Clinical efficacy of endovascular therapy for patients with critical limb ischemia attributable to pure isolated infrapopliteal lesions

Anatomical and clinical factors associated with infrapopliteal arterial bypass outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia

The aim of this study was to identify anatomical and clinical factors associated with limb-based patency (LBP) loss, major adverse limb events (MALEs), and poor amputation-free survival (AFS) after an infrapopliteal arterial bypass (IAB) surgery according to the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IAB surgery between January 2010 and December 2021 at a single institution was performed. Two-year AFS, freedom from LBP loss, and freedom from MALEs were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Anatomical and clinical predictors were assessed using multivariate analysis. The total number of risk factors was used to calculate risk scores for subsequent categorization into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups. IABs were performed on 103 patients. The rates of two-year freedom from LBP loss, freedom from MALEs, and AFS were 71.3%, 76.1%, and 77.0%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that poor run-off beyond the ankle and a bypass vein caliber of < 3 mm were significantly associated with LBP loss and MALEs. Moreover, end-stage renal disease, non-ambulatory status, and a body mass index of < 18.5 were significantly associated with poor AFS. The rates of freedom from LBP loss and MALEs and the AFS rate were significantly lower in the high-risk group than in the other two groups (12-month low-risk rates: 92.2%, 94.8%, and 94.4%, respectively; 12-month moderate-risk rates: 58.6%, 84.6%, and 78.3%, respectively; 12-month high-risk rates: 11.1%, 17.6%, and 56.2%, respectively; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). IAB is associated with poor clinical outcomes in terms of LBP, MALEs, and AFS in high-risk patients. Risk stratification based on these predictors is useful for long-term prognosis.

Outcomes of revascularization of stenotic inframalleolar lesions in chronic limb-threatening ischemia

BACKGROUND

For chronic limb-threatening ischemia, revascularization has been reported for occlusions but not for stenosis in the inframalleolar (IM) lesions. We investigated the clinical outcomes of balloon dilation for stenotic IM lesions distal to the treatment target in the infrapopliteal (IP) legion.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who had chronic limb-threatening ischemia and underwent revascularization of stenotic IM lesions distal to the target IP lesions between January 2015 and August 2022. The outcome measures were amputation-free survival, wound healing rate, and freedom from target IM reintervention.

RESULTS

The 87 patients had a mean age of 72.7 ± 10.7 years and comprised 67.8% men, 74.7% with diabetes mellitus, 55.2% on dialysis, 33.3% who had Rutherford six classification. The amputation-free survival (AFS), wound healing, and freedom from target IM reintervention rates at 1 year were 82.9%, 53.3%, and 58.4%, respectively. On Cox proportional multivariate analysis, the predictors were Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) ≥3 and diffuse stenosis in the target IM vessels for delayed wound healing and Global Limb Anatomic Staging System stage Ⅲ and ≥3 diseased IM vessels before endovascular therapy for target IM reintervention. At the time of reintervention, the lesion morphology had progressed from stenosis to occlusion in 50% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, revascularization of stenosis in IM lesions showed a high reintervention rate and progression of lesion morphology, although AFS and wound-healing rates were acceptable.

Clinical Comparison of Drug-Coated Balloon and Drug-Eluting Stent for Femoropopliteal Lesions in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia With Wounds

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy (EVT) with devices such as drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents (DESs) for atherosclerotic disease in the femoropopliteal (FP) artery has been established. However, EVT using drug-based devices for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) remains challenging. The optimal device for FP lesions in patients with CLTI remains unknown. This study compared the clinical efficacy of DCB and DES in patients with CLTI and FP lesions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective single-center study included 539 consecutive patients (562 lesions) treated with EVT between January 2018 and December 2022; 166 patients with CLTI and Rutherford Class 5 or 6 wounds underwent EVT with DCB or DES. Clinical outcomes were compared between 53 pairs after propensity score matching. There were no significant differences between the DCB and DES groups in the incidence of complete wound healing without death or major amputation (84.8% vs. 80.2%, respectively; P=0.99), primary patency (69.4% vs. 75.6%, respectively; P=0.65), and freedom from target lesion revascularization at 1 year (78.6% vs. 78.0%, respectively; P=0.92). Multivariate analysis showed that complete wound healing at 1 year is negatively associated with hemodialysis and Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection Stage 4, but positively associated with Global Limb Anatomic Staging System FP Grade 3 or 4.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between DCB and DES for patients with CLTI and FP lesions.

Association Between Undernutrition and Mortality and Amputation Outcomes in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Nutritional status plays a complex role in the pathophysiology and outcomes of chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). Undernutrition may be a modifiable risk factor. Given the variability in nutritional status concepts in CLTI outcomes studies, a systematic review examining the association between undernutrition and outcomes in patients with CLTI was conducted.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic literature search of nine databases (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database [AMED], CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases) was conducted up to 23 May 2023.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, and case control studies of patients with CLTI conducted after 1982 that reported the effect size for a nutritional status measure and the outcomes of death, amputation, or a composite of the two. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts.

RESULTS

A total of 6 818 citations were screened, with 49 observational studies (31 from Japan) included in the review. The mean patient age ranged from 56.0 - 86.9 years. Most included patients were undergoing revascularisation. Unidimensional indicators of undernutrition (including low serum albumin, low body mass index, and zinc deficiency) as well as multidimensional measures (such as nutritional screening tool scores indicating undernutrition) were found to be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of death, amputation, and composite events in most studies. Effect sizes of the association were generally larger when multidimensional nutritional screening tools were used. However, the quality of evidence was poor, and certainty of evidence very low.

CONCLUSION

Undernutrition is consistently associated with an increased risk of death and amputation in patients with CLTI, regardless of the measure used. Broader efforts to understand the framework of nutritional status and validation of nutritional screening tools in CLTI populations are needed.

Comparison of Subsequent Inframalleolar Bypass Surgery and Repeat Endovascular Therapy for Infrapopliteal Restenosis in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Undergoing Primary Endovascular Therapy

PURPOSE

Although endovascular therapy (EVT) is considered a vital strategy for treating infrapopliteal lesions in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), the recurrence rate after EVT exceeds that after bypass surgery (BSX). The optimal approach for managing infrapopliteal lesion recurrence in patients with CLTI and unhealed ulcers remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of repeat EVT and subsequent inframalleolar BSX for CLTI with infrapopliteal lesion recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 140 patients with CLTI (mean age, 70±10 years; male, 71.4%; diabetes mellitus, 73.6%; dialysis, 74.3%; Rutherford 5, 79.3%; and Rutherford 6, 20.7%) who had an unhealed wound due to the recurrence of infrapopliteal lesions between January 2015 and May 2020. We compared the clinical outcomes of 40 patients who underwent the subsequent inframalleolar BSX with those of 100 patients who underwent repeat EVT. The outcome measures were amputation-free survival (AFS) and wound healing rate. Propensity score matching analysis was conducted to minimize differences in baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Propensity score matching extracted 38 pairs (38 patients in the subsequent BSX group and 83 patients in the repeat EVT group). AFS was not significantly different between the repeat EVT and subsequent BSX groups (81.9% vs 82.6% at 1 year, p=0.97). Neither was cumulative wound healing (42.8% vs 43.3% at 1 year, p=0.55). No baseline characteristics had any significant interaction effect on the association between repeat EVT, subsequent BSX, and failure of AFS.

CONCLUSION

This study using propensity score matching revealed that the clinical outcomes following repeat EVT were comparable with those following subsequent inframalleolar BSX, indicating that repeat EVT may be a viable treatment option for CLTI with infrapopliteal lesion recurrence.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Although endovascular therapy (EVT) has expanded the treatment options for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), the recurrence rate after EVT is higher than that after bypass surgery (BSX). This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes of repeat EVT with those of subsequent BSX for CLTI with infrapopliteal lesion recurrence. After propensity score matching, amputation-free survival (AFS) was not significantly different between the repeat EVT and subsequent BSX groups (81.9% vs 82.6% at 1 year, p=0.97). Neither was cumulative wound healing (42.8% vs 43.3% at 1 year, p=0.55). There was no difference between the 2 revascularization strategies when treating infrapopliteal restenosis lesions.

Clinical Outcomes of Additional Below-The-Ankle Intervention Compared to Below-The-Knee Intervention Alone: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Prospective Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical implication of additional below-the-ankle (BTA) intervention in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) undergoing below-the-knee (BTK) intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sub-analysis was performed using data from the LIBERTY trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01855412), a prospective, observational, core-laboratory adjudicated, multicenter study of endovascular intervention in 1204 patients. Patients with CLTI (Rutherford Classification 4-6) who underwent BTK intervention were included in this sub-analysis. Participants were then stratified into 2 treatment groups according to whether at least one lesion intervened on was BTA (n=66) or not (n=273). The decision on whether and where to intervene was made during the procedure. The main outcome measures included major amputation, target vessel revascularization (TVR), major adverse events (MAE), survival, amputation-free survival, major adverse limb events or peri-operative death (MALE-POD), and all-cause death. Other outcome measures included procedural success, procedural complications, and wound healing rate.

RESULTS

There were no differences in procedural success or severe angiographic complications between the 2 groups. At 1-year post-procedure, patients in the BTK group had a higher rate of freedom from major amputation (95.0% vs. 86.9%, respectively; HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.17-7.03), a higher rate of freedom from TVR (80.1% vs. 66.9%, respectively; HR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.14-3.32), a higher rate of freedom from MALE-POD (94.6% vs. 86.9%, respectively; HR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.10-6.41), and a higher rate of freedom from MAE at both 1 (76.0% vs. 60.1%, respectively; HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.24-3.22) and 3 years post procedure (67.5% vs. 55.8%, respectively; HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08-2.65). There was a significantly lower rate of survival in the BTK group at 3 years (74.3% vs. 91.1%, respectively; HR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.87). After risk adjustment, there was a higher rate of all-cause death in the BTK group at 3 years (19.4% vs. 9.1%, respectively; p=0.023) post-intervention.

CONCLUSION

Patients with disease requiring intervention to BTA lesions have a potential increased amputation rate in the short term, but BTA intervention carries a potential survival benefit in the long term when compared to BTK intervention alone.

Clinical outcomes of chronic limb-threatening ischemia due to inflammatory nonatherosclerotic versus atherosclerotic etiologies undergoing revascularization

BACKGROUND

The scope of clinical guidelines for the management of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is limited to atherosclerotic disease of the lower-extremity arteries. This study aimed to reveal the clinical features and prognoses of CLTI due to inflammatory nonatherosclerotic etiologies undergoing revascularization.

METHODS

DECOPON (DatabasE of ChrOnic limb-threatening ischemia Presenting ischemic ulcer and gangrene due to nON-atherosclerotic disease) is a multicenter retrospective study that evaluated 465 limbs of 414 patients with CLTI undergoing revascularization for ischemic tissue loss with inflammatory nonatherosclerotic etiologies between 2010 and 2020. Clinical features and prognoses were compared with 930 limbs of 809 patients with atherosclerotic CLTI during the same period.

RESULTS

The frequency of conventional atherosclerotic risk factors was significantly lower in the inflammatory nonatherosclerotic group. The inflammatory nonatherosclerotic group had more severe WIfI (wound, ischemia, and foot infection) W and fI grades, and more frequent infrapopliteal and inframalleolar artery diseases with a rarer presence of arterial calcification (all p < 0.05). Adjunctive therapy was more frequently performed in the inflammatory nonatherosclerotic group (p < 0.05). The inflammatory nonatherosclerotic group had a lower incidence rate of wound healing (0.64-fold, p < 0.001) and a higher incidence rate of major reintervention (2.30-fold, p = 0.006), whereas the risk ratio of all-cause mortality was 0.83-fold (p = 0.067). The association of inflammatory nonatherosclerotic disease with the delayed wound healing and the susceptibility to major reintervention remained significant even after adjustment for covariates (both p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient, limb, and lesion characteristics of inflammatory nonatherosclerotic CLTI were considerably different from those of atherosclerotic CLTI. Inflammatory nonatherosclerotic CLTI was less likely to heal than atherosclerotic CLTI.

Effect of Comorbidities on Outcomes of Infrapopliteal Angioplasty in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

OBJECTIVE

This subgroup analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of comorbidities on infrapopliteal angioplasty outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

METHODS

This was an observational study evaluating eligible CLTI patients aged >18 years who underwent infrapopliteal angioplasty between April 2014 and May 2017 at a tertiary care center. Subgroup analyses were based on (1) baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c ≤6.5% vs >6.5%), (2) presence/absence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and (3) control of lipid parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 231 patients with 332 infrapopliteal vessels were treated. While diabetes was prevalent in all participants, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and CKD were reported in 76.6%, 46.3%, and 25.5% of patients at baseline, respectively. The overall technical success rate was 84.4%, and the patency rate at 6 months was 82.04%. Patency at 6 months, wound healing, in-line flow, and complete plantar arch formation were numerically higher in patients with HbA1c ≤6.5% versus >6.5%, but all comparisons were nonsignificant. According to multivariable analysis, the odds of wounds not healing was 2.38 times higher (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2 to 4.5) and developing plantar arch was 5.88 times higher (OR = 5.9, 95% CI: 1.3 to 25) among patients with CKD compared with patients without CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

The 6-month outcomes of infrapopliteal angioplasty may be better in patients with controlled versus uncontrolled glycemic levels. Control of lipid parameters may not have a significant influence on outcomes, especially in patients on statin therapy. The short-term outcomes may be similar in patients with and without CKD.

Comparison of 6-Month Outcomes of Endovascular vs Surgical Revascularization for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia

IMPORTANCE

The Bypass Versus Angioplasty for Severe Ischemia of the Leg randomized controlled trial showed comparable outcomes between endovascular revascularization (ER) and surgical revascularization (SR) for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, several observational studies showed mixed results. Most of these studies were conducted before advanced endovascular technologies were available.

OBJECTIVE

To compare ER and SR treatment strategies for 6-month outcomes among patients with CLI.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective, population-based cohort study used the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify 66 277 patients with CLI who underwent ER or SR from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. Data analyses were conducted from January 1, 2022, to February 8, 2022. A propensity score with 1:1 matching was applied. Patients with CLI who underwent ER or SR were identified, and those with missing information on the length of stay and/or younger than 18 years were excluded.

EXPOSURES

Endovascular or surgical revascularization.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was a major amputation at 6 months. Significant secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 6-month mortality and an in-hospital safety composite of acute kidney injury, major bleeding, and vascular complication. Subgroup analysis was conducted for major amputation in high-volume centers.

RESULTS

A total of 66 277 patients were identified between 2016 and 2018 who underwent ER or SR for CLI. The Nationwide Readmissions Database does not provide racial and ethnic categories. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 69.3 (12) years, and 62.5% of patients were male. A total of 54 546 patients (82.3%) underwent ER and 11 731 (17.7%) underwent SR. After propensity score matching, 11 106 matched pairs were found. Endovascular revascularization was associated with an 18% higher risk of major amputation compared with SR (997 of 10 090 [9.9%] vs 869 of 10 318 [8.4%]; hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.29; P = .001). However, no difference was observed in major amputation risk when both procedures were performed in high-volume centers. Endovascular revascularization and SR had similar mortality rates (517 of 11 106 [4.7%] vs 490 of 11 106 [4.4%]; hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.93-1.20; P = .39). However, the ER group had a 17% lower risk of in-hospital safety outcomes compared with the SR group (2584 of 11 106 [23.3%] vs 2979 of 11 106 [26.8%]; odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.78-0.88; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this study suggest that ER was safer, without any difference in mortality, but ER was associated with an increased risk of major amputation compared with SR. However, the risk of major amputation was similar when both procedures were performed at high-volume centers.

Evidence-Experience Gap and Future Perspective on the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a systemic disease associated with impaired limb function, poor quality of life, and increased cardiovascular morbidity. Its incidence has been dramatically increasing over years because of the emergence of an aging society and the increase in the number of patients with atherosclerotic risk factors. The clustering of these risk factors promotes disease development, reportedly leading to the differential location of atherosclerotic lesions in lower extremity arteries. The clinical presentations of PAD include intermittent claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). PAD is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity from both cardiovascular and limb events. The therapeutic goals for patients with PAD include 1) relief from PAD-related limb symptoms, 2) the prevention of new-onset and the development and recurrence of PAD, and 3) the prevention of concomitant adverse events due to coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). There are several types of antithrombotic agents, and their main role in patients with PAD is to reduce systemic events mainly including cardiovascular and lower extremity-related events. Currently, the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) is also suggested by recent clinical trials. Although endovascular therapy (EVT) has been a first-line revascularization strategy for symptomatic PAD, whether clinical outcomes after EVT are comparable to those after surgical bypass therapy remains inconclusive.

Impact of Controlling a Nutritional Status Score on Wound Healing in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia after Endovascular Treatment

Background: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is the most advanced stage of peripheral artery disease. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to avoid major amputation in CLTI patients. Malnutrition worsens the condition of CLTI patients, and therefore, it may be important to evaluate the nutritional status in patients with CLTI. This study was designed to evaluate the baseline patient characteristics and the influence of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score on the clinical results. Method and Results: A retrospective, single-center, non-randomized study was conducted to evaluate the associations of death, major amputation, and wound healing rate at 12 months with the CONUT score on admission. Consecutive CLTI patients (mean age 73.2 ± 10.4 years; 84 males) who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) for infra-popliteal lesions at Fukuoka University Hospital from January 2014 to May 2019 were enrolled and divided into two groups (higher and lower CONUT score groups). The higher CONUT group showed a higher percentage of dialysis (66.7% vs. 33.9%, p < 0.001) and a higher clinical frailty scale (5.9 ± 1.4 vs. 4.9 ± 1.9, p = 0.005) than the lower CONUT group. Rates of amputation-free survival were 89.5% and 69.8% in the lower and higher CONUT groups, respectively. In addition, rates of wound healing at 12 months were 98.0% and 78.3% in the lower and higher CONUT groups, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that a higher CONUT score was an independent predictor for delayed wound healing (OR: 11.2; 95% CI: 1.29–97.5; p = 0.028). Conclusion: An assessment of the nutritional status using the CONUT score could be useful for predicting wound healing, and earlier nutritional intervention may improve the outcome of CLTI patients. Early examination and treatment, along with raising awareness of the issue, may be important for improving the prognosis.

A novel technique of percutaneous intraluminal cracking using a puncture needle for severe calcified lesions of below-the-knee and below-the-ankle arteries

PURPOSE

Endovascular therapy has recently become acceptable for the reconstruction of below-the-knee (BTK) and below-the-ankle (BTA) arterial lesions. However, we have sometimes experienced BTK or BTA lesions with calcifications that are too severe for balloon catheters to cross or expand despite successful guidewire passage. In this study, we assessed the feasibility and safety of the novel inner PIERCE technique for breaking down the calcium burden of BTK and BTA arterial lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who had undergone endovascular therapy between August 2018 and December 2019. The inner PIERCE technique was performed in those cases where low-profile balloon catheters were unable to pass through the target lesions or balloon indentation did not disappear beyond the rated burst pressure. An externalized guidewire system was established in 8 cases via bidirectional approaches, and a 20-gauge needle was directly inserted through the guidewires from the distal puncture site. In 10 cases of successful antegrade wiring, the tibial or pedal arteries distal to the lesion site were punctured for a retrograde guidewire approach to the lesion. The needle was slowly rotated and advanced across the lesion.

RESULTS

We found that all lesions were severely calcified and 83.3% had chronic total occlusion. The inner PIERCE procedure allowed successful passage of the needle and subsequent low-profile balloon catheters in all cases. Optimal balloon dilatation was achieved in 94.4% of the cases using this technique. No procedure-related adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

The novel inner PIERCE technique is a safe and feasible method for disrupting calcified BTK and BTA lesions.

Clinical impact of intravascular ultrasound-guided balloon angioplasty in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia for isolated infrapopliteal lesion

BACKGROUND

To estimate the impact of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) who underwent balloon angioplasty for isolated infrapopliteal lesion.

METHODS

The study was performed as a single-center, prospective maintained database, retrospective analysis. Between January 2013 and December 2018, consecutive 155 CLTI patients (155 limbs) who primarily underwent balloon angioplasty for de novo isolated infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions with Rutherford category class 4 or 5 were identified (IVUS-guided: 92 patients, angio-guided: 63 patients) and included in the analysis. We compared clinical outcomes in IVUS-guided group with that in angio-guided group. The primary endpoint was limb salvage without any reintervention. The main secondary endpoints were wound healing rate and time to wound healing in the tissue loss group.

RESULT

Patient and limb characteristics were similar between the two groups. The IVUS-guided group was treated with a larger balloon size for all types of below-the-knee vessel (p < .001), although lesion characteristics, including the QVA-measured vessel diameter, were similar between the two groups. The IVUS-guided group had a higher rate of limb salvage without any reintervention than the angio-guided group (p = 0028). Whereas limb salvage and overall survival was not significantly different. Wound healing was significantly earlier and the time to wound healing was significantly shorter (84 ± 55 days vs. 135 ± 118 days, p = .007) in the IVUS-guided group.

CONCLUSION

Limb salvage rate without any reintervention in IIVUS-guided balloon angioplasty group was significantly higher than that in angio-guided balloon angioplasty group in patients with CLTI due to isolated infrapopliteal disease.

Wound outcomes and factors associated with wound healing after first-time femoropopliteal artery intervention in patients with ischemic tissue loss

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study's goal is to describe wound outcomes at 2 years following intervention for atherosclerotic femoropopliteal lesions in patients with ischemic tissue loss.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 135 first-time endovascular procedures for chronic femoropopliteal atherosclerotic lesions related to ischemic tissue loss was performed. The final wound outcomes were categorized according to the initial wound healing, recurrence and the need of major/minor amputation.

RESULTS

At 2-years of follow up, 76 limbs (56.3%) showed complete wound healing without recurrence, however, wound development occurred at other sites on the same foot following complete primary healing in 11 limbs (8.1%). Tolerable wounds persisted or wounds recurred at the same site in 30 limbs (22.2%), and 18 limbs (13.3%) needed major amputations. Independent factors that prevented wound healing without recurrence at 2 years were renal insufficiency (HR = 0.225, 95% C.I. = 0.091-0.556, p = 0.001), ankle pressure < 50 mmHg or flat forefoot PVR (HR = 0.328, 95% C.I. = 0.124-0.867, p = 0.025) and functional performance < 4 metabolic equivalents (MET) (HR = 0.150, 95% C.I. = 0.063-0.360, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Wound outcome classifications showed detailed information regarding clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic tissue loss. Renal insufficiency, ischemia grade 3 and poor functional performance were independent risk factors that prevented wound healing.

Successful case of direct puncture of a prosthetic bypass graft in endovascular treatment for long superficial artery chronic total occlusion: a case report

Background

The access site for endovascular therapy (EVT) is often limited because of multi-vascular diseases. Prior lower limb bypass can potentially limit the availability of common femoral artery access when EVT is required.

Case summary

An 88-year-old woman who presented with non-healing ulceration in the dorsalis pedis of the left foot despite treatment for several months was admitted to our hospital. She had undergone axillo-bilateral femoral bypass surgery for right critical limb ischaemia 3 years previously. Ultrasound and contrast computed tomography demonstrated bypass graft occlusion, left superficial femoral artery (SFA)-popliteal artery long chronic total occlusion from the origin with severe calcification and severe stenosis in the bilateral common femoral artery close to the anastomotic site. EVT for the left SFA occlusion was necessary to save the left foot, but access sites for EVT were limited. We decided to puncture an occluded axillo-femoral prosthetic bypass graft. It is difficult to cross the wire with only an antegrade approach. Therefore, it was necessary to use a bi-directional approach with dorsalis pedis artery puncture and the Rendez-vous technique. Finally, angiogram demonstrated improved blood flow to the wound site, and haemostasis at the puncture site could be achieved by manual compression. The ulceration healed within a month.

Discussion

Direct puncture of a prosthetic bypass graft and additional techniques resulted in complete revascularization. Thus, direct puncture of a bypass graft could be a useful EVT strategy for patients with complex and extremely long chronic total occlusion.

Six-month pivotal results of tack optimized balloon angioplasty using the Tack Endovascular System in below-the-knee arteries

OBJECTIVE

No vascular implant is commercially available in the United States to treat post-angioplasty dissections in below-the-knee (BTK) arteries. The Tack Endovascular System (Intact Vascular, Wayne, Pa) is purpose-built to repair postpercutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) BTK dissections. A trial was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of the first-of-a-kind implantable BTK device to treat post-PTA dissections in the setting of critical limb ischemia.

METHODS

The present prospective, single-arm, multicenter study evaluated the Tack Endovascular System for treating post-PTA dissections in the mid/distal popliteal, tibial, and peroneal arteries. The primary safety endpoint was major adverse limb events (MALE) plus perioperative death (POD), assessed at 30 days after the index procedure. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of MALE at 6 months and POD. The unpowered secondary endpoint was primary patency at 6 months. With no available on-label comparator, the primary endpoints of the present trial were determined using objective performance goals from a systematic literature search. The secondary endpoints included Tacked segment patency and target limb salvage at 6 months. The 6-month results are reported.

RESULTS

Of the 233 patients enrolled, 117 (50.2%) had Rutherford class 5 and 78 (33.5%) had Rutherford class 4. A total of 341 post-PTA dissections were treated. Each patient received at least one Tack implant, and 100% of the dissections resolved according to the angiographic core laboratory findings. The primary safety and efficacy endpoints were both met. The rate of MALE plus POD at 30 days was 1.3% (3 of 228) and freedom from MALE at 6 months plus POD at 30 days was 95.6% (196 of 205). The 6-month Tacked segment patency was 82.1% (247 of 301) and target limb salvage was 98.5% (202 of 205). The Kaplan-Meier freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization and amputation-free survival at 6 months was 92.0% and 95.7%, respectively. Rutherford improvement was reported in 79.4% (158 of 199). Most (90 of 122; 73.8%) preexisting wounds had healed or were improving.

CONCLUSIONS

The Tack Endovascular System is safe and effective for treating post-PTA BTK dissections through 6 months, with favorable rates of MALE plus POD, patency, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, limb salvage, and wound healing.

Outcomes of Pedal Artery Angioplasty Are Independent of the Severity of Inframalleolar Disease: A Subanalysis of the Multicenter RENDEZVOUS Registry

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of pedal artery angioplasty (PAA) for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) according to the severity of inframalleolar disease. Methods: In total, 257 consecutive CLTI patients (mean age 73.2 years; 175 men) with de novo infrapopliteal and inframalleolar artery disease were enrolled from the retrospective RENDEZVOUS registry. Inframalleolar artery disease was classified as moderate (Kawarada type 2, 144 patients) or severe (Kawarada type 3, 113 patients). PAA was performed in 140 patients: 66 (45.8%) with moderate disease and 74 (65.5%) with severe disease. The remaining 117 patients (78 with moderate disease and 39 with severe disease) underwent interventions that did not include PAA. The primary outcomes were the wound healing and limb salvage rates at 12 months after the initial treatment. The outcomes of the PAA and no-PAA groups were examined to determine any correlation between treatment efficacy and baseline disease severity. Results: The success rates of PAA among the patients with moderate and severe inframalleolar disease were 89.4% and 87.8%, respectively (p=0.683). The wound healing rate at 12 months was significantly higher in the PAA group than in the no-PAA group regardless of the severity of inframalleolar disease [moderate: 58.8% vs 40.0% (p=0.049); severe: 59.6% vs 33.2% (p=0.021), respectively]. The worst limb salvage rate (76.9%) was seen among patients in the no-PAA group with severe inframalleolar disease (no-PAA/moderate: 94.8%; PAA/moderate: 90.9%; and PAA/severe: 87.8%, p=0.028). Conclusion: PAA improves the wound healing rate of patients with CLTI regardless of the severity of inframalleolar disease. This treatment modality also might improve limb salvage rates in patients with severe inframalleolar disease affecting both the anterior and posterior pedal circulations.

Predictive factors for ambulatory state in critical limb ischemia patients at discharge

[Purpose] In patients with critical limb ischemia, the ambulatory state often has a lasting impact on recovery and wound healing. The aim of this study was to examine the predictive factors connected with the ambulatory state in wounds with critical limb ischemia. [Participants and Methods] This study included 125 inpatients with critical limb ischemia, who underwent physical therapy between January 2015 and December 2018. We retrospectively studied factors from the participant’s medical records and comparisons were made between the ambulatory and non-ambulatory groups. Next, we analyzed the differences between factors using multiple logistic regression analysis. [Results] The factors associated with the ambulatory state in patients with critical limb ischemia, as determined by multiple logistic regression analysis, were knee extension muscle strength, off-loading the foot duration, and the presence or absence of heart disease. [Conclusion] Shortening off-loading the foot period and intensive rehabilitation at an early stage after amputation need to be prioritized to maintain the quality of life and ambulatory status of patients with wounds in critical limb ischemia.

Malnutrition diagnosed by controlling nutrition status is a negative predictor of life prognosis in aortic arch aneurysm patients treated with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair

Objectives

Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) is a useful screening tool for malnutrition in patients with various diseases; however, how CONUT-diagnosed malnutrition affects patients with aortic arch aneurysm is unknown. This study aimed to reveal the utility of CONUT for detecting the patients with high-risk aortic arch aneurysm with malnutrition.

Methods

Sixty patients treated for aortic arch aneurysms with elective thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair from 2009 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed at a single institution. Preoperative nutrition status was evaluated by CONUT, and a CONUT score ≥ 3 was defined as malnutrition. The influence of malnutrition on the patients’ overall survival, aneurysm-related death-free rates, and prevalence of re-interventions were also analyzed.

Results

Twenty-three patients were diagnosed with malnutrition. Overall survival was significantly lower in the malnutrition group ( P = 0.0036). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that age ( P  < 0.0001) and malnutrition ( P  = 0.0457) were negative predictors of overall survival. Conversely, the two groups did not differ significantly in aneurysm-related death-free rates ( P  = 0.7879) and the prevalence of re-interventions ( P  = 0.7879).

Conclusions

Malnutrition diagnosed by CONUT as well as age is a negative predictor of survival prognosis in patients with aortic arch aneurysm.

Association of Race with Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Popliteal and Infra-Popliteal Percutaneous Peripheral Arterial Interventions

BACKGROUND

Race-related differences in clinical features, presentation, treatment and outcomes of patients with various cardiovascular diseases have been reported in previous studies. However, the long-term outcomes in black versus white patients with popliteal and/or infra-popliteal peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing percutaneous peripheral vascular interventions (PVI) are not well known.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively evaluated long-term outcomes in 696 patients (263 blacks and 433 whites) who underwent PVI for popliteal and/or infra-popliteal PAD at our institution between 2007 and 2012. When compared to white patients, black patients were younger (70 ± 11 vs. 72 ± 11; P = 0.002) and had more comorbidities: higher creatinine (2.04 ± 2.08 vs. 1.33 ± 1.16; P < 0.0001) with more ESRD (19% vs. 6%; P < 0.0001) and more diabetes (64% vs. 55%; P = 0.004). At mean follow-up of 36 ± 20 months, there was no statistically significant difference between black and white patients either in all-cause mortality (29% vs. 32%; P = 0.38) or in major amputation (4.4% vs. 4.2%; P = 0.88), respectively. In a multi-variate Cox proportional hazard model, repeat ipsilateral percutaneous revascularization or bypass were lower in black patients (HR = 0.64 [95% CI 0.46-0.89]; P = 0.007) and major adverse vascular events (MAVE) were lower in black patients as well (HR = 0.7 [95% CI 0.56-0.89]; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Black patients undergoing popliteal or infra-popliteal PVI had similar mortality and major amputation, but lower repeat revascularization and MAVE compared to white patients. These data support the use of PVI in minorities despite higher baseline comorbidities and call for more research to understand the mechanisms underlying the high mortality irrespective of race.

Preferential Use of Infrapopliteal Angioplasty for Critical Limb Ischemia: Vascular Surgeons' Perspective

The purpose of this study was to describe the vascular surgeons' experience with an endovascular-first approach for critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to arteriosclerotic disease involving infrapopliteal vessels. From April 2006 to September 2013, 55 limbs with CLI in 45 consecutive patients who had undergone infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) were evaluated. All limbs presented with ulcers or gangrenes (Rutherford 5 or 6), and were treated with infrapopliteal PTA as the initial treatment. Clinical outcomes of major adverse limb event (MALE) + perioperative death (POD), amputation-free survival (AFS), limb salvage, and survival were analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable perioperative predictors of MALE + POD and AFS were identified using the stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model. The technical success rate was 95% (52/55). Clinical success was attained in 37 of 55 limbs (67%). Freedom from MALE + POD, AFS, limb salvage, and survival were 89%, 84%, 92%, and 92% at 6 months, respectively, and 82%, 68%, 89%, and 78% at 12 months, respectively. Clinical success (HR, 0.06; 0.01–0.50; P = 0.009) was associated with freedom from MALE + POD. Rutherford 6 (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1–8.3; P &lt; 0.004) and clinical success (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07–0.49; P &lt; 0.0007) were associated with AFS. These results suggest that infrapopliteal PTA can be offered as a first therapeutic option for a significant proportion of patients with CLI. Vascular surgeons must embrace and validate endovascular technology if they are to remain competitive in treatment of peripheral artery disease.

Three-Year Outcomes of Surgical Versus Endovascular Revascularization for Critical Limb Ischemia: The SPINACH Study (Surgical Reconstruction Versus Peripheral Intervention in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia)

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background—

The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between surgical reconstruction and endovascular therapy (EVT) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in today’s real-world settings.

Methods and Results—

This multicenter, prospective, observational study registered and followed 548 Japanese CLI patients. The registration was in advance of revascularization; 197 patients were scheduled to receive surgical reconstruction, and the remaining 351 were scheduled to receive EVT. The primary end point was 3-year amputation-free survival, compared between the 2 treatments in an intention-to-treat manner, using propensity score matching. Interaction analysis was additionally performed to explore which subgroups had better outcomes with surgical reconstruction or EVT. After propensity score matching, the 3-year amputation-free survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups (52% [95% confidence interval, 43%–60%] and 52% [95% confidence interval, 44–60%]; P=0.26). Subsequent interaction analysis identified (1) Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification W-3, (2) fI-2/3, (3) history of ipsilateral minor amputation, (4) history of revascularization after CLI onset, and (5) bilateral CLI as the factors more favorable for surgical reconstruction, whereas (1) diabetes mellitus, (2) renal failure, (3) anemia, (4) history of nonadherence to cardiovascular risk management, and (5) contralateral major amputation were as those less favorable for surgical reconstruction.

Conclusions—

The 3-year amputation-free survival was not different between surgical reconstruction and EVT in the overall CLI population. The subsequent interaction analysis suggested that there would be a subgroup more suited for surgical reconstruction and another benefiting more from EVT.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/. Unique identifier: UMIN000007050.

The Impact of Decline in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) of Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) After Endovascular Treatment

BACKGROUND

Certain patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) experience significant decline in activities of daily living (ADL) during hospitalization. The prognosis of decline in ADL during hospitalization remains unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on collected data of patients with CLI treated by endovascular treatment between April 2007 and December 2015. We evaluated CLI in patients ADL at the time of hospitalization and after discharge using the Barthel index. We classified all patients into patients with decline in ADL and stable in ADL and compared clinical outcomes (cumulative incidence of wound healing, amputation-free survival at 1 year) between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-five consecutive patients with CLI (221 limbs), who underwent successful endovascular intervention, were enrolled in this study. Of all patients, 22 patients were classified into the decline group. The prevalence of wound, Ischemia, foot infection (WIfI) classification high grade was higher in the decline group (30.7% vs 63.6%; P < .01). The wound healing rates were worse in the decline group than in the stable group (40% vs 78% at 1 year; P < .01). The same trends were observed in the amputation-free survival (37% vs 78%; P < .01). After multivariate analysis, decline in ADL was an independent predictor of wound healing and amputation-free survival (odds ratio [OR]: 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-3.35, P < .01; OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.26-4.53, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CLI with decline in ADL during hospitalization were found to have a poor prognosis suggesting that a decline in ADL may affect the clinical outcomes.

Outcomes of infrapopliteal angioplasty for limb salvage based on the updated TASC II classification

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate limb salvage, defined as freedom from major amputation, and to identify predictors of major amputation in patients with infrapopliteal peripheral arterial disease (PAD) based on the updated 2015 TASC II anatomic classification treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of infrapopliteal PTA procedures performed for PAD over a 4-year period. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, risk factors, angiographic imaging, technical details, and clinical follow-up were analyzed to determine limb salvage rates, technical success, and all-cause mortality. Predictors of major amputation following PTA were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients were treated by infrapopliteal PTA. Most lesions consisted of TASC C (44%) and D (34%) categories, were over 10 cm in length, and were occlusive and heavily calcified (89%). Overall technical success was 75%, with limb salvage rates of 77% at 1 year and 65% at 3 years following PTA. Smoking, previous stroke or cardiovascular events, and anticoagulation use were associated with an increased risk of major amputation following PTA.

CONCLUSION

PTA of complex infrapopliteal PAD is associated with good intermediate term limb salvage rates.

Prognostic Impact of Revascularization in Poor-Risk Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia: The PRIORITY Registry (Poor-Risk Patients With and Without Revascularization Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia)

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to investigate the prognostic impact of revascularization for poor-risk CLI patients in real-world settings.

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is often accompanied with various comorbidities, and frailty is not rare in the population. Although previous studies suggested favorable outcomes of revascularization for CLI patients, those studies commonly included the healthier, that is, less frail patients.

METHODS

This was a multicenter prospective observational study, registering patients who presented with CLI and who required assistance for their daily lives because of their disability in activities of daily living (ADL) and/or impairment of cognitive function. Revascularization was either planned (revascularization group) or not planned (non-revascularization group). The primary endpoint was 1-year survival, and was compared between the revascularization and non-revascularization groups, using the propensity score-matching method.

RESULTS

Between January 2014 and April 2015, a total of 662 patients were registered, of those 100 non-revascularization patients were included. A total of 625 patients (94.4%) completed the 1-year follow-up. Death was observed in 223 patients (33.7%). After propensity score matching, the 1-year survival rate was 55.9% in the revascularization group versus 51.0% in the non-revascularization group, with no significant difference (p = 0.120). In the subgroups alive at 1 year after revascularization, health-related quality of life was significantly improved compared with baseline, whereas ADL scores were unchanged from baseline and still remained significantly worse than before CLI onset.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1-year overall survival rate was not significantly different between the revascularization and non-revascularization groups in poor-risk CLI patients. (Poor-Risk Patients With and Without Revascularization Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia; [PRIORITY Registry]; UMIN000012871).

Analysis of wound healing time and wound-free period as outcomes after surgical and endovascular revascularization for critical lower limb ischemia

BACKGROUND

Traditional end points, such as amputation-free survival, used to assess the clinical effectiveness of lower limb revascularization have shortcomings because they do not account independently for wound nonhealing and recurrence or patient survival. Wound healing process and maintenance of a wound-free state after revascularization were not well-studied. The aim of this study was to elucidate the long-term clinical course of ischemic wounds after revascularization. We focused on initial wound healing process as well as the maintenance of a wound-free state after achievement of wound healing. We introduced a wound-free period (WFP; the period during which limbs maintained an ulcer-free state) and Wound Recurrence and Amputation-free Survival (WRAFS) as parameters and tested their effectiveness in evaluating clinical outcomes of limbs treated using endovascular therapy (EVT) and surgical revascularization.

METHODS

The medical records of patients developing lower critical limb ischemia with tissue loss who underwent surgical or endovascular revascularization of the infrainguinal vessels between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. The risk factors for achieving wound healing and WRAFS were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression model. Risk factors to prolong wound healing time (WHT) and reduce WFP were determined by the least squares method.

RESULTS

In total, 233 patients underwent 278 limb revascularizations; 138 endovascular and 140 surgical procedures were performed as first treatments. The proportion of healed wounds 1, 2, and 3 years after primary revascularization was 64.0%, 69.7%, and 70.5%, respectively. Significant risk factors for wound healing were an EVT-first strategy (risk ratio [RR], 2.47), congestive heart failure (RR, 2.05), and wound, ischemia, and foot infection wound grade (RR, 1.59). The mean WHT was 143.7 days. An EVT-first strategy and wound infection contributed to significantly longer WHT. The mean WFP was 711.0 days. An EVT-first strategy, history of coronary artery disease, and dialysis dependence were associated with significantly shorter WFPs. WRAFS at 1 and 2 years after achievement of wound healing were 76.9% and 64.2%, respectively. Significant risk factors against WRAFS were a history of coronary artery disease (RR, 1.68), dialysis dependence (RR, 2.03), and being wheel chair bound (RR, 1.64).

CONCLUSIONS

EVT revascularization was associated with longer WHT, reduced wound healing rate, and a shorter WFP compared with surgical revascularization. wound, ischemia, and foot infection grade was associated with longer WHT and reduced wound healing rate, but not associated with a shorter WFP. Systemic conditions such as dialysis dependence, congestive heart failure, and being wheel chair bound were associated with reduced wound healing rate and shorter WFP, presumably because they limited life expectancy. WHT and WFP are useful criteria for evaluating limb outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia.

Clinical Outcomes of Pedal Artery Angioplasty for Patients With Ischemic Wounds: Results From the Multicenter RENDEZVOUS Registry

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of pedal artery angioplasty (PAA) for patients with critical limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND

Pedal artery disease is considered a predictor of delayed wound healing (DH) after endovascular therapy. Adjunctive PAA might improve the speed and extent of wound healing.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with critical limb ischemia (n = 257) presenting with de novo infrapopliteal and pedal artery disease were retrospectively reviewed from a multicenter registry. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether PAA was performed (n = 140) or not (n = 117). The rate of wound healing and time to wound healing were compared between these groups. DH score was calculated using the number of independent predictors of DH. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to DH score: low risk (DH score = 0), moderate risk (DH score = 1 or 2), and high risk (DH score = 3). Estimated efficacy was analyzed for each risk-stratified population.

RESULTS

The rate of wound healing was significantly higher (57.5% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.003) and time to wound healing significantly shorter (211 days vs. 365 days; p = 0.008) in the PAA group. In a multivariate analysis, nonambulatory status, target wound depth (UT grade ≥2), and daily hemodialysis were revealed as predictors of DH. In the moderate-risk population, adjunctive PAA significantly improved the rate of wound healing (59.3% vs. 33.9%; p = 0.001). In the high-risk population, however, PAA did not affect wound healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent PAA showed a higher rate of wound healing and shorter time to wound healing, especially in the moderate-risk population. With regard to wound healing, this aggressive strategy might become a salvage procedure for patients with critical limb ischemia presenting with pedal artery disease.

Predictive Parameters for Clinical Outcome in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia Who Underwent Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA): A Systematic Review

Purpose

To identify possible risk factors in predicting clinical outcome in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

Materials and Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies analyzing CLI and clinical outcome after PTA from January 2006 to April 2017. Outcome measures were ulcer healing, amputation free survival (AFS)/limb salvage and overall survival. Data on predictive factors for ulcer healing, AFS/limb salvage and survival were extracted.

Results

Ten articles with a total of 2448 patients were included, all cohorts and based on prospective-designed databases. For ulcers, it seems that complete healing can be achieved in most of the patients within 1 year. No significant predictive factors were found. AFS/limb salvage: AFS rates for 1, 2 and 3 years ranged from 49.5 to 75.2%, 37 to 58% and 22 to 59%, respectively. Limb salvage rates for 1, 2 and 3 years ranged from 71 to 95%, 54 to 93.3% and 32 to 92.7%, respectively. All studies had different univariate and multivariate outcomes for predictive factors; however, age and diabetes were significant predictors in at least three studies. Survival: Survival rates for 1, 2 and 3 years ranged from 65.4 to 91.5%, 45.7 to 76% and 37.3 to 83.1%, respectively. Different predictive factors were found; however, age was found in 2 out of 5 studies reporting on predictive factors.

Conclusions

In several studies two factors, age and diabetes, were found as predictive factors for AFS/limb salvage and survival in patients with CLI undergoing PTA. Therefore, we believe that these factors should be taken into account in future research.

Level of Evidence

Level 2a.

Chronic Nonatherosclerotic Occlusive Popliteal Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

The outcomes of revascularization of nonatherosclerotic occlusive popliteal artery disease are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the outcomes of recanalization of nonatherosclerotic occlusive popliteal artery disease, the results of which would be useful in creating surgical strategies for such cases.

METHODS

From January 2000 to December 2015, a total of 22 patients with nonatherosclerotic occlusive popliteal artery disease underwent open surgical repair. We retrospectively analyzed the data of these patients. Thrombectomy with angioplasty on the occluded popliteal artery, graft interposition, and bypass surgery were conducted for revascularization of the affected region. We analyzed the overall primary patency rate, type of graft, and surgical approach. Furthermore, we compared the primary patency rate after surgical treatment.

RESULTS

Of 22 patients, 3 (13.6%) had cystic adventitial disease, 16 (72.7%) had popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, and 3 (13.6%) were diagnosed as having thromboangiitis obliterans. Five patients (22.7%) underwent thrombectomy with patch angioplasty, 8 (36.3%) underwent bypass surgery, and 9 (40.9%) underwent graft interposition of the popliteal artery. All graft interpositions and thrombectomies with patch angioplasty were performed through a posterior approach, whereas all bypass surgeries were performed through a medial approach except in 1 case. The mean follow-up period was 54.95 ± 42.99 months. The overall primary patency rate at 1, 3, and 10 years was 100%, 86.9%, and 69.5%, respectively. In the bypass group, the primary patency rate at 1, 3, and 10 years was 100%, 66.7%, and 44.4%, respectively. In the other groups, the primary patency rate was 100% during the follow-up period. The difference in primary patency rate was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The result of surgical treatment for nonatherosclerotic occlusive popliteal artery disease was better than that of atherosclerotic popliteal artery disease. Direct popliteal artery reconstruction, such as graft interposition or thrombectomy with patch angioplasty, showed better short- and long-term patency than did bypass surgery.

Long-term outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia and heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction

The impact of heart failure (HF) on long-term survival in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) has not been well described. Outcomes stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) are also unknown. A single center retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent treatment for CLI from 2006 to 2013. Baseline demographics, procedural data and outcomes were analyzed. HF diagnosis was based on appropriate signs and symptoms as well as results of non-invasive testing. Among 381 CLI patients, 120 (31%) had a history of HF and 261 (69%) had no history of heart failure (no-HF). Within the HF group, 74 (62%) had HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and 46 (38%) had HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The average EF for those with no-HF, HFpEF and HFrEF were 59±13% vs 56±9% vs 30±9%, respectively. The likelihood of having concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) was lowest in the no-HF group (43%), higher in the HFpEF group (70%) and highest in the HFrEF group (83%) ( p=0.001). Five-year survival was on average twofold higher in the no-HF group (43%) compared to both the HFpEF (19%, p=0.001) and HFrEF groups (24%, p=0.001). Long-term survival rates did not differ between the two HF groups ( p=0.50). There was no difference in 5-year freedom from major amputation or freedom from major adverse limb events between the no-HF, HFpEF and HFrEF groups, respectively. Overall, the combination of CLI and HF is associated with poor 5-year survival, independent of the degree of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Persistent Sciatic Artery Aneurysm with Limb Ischemia: A Report of Two Cases

We report two cases of persistent sciatic artery (PSA) aneurysm with limb ischemia. Physicians who treat peripheral artery disease should be aware that PSA is a very rare congenital malformation of the lower extremities that is potentially hazardous, and that revascularization should be performed when a PSA aneurysm is treated.

Incidence and clinical outcomes of the slow-flow phenomenon after infrapopliteal balloon angioplasty

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the incidence and clinical relevance of the slow-flow phenomenon after infrapopliteal balloon angioplasty.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study included 161 consecutive patients with critical limb ischemia (173 limbs) who underwent endovascular treatment for infrapopliteal lesions between January 2012 and May 2015. The overall technical success rate was 88%. Of these lesions, 30 limbs presented with slow flow after angioplasty.

RESULTS

Total occlusion (90% vs 63%; P < .01) and severe calcification (43% vs 8%; P < .01) were more common in the slow-flow group. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that freedom from major amputation (60% vs 86%; log-rank, P < .01) and wound healing at 2 years (77% vs 91%; log-rank, P = .03) were significantly less common in the slow-flow group. Univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis identified Rutherford class 6 (hazard ratio [HR], 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-15.8; P < .01), the slow-flow phenomenon (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.6-8.9; P < .01), and hemodialysis (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2-11.1; P = .02) as independent predictors of major amputation and Rutherford class 6 (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.6; P < .01), the slow-flow phenomenon (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9; P = .02), and pedal arch (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.5; P = .04) as predictors of wound healing.

CONCLUSIONS

The slow-flow phenomenon after infrapopliteal balloon angioplasty occurred in 18.6% of limbs. This phenomenon may result in poor outcomes.

Poorer limb salvage in African American men with chronic limb ischemia is due to advanced clinical stage and higher anatomic complexity at presentation

OBJECTIVE

African Americans (AAs) with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have been reported to have fewer revascularization attempts and poorer patency and limb salvage (LS) rates than Caucasians (CAUs). This study compared the outcomes between AA and CAU men with chronic limb ischemia.

METHODS

All AA and CAU men who underwent treatment for symptomatic PAD between November 1, 2003, and May 31, 2012, were included. Patency rates, LS, major adverse cardiovascular and limb events, amputation-free survival, and survival were compared before and after propensity score matching and with multivariate (Cox regression) analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 834 men (1062 limbs), 107 were AA (137 limbs) and 727 were CAU (925 limbs). AAs were more likely to have insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dialysis dependence, lower albumin levels, and critical limb ischemia (73% vs 61%; P = .006), whereas CAUs had more coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In patients with critical limb ischemia, primary amputation rates (10.9% vs 7.2%; P = .209) were similar between groups; however, infrapopliteal interventions were more frequent in AAs (62.6% vs 44.3%; P = .004). Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were similar. Mean follow-up was 38.5 ± 28.9 months (range, 0-119 months). Patency rates, major adverse limb and cardiovascular events, amputation-free survival, and survival were similar in AAs and CAUs; however, the LS rate was significantly lower in AA (73% ± 6% vs 83% ± 2%; P = .048), mainly due to the difference in the endovascular-treated group (5-year LS, 69% ± 7% in AAs vs 84% ± 2% in CAUs; P = .025). All outcomes were similar in propensity score-matched cohorts. In multivariate analysis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, gangrene, poor functional capacity, dialysis-dependence, and need for infrapopliteal revascularization were independently associated with limb loss, whereas race was not.

CONCLUSIONS

AA men with symptomatic PAD were found to have lower LS rates than CAUs. However, this was likely due to presenting with advanced ischemia or with poor prognostic factors that are independently associated with limb loss.

Combined retrograde-antegrade arterial wiring: Peroneal artery can be a bridge to cross infrapopliteal Trans Atlantic Inter Society Consensus D lesions

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of complex infrapopliteal lesions might be a true and complex challenge. Success rates remain suboptimal when employing standard approaches. Thus, recanalization techniques for infrapopliteal disease remain a seat of continuous evolution.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We report our results of Trans Atlantic Inter Society Consensus D infrapopliteal disease recanalization using combined antegrade-retrograde approach through peroneal artery branches.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 27 patients with infrapopliteal Trans Atlantic Inter Society Consensus D lesions underwent recanalization of at least one of the tibial arteries by combined retrograde-antegrade route using the peroneal artery normal anastomosis channels.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 22 patients who were followed for 6-24 months. Healing of ischemic ulcers or spontaneous separation of ischemic gangrenous patches in 13 patients. Minor amputation in nine patients. No major amputation in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Although demanding, the technique can be reserved for selected cases with failed antegrade recanalization. This technique is valuable when a proximal occlusion is not crossable, when a dissection flap or a perforation in the proximal portion of a target vessel hinders guide-wire advancement. This technique may represent a feasible endovascular option to avoid second distal puncture exhausting the landing zone of a future distal bypass.

Clinical Implications of Additional Pedal Artery Angioplasty in Critical Limb Ischemia Patients With Infrapopliteal and Pedal Artery Disease

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical implications of additional pedal artery angioplasty (PAA) for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients (mean age 77.8±8.6 years; 21 men) with CLI (32 limbs) presenting with de novo infrapopliteal and pedal artery (Kawarada type 2/3) disease were reviewed. The need for PAA was based on the existence of sufficient wound blush (WB) around the target wounds after conventional above-the-ankle revascularization. Fourteen patients with insufficient WB in 14 limbs received additional PAA, while 15 patients with sufficient WB in 18 limbs did not. The groups were compared for overall survival, limb salvage, and amputation-free survival within 1 year after the procedure. The wound healing rate, time to wound healing, and freedom from reintervention rate were also evaluated.

RESULT

The success rate of additional PAA was 93% (13/14). All limbs with successful PAA achieved sufficient WB (13/13). Despite insufficient WB before the additional PAA, overall survival (86% vs 73%, p=0.350), limb salvage (93% vs 83%, p=0.400), amputation-free survival (79% vs 53%, p=0.102), and freedom from reintervention (64% vs 73%, p=0.668) rates were similar in both groups. Furthermore, the wound healing rate (93% vs 60%, p=0.05) was higher and time to wound healing (86.0±18.7 vs 152.0±60.2 days, p=0.05) was shorter in the patients who received PAA.

CONCLUSION

Additional PAA might improve the WB and clinical outcomes (especially speed and extent of wound healing) in patients with CLI attributed to infrapopliteal and pedal artery disease.

Strategy of Revascularization for Critical Limb Ischemia Due to Infragenicular Lesions-Which Should Be Selected Firstly, Bypass Surgery or Endovascular Therapy?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In patients with peripheral arterial diseases (PADs) due to infra-popliteal (below the knee; BTK) lesions, we often encounter situations requiring the immediate selection of either of two revascularization methods, namely bypass surgery or endovascular therapy (EVT). However, the question of whether endovascular or surgical revascularization should be performed initially for critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients with BTK lesions has not been clarified. To assess the efficacy and durability of EVT or bypass as a first approach, we evaluated the short- and mid-term outcomes of the first revascularizations achieved using EVT (EVT First Group; EVT-first) compared with bypass (Bypass First Group; Bypass-first). To verify the validity of each initial revascularization, we explored factors influencing overall survival (OS) rates using multivariate analyses.

METHODS

A total of 169 consecutive BTK revascularization procedures (150 patients) for CLI conducted at our facility between November 2006 and July 2012 were analyzed. Patients undergoing revascularization were divided into two groups (EVT-first or Bypass-first), with 102 patients undergoing endovascular therapy first (EVT-first) and 51 undergoing bypass surgery first (Bypass-first). No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups with respect to preoperative background including age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary arterial disease (CAD), chronic heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular disease, and hemodialysis). Technical success was defined as a single straight-line flow to the ankle after completion angiography of the first revascularization method. Hemodynamic success was defined as a postoperative skin perfusion pressure of the foot exceeding 40 mmHg.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 76.0 years (range, 46-98 years; 65 men and 37 women) and 72.3 years (range, 43-93 years; 35 men and 13 women) in the EVT-first and Bypass-first groups, respectively. Patient follow-up ranged from 1 to 50 months (mean, 15 months). Respective technical and hemodynamic success rates were 96.2% and 66.7% for EVT-first and 100% and 94% for Bypass-first, respectively. Treatment was required an average of 1.5 times for EVT-first and 1.2 times for Bypass-first. Respective rates for other factors examined in the EVT-first and the Bypass-first groups were: major amputation rates 30 days post-procedure, 5.9%, and 3.9%; mortality rates 30 days post-procedure, 3.9%, and 0%; one-year AFS rates, 71.7%, and 79.5%; OS rates, 73.5% and 83.9%; and limb salvage rates, 88.8%, and 91.0%. Multivariate-analysis of all subjects in the two groups revealed that the OS rates were affected by four risk factors as follows: (1) age greater than 80 years, (2) CAD, (3) CHF, and (4) a non-ambulatory limb.

CONCLUSION

For patients with CLI due to BTK lesions and whose saphenous veins are in poor condition or are in poor general condition having two or more of the four severe risk factors, the EVT-First procedure is effective and provides durable results. Overall survival in patients with CLI due to BTK lesions is worse when patients have more than two severe risk factors, which is non-ambulatory limb, aged less than 81 years, with CAD or with CHF. (This article is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2014; 23: 766-773.).

Clinical characteristics of patients with Rutherford category IV, compared with V and VI

Objective:

Patients categorized Rutherford category IV might have different characteristics compared with Rutherford category V and VI. Our study aims were to estimate the clinical differences between Rutherford category IV and Rutherford category V and VI, for those underwent endovascular therapy for isolated infrapopliteal disease, and also to find risk factors for endovascular therapy in Rutherford category IV.

Methods:

Based on the Japanese multi-center registry data, 1091 patients with 1332 limbs (Rutherford category IV: 226 patients with 315 limbs, Rutherford category V and VI: 865 patients with 1017 limbs) were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

Patients’ backgrounds and lesions’ characteristics had significant differences. Both freedom rate from major adverse limb event with perioperative death and amputation-free survival rate at 1 year were better in Rutherford category IV than Rutherford category V and VI (93.6% vs 78.3%, 87.7% vs 66.7%) and those maintained to 3 years (p < 0.0001). Significant predictors for major adverse limb event/perioperative death were small body mass index (<18.5 kg/m³) and initial endovascular therapy success, and those for amputation-free survival were small body mass index (<18.5 kg/m³), non-ambulatory status, high systematic inflammatory reaction (C-reactive protein > 3.0 mg/dL), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and coronary artery disease in Rutherford category IV.

Conclusion:

From the present results, Rutherford category IV should be recognized to have quite different backgrounds and better outcome from Rutherford category V and VI.

Impact of angiosome-oriented revascularization on clinical outcomes in critical limb ischemia patients without concurrent wound infection and diabetes

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of angiosome-oriented revascularization on clinical outcomes in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients excluding those with both diabetes and wound infection.

METHODS

Using a retrospective multicenter database, a propensity score matching analysis was performed of 539 consecutive CLI patients (375 men; mean age 71±11 years) without concurrent wound infection and diabetes who underwent balloon angioplasty of isolated infrapopliteal lesions. Propensity score matching produced 2 groups of 182 patients each who underwent angiosome-oriented direct revascularization (123 men; mean age 72±11 years) or indirect revascularization (125 men; mean age 72±11 years). The groups were compared for wound healing rate, freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE), and amputation-free survival (AFS).

RESULTS

In the overall population, indirect revascularization was performed in 36.6% (n=197). In the propensity matching analysis, the complete wound healing rate at 12 months was higher in the direct group than the indirect revascularization patients (75% vs. 64%, p=0.01), while freedom from MALE (p=0.99) and AFS (p=0.17) were not significantly different at up to 24 months. In multivariate analysis, indirect revascularization had an independent negative impact on wound healing (adjusted hazard ratio 0.7, p=0.008).

CONCLUSION

After propensity matching analysis for CLI patients other than those with both diabetes and wound infection, the wound healing rate was higher after direct revascularization than after indirect revascularization, whereas MALE and AFS were not significantly different.

Preliminary Report of Endovascular Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia Patients with Connective Tissue Disease: Cases Series and Review of the Literature

Only few studies have addressed the surgical revascularization in patients with both connective tissue disease (CTD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI), and the evidence for the endovascular treatment (EVT) is lacking in such patients. The main purpose of this study is to assess our outcome of EVT in patients with CTD and ischemic leg ulcers and review the current situation of the revascularization in such patients. Medical records of 10 consecutive patients with coexistent CTD and CLI-related leg ulcers (in 11 limbs) treated endovascularly at our institution between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 5), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 1), progressive systemic scleroderma (n = 3), or polyarteritis nodosa (n = 1). EVT was technically successful in all the cases. No procedure-related morbidity or mortality occurred. During the mean follow-up period of 26 months, there were no major amputations, and sustained clinical improvement (ulcer healing and reduction in Rutherford category) was observed in eight limbs. The overall 1-year rates of amputation-free survival and freedom from reintervention were 89 and 81%, respectively. In our series of patients with CTD and ischemic leg ulcers, EVT had acceptable outcomes and may be recommended as a safe and reasonably effective initial treatment option for such patients.

Postprocedural Skin Perfusion Pressure Correlates With Clinical Outcomes 1 Year After Endovascular Therapy for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Although skin perfusion pressure (SPP) is widely used clinically to predict probability of wound healing, correlation between clinical outcomes and SPP has not been systematically studied.

METHODS

This subanalysis of the prospective multicenter OLIVE registry of patients who received infrainguinal endovascular therapy (EVT) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) assessed the association between clinical outcomes and postoperative SPP in 211 consecutive patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with amputation-free survival (AFS), modified major adverse limb events (MALEs), and complete wound healing as dependent variables and postprocedural SPP as independent variable.

RESULT

Pre- and postprocedural SPP was 28 ± 11 and 46 ± 18 mm Hg, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, postprocedural SPP correlated with 1-year AFS (P = .018), modified MALEs (P < .001), and wound healing (P = .022).

CONCLUSION

Postprocedural SPP correlates with clinical outcomes after EVT for patients with CLI.

[Distal revascularization in diabetic patients with chronic limb ischemia]

Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for peripheral artery disease. Life expectancy is 41 months for diabetic patients with an ischemic ulcer. The characteristics of diabetic arteriopathy make its treatment more difficult than in non-diabetic patients. Few data are available about the surgical treatment of arteriopathy in diabetic patients (including angioplasty or bypass), especially in case of distal arteriopathy. The choice of the procedure depends on multiple factors such as the disease localization, its extent, distal blood flow and vascular disease-related surgical risk. The principal aim of revascularisation is to restore direct flow to the foot in order to ensure wound healing and limb salvage. With percutaneous endoluminal angioplasty, limb salvage can be achieved in more than 80% of patients at 1-3 years. The percutaneous procedure is less invasive than open surgery, there are fewer complications, and morbidity and mortality rates are reduced; moreover, a second procedure remains possible in the future. With bypass surgery, the rate of limb salvage exceeds 80% at five years. Nevertheless, peri-operative mortality reaches 3% and arterial anatomy, patient-related risks factors or venous graft availability may be limitations. New endovascular techniques especially designed for the distal arteries of the lower limbs enable very distal revascularization with morbidity and mortality rates lower than with surgery.

Contemporary treatment for critical ischemia: the evidence for interventional radiology or surgery

This article is a review of the evidence regarding the management of patients with critical limb ischemia. The aim of the study is to discuss the definition, incidence, and clinical importance of critical limb ischemia, as well as the aims of treatment in terms of quality of life and limb salvage. Endovascular and surgical treatments should not be viewed as competing therapies. In fact, these are complementary techniques each with strengths and weaknesses. The authors will propose a strategy based on the available evidence for deciding the optimal approach to management of patients with critical limb ischemia.

Prognostic Factors in Hemodialysis Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia due to Isolated Below-the-Knee Disease

AIM

To investigate the prognosis and to clarify the predictors of both patient and limb survival among hemodialysis (HD) patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to isolated below-the-knee (BK) disease.

METHODS

An observational cohort study, analyzing a total of 546 HD patients with 681 limbs who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) for CLI with isolated BK disease at 11 hospitals in Japan between March 2004 and June 2011, was performed.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 69.0±9.5 years, and 420 (76.9%) of the subjects were men. The number of patients classified with Rutherford stage 4, 5 and 6 disease was 103 (18.9%), 332 (60.8%) and 111 (20.3%), respectively. The mean HbA1c level was 6.48±1.20%, and 195 (35.7%) of the subjects were active smokers. During the follow-up period (mean: 557.5 days), 191 (35.0%) patients died and 82 (12.0%) limbs underwent major amputation. The freedom from all-cause death was 75.5%, 53.4% and 36.9% and freedom from major amputation was 86.7%, 83.9% and 83.9% at one, three and five years after EVT, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed that a non-ambulatory status, low serum albumin level and ＜2 runoff vessels after EVT were significant predictors for both all-cause death and major amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patient survival remains poor, the limb salvage rate after EVT is favorable among those on HD with CLI due to isolated BK disease. The present results allow for the risk stratification of HD patients with CLI undergoing EVT for isolated BK disease.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty versus primary stenting in infrapopliteal arterial disease: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and primary stenting are commonly used endovascular therapeutic procedures for the treatment of infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease. However, which procedure is more beneficial for patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a meta-analysis, searching PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ISI Web of Knowledge, and relevant websites without language or publication date restrictions for randomized trials that compared primary stenting with PTA in patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease. The keywords were "stents," "angioplasty," "infrapopliteal," "tibial arteries," and "below knee." We selected immediate technical success, primary and secondary patency, limb salvage, and patient survival as the outcomes of this meta-analysis. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, we identified six prospective randomized trials. One-year outcomes did not show any significant differences between the PTA and primary stenting groups, respectively: technical success (93.3% vs 96.2%; odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-1.47; P = .25), primary patency (57.1% vs 65.7%; OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.35-2.58; P = .92), secondary patency (73.5% vs 57.6%; OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 0.81-5.34; P = .13), limb salvage (82.2% vs 87.5%; OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.29-1.41; P = .27), and patient survival (84.0% vs 87.5%; OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.40-1.55; P = .49).

CONCLUSIONS

For infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease, primary stenting has the same 1-year benefits as PTA. There is insufficient evidence to support the superiority of either method. Primary stenting is associated with a trend toward higher primary patency and lower secondary patency. Further large-scale prospective randomized trials should produce more reliable results.

Shared and additional risk factors for decrease of toe-brachial index compared to ankle-brachial index in Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Some diabetic patients have a low toe-brachial index (TBI) despite their normal ankle-brachial index (ABI). We statistically investigated whether the impact of risk factors on TBI would be different compared to ABI.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used a database of 1738 limbs of consecutive 869 Japanese diabetic patients whose ABI and TBI were simultaneously evaluated. We developed a common regression model to ABI and TBI by extending the linear mixed model, and statistically detected the difference in the impact of risk factors between the two indices.

RESULTS

Sex, smoking, proteinuria, hypertension, and history of stroke and coronary artery disease were common independent risk factors for the decrease of ABI and TBI; their impacts on ABI and TBI were not significantly different. On the other hand, the impact of age, diabetic duration, and body mass index was significantly different between the two indices (all p < 0.05). Age and body mass index were significantly associated with TBI but not with ABI. Diabetic duration had a significant impact both on TBI and ABI, but the impact on TBI was significantly greater than that on ABI (β = -0.144 vs. -0.087; p < 0.05). In the population with normal ABI, patients with these risk factors had a higher prevalence of decreased TBI.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for the decrease of ABI and TBI were not identical in Japanese diabetic patients. Age, diabetic duration and body mass index were associated with reduced TBI in patients with normal ABI.

Validation study of automated oscillometric measurement of the ankle-brachial index for lower arterial occlusive disease by comparison with computed tomography angiography

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) determined by the oscillometric method has been shown to reliably detect peripheral arterial disease (PAD), with highly correlations with the Doppler method. However, most of these studies were shown in cohorts with a small number of PAD patients, and no imaging studies have been performed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and optimal threshold of oscillometric ABI for detecting PAD using computed tomography angiography (CTA) as a gold standard in a cohort that consists mostly of PAD patients. This retrospective study included 108 consecutive patients with 216 limbs. ABI measured by an oscillometric device was compared with CTA. The diagnostic accuracy of oscillometric ABI to detect ≥50% and ≥75% stenosis confirmed by CTA and the optimal ABI cutoff values were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The oscillometric ABI could not be measured in nine limbs. The mean ABI was 0.72±0.31. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) for detecting ≥50% and ≥75% stenosis with oscillometric ABI were 0.919 and 0.918, respectively. The optimal ABI cutoff values to detect these levels of stenosis were 0.99 (sensitivity, 90%: specificity, 85%) and 0.87 (sensitivity, 84%: specificity, 89%), respectively. If patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) were analyzed separately, the AUC for detecting ≥75% stenosis was 0.888. Oscillometric ABI had a high diagnostic accuracy to detect PAD using CTA as a gold standard. The diagnostic ability of ABI to detect PAD could be impaired by the presence of DM.