Technical and Clinical Success and Long-Term Durability of Endovascular Treatment for Atherosclerotic Aortic Arch Branch Origin Obstruction: Evaluation of 144 Procedures

Brazilian Angiology and Vascular Surgery Society Guidelines for the treatment of extracranial cerebrovascular disease

Extracranial cerebrovascular disease has been the subject of intense research throughout the world, and is of paramount importance for vascular surgeons. This guideline, written by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV), supersedes the 2015 guideline. Non-atherosclerotic carotid artery diseases were not included in this document. The purpose of this guideline is to bring together the most robust evidence in this area in order to help specialists in the treatment decision-making process. The AGREE II methodology and the European Society of Cardiology system were used for recommendations and levels of evidence. The recommendations were graded from I to III, and levels of evidence were classified as A, B, or C. This guideline is divided into 11 chapters dealing with the various aspects of extracranial cerebrovascular disease: diagnosis, treatments and complications, based on up-to-date knowledge and the recommendations proposed by SBACV.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Outcome of Different Treatments for Innominate Artery Stenosis or Occlusion

The present study reported the outcomes of different treatments for innominate artery (IA) atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion. We performed a systematic review of the literature (4 database searched; last search February 2022), including articles with ≥5 patients. We performed meta-analyses of proportions for different postoperative outcomes. Fourteen studies were included (656 patients; 396 underwent surgery, 260 endovascular procedures). IA lesions were asymptomatic in 9.6% (95% CI 4.6-14.6). Overall estimated technical success (TS) rate was 91.7% (95% CI 86.9-96.4); weighted TS rate was 86.8% (95% CI 75-98.6) in the surgical group (SG), 97.1% (95% CI 94.6-99.7) in the endovascular group (EG). Postoperative stroke in SG was 2.5% (95% CI 1-4.1) and 2.1% in EG (95% CI .3-3.8). Overall, 30-day occlusion was estimated .9% (95% CI 0-1.8) in SG and .7% (95% CI 0-1.7) in EG. Thirty-day mortality was 3.4% (95% CI .9-5.8) in SG and .7% (95% CI 0-1.7) in EG. Estimated mean follow-up after intervention was 65.5 months (95% CI 45.5-85.5) in SG and 22.4 months (95% CI 14.72-30.16) in EG. During follow-up, restenosis in SG were 2.8% (95% CI .5-5.1) and 16.6% (95% CI 5- 28.1) in EG. In conclusion, the endovascular approach seems to offer good short to mid-term outcomes, but with a higher rate of restenosis during follow-up.

Subclavian artery revascularization with subclavian-carotid transposition for TEVAR and non-TEVAR patients

BACKGROUND

Subclavian artery revascularization (SAR) has become an increasingly performed technique in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR), in order to optimize the proximal landing zone, or in patients with significant atherosclerotic diseases. SAR was usually achieved through carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB) which is daunted by graft and patency-related issues, or through subclavian carotid transposition (SCT) which has recently been reconsidered as a potential solution. Nowadays, multiple endovascular strategies including parallel grafts, chimney graft and branch-fenestrated repair, are available in patients unfit for open SAR. However, there is no consensus on the preferable technique in both TEVAR- and non TEVAR-patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with SCT in terms of overall postoperative adverse events and mid-term patency rate.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study, including all patients who underwent SCT between June 2014 and March 2020 at our Division. Preoperative risk factors, symptoms, intraoperative details, postoperative outcomes and follow-up data were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients were included in this study. Indications for SCT included aortic arch debranching for TEVAR for thoracic aortic aneurysm and type B dissection and symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). There were no major perioperative adverse events or major neurological complications; five minor adverse events occurred (18.5%) (3 Horner' Syndrome, 1 hematoma requiring reoperation,1 pneumothorax). Peripheral nerve injuries and lymphatic lesions were not recorded. On a mean follow-up of 21±16 months, SCT patency was confirmed in all patients and no deaths occurred. Comparison of baseline and operative characteristics and intraoperative details between groups of patients with or without adverse events did not found differences.

CONCLUSIONS

SCT should be considered a feasible, effective and safe technique for SAR, with low perioperative complications and optimal mid-term patency. This surgical technique appears to provide a lower risk of neurological events and mortality, particularly in TEVAR patients, reducing the complications caused by the coverage of the left subclavian artery.

[Treatment of atherosclerotic lesion of the first segment of subclavian artery]

Severe subclavian artery lesion is an important medical and social problem worsening the quality of life and leading to dire consequences. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is the main syndrome of lesion of the first segment of subclavian artery. About 20% of all ischemic strokes occur in vertebrobasilar basin. At present, surgical treatment of asymptomatic patients with severe lesion of the 1st segment of subclavian artery is still debatable. Open surgery is optimal for occlusion of this vascular segment. Carotid-subclavian transposition is a preferable option with favorable in-hospital and long-term results. However, carotid-subclavian bypass is an equivalent alternative in case of difficult transposition following anatomical and topographic features of vascular architectonics. Endovascular treatment is preferable for isolated subclavian artery stenosis and should certainly include stenting.

Preliminary experience with new generation balloon expandable stent-graft in the treatment of innominate artery obstructive disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe a single center preliminary experience with the use of a specific balloon expandable stent-graft for the treatment of innominate artery (IA) obstructive lesions.

METHODS

We report our experience with four male patients treated with Gore Viabahn balloon (Gore Medical, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) expandable stent-graft for different types of IA stenosis: three patients were symptomatic for vertebrobasilar insufficiency, while one patient was asymptomatic for cerebrovascular symptoms. The stent grafts were deployed using retrograde (N.=2) or antegrade approach (N.=2), aiming to cover the entire lesions length and to slightly protrude into the aortic arch. Post-dilatation was performed with a compliant balloon. One patient presented a tandem lesion (IA and right internal carotid artery) and after the stenting of the IA he was treated also with a carotid artery stenting during the same procedure.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients. No perioperative or postoperative complications had been reported and the neurological disorders disappeared for the three symptomatic patients. After a mean clinical and radiological follow-up of 24±5 months, all the stents were patent and perfectly adapted to the vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary clinical experience shows that the use of the Gore Viabahn balloon (Gore Medical) expandable stent-graft seems safe and feasible for the treatment of the IA obstructive lesions, also in presence of irregular plaques and hostile anatomies for an endovascular treatment. Larger experiences and long-term data are mandatory.

Y Stent Rendezvous to Treat Symptomatic Innominate Artery Stenosis

A male in his 60s presented with transient ischemic attacks 5 years after aortic arch branch graft repair for type A aortic dissection. Computed tomographic angiography demonstrated 80% stenosis of the brachiocephalic artery close to the origins of the right common carotid and subclavian arteries. The case was reviewed at our multidisciplinary aortic meeting and a plan for endovascular management was made. Percutaneous endovascular Y stenting from the innominate artery into the left common carotid and subclavian arteries was achieved using self-expanding nitinol stents with a rendezvous technique that included retrograde right radial artery, retrograde right external carotid artery, and retrograde right femoral arterial approaches. At 6 months review, the stents remained widely patent and the patient was symptom-free.

Finding the optimal access for proximal upper limb artery (PULA) interventions: Lessons learned from the PULA multicenter registry

OBJECTIVE

The multicenter proximal upper limb artery (PULA) Registry was created to study the optimal puncture sites for the interventions involving the subclavian, axillary, and innominate arteries.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the optimal vascular access for PULA interventions, despite the well-known technical complexity of these procedures.

METHODS

We performed the retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated for symptomatic steno-occlusive disease of the proximal upper limb arteries between January 2015 and December 2019 in three high-volume centers. Acute thrombotic occlusions were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-two patients were treated for significant stenosis and 108 for total occlusion. The baseline patient's characteristics were similar, except for the higher median age of the stenotic patients: 68.5 years (31.1; 90.0) versus 64 years (38.0; 86.0) p = 0.0015. Successful revascularization rate was higher in the stenotic group 93.75% (255/272) versus 86.11% (93/108) p = 0.0230, while the procedure length 27 min (8; 133) versus 46 min (7; 140) p = 0.0001 and fluoroscopy times 439 s (92; 2993) versus 864 s (86; 4176) p = 0.0001 were higher in the occlusion group. The main adverse event rate was similarly low. Dual access was used more often to treat occlusions (60.19% (65/108) vs. 11.40% (31/272) p = 0.0001) without significantly increasing the complication rate. The safest access was ultrasound-guided distal radial artery puncture, significantly better than conventional radial access with 0% (0/31) versus 13.6% (18/131) p = 0.0253 complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The percutaneous revascularization of proximal upper limb arteries is a safe and effective. Dual access can be applied to increase treatment efficacy, without significantly compromising safety.

Carotid-carotid crossover bypass after mechanical thrombectomy for internal carotid artery occlusion due to plaque from stenosed innominate artery

Background:

The treatment for internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) due to innominate artery stenosis is not well established. We herein describe a case of carotid–carotid crossover bypass and common carotid artery (CCA) ligation after mechanical thrombectomy for ICAO due to a plaque from the stenosed innominate artery.

Case Description:

A 70-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of left-sided hemiparalysis. Head magnetic resonance imaging/angiography showed a cerebral infarction in the right middle cerebral artery area and the right ICAO due to a plaque from the stenosed innominate artery. Immediately, we performed mechanical thrombectomy and successfully attained partial revascularization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Grade 2B). After a conference with cardiovascular group, we performed carotid–carotid crossover bypass and the right CCA ligation. The treatment was successful, and no complications occurred.

Conclusion:

Carotid–carotid crossover bypass and CCA ligation may be a better option for innominate artery stenosis in selected patients.

Staged strategy using a transcarotid approach for acute tandem occlusions with left common carotid artery origin steno-occlusive lesion

Background:

Endovascular treatment for acute tandem occlusion (ATO) of the combination of an ipsilateral extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) steno-occlusive lesion with concurrent intracranial artery occlusion is challenging. Whether extracranial lesions, especially in cases of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) origin steno-occlusive lesions, should be treated after recanalization of an occluded intracranial artery by mechanical thrombectomy simultaneously in the same session has not been established. We report two cases of successful ATO with LCCA origin steno-occlusive lesions treated by staged retrograde transcarotid LCCA stenting followed emergent mechanical thrombectomy in two sessions because of the tortuous aortic arch.

Case Description:

A 61-year-old man with left ICA occlusion and an 82-year-old woman with left middle cerebral artery occlusion underwent emergent mechanical thrombectomy for ATO with LCCA origin stenoocclusive lesions. We achieved recanalization of large vessels, but severe stenosis of LCCAs remained. Because of the tortuous aortic arch, we decided to treat LCCA origin steno-occlusive lesions with staged stenting in the other session followed emergent mechanical thrombectomy. Postoperative courses were uneventful, and their symptoms improved. We performed stenting using a transcarotid approach through CCA cut down for LCCA steno-occlusive lesions without any complications.

Conclusion:

The staged strategy leaving LCCA origin stenosis seems to offer a better strategy than the simultaneous strategy for ATO with LCCA origin steno-occlusive lesions. A retrograde transcarotid approach through CCA cut down is recommended for LCCA stenting.

[Variant of endarterectomy from common carotid artery in its total occlusion]

Currently, there are relatively few publications in the literature on reconstruction of the common carotid artery (CCA). CCA occlusion occurs in 2-4% of patients examined for cerebrovascular disease. Most described surgical techniques of blood flow restoration for CCA occlusions are: coronary artery bypass grafting, retrograde loop endarterectomy, endovascular and hybrid interventions. These techniques yield good remote results, however they are not devoid of disadvantages. This article describes a clinical case report concerning successful autotransplantation of the CCA in a female patient presenting with a tandem lesion: total occlusion of the right CCA and haemodynamically significant stenosis of the ostium of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). This technique is considered to be an effective method of surgical treatment of lesions of the right CCA.

Rendezvous endovascular common carotid artery stenting (RECCAS) technique for symptomatic steno-occlusive disease

This report describes a patient who presented with acute but transient right arm weakness and altered sensation secondary to severe stenosis of the left common carotid artery (CCA) origin. Endovascular stenting of the stenosed origin was achieved utilising a novel rendezvous technique through combined retrograde common carotid artery and anterograde transfemoral approaches. This technique has numerous potential advantages over traditional transfemoral endovascular and open retrograde common carotid artery approaches. It allows increased procedural control and success in traversing the stenosis and provides a smooth transition for the stent delivery catheter. An open cutdown procedure or open surgical technique is not required. Our patient recovered well from the procedure with no complications within the three-month follow up period.

Long-term Outcome of Axillo-axillary Bypass in Patients with Subclavian or Innominate Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Subclavian or innominate artery stenosis (SAS) may cause upper extremity and cerebral ischemia. In patients with symptomatic subclavian or innominate artery stenosis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is the treatment of first choice. When percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is technically restricted or unsuccessful, an extrathoracic bypass grafting, such as an axillo-axillary bypass can be considered. The patency rate of axillo-axillary bypass is often questioned. The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of patients undergoing axillo-axillary bypass for subclavian or innominate artery stenosis (SAS) and to provide a literature overview.

METHODS

In this single-center study, data from patients who underwent axillo-axillary bypass for symptomatic SAS between 2002 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Bypass material was Dacron® (54%) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (46%). Primary outcome was graft patency and secondary outcome was the occurrence of mortality and stroke. In addition, a systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases including all studies describing patency of axillo-axillary bypass.

RESULTS

In total, 28 axillo-axillary bypasses had been performed. Cumulative primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates at one year were 89%, 93%, and 96%, respectively. Cumulative primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates at five years were 76%, 84%, and 87%, respectively. The primary-assisted patency rates at five years for Dacron® and PTFE were 93% and 73%, respectively. A total of four primary axillo-axillary bypass occlusions occurred (14%), with a mean of 12 months (range, 0.4-25) after operation. The 30-day mortality was 7%; one patient died after a stroke and one died of a myocardial infarction. At the first postoperative follow-up control, 22 of the 26 remaining patients (85%) had relief of symptoms. The literature search included 7 studies and described a one-year primary patency range of 93-100% (n = 137) and early postoperative adverse events included death (range, 0-13%) and stroke (range, 0-5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patency rates of axillo-axillary bypasses for patients with a symptomatic SAS are good. However, the procedural complication rate in this series is high and attention should be paid to intervention indication.

Aorto-innominate artery bypass for migrated stent

We report a case of a 64-year-old female who first presented with a transient ischemic attack in 2007 due to an innominate artery stenosis, which indicated an endovascular stent placement. In 2008, she presented with recurrence of symptoms and was diagnosed with in-stent restenosis alongside an unusual occurrence of retrograde migration into the ascending aortic arch. We performed an aorto-innominate bypass through a median sternotomy. The patient was discharged without any complications thereafter, and the graft has shown excellent patency. As of 2019, the patient remains well.

Follow-up of patients after revascularisation for peripheral arterial diseases: a consensus document from the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Aorta and Peripheral Vascular Diseases and the European Society for Vascular Surgery

Peripheral arterial diseases comprise different clinical presentations, from cerebrovascular disease down to lower extremity artery disease, from subclinical to disabling symptoms and events. According to clinical presentation, the patient's general condition, anatomical location and extension of lesions, revascularisation may be needed in addition to best medical treatment. The 2017 European Society of Cardiology guidelines in collaboration with the European Society for Vascular Surgery have addressed the indications for revascularisation. While most cases are amenable to either endovascular or surgical revascularisation, maintaining long-term patency is often challenging. Early and late procedural complications, but also local and remote recurrences frequently lead to revascularisation failure. The rationale for surveillance is to propose the accurate implementation of preventive strategies to avoid other cardiovascular events and disease progression and avoid recurrence of symptoms and the need for redo revascularisation. Combined with vascular history and physical examination, duplex ultrasound scanning is the pivotal imaging technique for identifying revascularisation failures. Other non-invasive examinations (ankle and toe brachial index, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging) at regular intervals can optimise surveillance in specific settings. Currently, optimal revascularisation surveillance programmes are not well defined and systematic reviews addressing long-term results after revascularisation are lacking. We have systematically reviewed the literature addressing follow-up after revascularisation and we propose this consensus document as a complement to the recent guidelines for optimal surveillance of revascularised patients beyond the perioperative period.

Percutaneous Antegrade and Retrograde Endovascular approach to Symptomatic High-Grade Subclavian Artery Stenosis: Technique and Follow-Up

Background and Purpose:

Angioplasty and stenting of the subclavian artery have been reported with high technical and clinical success rates, low complication rates, and good midterm patency rates. Different antegrade or retrograde endovascular catheter-based approaches are used. Nowadays, endovascular therapy has taken over open surgical techniques in subclavian artery disease. The purpose of this study was to determine safety, efficacy, and midterm clinical and radiological outcome of the endovascular treatment with special focus on the different technical approaches in subclavian artery disease.

Materials and Methods:

Between 2014 and 2017, 11 patients (10 men, 1 woman) with symptomatic high-grade stenosis (90%–100%) of the subclavian artery were treated with endovascular treatment. Their mean age was 51.3 years (range, 32-61 years). Mean angiographic and clinical follow-up was 22.5 months (range, 5-44 months). Clinical follow-up was performed at hospital discharge and routine follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 12 months, and 6 monthly thereafter. In all 11 patients, a percutaneous approach was used successfully. In eight patients, the lesions were accessed retrogradely through a brachial artery puncture.

Results:

Acute success rate was 100%. There were no significant peri-procedure complications. At the latest clinical follow-up (mean of 22.5 months), all patients showed a good outcome with a restenosis rate of 18.2% including a patient with Takayasu arteritis.

Conclusion:

Percutaneous antegrade and retrograde stenting of high-grade subclavian artery stenosis is a viable less invasive alternative to open bypass surgery with good midterm clinical results and patency rates.

The incidence and risk factors of stent fracture in patients treated for proximal common carotid artery stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to identify the incidence of and predictors for common carotid artery (CCA) stent fractures (SFs) and to examine the effect of SFs on the development of in-stent restenosis (ISR).

METHODS

Seventy patients (37 women; median age, 60.9 years) who were stented for significant (≥60%) proximal CCA stenosis from 2006 to 2016 and revisited us to determine SF using fluoroscopy in 2018 were evaluated. Seventy stents were deployed; among them 87.1% were balloon-expandable and 12.9% were self-expandable. SFs were classified as type I (fracture of one strut), type II (fracture of multiple struts without stent deformity), type III (fracture of multiple struts with stent deformity), type IV (complete fracture of the stent without a gap), and type V (complete fracture of the stent with a gap). Duplex ultrasound examination was used for monitoring stent patency. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests, Kaplan-Meier and logistic regression analyses, and a log-rank test and a gamma correlation analysis were applied as statistical methods.

RESULTS

The patients were followed for 75.5 months (range, 47-109 months). Significant (≥70%) ISR was observed in eight patients (11.4%). Reintervention was performed in four cases (5.7%). Twenty-seven SFs (38.6%; type I, 8; type II, 10; type III, 4; type IV, 2; and type V, 3) were found. Calcification was shown to be a significant predictor for SF (odds ratio, 13.2; 95% confidence interval, 3.9-45.1; P < .001). There was no significant difference between the fractured and the nonfractured group regarding the number of patients with ISR and reintervention (P = .701 and P = .636, respectively). Neither did the primary patency rates differ significantly (P = .372) in patients with and without SF.

CONCLUSIONS

Fractures frequently occur in a wide variety of stent devices deployed in the proximal CCA, but SFs seem to have no effect on ISR and reintervention.

Lower Rate of Restenosis and Reinterventions With Covered vs Bare Metal Stents Following Innominate Artery Stenting

Purpose: To determine any difference between bare metal stents (BMS) and balloon-expandable covered stents in the treatment of innominate artery atheromatous lesions. Materials and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study involving 13 university hospitals in France collected 93 patients (mean age 63.2±11.1 years; 57 men) treated over a 10-year period. All patients had systolic blood pressure asymmetry >15 mm Hg and were either asymptomatic (39, 42%) or had carotid (20, 22%), vertebrobasilar (24, 26%), and/or brachial (20, 22%) symptoms. Innominate artery stenosis ranged from 50% to 70% in 4 (4%) symptomatic cases and between 70% and 90% in 52 (56%) cases; 28 (30%) lesions were preocclusive and 8 (9%) were occluded. One (1%) severely symptomatic patient had a <50% stenosis. Demographic characteristics, operative indications, and procedure details were compared between the covered (36, 39%) and BMS (57, 61%) groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine relative risks of restenosis and reinterventions [reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI)]. Results: The endovascular procedures were performed mainly via retrograde carotid access (75, 81%). Perioperative strokes occurred in 4 (4.3%) patients. During the mean 34.5±31.2–month follow-up, 30 (32%) restenoses were detected and 13 (20%) reinterventions were performed. Relative risks were 6.9 (95% CI 2.2 to 22.2, p=0.001) for restenosis and 14.6 (95% CI 1.8 to 120.8, p=0.004) for reinterventions between BMS and covered stents. The severity of the treated lesions had no influence on the results. Conclusion: Patients treated with BMS for innominate artery stenosis have more frequent restenoses and reinterventions than patients treated with covered stents.

Invasive treatment in peripheral artery disease

Invasive treatment in peripheral artery disease (PAD) has evolved as a viable alternative to surgical treatment. However, beyond the common pathophysiological substrate, as far as treatment is concerned, each site of atherosclerotic disease (subclavian and vertebral arteries; carotid arteries; intracranial arterial tree; renal arteries; lower extremity arteries) features unique characteristics. Treatment options include medical treatment, endovascular management and/or surgery. Sound clinical evaluation is required as individual patient assessment often limits intervention options, while available data regarding benefits of invasive and surgical management are questioned by advances in medical treatment. In the present article, we aim to summarize existing evidence and guidance on the role of invasive procedures in PAD.

Results of subclavian to carotid artery bypass for occlusive disease of the common carotid artery: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Optimal treatment of significant atherosclerosis of the common carotid artery (CCA) is not well-defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of prosthetic subclavian to carotid bypass for occlusive disease of the CCA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 1994 to December 2015, 45 patients, mean age 67 years, underwent an ipsilateral subclavian to carotid bypass for occlusive disease of the CCA. Thirty-eight patients (84%) presented with neurologic symptoms, including transitory ischemic attacks in 29 cases and minor strokes in 9 cases. The graft material consisted of a 7 mm polytetrafluoroethylene conduit, and the distal anastomosis was done on the carotid bulb in 21 patients, on the internal carotid artery in 19 cases, and on the distal CCA in 5 cases. Median length of follow-up was 58 months. Study endpoints were the combined postoperative stroke/mortality rate, graft infection, overall late survival, freedom from ipsilateral stroke, and graft patency.

RESULTS

Postoperative stroke/mortality rate was 2%. No graft infection was observed throughout follow-up. At 60 months, overall survival, freedom from stroke, and graft patency were 71% (standard error [SE] = 0.07), 98% (SE = 0.02), and 95.5% (SE = 0.06), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclavian to carotid bypass allows very good patency rates and excellent protection from postoperative and late stroke, remaining a benchmark for any other treatment method.

Resolution of ischemic symptoms after percutaneous angioplasty for a symptomatic subclavian artery stenosis

OBJECTIVE

A minor part of patients with subclavian or innominate artery occlusive disease (subclavian artery stenosis [SAS]) experience symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, upper extremity exertional ischemia (UEEI), or cardiac ischemia owing to subclavian-coronary steal (SCS) in some instances. The study aimed to assess the impact of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of symptomatic SAS on symptom resolution and to determine factors related with SAS recurrence.

METHODS

Symptom resolution and incidence of restenosis (RS) were evaluated for up to 15 years in patients who had undergone successful PTA of SAS.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 232 consecutive subjects after successful PTA of SAS (61.9 ± 8.4 years old 53.4% men). The mean follow-up time was 101 ± 40 months (range, 5-188 months). One month after PTA, 85.4% of the study participants were free from dizziness, 94.4% from imbalance, 97.1% from visual disturbances, 97.8% from syncope, 98.7% from UEEI, and 100% from SCS. RS was found in 37 patients (15.9%) in long-term observation. UEEI, dizziness, imbalance, and SCS were significantly more frequent in patients with SAS recurrence, as compared with patients with patent artery (65.9% vs 3.1% [P < .001] 63.4% vs 19.4% [P < .001]; 26.8% vs 9.4% [P = .005]; and 100% vs 15.4% [P = .018], respectively). Smaller stent diameter (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.96; P = .004), implantation of ≥2 stents for a lesion (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.26; P = .003), concomitant stenosis in the carotid or vertebral artery (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21; P = .036), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.31; P < .001), and high-density lipoprotein level (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98; P = .021) were associated independently with risk of RS, whereas recurrence of UEEI (relative risk, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.55-1.90; P < .001), dizziness (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.39; P < .001), limb paresthesia (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.25; P = .005), and angina in subjects after coronary artery bypass grafting (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21; P = .024) were associated with RS/SAS progression after PTA.

CONCLUSIONS

Angioplasty of SAS leads to symptom resolution in most patients. UEEI, dizziness, and angina recurrence are predictors of RS or SAS progression; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, smaller stent diameter, and number of implanted stents predict RS.

Amaurosis fugax associated with congenital vascular defect

A 68-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented with loss of vision in the lower half of her left eye that lasted <5 minutes. No abnormalities were found on ocular or physical exam. Computed tomography angiography and carotid ultrasound were performed, which confirmed the diagnosis as amaurosis fugax with two abnormalities leading to the transient retinal vessel occlusion. First, it was found that the patient has a congenital vascular anomaly, which consisted most notably of a right-sided aortic arch. This vascular anomaly also consisted of abnormal branching of the left subclavian and common carotid arteries, predisposing the patient to turbulent blood flow and increased risk of the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque at the origin of the common carotid artery. This is an abnormal location for a plaque leading to amaurosis fugax compared to the most common location at the carotid bifurcation. Endarterectomy was not performed because of the difficult location of the plaque and tortuosity of the vessel. Rather, medical intervention with antiplatelet and lipid-lowering therapy was initiated to lower the risk of future retinal or cerebral thromboembolic events.

Distal Embolization During Percutaneous Subclavian Artery Intervention

Distal embolization due to atherothrombotic debris during subclavian artery interventions is extremely rare and can usually be managed conservatively. Herein, we describe a case of acute hand ischemia due to massive distal embolization during balloon angioplasty and stenting of a left subclavian artery chronic total occlusion. This limb-threatening complication was effectively treated with rescue surgical thrombectomy.