Outcomes After Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment of Femoropopliteal Lesions in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia: A Post Hoc Analysis From the IN.PACT Global Study

A Bayesian network meta-analysis for acute thrombosis after lower extremity artery endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND

Various endovascular treatment devices have been widely used in the lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). Their patency efficiency for target lesions has been well studied and reported. Comparison of the risk of acute thrombosis events between the different endovascular treatment devices is unclear.

AIMS

To rank the risk of acute thrombosis events when bare metal stents (BMSs), covered stents (CSs), drug-eluting stents (DESs), drug-coated balloons (DCBs), and conventional percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) are used to treat LEAD through Bayesian network meta-analysis.

METHODS

We performed a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the risk of 1-year postoperative acute thrombosis between BMSs, CSs, DESs, DCBs, and PTA for treating LEAD. Bayesian random models were used for pooled endovascular treatment modality comparisons. We ranked these treatment modalities via the Bayesian method according to their surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and estimated probabilities.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies (38 study arms; 2758 patients) were included. The Bayesian network ranking of treatments indicated that DCB had the lowest risk of acute thrombosis, PTA had the second-lowest risk of thrombosis, and CS, BMS, and DES had the highest risk of thrombosis. Regarding the treatment efficacy, the OR values of the loss of primary patency were significantly lower for DCB (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30-0.62), DES (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.94), and CS (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18,0.56) than for PTA. When BMS was used as a reference, only the OR for CS was significantly lower (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21-0.82). Correspondingly, the Bayesian ranking of treatments from better to worse target lesion primary patency was CS, DES, DCB, BMS, and PTA.

CONCLUSION

With the available research evidence and according to the network analysis ranking, DES appears to have the highest risk of acute thrombosis and DCB appears to have the lowest risk.

Five-Year Outcomes after Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment of Femoropopliteal Lesions in Diabetic and Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Cohorts: IN.PACT Global Study Post Hoc Analysis

PURPOSE

To summarize the 5-year outcomes of drug-coated balloon (DCB) for the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) or chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) compared to non-DM and intermittent claudication (IC).

METHODS

The IN.PACT Global study was a real-world prospective, multicenter, international, single-arm study that enrolled 1535 participants. Post hoc analyses were conducted for participants with DM (n = 560) versus non-DM (n = 842) and CLTI (n = 156) versus IC (n = 1246). Assessments included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) through 60 months, a composite safety outcome (freedom from device- and procedure-related death through 30 days, and freedom from major target limb amputation and freedom from CD-target vessel revascularization within 60 months), and major adverse events (MAEs).

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier estimates of 60-month freedom from CD-TLR were 67.7% and 70.5% (p = 0.25) in the DM and non-DM cohorts; and 60.7% and 70.5% (p = 0.006) in the CLTI and IC cohorts. The Kaplan-Meier 60-month composite safety outcomes were 65.1% DM versus 68.9% non-DM (p = 0.12); 53.2% CLTI versus 69.1% IC (p < 0.001). Between DM and non-DM, MAE rates were not significantly different through 60 months except for all-cause mortality which was higher in DM (23.8% versus 16.6%; p < 0.001). Participants with CLTI had a higher cumulative incidence of major target limb amputation (6.8% versus 1.1%; p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (37.4% versus 17.4%; p < 0.001) through 60 months compared to IC.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world study, 5-year reintervention rates following DCB angioplasty were similar between DM and non-DM, but mortality rates were expectedly higher in patients with DM. Reintervention, mortality, and amputation rates were all higher in CLTI patients compared to IC, which is consistent with the known frailty of this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3, Non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

Stent Graft vs Drug-Coated Balloon in Endovascular Treatment of Complex Femoropopliteal Artery Lesions: A 2-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

Both stent grafts (SG) and drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have shown to be effective treatments for long and complex femoropopliteal (FP) lesions. However, there has not been a clinical trial comparing the 2 treatments directly. This study aims to compare the primary patency (PP) and clinical outcomes of SG and DCB for endovascular treatment of complex FP Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C/D lesions in patients.

METHODS

From July 2013 to May 2019, a retrospective study was conducted at 2 medical centers to compare the clinical outcomes of Viabahn SG and DCB angioplasty in patients with TASC C/D FP lesions. The study used overlap weighting to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and to reduce the impact of confounding factors and selection bias between the 2 groups. The primary endpoint was PP through 24 months, and the secondary endpoints included freedom from clinical-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), all-cause of death rate, and major amputation rate.

RESULTS

A total of 161 limbs in 150 patients with TASC C/D FP lesions were treated either with Viabahn SGs (67 limbs, 65 patients) or DCBs (94 limbs, 85 patients). In the DCB group, 22 target vessels (23.4%) underwent directional atherectomy before DCB angioplasty and 37 target vessels (39.4%) underwent bail-out bare-metal stent implantation for early recoil or severe dissection. The SG group had significantly higher PP rates at both the 12 and 24 months than in the DCB group (75.8% vs 39.2%, p=0.02; 64.1% vs 31.9%, p=0.02), respectively. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of CD-TLR, death rate, and major amputation rate. According to the results of multivariate analysis, DCB angioplasty was the only independent predictor associated with restenosis (hazard ratio [HR]=0.264, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.100-0.696, p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that SG was associated with a significantly higher PP rate in complex long FP lesions compared with DCB angioplasty. However, there was no significant difference in the freedom from CD-TLR and major amputation rate. It is important to follow the criteria for using SG strictly to avoid early restenosis, which can lead to acute thrombosis and severe limb ischemia. Closer monitoring is recommended for patients who undergo SG implantation.

CLINICAL IMPACT

There has no head-to-head clinical trial that compares DCB and SG in complex long FP lesions. This study showed that SG following the criteria was associated with a significantly higher PP rate compared with DCB angioplasty. Closer monitoring is recommended for patients with SG to avoid acute thrombosis. Randomized controlled trials comparing SG and DCB are necessary.

The no-flow phenomenon following drug-coated balloon angioplasty in a patient with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and a history of below-knee amputation

The endovascular treatment using a drug-coated balloon (DCB) reduces restenosis and target vessel re-vascularization rate in patients with peripheral artery disease such as claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). However, its safety and efficacy in patients with post-below-knee amputation remain unknown. We had a patient with CLTI and a history of below-knee amputation, who suffered a no-flow phenomenon following DCB angioplasty that required above-knee amputation. DCB angioplasty might not be appropriate for those with severe CLTI and histories of amputation.

Learning objective

The present report describes the risk of endovascular treatment using a drug-coated balloon for chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients with a below-knee amputated limb.

Safety and Efficacy of the Passeo-18 Lux Drug-Coated Balloon Catheter in Atherosclerotic Femoropopliteal Lesions: The Multicenter BIOLUX P-IV China Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this trial was to assess the safety and effectiveness of a paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter in Chinese patients with de novo or nonstented restenotic femoropopliteal atherosclerotic lesions.

METHODS

BIOLUX P-IV China is a prospective, independently adjudicated, multicenter, single-arm trial conducted in China. Patients with Rutherford class 2-4 were eligible, excluded were patients in which predilation resulted in severe (≥ grade D) flow-limiting dissection or residual stenosis > 70%. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months. The primary safety end point was 30-day major adverse event rate and the primary effectiveness end point was primary patency at 12 months.

RESULTS

We enrolled 158 patients with 158 lesions. Mean age was 67.6 ± 9.6 years, diabetes was present in 53.8% (n = 85), and previous peripheral intervention/surgeries in 17.1% (n = 27). Lesions were 4.1 ± 0.9 mm in diameter and 74 ± 50 mm long with a mean diameter stenosis of 91 ± 13%; 58.2% (n = 92) were occluded (core laboratory analysis). Device success was achieved in all patients. The rate of major adverse events was 0.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.0; 3.5) at 30 days, consisting of 1 target lesion revascularization. At 12 months, binary restenosis was present in 18.7% (n = 26) and target lesion revascularization was performed in 1.4% (n = 2, all clinically driven), resulting in a primary patency of 80.0% (95% confidence interval: 72.4, 85.8); no major target limb amputation occurred. Clinical improvement at 12 months, defined as improvement of at least 1 Rutherford class, was 95.3% (n = 130). The median walking distance per 6-minute walk test was 279 m at baseline and improved by 50 m at 30 days and by 60 m at 12 months; the visual analogue scale changed from 76.6 ± 15.6 at baseline to 80.0 ± 15.0 at 30 days and 78.6 ± 14.6 at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirmed the clinical effectiveness and safety of a paclitaxel-coated peripheral balloon dilatation catheter for the treatment of de novo and nonstented restenotic lesion of the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal artery in Chinese patients (NCT02912715).

Is open surgery still the first line of treatment for long femoropopliteal lesions?

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of long femoropopliteal lesions remains a challenge for vascular physicians as patients often present with multilevel complex pathologies and consequently face a high amputation risk and associated mortality. This review aimed to assess the current state of optimal revascularizations for the treatment of long femoropopliteal lesions.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

An online literature research of medical databases for original articles and review articles on open and endovascular revascularization of femoropopliteal lesions was conducted using mesh terms.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There has been an accumulation of evidence over the last years that endovascular treatment is a feasible and enduring alternative to open surgery for treatment of long femoropopliteal lesions if the lesions are restricted to the superficial femoral artery. But when disease extends to the infragenual level venous bypass remains superior with regards to long-term patency, clinical improvement and limb-salvage.

CONCLUSIONS

While the role of venous bypass as a first-line treatment might be declining, especially in frail patients or claudicants, the superior clinical improvement and amputation-free survival highlighted in several trials, demonstrate the relevance of bypass surgery. More randomized clinical trials are needed to verify the non-inferiority of endovascular treatment options to open surgery, especially when arterial disease extends below the knee.

Phoenix atherectomy for patients with peripheral artery disease

BACKGROUND

Endovascular atherectomy enables minimally invasive plaque removal in peripheral artery disease (PAD).

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the safety and the long-term effectiveness of the Phoenix atherectomy for the treatment of complex and calcified lesions in PAD patients.

METHODS

Consecutive all-comer patients with PAD underwent the Phoenix atherectomy. Device safety in terms of perforation and distal embolisation were evaluated. Lesion calcifications were categorised by the Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System (PACSS) and lesion complexity was assessed by the Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC). Clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (TLR) was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 558 lesions were treated in 402 consecutive patients. Clinical follow-up was available at 15.7±10.2 months for 365 (91%) patients. Of 402 patients, 135 (33.6%) had claudication, 37 (9.2%) had ischaemic rest pain and 230 (57%) exhibited ischaemic ulcerations. Lesions were mostly identified in the femoropopliteal segments (55%), followed by below-the-knee (BTK) segments (32%). Complex TASC C/D lesions and moderate to severe calcifications (PACSS score ≥2) were present in 331 (82%) and 323 (80%) patients, respectively. The mean lesion length was 20.6±14.3 cm. Five (1%) perforations and 10 (2%) asymptomatic embolisations occurred. Bail-out stenting was performed in 4%, 16% and 3% of patients with common femoral artery, femoropopliteal and BTK lesions, respectively. During follow-up, 5 (3.9%) patients with claudication and 52 (21.9%) patients with critical limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) died (hazard ratio [HR] 3.7; p<0.001). Freedom from TLR was 87.5% (112 of 128) in patients with claudication and 82.3% (195 of 237) in patients with CLTI, respectively (HR 1.8; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The Phoenix atherectomy can be safely performed in patients with complex lesions with a relatively low rate of bail-out stenting and clinically acceptable TLR rates.

GERMAN CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER

DRKS00016708.

Individual patient data meta-analysis of patients treated with a heparin-bonded Viabahn in the femoropopliteal artery for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyze available data on patients treated for chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) with the heparin‐bonded Viabahn endoprosthesis.

Background

The patency of self‐expanding covered stents in patients with complex femoropopliteal lesions is encouraging. However, data were mostly derived in patients with intermittent claudication. Patients with CLTI often have more advanced disease and worse outcome.

Methods

After the abstract screening, full‐text papers were checked. Authors were approached to consider joining the consortium. Data were sent anonymously, databases were merged and an individual patient data meta‐analysis was performed. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to calculate the freedom from amputations, the amputation‐free survival, and patency rates.

Results

Seven studies were enrolled, representing 161 limbs that were treated for CLTI. Median lesion length was 28.0 cm (interquartile range 25.0–33.0 cm) and 82.7% were chronic total occlusions. The technical success rate was 98.1% and the 30‐day mortality 1.9%. Through 2‐year follow‐up, the freedom‐from‐major‐amputations was 99.3%, with an amputation‐free survival of 78.8%. The freedom‐from‐loss‐of primary, primary‐assisted, and secondary patency was 70.4%, 71.8%, and 88.2%, respectively, at 1‐year and 59.5%, 62.7%, and 86.1% at 2‐year follow‐up, respectively. The reintervention‐free survival was 62.2% at a 2‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

Treatment of femoropopliteal disease in CLTI patients with the use of the heparin‐bonded Viabahn is safe and effective with favorable clinical outcomes and low amputation rates. Reinterventions are needed in a subset of the population to maintain endoprosthesis patency. Close follow‐up using duplex is recommended to detect potential edge stenosis, allowing treatment before device occlusion.

Cost-Effectiveness of Urea Excipient-Based Drug-Coated Balloons for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia from Femoropopliteal Disease in the Netherlands and Germany

PURPOSE

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease have been shown to be clinically superior and cost-effective compared to conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). However, few studies enrolled patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Our objective was to study the cost-effectiveness of endovascular treatment with versus without DCB in CLTI patient populations in the Netherlands and Germany.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major amputation rates were obtained from the CLTI subgroup of the IN.PACT Global study. Rates for "status quo" treatment involving PTA with primary or bailout stenting were derived from systematic literature search. Costs and cost-effectiveness were calculated using a decision-analytic Markov model considering, in the base case, a 2-year horizon, and strategy-specific quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains calculated from survival and health state-specific utilities. A willingness-to-pay threshold of €50,000/QALY was assumed, and extensive sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Model-projected 24-month probabilities of TLR were 26.2% and 32.8% for treatment with and without DCB, and probabilities for amputation were 2.8% and 11.9%, respectively. DCB added 0.017 QALYs while saving €1,030 in the Dutch setting and €513 in the German setting, respectively. DCB was found dominant or cost-effective across a wide range of assumptions.

CONCLUSION

Urea excipient drug-coated balloon therapy for treating CLTI from femoropopliteal artery disease is associated with improved patient outcomes and expected overall cost savings to payers in the Dutch and German healthcare systems, rendering it a cost-effective and likely dominant treatment strategy.

Reinterventions in Patients with Claudication and Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) present with claudication or chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). CLTI patients have a more advanced stage of atherosclerosis and increased comorbidities compared to claudicants, and are at an elevated risk of major amputation and mortality after lower extremity revascularization (LER). However, the frequency of reinterventions for claudication and CLTI have not been compared. Our hypothesis is that patients with CLTI undergo more frequent reinterventions to prevent major amputation.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective chart review of consecutive patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization (LER) for PAD in 2013-2015 was performed. Patients were stratified based on indication for revascularization into claudication or CLTI. Patient characteristics, outcomes, and reinterventions were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were 826 patients undergoing LER and 44% (N = 361) had CLTI. Patients treated for CLTI were more likely to be smokers (P < 0.001), to have diabetes (P< 0.001), chronic renal insufficiency (P< 0.001), end stage renal disease (P< 0.001), and cardiac disease (P< 0.001). CLTI patients were less likely to be on optimal medical management as reflected by decreased rate of aspirin (P< 0.001), ADP receptor/P2Y12 inhibitors (P< 0.001), and statins (P< 0.001) compared to patients with claudication. Patients with CLTI had significantly higher major amputation (3.7% vs. 0.2%, P< 0.001) and mortality (1.4% vs. 0.2%, P = 0.092) at 30 days. At long-term follow up, patients with CLTI had higher rates of major amputation (15.5% vs. 1.3%, P < 0.001) and mortality (37.1% vs. 18.1%, P < 0.001) compared to patients with claudication. There was a significant difference in mean follow-up time between the 2 cohorts (claudication: 3.7 ± 1.5 years versus CLTI: 2.6 ± 1.8 years, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the ipsilateral reintervention rate between the 2 groups (claudication: 39.6% vs. CLTI: 42.7%, P = 0.37) or the mean number of ipsilateral reinterventions (claudication: 2.0 ± 1.6 vs. CLTI: 2.0 ± 1.7). However, after adjusting for follow-up time, the mean number of reinterventions per year was significantly higher for CLTI patients compared to patients with claudication (1.4 ± 2.2 vs. .6 ± 0.7 intervention per year, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing LER for CLTI undergo more frequent reinterventions over time compared to patients treated for claudication. Research on reinterventions after LER should include reporting of the frequency of reintervention adjusted for the follow up period in addition to the reintervention rate defined as the percentage of patients undergoing reintervention.

[Use of endovascular drug-coated devices in lesions of femoropopliteoltibial arteries]

Endovascular intervention is one of the main methods of treatment in atherosclerotic lesions of the infrainguinal segment in patients with chronic lower limb ischaemia. Recent years have witnessed active use of drug-eluting techniques, significantly improving the long-term outcomes of peripheral reconstructions. This article is a review of publications on the results of using modern drug-eluting balloon catheters and stents in the femoropopliteoltibial position. The accumulated data will help solve the main problems of the classic balloon angioplasty, reducing the incidence of restenosis, improving primary patency, and decreasing the need for repeat interventions in the remote period of follow-up.

Roles of Angioplasty With Drug-Coated Balloon for Chronic Ischemia in Wound Healing

PURPOSE

Clinical trials have demonstrated sustained benefits of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty compared with noncoated balloon angioplasty in symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) presenting with femoropopliteal (FP) artery disease. However, there is still controversy whether particulate embolization caused by crystalline paclitaxel, the so-called "downstream effect," is adversely associated with clinical outcomes after use of FP DCB among chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients. The current RADISH (Roles of Angioplasty with Drug-coated balloon for chronic ISchemia in wound Healing) study investigated wound healing following DCB therapy vs non-DCB therapy for real-world CLTI patients presenting with FP lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study analyzed 927 patients with CLTI (mean age, 76±10 years; male, 57.8%; diabetes mellitus, 64.5%; dialysis, 50.7%) presenting with FP lesions and treated endovascularly via DCB (138 patients) vs non-DCB therapy (789 patients) between April 2014 and March 2019. The primary outcome measure was 1-year wound healing, while the secondary outcome measure was 1-year primary patency. Clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), limb salvage and overall survival were also analyzed by using propensity score matching analysis.

RESULTS

The propensity score matching extracted 111 pairs (as many patients in the DCB group and 629 patients in the non-DCB group). The 1-year cumulative incidence of wound healing (95% CI) was 74.4% (62.6% to 82.5%) in the DCB group and 71.9% (60.4% to 80.1%) in the non-DCB group, with no significant intergroup difference (p=0.93). The DCB group had a higher rate of primary patency (p=0.002) and freedom from CD-TLR (p=0.010) than the non-DCB group, whereas there was no significant intergroup difference in limb salvage (p=0.21) or overall survival (p=0.93).

CONCLUSION

The current analysis of data from the RADISH study demonstrated that DCB therapy did not lead to delayed wound healing and reduced restenosis rate in CLTI patients presenting FP lesions. From this results, DCB therapy would be a reasonable treatment option for CLTI patients.

Impact of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Lower Extremity Revascularization for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)

BACKGROUND

The optimal antiplatelet regimen after lower extremity revascularization in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) is unknown since current recommendations are based on extrapolation of data from trials in coronary artery disease and stroke.

METHODS

We identified all patients undergoing an elective lower extremity revascularization for CLTI in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry discharged on a mono antiplatelet agent (MAPT) or dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

RESULTS

From 2003 to 2018, 50,890 patients underwent revascularization procedures for CLTI, and were discharged on MAPT or DAPT. Of these, 33,781 patients underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) and 17,109 patients underwent open surgery (OS) procedures. The rate of major amputation at 30 days in the target limb in the EVT group was 0.3% and 0.4% in the OS group (P=.22). On Kaplan Meier analyses, patients on MAPT at discharge had a higher risk 1-year major amputation compared to DAPT after EVT but not after OS procedures. Patients on MAPT had lower overall survival and amputation free survival (AFS) at 30 days and 1 year compared to DAPT after both EVT and OS. At 1 year, the MAPT group was at higher risk for target lesion re-intervention after EVT compared to the DAPT group (15.9% vs. 13%, P= .0012). There was no significant difference in thrombosis at 1 year between MAPT and DAPT groups either after EVT (3.9% vs. 3.7%; P = .3048) or OS (3.1% vs. 3.2%; P= .2893). On cox regression analysis, DAPT was associated with improved survival but not major amputation after both EVT and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In CLTI patients, DAPT at the time of discharge has a positive impact on AFS and overall survival after both EVT and OS as well as target lesion re-intervention after EVT. DAPT was not associated with a positive impact on major amputation after either EVT or OS.

Drug-coated balloons used in peripheral artery disease: experience from a single center

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective single-center study aimed to analyze immediate and follow-up results of using drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for treating peripheral arterial disease.

METHODS

In this study, we identified a total of 75 patients who underwent DCB therapy at our institution. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured before and after intervention. Intermittent claudication and whether there was healing of ulcers were determined by telephone.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 56 men and 19 women aged 38 to 87 years (68 ± 12 years). Twenty-three patients had Rutherford grade III, 15 had Rutherford grade IV, and 37 had Rutherford grade V. Seventeen patients had stents and 18 had the Rotarex system used. The postoperative ABI was significantly greater than the preoperative ABI (0.911 ± 0.173 vs 0.686 ± 0.249). Good results for treatment were obtained. Intermittent claudication and rest pain did not occur in subjects with Rutherford grades III and IV during follow-up. The amputation rate was 4.1% among all patients using DCB therapy during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

DCB therapy is safe and effective for treating peripheral arterial disease in real-world patients. Future prospective studies on this issue are recommended.

Clinical considerations after endovascular therapy of peripheral artery disease

Introduction: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at higher risk for all-cause mortality, driven by increased cardiovascular mortality rates. In this manuscript we review the literature on guideline-recommended therapies and discuss the major clinical considerations after endovascular therapy of PAD.Areas covered: Current guidelines recommend smoking cessation, aspirin, statin, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and limb-related adverse events. Nonetheless, studies have shown that patients with PAD are undertreated with these important medical therapies. Additionally, there is lack in evidence regarding the most optimal follow up imaging approach for early detection of disease recurrence and re-intervention among patients undergoing endovascular therapy for PAD. We also describe the benefits of supervised walking exercise for patients with PAD that undergo revascularization procedures and are fit for such interventions.Expert opinion: Adherence to guideline recommended medical therapy is crucial for improved outcomes in PAD management. Systematic assessment of risk-reduction interventions could help increase adherence to clinically beneficial interventions and improve the overall prognosis of patients with PAD undergoing revascularization procedures. Additionally, optimization of current follow up protocols is needed, with the optimal goal to develop standardized cost-effective algorithms regarding early detection of disease recurrence and re-intervention.

Paclitaxel- and Sirolimus-coated Balloons in Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment: Current Perspectives and Concerns

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have become an established therapy for the treatment of above-the-knee peripheral artery disease. The paclitaxel DCB has shown clinical benefit in terms of patency and freedom from re-intervention in multiple randomised trials. However, a recent meta-analysis has suggested an association between mortality and the use of paclitaxel-coated devices. Sirolimus is another potential choice of anti-proliferative agent for use in DCBs because of its wider therapeutic index and lower risk for dose-dependent toxicity. More recently, encapsulating sirolimus in micro-reservoirs or polymers has facilitated the development of effective sirolimus DCBs, some of which are available in Europe and Asia. In this review, the authors focus on paclitaxel and sirolimus DCB technologies from the standpoint of drug characteristics and clinical trials.

The Real-World CONSEQUENT ALL COMERS Study: Predictors for Target Lesion Revascularization and Mortality in an Unselected Patient Population

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a resveratrol-paclitaxel-coated peripheral balloon catheter in an all-comer patient cohort undergoing endovascular treatment of above-the-knee and below-the-knee peripheral artery disease. CONSEQUENT ALL COMERS (Clinical Post-Market Clinical Follow-up [PMCF] on Peripheral Arteries treated with SeQuent Please OTW [Over-the Wire]) is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter observational study (ClinicalTrials Identifier: NCT02460042). The primary end point was the 12-month target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate. Secondary end points included vessel patency, target vessel revascularization, and all-cause mortality. A total of 879 lesions in 784 consecutive patients (71.3 ± 10.4 years old, 57.7% male) were analyzed; 53.3% had claudication, whereas the remaining 46.7% exhibited critical limb ischemia (CLI). Substantial comorbidities were present, including diabetes mellitus (41.2%), smoking (66.1%), and coronary artery disease (33.9%). Lesion length (879 lesions) was 12.0 ± 9.3 cm and 31.8% were Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C/D lesions. The overall technical success rate of the 1269 drug-coated balloon (DCB)'s used was 99.6% (1.60 ± 0.79 DCB's/patient). At 12 months, the TLR rates were 6.3% in patients with CLI and 9.6% in claudicants, with a primary patency rate of 89.9% and 87.1%, respectively. All-cause mortality was 4.3% (28/658). The most important predictors for TLR were female gender, in-stent restenosis at baseline and lesion length.

Technical Success and Complication Rates of Retrograde Arterial Access for Endovascular Therapy for Critical Limb Ischaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Antegrade crossing techniques via transfemoral access are often challenging and may be associated with technical and clinical failure when treating patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI). The objective of this study was to summarise all available literature regarding retrograde endovascular treatment of patients with CLI and to investigate the technical success and complication rate of retrograde access.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central until May 2020. A meta-analysis of 31 observational studies (29 retrospective and two prospective; 26 and five studies with low and moderate risk of bias, respectively) was conducted with random effects modelling. The incidence of adverse events peri-procedurally and during follow up were calculated.

RESULTS

The 31 studies enrolled 1 910 patients who were treated endovascularly for femoropopliteal and/or infrapopliteal lesions causing CLI. Most of the patients had diabetes while more than half of the overall population had coronary artery disease and dyslipidaemia. All lesions were located in the infra-inguinal segment and most were chronic total occlusions (96%; 95% CI 85%-100%). Seven studies reported moderate or severe calcification in approximately half of the cases (45%; 95% CI 30%-60%). The overall technical success of the retrograde approach was 96% (18 studies; 95% CI 92%-100%). Perforation, flow limiting dissection, distal embolisation, and local haematoma at the retrograde access site were infrequent and observed in 2.1%, 0.6%, 0.1%, and 1.3% of the patients, respectively. The six month primary patency rate was 78% (five studies; 95% CI 46%-99%), the six month limb salvage rate was 77% (four studies; 95% CI 70%-84%).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the retrograde or bidirectional antegrade/retrograde approach is safe and effective and facilitates angioplasty when antegrade treatment fails. However, prospective studies with standardised wound care and surveillance protocols are needed to investigate retrograde techniques in patients with CLI who failed antegrade revascularisation, to improve long term limb salvage and survival.

Real-World Experience With a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon in Critical Limb Ischemia: 24-Month Subgroup Outcomes of BIOLUX P-III

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the BIOLUX P-III (A Prospective, International, Multi-Centre, Post-Market All-Comers Registry to Assess the Clinical Performance of the Passeo-18 Lux Paclitaxel Releasing Balloon Catheter in Infrainguinal Arteries - III) registry was to collect real-world data on the Passeo-18 Lux paclitaxel-coated balloon.

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prospective data are needed to provide further insights on drug-eluting devices.

METHODS

BIOLUX P-III is a prospective, post-market, all-comers registry assessing the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 Lux. Clinical information was collected at 6, 12, and 24 months. The authors report 24-month outcomes of the CLI subgroup with patients in Rutherford classes 4 to 6.

RESULTS

The CLI subgroup included 328 patients with 422 lesions. Patients were 71.1 ± 10.5 years of age, and 61.0% had diabetes. Femoropopliteal lesions were present in 53.8% (n = 227), below-the-knee lesions were present in 27.0% (n = 114), and lesions were moderate or heavily calcified in 45.0% (n = 190). Major adverse events, defined as 30-day device- or procedure-related mortality, major target limb amputation, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization, occurred in 9.8% of patients through 6 months, in 14.9% through 12 months, and in 19.4% through 24 months. Clinically driven target lesion revascularization occurred in 4.4%, 8.5%, and 12.1%, major amputation in 4.9%, 5.2%, and 6.1%, and mortality in 8.1%, 11.1%, and 20.1%, respectively. Predictors of mortality were age ≥75 years and higher Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document on Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease class, and higher Rutherford class was associated with increased mortality and amputation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, multimorbid patient population with complex lesions and CLI, the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 Lux paclitaxel-coated balloon has been confirmed, with low rates of major amputation and target lesion revascularization.

Three-Year Sustained Clinical Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty in a Real-World Femoropopliteal Cohort

Purpose: To report the 36-month outcomes from the prospective, multicenter, single-arm IN.PACT Global Study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01609296) evaluating the performance of the IN.PACT Admiral drug-coated balloon (DCB) in real-world patients with femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Materials and Methods: The IN.PACT Global Study was conducted at 64 international sites and enrolled 1535 patients with complex lesions, which included bilateral disease, multiple lesions, de novo in-stent restenosis, long lesions, and chronic total occlusions. The predefined full clinical cohort included 1406 patients (mean age 68.6 years; 67.8% men) with claudication or rest pain treated with the study DCB. Mean lesion length was 12.09±9.54 cm; 18.0% had in-stent restenosis, 35.5% were totally occluded, and 68.7% were calcified. Freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) was evaluated through 36 months. The safety composite endpoint was freedom from device- and procedure-related death through 30 days and freedom from major target limb amputation and clinically-driven target vessel revascularization within 36 months. All safety and revascularization events were reviewed by an independent clinical events committee. Results: The Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from CD-TLR through 36 months was 76.9%. The composite safety endpoint was achieved in 75.6% of patients. The 36-month all-cause mortality rate was 11.6%, and the major target limb amputation rate was 1.0%. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from CD-TLR through 36 months was significantly lower in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) compared with claudicants (67.6% vs 78.0%; p=0.003). Lesions affecting both the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal artery had lower Kaplan-Meier freedom from CD-TLR through 36 months (69.2%) than either isolated SFA (79.7%) or popliteal artery lesions (76.5%; log- rank p<0.001). Predictors of CD-TLR through 36 months included increased lesion length, reference vessel diameter ≤4.5 mm, in-stent restenosis, bilateral disease, CLTI, and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: DCB angioplasty with the IN.PACT Admiral DCB for femoropopliteal disease in a diverse and complex real-world population is associated with sustained clinical efficacy and low rates of reinterventions at 3 years after the initial procedure.

Intravascular Ultrasound–Guided Interventions for Below-the-Knee Disease in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Purpose: To assess the utility of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during below-the-knee (BTK) interventions for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 216 symptomatic patients (mean age 74.2±9.5 years; 167 men) with CLTI and BTK steno-occlusive disease who underwent successful balloon angioplasty between January 2016 and August 2018. Data from 88 vessels (58 patients) treated with IVUS-guided procedures were compared with corresponding values from 242 vessels (158 patients) treated with angiography-guided procedures. The primary outcomes included procedure-related variables of balloon size, contrast dose, and complication rates, as well as changes in ankle-brachial index (ABI) and skin perfusion pressure (SPP). Secondary outcomes included IVUS determination of vessel size, wire route, and calcification severity, as well as technical success and clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), limb salvage, and wound healing rates in the Rutherford category 5/6 patients as evaluated by propensity score matching analysis. Results: The patient and lesion characteristics were similar in both groups. The mean balloon size for IVUS-guided procedures was significantly larger (2.45±0.4 mm) compared with that for angiography-guided procedures (2.23±0.4 mm; p<0.001). The technical success (p=0.56) and complication rates (p=0.16) were similar between the groups. The postprocedure dorsal and plantar SPP and change in dorsal SPP improved more in the IVUS-guided group (p<0.001, p=0.015, and p=0.02, respectively). The IVUS-guided group had a significantly better wound healing rate than the angiography-guided group (p=0.006), although the freedom from TLR and limb salvage rates were similar between the groups (p=0.16 and p>0.99, respectively). Conclusion: IVUS-guided interventions for BTK lesions were safe and effective in accurately assessing the lesions. The results suggest that IVUS guidance of endovascular procedures has the potential to influence better clinical outcomes than angiography-guided angioplasty.

Safety and Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To investigate the safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCB) for the treatment of femoropopliteal or infrapopliteal lesions in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central up to January 2020 to identify randomized trials and observational studies presenting data on the effectiveness and safety of DCBs in the treatment of femoropopliteal or infrapopliteal lesions. A meta-analysis utilizing random effects modeling was conducted to investigate primary patency and all-cause mortality at 12 months; the results are reported as the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Secondary outcomes were procedural success, bailout stenting, target lesion revascularization (TLR), reocclusion, major amputation, wound healing, and major adverse limb events. Results: Twenty-six studies, 12 retrospective and 14 prospective, comprising 2108 CLTI patients treated with DCBs for femoropopliteal (n=1315) or infrapopliteal (n=793) lesions were analyzed. The average lesion lengths were 121±44 and 135±53 mm, respectively. The overall 12-month all-cause mortality and major amputation rates were 9% (95% CI 6% to 13%) and 5% (95% CI 2% to 8%), respectively. Primary patency rates were 82% (95% CI 76% to 87%) and 64% (95% CI 58% to 70%), respectively. A sensitivity analysis of the infrapopliteal lesions demonstrated no difference between DCB and balloon angioplasty in terms of primary patency, TLR, major amputation, or mortality over 12 months. However, patients with infrapopliteal lesions undergoing DCB angioplasty did have a significantly lower risk for reocclusion (10% vs 25%; OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.70, p=0.002). Conclusion: DCB angioplasty of femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal lesions in patients with CLTI results in acceptable 12-month patency rates, although comparative data have not shown a patency benefit for infrapopliteal lesions. The 12-month mortality rate of DCB vs balloon angioplasty was not significantly different, but studies with longer-term outcomes are necessary to determine any association between DCB use and mortality in patients with CLTI.

Comparative 12-Month Outcomes of Drug-Coated Balloon Versus Non-Drug-Coated Balloon Revascularization Strategy in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: Results From the XLPAD Registry

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy is often the preferred first treatment option for chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients. Drug coated balloons (DCB) reduce restenosis rates compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), however DCB use has not been studied systematically in patients with CLTI. Thus, the optimal treatment option for these complex lesions remains controversial.

METHODS

We report on 327 patients with CLTI treated either with DCB (n = 105) or non-DCB (n = 222) for femoropopliteal disease. Data were retrieved from the Excellence in Peripheral Artery Disease (XLPAD) registry (NCT01904851). Two DCB types were used at the discretion of the operator: Lutonix® (BARD Peripheral Vascular, Inc., Tempe, AZ, USA) and IN.PACT AdmiralTM (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). Odds ratios and the respective 95% confidence interval were synthesized to examine the association between the two groups in terms of all-cause mortality, target limb repeat endovascular or surgical revascularization, target vessel revascularization (TVR), major and minor amputation at 12 months of follow up.

RESULTS

The mean lesion length was 150.0 mm (SD:123.2) and 151.2 mm (SD:108.3) for the DCB and non-DCB group respectively. No difference between the two groups was detected in terms of all-cause mortality (2.86%vs2.7%,p = .94), target limb repeat endovascular or surgical revascularization (16.19%vs12.61%,p = .25), TVR (16.19%vs.11.71%,p = .26) or minor amputation (15.24%vs10.81%,p = .25) at 12 months of follow up. Although a higher incidence of 12 months major amputation was observed in the DCB group (11%vs.4%,p = .01), after adjusting for several risk factors the odds of major amputation were not statistically different between the DCB and non-DCB groups (OR:1.54;95%CI:0.53-4.51;p = .43).

CONCLUSIONS

Both DCB and non-DCB strategies are effective modalities for revascularization of patients with CLTI. No differences were identified between the DCB and non-DCB group in terms of late outcomes during 12 months of follow up.