Efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for arteriovenous fistula stenosis or occlusion at juxta-anastomosis: A 3-year follow-up cohort study

Sharp needle reconstructs peripheral outflow for patients with malfunctional arteriovenous fistula

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of combining ultrasound-guided sharp needle technique with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for treating outflow stenosis or dysfunction in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) among hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

From October 2021 to March 2023, patients with occluded or malfunctional fistula veins not amenable to regularly angioplasty were retrospectively enrolled in the study. They underwent ultrasound-guided sharp needle intervention followed by PTA. Data on the location and length between the two veins, technical success, clinical outcomes, and complications were collected. Patency rates post-angioplasty were calculated through Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were included. The mean length of the reconstructed extraluminal segment was 3.18 cm. The sharp needle opening was performed on the basilic vein (60.9%), brachial vein (26.1%), or upper arm cephalic vein (13%) to create outflow channels. Postoperatively, all cases presented with mild subcutaneous hematomas around the tunneling site and minor diffuse bleeding. The immediate patency rate for the internal fistulas was 100%, with 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month patency rates at 91.3%, 78.3%, and 43.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Sharp needle technology merged with PTA presents an effective and secure minimally invasive method for reconstructing the outflow tract, offering a new solution for recanalizing high-pressure or occluded fistulas.

Patency and factors related to patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for inflow arterial stenosis in native arteriovenous fistula dysfunction: a single-center retrospective study

Controversy still exists regarding how much the inflow arterial percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) contributed to maintaining fistula function for hemodialysis. We aimed to analyze patency and risk factors after inflow arterial PTA. Hemodialysis patients with inflow arterial primary stenosis who were admitted to our institution from January 2017 to December 2022 were examined. One group had arterial-venous fistula with inflow artery stenosis alone (AVF + iAS) and another group had AVF with inflow artery stenosis and any vein stenosis (AVF + iAS + VS). The characteristics of patients, stenotic lesions, and PTA procedures were recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare primary patency, assisted primary patency, and secondary patency in the two groups. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with patency. We examined 213 patients, 53 in the AVF + iAS group (51 radial arterial stenosis and 2 ulnar arterial stenosis) and 160 in the AVF + iAS + VS group (159 radial arterial stenosis and 1 ulnar arterial stenosis). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated the AVF + iAS group had better primary patency and assisted primary patency (both P < 0.05), but the groups had similar secondary patency. Cox proportional hazard analysis indicated that none of the analyzed clinical and biochemical indexes had clinically meaningful effects on primary patency, assisted primary patency, or secondary patency in either group. The patency and safety after PTA for inflow arterial stenosis were satisfactory, and none of the examined risk factors had a major clinical impact on patency. We recommend PTA as treatment for inflow stenosis of an AVF.

Assessment of Sonographic Parameters for Predicting Primary Patency Rate in Hemodialysis Patients With Venous Valve-Related Stenosis

OBJECTIVES

Ultrasonography is more frequently used in patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis. The aim of this study is to use sonographic parameters for predicting primary patency in hemodialysis patients with venous valve-related stenosis (VVRS) who are treated by ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

METHODS

A total of 229 VVRS patients who underwent PTA between January 2017 and December 2021 were enrolled. Clinical characteristics were retrospectively collected. Sonographic parameters were measured both before and after PTA. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify independent factors associated with primary patency rate.

RESULTS

All measured sonographic parameters improved after PTA compared to before PTA. Before PTA, the diameter of VVRS > 1.0 mm, age ≤ 57 years, and body mass index (BMI) > 21.57 kg/m2 were associated with better outcomes. While the diameter of radial artery, proximal radial artery close to the anastomosis, brachial artery, the flow volume of brachial artery, the length and peak velocity (PV) of the VVRS, and the diameter and PV after the VVRS had no association with the primary patency rate. After PTA, only patients with a diameter of VVRS > 4.0 mm had favorable outcome. In addition, patients with a gain of diameter of VVRS > 2.4 mm after PTA had a trend of better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The diameter of VVRS before and after PTA could be served as markers to predict primary patency rate and second patency rate in AVF patients with VVRS. The gain of diameter of VVRS could also be a potential marker.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Using simple markers of sonographic parameters, we could quickly identify patients with a higher risk of restenosis. These patients should be followed more closely in case of restenosis at early. It is also beneficial to the prevention of thrombosis. These measures help to preserve more valuable vascular for a long-term dialysis. Additionally, the physician should pay more attention on the dialysis-related complications in these risky patients, such as hemodialysis-related hypotension.

Directional Femoral Ultrasound-Guided Compression Technique Using in Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the early results of directional femoral ultrasound-guided compression technique (UCT) using in percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

METHODS

Consecutive single-center patients with acute iliofemoral DVT who underwent PMT from January 2020 to December 2021 were included. Directional femoral UCT was used to adjust the PMT catheter into the residual thrombus in the inguinal region by ultrasound compression to improve the thrombus clearance rate. Patients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into 2 groups based on PMT with or without directional femoral UCT. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) at 24-month follow-up. The secondary efficacy outcomes included common femoral venous thrombus removal grade, total thrombus removal grade, venous primary patency rate, and incidence of moderate-to-severe PTS at 24-month follow-up. The safety outcomes included complications, major bleeding events, and death at 24-month follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 96 patients were included in the study: 42 patients underwent PMT with directional femoral UCT and 54 patients underwent PMT without UCT. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The percentages of patients achieved common femoral venous thrombus removal grade 3 and total thrombus removal grade 3 were significantly higher in the PMT with UCT group than those in the PMT without UCT group (p<0.001). The 24-month primary patency rate was significantly higher in the PMT with UCT group than that in the PMT without UCT group (90.0% vs 71.2%, p=0.027). The incidence of PTS was significantly lower in the PMT with UCT group (10.0%) than that in the PMT without UCT group (28.8%) (p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

PMT with directional femoral UCT could improve the thrombus clearance rate and primary patency rate of acute iliofemoral DVT and might decrease the incidence of PTS compared to traditional PMT treatment without UCT.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Residual thrombus in common femoral vein is a difficult problem associated with higher incidence of PTS. Few studies have focused on common femoral venous thrombus clearance. PMT with directional femoral UCT could improve the thrombus clearance rate and primary patency rate of acute iliofemoral DVT, and might decrease the incidence of PTS compared to traditional PMT treatment without UCT. Directional femoral UCT is recommended in PMT treatment of acute iliofemoral DVT.

Long-Term Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Arteriovenous Fistula Outflow Stenosis Caused by Venous Valve

Introduction

Venous valve-related stenosis (VVRS) is an uncommon type of failure of arteriovenous fistula among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There is a paucity of data on the long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for VVRS.

Methods

ESRD patients who underwent PTA because of VVRS between January 2017 and December 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled. Patients were classified into three cohorts (cohort1, VVRS located within 3 cm of the vein adjacent to the anastomosis; cohort2, VVRS located over 3 cm away from the anastomosis; cohort3, multiple stenoses). The patency rates were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify the risk factors.

Results

A total of 292 patients were enrolled, including 125 (42.8%), 111 (38.0%), and 56 (19.2%) patients in cohort1, cohort2, and cohort3, respectively. The median follow-up was 34.8 months. The 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year primary patency rates were 86.0%, 69.4%, 47.5%, and 35.3%, respectively. The secondary patency rates were 94.5%, 89.4%, 75.5%, and 65.3%, respectively. Cohort1 showed a relatively better primary patency compared to cohort2 and cohort3. The secondary patency rates were comparable in the three cohorts. Duration of dialysis and VVRS type were potential factors associated with primary patency.

Conclusions

This study showed acceptable long-term primary and secondary patency rates after PTA for VVRS in ESRD patients, especially for those with VVRS located within 3 cm of the vein adjacent to the anastomosis.

IN.PACT AV Access Randomized Trial of Drug-Coated Balloons for Dysfunctional Arteriovenous Fistulae: Clinical Outcomes through 36 Months

PURPOSE

To present the 36-month outcomes of the prospective randomized IN.PACT AV Access study of participants with obstructive de novo or restenotic native upper extremity arteriovenous dialysis fistula lesions treated with drug-coated balloon (DCBs) or standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) following successful high-pressure PTA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants at 29 international sites were randomized 1:1 to receive an IN.PACT AV DCB (n = 170) or undergo PTA (n = 160). The outcomes through 36 months included target lesion primary patency (TLPP) and access circuit primary patency (ACPP) (composites of clinically driven target lesion or access circuit revascularization and/or access circuit thrombosis), number of reinterventions, and serious adverse events involving the access circuit.

RESULTS

TLPP was 52.1% in the DCB group compared with 36.7% in the PTA group through 24 months and 43.1% in the DCB group compared with 28.6% in the PTA group through 36 months (both log-rank P < .001). ACPP was 39.4% in the DCB group compared with 25.3% in the PTA group through 24 months and 26.4% in the DCB group compared with 16.6% in the PTA group through 36 months (both log-rank P < .001). Cumulative incidence of access circuit thrombosis through 36 months was 8.2% in the DCB group compared with 18.3% in the PTA group (log-rank P = .040). Cumulative incidence of mortality through 36 months was 26.6% in the DCB group compared with 30.8% in the PTA group (log-rank P = .71).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated superior TLPP and ACPP with DCBs compared with PTA, with no difference in mortality through 3 years. Access circuit thrombosis was statistically significantly higher in the PTA group at 3 years.

Duplex ultrasound-guided angioplasty of hemodialysis vascular access

OBJECTIVE

Duplex ultrasound-guided angioplasty (DA) for hemodialysis vascular accesses remains questionable regarding its feasibility and safety. Minor complications (requiring no more treatment than nominal therapy) might be over-reported. Our hypothesis is that this procedure has no significant differences between observed rates and the recommended threshold of main outcomes of the procedure defined by the standards of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) angioplasty.

METHODS

In a single-center retrospective study, 298 DA performed on 141 patients from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed. Occluded AVF or concomitant use of radiographic guidance were excluded. Duplex ultrasound parameters were collected up to 1 month before, at the end of angioplasty, and on day 30 after the procedure. Complications were registered, and patency rates were studied at 24 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Anatomical success was achieved in 142 procedures (47.7%), clinical success in 284 (95.3%), and hemodynamic success in 283 (95.0%). Major complications-requiring at least a specific therapy-were reported in 8 procedures (2.7%) and minor complications-requiring no adjunctive therapy-in 157 (52.7%). At 24 months, overall postintervention primary patency was 34.0%, primary-assisted patency 87.4%, and secondary patency 92.5%. There were no significant differences of patency rates between groups with or without minor complications (P value for primary patency, 0.08; primary-assisted patency, 0.08; secondary patency, 0.23) or 30% residual stenosis (P value for primary patency, 0.82; primary-assisted patency, 0.46; secondary patency: 0.63). Duplex parameters further improved at postoperative day 30 after angioplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

DA of AVF is feasible, safe-despite over-reported minor complications having no impact on postintervention patency rates-and efficient. A minor complication can be seen as an event without bad or good consequences. Anatomical definition of success does not fit on DA for hemodialysis vascular access. Further studies are required to define the duplex parameter threshold for efficacy.

Current State of MRI-Guided Endovascular Arterial Interventions: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

BACKGROUND

MRI guidance of arterial endovascular interventions could be beneficial as it does not require radiation exposure, allows intrinsic blood-tissue contrast, and enables three-dimensional and functional imaging, however, clinical applications are still limited.

PURPOSE

To review the current state of MRI-guided arterial endovascular interventions and to identify the most commonly reported challenges.

STUDY TYPE

Systematic review.

POPULATION

Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched to find relevant articles. The search strategy combined synonyms for vascular pathology, endovascular therapy, and real-time MRI guidance.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

No field strength or sequence restrictions were applied.

ASSESSMENT

Two reviewers independently identified and reviewed the original articles and extracted relevant data.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Results of the included original articles are reported.

RESULTS

A total of 24,809 studies were identified for screening. Eighty-eight studies were assessed for eligibility, after which data were extracted from 43 articles (6 phantom, 33 animal, and 4 human studies). Reported technical success rates for animal and human studies ranged between 42% to 100%, and the average complication rate was 5.8% (animal studies) and 8.8% (human studies). Main identified challenges were related to spatial and temporal resolution as well as safety, design, and scarcity of current MRI-compatible endovascular devices.

DATA CONCLUSION

MRI guidance of endovascular arterial interventions seems feasible, however, included articles included mostly small single-center case series. Several hurdles remain to be overcome before larger trials can be undertaken. Main areas of research should focus on adequate imaging protocols with integrated tracking of dedicated endovascular devices.