months, 15.2% at 2 years, and 18.2% at 3years. The MACE rate included two in-hospital non Q-wave myocardial infarctions (MI), one additional non Q-wave MI at 30 days leading to target lesion revascularization (TLR), and three cardiac deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The ORBIT I trial suggests that OAS treatment may offer an effective method to modify calcified coronary lesion compliance to facilitate optimal stent placement in these difficult-to-treat patients with acceptable levels of safety up to 3 years post-index procedure.

An evidence-based approach to the use of rotational and directional coronary atherectomy in the era of drug-eluting stents: when does it make sense?

Advances in percutaneous interventions have profoundly changed the way we manage patients with coronary and peripheral arterial disease. Though the use of stents, particularly drug-eluting stents, is the preferred method for revascularization because of ease of use and lower restenosis rates, there are many short comings. Ostial and bifurcation lesions as well as heavily calcified and tortuous arteries remain problematic. Mechanical debulking with rotational and direct coronary atherectomy may be beneficial in these situations. In this review, we present the general concepts of mechanical debulking and attempt to summarize the available data on its use in the setting of drug-eluting stents. In addition, we will discuss its special role in the management of peripheral arterial disease.

Usefulness of conquest guidewire for retrieval of an entrapped rotablator burr

We experienced an entrapped rotablator burr that could not be retrieved even by deep seating of the guiding catheter. We successfully retrieved the burr by balloon inflation after the tapered tip of a Conquest wire managed to penetrate the quite hard plaque and pass through the outer lumen of the burr.

Meta-Analysis of randomized trials of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty versus atherectomy, cutting balloon atherotomy, or laser angioplasty

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic overview (meta-analysis) of randomized trials of balloon angioplasty versus coronary atherectomy, laser angioplasty, or cutting balloon atherotomy to evaluate the effects of plaque modification during percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND

Several mechanical approaches have been developed that ablate or section atheromatous plaque during percutaneous coronary interventions to optimize acute results, minimize intimal injury, and reduce complications and restenosis.

METHODS

Sixteen trials (9,222 patients) constitute the randomized controlled experience with atherectomy, laser, or atherotomy versus balloon angioplasty with or without coronary stenting. Each trial tested the hypothesis that ablative therapy would result in better clinical or angiographic results than balloon dilation alone.

RESULTS

Short-term death rates (<31 days) were not improved by the use of ablative procedures (0.3% vs. 0.4%, odds ratio [OR] 0.94 [95% confidence interval 0.46 to 1.92]), but periprocedural myocardial infarctions (4.4% vs. 2.5%, OR 1.83 [95% CI 1.43 to 2.34]) and major adverse cardiac events (5.1% vs. 3.3%, OR 1.54 [95% CI 1.25 to 1.89]) were increased. Angiographic restenosis rates (6,958 patients) were not improved with the ablative devices (38.9% vs. 37.4%, OR 1.06 [95% CI 0.97 to 1.17]). No reduction in revascularization rates (25.2% vs. 24.5%, OR 1.04 [95% CI 0.94 to 1.14]) or cumulative adverse cardiac events rates up to one year after treatment were seen with ablative devices (27.8% vs. 26.1%, OR 1.09 [95% CI 0.99 to 1.20]).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined experience from randomized trials suggests that ablative devices failed to achieve predefined clinical and angiographic outcomes. This meta-analysis does not support the hypothesis that routine ablation or sectioning of atheromatous tissue is beneficial during percutaneous coronary interventions.

Coronary rotational atherectomy in current practice: Acute and mid-term results in high- and low-volume centers

We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the indications, technique, in-hospital and 9-month results of consecutive patients treated with rotational atherectomy (RA) in 12 centers during 1 year, as well as their relationship with volume of RA activity. The study included 345 lesions in 289 patients treated (4.4% +/- 2.6% of procedures at the participating centers). The lesions were mostly calcified (63%) and type B2 or C (74%). Procedural success was obtained in 94% of patients, with a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate of 4.5%. At 9 months, MACE occurred in 17.3%. Multivariate analysis identified multivessel disease and slow flow as negative predictors of procedural success, whereas balloon pressure <or= 6 atm and hypercholesterolemia were associated with decreased MACE at 9 months. Center RA volume was not associated with in-hospital or 9-month outcome. We conclude that RA, even when used sporadically in selected complex lesions, can provide good immediate and mid-term results.

Current status of rotational atherectomy

Despite the increasing use of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and intracoronary stent placement for the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease, a large subset of coronary lesions cannot be adequately treated with balloon angioplasty and/or intracoronary stenting alone. Such lesions are often heavily calcified or fibrotic and undilatable with the present balloon technology and attempts to treat them with balloon angioplasty or intracoronary stent placement often lead to vessel dissection or incomplete stent deployment with resultant adverse outcomes. Rotational atherectomy remains a useful niche device for the percutaneous treatment of such complex lesions, usually as an adjunct to subsequent balloon angioplasty and/or intracoronary stent placement. In contrast to balloon angioplasty or stent placement that widen the coronary lumen by displacing atherosclerotic plaque, rotational atherectomy removes plaque by ablating the atherosclerotic material, which is dispersed into the distal coronary circulation. Other lesion subtypes amenable to treatment with this modality include ostial and branch-ostial lesions, chronic total occlusions, and in-stent restenosis. This review discusses the technique and principles of rotational atherectomy, the various treatment strategies for its use (including adjunctive pharmacotherapy), the lesion-specific applications for this device, and the complications unique to this modality. Recommendations are also made for its use in the current interventional era.

High-speed rotational atherectomy and coronary stenting: QCA and QCU analysis

To evaluate the acute effect of pretreatment with high-speed rotational atherectomy (HSRA) on stent deployment (rotastenting), we studied 33 patients with rotastenting of 40 segments, 34 patients with 40 coronary segments treated with Palmaz-Schatz stenting alone, and 34 patients with 40 segments treated with HSRA. The HSRA- and stent-alone patient groups were selected retrospectively by matching the quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) reference diameter (D ref). QCA revealed similar baseline percent of stenosis (85.3% +/- 12.4%), minimal luminal diameter (MLD), and D ref. The percent area expansion was calculated as a ratio between the minimal intrastent area and the reference area measured by intracoronary ultrasound. The rotastent group was characterized by more frequent calcification compared to HSRA and stent groups (67.5% vs. 20% and 12.5%; P < 0.01). Lesion length determined by QCA was longer both in the HSRA and the rotastent groups vs. the stent-alone group (21.1 +/- 12.3 and 20.9 +/- 4.3 vs. 17.0 +/- 7.7 mm; P < 0.05). In this small study, there was no difference demonstrated between final MLD in the rotastent and stent-alone groups. However, a smaller MLD was achieved in the HSRA group (3.0 +/- 0.7 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.5 +/- 0.7 mm, respectively; P < 0.01). The degree of stent expansion was higher in the rotastent group compared to the stent-alone group (91.9% +/- 4.4% vs. 79.7% +/- 3.4%; P < 0.03) and the % residual area of plaque was less for the rotastent group than for the stent-alone group (12.1% +/- 13.2% vs. 21.1% +/- 17.5%; P = 0.03). These data suggest that antecedent HSRA atheroma debulking using HSRA results in improved intravascular stent expansion and reduction in residual plaque, facilitating optimal stent deployment.

Successful rotational atherectomy in the setting of extensive coronary dissection: a case of failed balloon angioplasty in a nondilatable calcified lesion complicated by balloon rupture and extensive dissection

We describe a case of rotational atherectomy (RA) used in the setting of extensive coronary dissection. Unsuccessful predilitation of a heavily calcified proximal LAD stenosis resulted in balloon rupture, which produced occlusive dissection extending into the mid LAD. Limited options for this patient required that we perform RA to permit stent delivery and deployment and avoid anterior myocardial infarction. A brief discussion of reasons for balloon angioplasty failure and the potential role for subsequent RA is given. Predictors for coronary perforation when performing RA are reviewed. Our rationale and strategy to avoid the increased risk of perforation with RA in this contraindicated setting of extensive dissection is given.

Improved outcome with novel device for low-pressure PTCA in de novo and in-stent lesions

PURPOSE

Complex lesion morphology requiring the use of high pressure to effect lumen expansion and in-stent restenosis (ISR) remain two indications that challenge conventional PTCA balloons. We report on a new PTCA device that is designed to provide precise, low-pressure dilatation of both de novo and in-stent lesions.

METHODS

The FX miniRAIL catheter (FX) has an integral wire positioned external to a dilating balloon and a short, 12-mm guidewire lumen distal to the balloon. The balloon inflates against the guidewire and the external wire to prevent slippage and to introduce high focal longitudinal stresses at low inflation pressures. In this initial study, the FX was used in 37 lesions (25 de novo, 12 in-stent; vessel reference diameter=2.73+/-0.49 mm) in 30 patients. A stepwise inflation protocol and QCA were used to determine the balloon pressure at which the stenosis was resolved (stenosis resolution pressure, SRP).

RESULTS

All lesions (100%) were easily reached, crossed and dilated without complication. The SRP was 4.5+/-2.9 atm, and no balloon slippage was observed. Residual stenosis after FX was 26.39+/-13.29%. Minor dissections (Types A and B) were observed in eight lesions (21.6%). Target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at follow-up (8.1+/-1.5 months) were 8.3% and 12.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The design of the FX is versatile and appears to provide for a safe, effective and improved low-pressure PTCA technique in de novo and in-stent lesions.

[In-hospital major complications associated with rotational atherectomy: experience with 800 patients at a single center]

INTRODUCTION

Rotational atherectomy is usually performed in patients with angiographically determined high risk coronary lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of major adverse cardiac events (death, Q-wave infarction or new revascularization) after rotational atherectomy, as well as to identify the clinical characteristics associated with this incidence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study population included 800 patients treated with rotational atherectomy from 1993 to 1999: 512 (64%), for de novo lesions, and 288 (36%) for restenosis. Balloon dilation and coronary stenting was performed in 95% and 34% of patients, respectively.

RESULTS

During hospitalization, 17 patients (2.1%) died, 16 (2%) had a Q-wave infarction, 30 (3.8%) a non-Q infarction, and new revascularization was performed in 28 (3.5%). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 6.5% (n = 52), this incidence being higher in the presence of diabetes (8.9 vs. 4.4%; p = 0.01), unstable angina or acute/recent myocardial infarction (7.6 vs. 3.3%; p = 0.02), multivessel disease (8.6 vs. 3.3%; p < 0.01), treated vessel other than right coronary (7.0 vs. 1.7%; p = 0.01), procedure in > 1 vessel (10.7 vs. 4.7%; p < 0.01), angiographic failure (62.5 vs. 5.5%; p < 0.001), and de novo lesions (8.4 vs. 2.5%; p < 0.01), with diabetes and treatment of de novo lesions being independent predictors of major adverse cardiac events. However, age, previous infarction, and left ventricular dysfunction, were not associated with the rate of events.

CONCLUSION

Some simple variables are associated with a higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events after rotational atherectomy. Advanced age, previous infarction and left ventricular dysfunction, however, do not necessarily imply a poorer prognosis in these patients.

Treatment of infrapopliteal occlusive disease by high-speed rotational atherectomy: initial and mid-term results

PURPOSE

To assess the effectiveness and patency rates of high-speed rotational atherectomy (HSRA) for the treatment of infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During an 18-month period, a total of 19 infrapopliteal lesions in 15 consecutive patients were treated primarily by HSRA with use of the Rotablator device. Patients were followed up with documentation of clinical symptoms, standardized treadmill exercise, and Doppler sonography at 1, 3, and 6 months. Control angiography was performed 6 months after primary treatment.

RESULTS

HSRA was initially successful in 14 of 15 patients, yielding an initial technical success rate of 94%. Percutaneous treatment induced an improvement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) from 0.6 +/- 0.09 to 0.86 +/- 0.2 after intervention (P < .0001). Doppler analysis showed a mean ABI of 0.85 +/- 0.2 (P < .001) at 1 month, 0.72 +/- 0.2 (P = .012) at 3 months, and 0.7 +/- 0.2 (P = .08) at 6 months after initial therapy. Although six patients were lost to follow-up at various times, control angiography at 6 months was carried out in nine of 15 patients, allowing direct assessment of 12 of 19 treated lesions. Among six high-grade restenoses and five total occlusions in the treated vascular segments, only one arterial lumen (of 12) remained patent without presenting a hemodynamically relevant restenosis. These results led to termination of the study.

CONCLUSION

Although HSRA for the treatment of infrapopliteal occlusive disease yields a very high initial technical success rate, mid-term results are extremely poor. Therefore, HSRA cannot be recommended for primary treatment of this type of lesion.

Rotational Atherectomy in Octogenarians: Results and Follow Up

We examined our first 390 rotational atherectomy procedures to determine success and complications rates of patients aged 80 or greater (Group I, N equals 35) as compared to those younger (Group II, N equals 355). Procedural success was achieved in 32/35 (91%) of Group I and 42/355 (96%) of Group II patients (p equals NS). Coronary artery bypass graft surgery was required in 2/35 (5.7%) of Group I and 7/355 (2%) of Group II patients. No deaths, Q wave infarctions, or perforations occurred in the elderly patients and only one of each was observed in the younger group. During clinical follow up (26 months, 3-50), 4/25 patients (16%) in the octogenarian group died. Two of the deaths were cardiac (including the only crossover to surgery). One patient who sustained a late non Q myocardial infarction was asymptomatic. Of the remaining 20 patients the anginal class was 0-II in 19 and III in one. Rotational atherectomy can achieve excellent short and long term outcomes in selected octogenarians. (c)2000 by CVRR, Inc.

Coronary microembolization--its role in acute coronary syndromes and interventions

The diagnosis coronary artery disease is classically based on patient's symptoms and morphology, as analyzed by angiography. The importance of risk factors for the development of coronary atherosclerosis and disturbance of coronary vasomotion is clearly established. However, microembolization of the coronary circulation has also to be taken into account. Microembolization may occur as a single or as multiple, repetitive events, and it may induce inflammatory responses. Spontaneous microembolization may occur, when the fibrous cap of an atheroma or fibroatheroma (Stary i.v. and Va) ruptures and the lipid pool with or without additional thrombus formation is washed out of the atheroma into the microcirculation. Such events with progressive thrombus formation are known as cyclic flow variations. Plaque rupture occurs more frequently than previously assumed, i.e. in 9% of patients without known heart disease suffering a traffic accident and in 22% of patients with hypertension and diabetes. Also, in patients dying from sudden death microembolization is frequently found. Patients with stable and unstable angina show not only signs of coronary plaque rupture and thrombus formation, but also microemboli and microinfarcts, the only difference between those with stable and unstable angina being the number of events. Appreciation of microembolization may help to better understand the pathogenesis of ischemic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy and acute coronary syndromes, in particular in patients with normal coronary angiograms, but plaque rupture detected by intravascular ultrasound. Also, the benefit from glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist is better understood, when not only the prevention of thrombus formation in the epicardial atherosclerotic plaque, but also that of microemboli is taken into account. Microembolization also occurs during PTCA, inducing elevations of troponin T and I and elevations of the ST segment in the EKG. Elevated baseline coronary blood flow velocity, as a potential consequence of reactive hyperemia in myocardium surrounding areas of microembolization, is more frequent in patients with high frequency rotablation than in patients with stenting and in patients with PTCA. The hypothesis of iafrogenic microembolization during coronary interventions is now supported by the use of aspiration and filtration devices, where particles with a size of up to 700 microns have been retrieved. In the experiment, microembolization is characterized by perfusion-contraction mismatch, as the proportionate reduction of flow and function seen with an epicardial stenosis is lost and replaced by contractile dysfunction in the absence of reduced flow. The analysis of the coronary microcirculation, in addition to that of the morphology and function of epicardial coronary arteries, and in particular appreciation of the concept of microembolization will further improve the understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical symptoms of coronary artery disease.

Clinical trials in interventional cardiology

Several well-designed, randomized trials and registries have recently been completed in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. These studies have further clarified the value of newer pharmacologic and mechanical approaches to patients with atherosclerotic disease and have resulted in improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. As a result, many of the older paradigms of lesion-specific device selection have been revised to include the intricate balance of devices and drugs, tailored to the specific clinical presentation and lesion morphology in patients undergoing PCI. This article reviews several recent clinical trials and discusses their impact on early and late outcomes in patients undergoing PCI for symptomatic coronary artery disease.

Long-term clinical follow-up of patients treated with the coronary rotablator: a single-center experience

The acute angiographic and long-term clinical outcomes of a consecutive series of patients treated with the coronary rotablator at a single center are described. The patient population was a high-risk population, with significant instances of unstable angina or acute myocardial infarctions (MI) on presentation (75.5%), three-vessel coronary artery disease (27.5%), congestive heart failure (23.8%), and diabetes (39%). The coronary anatomy was also complex, with 79.3% of lesions treated being National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) class B or C. The maximum burr:artery ratio averaged 0.79+/-0.11. The maximum balloon:artery ratio averaged 1.19+/-0.17. Acute procedural success was 90%. The reference vessel diameter was 2.72 mm +/-0.54 mm. The average minimum luminal diameter (MLD) preprocedure was 0.87+/-0.31 mm. The average MLD postprocedure was 2.01+/-0.54 mm. The acute gain averaged 1.14+/-0.51 mm. Urgent coronary artery bypass grafting was required in 1% of patients. Subendocardial infarctions occurred in 8.5% of patients, and abrupt closure postprocedure while in hospital occurred in 1% of patients. Reinterventions or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in hospital occurred in only 3.5% of patients; 96% of patients were available for a long-term clinical follow-up. Repeat coronary interventions for target lesion revascularizations were required in 17.4% of patients, coronary artery bypass grafting for target lesion revascularization was necessary in 9.5% of patients, and the combined target lesion revascularization rate was 25.3% at 1 year. Subsequent Q-wave myocardial infarctions or cardiac death occurred in 5.7% of patients at 1 year. Event-free survival was 75.1% at 6 months and 69.9% at 1 year. The strongest predictor of subsequent target lesion revascularization was lesion length (P=0.034) and not the postprocedure MLD (P=0.41). Most major adverse clinical events occurred within the first 4 months and greater than 90% of all major adverse clinical events occurred within the first 6 months. The coronary rotablator was able to achieve a high degree of clinical success in a high-risk patient population with complex anatomy. Most major adverse clinical events occurred early (<6 months) and were comprised principally of target lesion revascularizations. The overall target lesion revascularization rates and combined major adverse clinical event rates are favorable, given the complex anatomy and the high proportion of diabetics, females, and multivessel disease patients treated in this series.

Impact of target lesion calcification on coronary stent expansion after rotational atherectomy

BACKGROUND

Calcified lesions carry the risk of suboptimal stent expansion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of target lesion calcification on intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) guided stent expansion after rotational atherectomy.

METHODS

Stent expansion was assessed by ICUS in 39 patients with the aid of the proximal stent/proximal reference lumen, the minimal stent/mean reference lumen, and the minimal stent/minor reference lumen ratios as well as the symmetry index. Thirty-nine stent implantations in uncalcified lesions served for comparison.

RESULTS

Relative stent expansion ranged between 76.3% +/- 6.7% and 98.4% +/- 16.4%. Categorization according to an ICUS-derived arc of superficial lesion calcium of <180 degrees (average 102 +/- 74 degrees) or >180 degrees (average 248 +/- 71 degrees) revealed decreased stent symmetry in calcified lesions >180 degrees compared with the control group (P <.05). Despite a trend toward less expansion with increasing calcium load, no significant differences of the lumen area ratios between the study groups was present.

CONCLUSION

Rotational atherectomy before ICUS-guided stent implantation enables adequate stent expansion even in significant superficial target lesion calcification.

Acute and late clinical outcome after rotational atherectomy for complex coronary disease

Rotational atherectomy is effective acutely in treating complex coronary disease, but less is known about its long-term clinical outcome. We examined the acute results and late clinical outcome in 178 patients undergoing treatment with this device. Rotational atherectomy was used to treat 240 lesions in 178 individual patients. Nineteen percent had multilesion or staged multivessel procedures, and 71% had AHA-ACC Type B2/C lesions. The procedure was completed successfully in 94% of patients. Major complications occurred in 6% (death 1%, Q-MI 2.8%, and emergency bypass surgery 2.2%). Clinical follow-up was available for 167 (94%) patients at 13+/-6 months. Thirty-five percent required additional catheterization because of recurrent symptoms or an abnormal stress test. Clinical restenosis was confirmed in 18%, and an additional 2.2% of patients had progression of disease in previously untreated segments. At the end of 1 year, 14% had undergone repeat target vessel revascularization. Cumulatively at follow-up, approximately 80% had avoided an acute major complication and repeat revascularization for restenosis. Rotational atherectomy provides excellent acute and good late clinical results. At 1 year follow-up, the likelihood of developing clinical restenosis or significant progression of disease was 1 in 5, and patients had a 1 in 7 chance of requiring revascularization because of restenosis. These findings are encouraging and indicate that rotational atherectomy can be performed safely and with a high degree of acute and late clinical success in complex coronary disease characterized by multivessel or multilesion involvement and a predominance of B2 and C lesions.

[Rotational atherectomy: technique, indications, results]

Rotational atherectomy (Rotablation) represents one of the alternative devices to treat complex coronary artery stenoses. Rather than increasing luminal diameter by arterial stretching and plaque fracture as with balloon angioplasty, rotablation debulks atherosclerotic plaque with an abrasive diamond coated burr. The basic physical principle is differential cutting. It allows the advancing burr to selectively cut inelastic material while elastic tissue deflects away from the burr. 95% of the particles generated by the Rotablator are less than 5 microns. They are removed by the body's reticuloendothelial system. There are different strategies to perform a rotablation, regarding the number of burrs used and the final burr-to-artery ratio. An adjunctive PTCA is recommended without proof by randomized studies so far. The best indication for the Rotablator is the undilatable lesion. Lesion modification (debulking) as a method of improving vessel compliance seems to be also usefull in diffusely diseased and calcified vessels, as well as in aorto-ostial and angulated stenoses. The instent restenoses is a new indication. Randomized studies will have to proof if there is an advantage for rotablation compared to PTCA. Restenosis rates appear comparable to balloon angioplasty.

Management of resistant coronary lesions by the cutting balloon catheter: initial experience

Resistant coronary lesions remain a challenge for modern angioplasty. Classical approaches include high-pressure inflations, prolonged inflations, or balloon oversizing. More recently, new technologies like rotablator, atherectomy, or laser have been proposed as adjunct to balloon angioplasty for the treatment of these specific lesions. However, all these technologies remain more difficult to handle, costly, and they do not offer long-term benefit over conventional methods. Therefore, a simple device such as the cutting balloon catheter which has been developed from a standard over the wire balloon catheter, may prove to be useful in resistant coronary lesions. We present our single center experience using the new cutting balloon catheter in six resistant lesions.

Mechanisms and immediate and long-term results of adjunct directional coronary atherectomy after rotational atherectomy

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to confirm the mechanisms and the immediate and long-term results of rotational atherectomy and adjunct directional coronary atherectomy.

BACKGROUND

Rotational atherectomy is best suited for treating calcific stenoses, but the ability of rotational atherectomy alone to optimize lumen dimensions in large vessels is limited; this is only partly improved by adjunct balloon angioplasty.

METHODS

We treated 165 lesions in 163 patients by use of rotational atherectomy and adjunct directional coronary atherectomy. Quantitative angiography and intravascular ultrasound were used for lesion analysis. A matched comparison with 208 lesions treated with rotational atherectomy and adjunct coronary angioplasty was performed. Patients were then followed up for at least 9 months, and target-lesion revascularization was assessed.

RESULTS

In the 61 lesions imaged sequentially, lumen area increased from 1.7 +/- 0.8 (mean +/- 1 SD) to 3.9 +/- 1.1 mm(2) after rotational atherectomy, owing to a decrease in plaque plus media area from 16.8 +/- 5.0 to 15.2 +/- 5.2 mm(2) (both p < 0.0001). After adjunct directional coronary atherectomy, lumen area increased even more to 6.7 +/- 2.0 mm(2) (vs. 5.1 +/- 1.4 mm(2) after adjunct coronary angioplasty, p < 0.0001) as a result of both vessel expansion (18.8 +/ 5.3 to 20.8 +/- 5.7 mm(2)) and additional plaque removal (to 14.1 +/- 5.0 mm(2), all p < 0.0001). The total arcs of calcium decreased from 207 +/- 107 degrees to 166 +/- 93 degrees after rotational atherectomy and to 145 +/- 87 degrees after directional coronary atherectomy. Overall, procedural success was 96%, and final diameter stenosis was 15 +/- 17%. Target-lesion revascularization was 23%. The only independent predictor of target-lesion revascularization was a larger overall atherectomy index (84% vs. 59%, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a synergistic relationship between rotational atherectomy and directional coronary atherectomy in the treatment of calcific lesions. The immediate results show a high procedural success--lumen dimensions were larger and late target-lesion revascularization was lower in lesions treated with rotational atherectomy and directional coronary atherectomy than in those treated with rotational atherectomy and adjunct balloon angioplasty.

Mechanism of high-speed rotational atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty revisited by quantitative coronary angiography: edge detection versus videodensitometry

High-speed rotational coronary atherectomy (RA) is primarily used to treat complex lesions. Quantitative angiographic analysis of such complex lesions by edge detection is often unsuitable, whereas videodensitometry, measuring vessel dimensions independently of the target stenosis contours, may offer potential advantages. To gain insight into the operative mechanism of RA and to study the agreement between the two quantitative angiographic methods in measuring the minimal luminal cross-sectional area, the edge detection and videodensitometry techniques were applied to coronary angiograms of 21 lesions in 19 patients with symptoms who underwent successful RA and balloon angioplasty (BA). Obstruction diameter as determined by edge detection increased from 1.00 +/- 0.31 mm before intervention to 1.35 +/- 0.29 mm after RA (p < 0.001) and further increased to 1.74 +/- 0.33 mm after adjunctive BA (p > 0.001). The mean between-method difference (edge detection minus videodensitometry) was 0.34 mm2 before intervention, 0.13 mm2 after RA, and 0.09 mm2 after adjunctive BA (not significant). The standard deviation of the differences decreased from +/- 0.87 mm2 before intervention to +/- 0.80 mm2 after RA (not significant) and increased after BA significantly to +/- 1.21 mm2 (p < 0.05). Thus edge detection and videodensitometry provided equivalent immediate angiographic results after RA and adjunctive BA. The good agreement after RA may reflect the operative mechanism of RA, which by ablation of noncompliant plaque material yields a circular symmetric lumen with smooth surface. The increased dispersion of the between-method differences observed after adjunctive BA presumably results from dissections, plaque ruptures, and loss of luminal smoothness after balloon dilatation.

Rotational atherectomy in restenotic lesions at the distal saphenous vein graft anastomosis

Restenotic lesions at distal saphenous vein graft (SVG) anastomoses have been notoriously difficult to treat with standard angioplasty techniques. We explored the potential of rotational atherectomy in three patients with nonthrombotic, focal restenoses at the SVG touch down. The Rotablator safely and successfully recanalized the lesions, allowing further treatment with dilation or stenting or both. Rotational atherectomy may warrant investigation as a treatment for nonthrombotic restenotic SVG lesions.

High speed rotational atherectomy: outcome in calcified and noncalcified coronary artery lesions

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the success and complication rates of high speed rotational coronary atherectomy in calcified and noncalcified lesions.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and directional coronary atherectomy of calcified lesions are associated with reduced procedural success and increased complications. Rotational atherectomy using the Rotablator catheter abrades noncompliant plaque and may improve outcome in calcified lesions.

METHODS

Data from the completed Multicenter Rotablator Registry of 2,161 rotational atherectomy procedures in single lesions were analyzed to determine the relative efficacy of rotational atherectomy for 1,078 calcified and 1,083 noncalcified lesions. The power of the study was 0.86 to detect a significant difference in outcome, if the true success rates in the noncalcified and calcified lesions were 96% and 93%, respectively.

RESULTS

Patients with calcified lesions were older (mean [+/- SD] age 66.2 +/- 10.3 vs. 60.5 +/- 11.0 years, p = 0.0001) than those with noncalcified lesions. Calcified lesions were more frequently new (75% vs. 64%, p = 0.0001), angulated (27% vs. 22%, p = 0.02), eccentric (75% vs. 64%, p = 0.0001) and long (32% vs. 27%, > 10 mm in length, p = 0.01). They were also more often complex (57% vs. 46%, p = 0.001) and located in the left anterior descending coronary artery (51% vs. 44%, p = 0.001). Adjunctive coronary angioplasty was used in 82.9% of calcified and 66.9% of noncalcified lesions. Procedural success, defined as < 50% residual stenosis without major complications, was achieved in 94.3% of calcified and 95.2% of noncalcified lesions (p = 0.32). Major complication rates were 4.1% in calcified and 3.1% in noncalcified lesions (p = 0.24). Non-Q wave myocardial infarction was documented in 10.0% of calcified and 7.7% of noncalcified lesions (p = 0.054). Mean postprocedural residual stenosis was 21.6 +/- 13.9% in calcified and 23.3 +/- 15% in noncalcified lesions (p = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

In this review of data from a large multicenter registry, the success rate of rotational atherectomy was not reduced by calcification despite the more frequent complex nature of the calcified lesions. The Rotablator catheter is likely to be the device of choice for percutaneous intervention in calcified lesions, but definitive conclusions await the results of randomized trials.

Emergency rotational ablation of a calcified left main coronary artery stenosis in a patient with ischemic induced cardiogenic shock

High-speed rotational ablation is ideal in the treatment of chronic calcified atherosclerotic lesions. This report describes an elderly woman with a prior history of coronary artery bypass surgery, who developed cardiogenic shock secondary to occlusion of a saphenous vein graft to the obtuse marginal branch of the circumflex coronary artery. Her left main coronary artery was heavily calcified and almost completely occluded. She was treated successfully by high-speed rotational ablation of her left main stenosis.

Case report: A new guidewire for coronary rotational ablation

We report three cases using a new guidewire designed for coronary rotational ablation. The tips are .014 in diameter and available in different degrees of flexibility. The improved torquability of these guidewires may improve the success rate of coronary rotablation in select cases.

High-resolution MR imaging of human arteries

The authors studied the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearance of excised human arteries and correlated these findings with those from histologic sections obtained in corresponding planes. Imaging was performed with a 1.5-T clinical imager modified with an additional gradient insert capable of a 30 mT/m gradient. High-resolution images of arteries obtained at autopsy indicated that the medial and adventitial layers could be distinguished and that T2-weighted sequences offered superior contrast. Intimal thickening could be detected at a relatively early stage as a long T2 rim on the luminal surface of the artery. Atherosclerotic plaque was found to have MR properties similar to those of intimal thickening, although necrotic regions within plaque had low signal intensity. Fat suppression sequences did not significantly alter the appearance of atherosclerotic plaque. Calcified plaque produced effects ranging from slight signal loss to signal void. MR imaging findings correlated reliably with the tissue types indicated by histologic analysis.

Peripheral vascular complications of directional coronary atherectomy and stenting: predictors, management, and outcome

The hospital course of 688 patients consecutively treated with directional coronary atherectomy (375 procedures) or Palmaz-Schatz stenting (376 procedures) was evaluated to identify incidence, predictors, and outcome of major vascular complications. Major vascular complications (defined as surgical repair, major hematoma, or bleeding with a > 10-point hematocrit decrease requiring transfusion alone, or nonsurgically managed arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, retroperitoneal hematoma or femoral neuropathy) occurred in 11.7% of procedures, and were more common after stenting than after directional coronary atherectomy (16.8% vs 6.7%, p < 0.001). In particular, surgical repair was required after 10.1% of stenting procedures, versus 5.1% of directional coronary atherectomies (p < 0.02). Multivariable analysis identified age > 70 years, coronary stenting, female gender, multiple procedures during the index hospitalization, and a low nadir platelet count as independent predictors of major vascular complications (all p < 0.03). In the stent subgroup, excessive anticoagulation, nadir platelet count, hypertension, and sheath removal protocol (other than a same-day, activated clotting time-guided protocol) were all independent predictors of vascular complications. Thus, the overall risk of vascular complications with new device procedures (stenting, directional atherectomy) is greater than that traditionally seen with balloon angioplasty alone, and is determined by patient-related factors, procedure type, and management parameters.