Percutaneous Peripheral Atherectomy of Femoropopliteal Stenoses Using a New-Generation Device:Six-Month Results From a Single-Center Experience

Critical Appraisal of the Contemporary Use of Atherectomy to Treat Femoral-Popliteal Atherosclerotic Disease

OBJECTIVE

Atherectomy has become increasingly used as an endovascular treatment of lower extremity atherosclerotic disease in the United States. Concerns and controversies about its indication and outcomes exist. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the outcomes and complications related to atherectomy to treat femoropopliteal atherosclerotic disease.

METHODS

A systematic review following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was performed. Four major scientific repositories, MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and Thompson Web of Sciences were queried from their inception to April 5, 2020. Data was reviewed and entered in a dedicated dataset by the investigators. Outcomes included patency rates, clinical and hemodynamic improvement, and morbidity and mortality associated with atherectomy interventions.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies encompassing 1900 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. 74.3% of patients presented with Rutherford class (RC) 1-3 and 25.7% presented with RC class 4-6. 1445 patients underwent atherectomy, and 455 patients were treated without atherectomy. Atherectomy patients underwent directional atherectomy (DA, n = 851), rotational atherectomy (RA, n = 851), laser atherectomy (LA, n = 201), and orbital atherectomy (OA, n = 78). The majority of patients additionally received adjunct treatments which were variable across studies and included a combination of stenting, balloon angioplasty (BA), or drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Technical success was achieved in 92.3% of cases. Distal embolization, vessel perforation, and dissection occurred in 3.4%, 1.9%, and 4% of cases respectively. Initial patency was 95.4% and at 12-month median follow up primary patency was 72.6%. ABI improved from pre-operative mean of 0.6 to post-operative mean of 0.84. Incidence of major amputation and mortality over the follow up period was 2.2% and 3.4% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This review of the published data suggests that femoropopliteal atherectomy can be completed safely while modestly improving ABIs and maintaining one-year patency in nearly three out of four patients; however, this is based on heterogeneous studies that skew generalizable conclusions about atherectomy's efficacy. Atherectomy places a high cost burden on the healthcare system and is utilized in the United States at a higher rate than in other countries. Our review of the literature does not demonstrate clear atherectomy superiority to alternatives that would warrant pervasive and increasing use of this costly technology. Future work should focus on developing high quality randomized controlled trials to determine specific patient and lesion characteristics in which atherectomy can add value.

Usefulness of ultrasound-guided intraluminal approach for long occlusive femoropopliteal lesion

To investigate the usefulness of ultrasound-guided (USG) intraluminal approach for femoropopliteal (FP) lesion. 64 patients (73 limbs) with de novo long occlusive (> 15 cm) FP lesions underwent USG intralumial approach from April 2012 to October 2016. Periprocedural intravascular ultrasound findings were collected. Clinical outcome and predictors of restenosis after USG intraluminal approach for de novo long occlusive FP lesion were investigated. Among the study participants, 34% were female, 50% had diabetes mellitus, and 10% received hemodialysis. Lesion and chronic total occlusion (CTO) lengths were 222 ± 55 mm and 201 ± 55 mm, respectively. Procedural success was achieved in 72 lesions (99%). Distal puncture was performed in 7 limbs (10%). The proportion of within-CTO intraplaque, subintimal, and medial routes were 87 ± 21%, 9 ± 15%, and 4 ± 11%, respectively. Primary patency was 71% and 69% at 1 and 2 years. Multivariate analysis revealed that within-CTO intraplaque route proportion [hazard ratio (HR) 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.98, p = 0.0339] and lesion length (HR 1.11; CI 1.00-1.22; p = 0.0447) were independent predictors of restenosis.USG intraluminal approach facilitated acquisition of within-CTO intraplaque route in long occlusive FP lesions and could improve clinical outcome.

An Update on Endovascular Therapy of the Lower Extremities

Considerable advances have been made over the last decade in percutaneous technology for treatment of atherosclerotic diseases in the iliac, femoropopliteal, and distal tibioperoneal arteries. While treatment strategies are well defined in the iliofemoral segment, where angioplasty and stenting perform well in appropriately selected lesions, the search for a durable transcatheter therapy for femoropopliteal and distal occlusive disease continues. The spectrum of treatment alternatives to angioplasty ranges from transcatheter plaque excision to laser ablation, rotational atherectomy, cryoplasty, brachytherapy, and stenting. We review in this article the status of percutaneous endovascular techniques for the treatment of lower extremity vascular occlusive disease.

Impact of Calcification on Clinical Outcomes After Endovascular Therapy for Superficial Femoral Artery Disease

Purpose: To investigate whether the severity of lesion calcification assessed by the novel peripheral artery calcification scoring system (PACSS) was associated with clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT) for superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 394 consecutive patients (mean age 72±8 years; 290 men) with intermittent claudication [223 (57%) with diabetes, 81 (21%) on hemodialysis] who underwent successful EVT for de novo SFA lesions [length 152.1±95.7 mm; 199 (50%) TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II class C/D] between January 2010 and December 2013. The patients were retrospectively categorized using the PACSS classification (grades 0–4: no visible calcification of the target lesion, unilateral wall calcification <5 cm, unilateral calcification ≥5 cm, bilateral wall calcification <5 cm, and bilateral calcification ≥5 cm, respectively). The main outcome was primary patency, while the secondary outcome measures were mortality and major adverse limb events [MALE: any intervention (repeat EVT or surgical revision) or major (above ankle) amputation]. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to explore whether the PACSS classification was an independent predictor of clinical outcomes. Results are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The distribution of PACSS grades was 0 in 54%, grade 1 in 16%, grade 2 in 12%, grade 3 in 9%, and grade 4 in 9%. The 2-year primary patency rates in these grades, respectively, were 70.0%, 66.6%, 72.1%, 55.6%, and 36.3% (p<0.001). After multivariate analysis, PACSS grade 4 (HR 2.74, 95% CI 1.56 to 4.83, p<0.001), diabetes (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.20, p=0.022), lesion length (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07, p=0.006), and vessel diameter (HR 0.80, 85% CI 0.65 to 0.98, p=0.038) were associated with loss of primary patency. PACSS grade 4 was also associated with MALE and mortality (p=0.048 and 0.011, respectively). Bare metal stent use (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.73, p<0.001) was positively associated with primary patency. Conclusion: PACSS grade 4 calcification was independently associated with clinical outcomes after EVT for de novo SFA lesions.

Current state of endovascular treatment of femoro-popliteal artery disease

Considerable advances have been made over the last decade in percutaneous technology for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases in the femoro-popliteal arteries. While treatment strategies are well defined in the iliac segment, where angioplasty and stenting perform well in appropriately selected lesions, the search for a durable transcatheter therapy for femoro-popliteal lesions continues. Whereas balloon angioplasty (PTA) is the accepted therapy for short lesions, long diffuse lesions are still recommended for surgical treatment. However, attractive new technologies ranging from transcatheter plaque excision to laser ablation, rotational atherectomy, cryoplasty, brachytherapy, and placement of drug-eluting stents to simple angioplasty with drug-coated balloons may have the potential to replace femoro-popliteal bypass surgery as a treatment of choice for complex lesions. This article reviews the status of percutaneous endovascular techniques for the treatment of femoro-popliteal artery occlusive disease.

Minimally Invasive Revascularization Strategies for Chronic Lower Limb Ischemia

Lower extremity wounds resulting from ischemia are increasingly becoming a common indication for surgical revascularization. Techniques in minimally invasive vascular surgery for the treatment of lower extremity chronic ischemia have expanded rapidly in recent years. The current standard of care with which all new modalities should be compared is the restoration of arterial flow via direct arterial revascularization using the autogenous reversed saphenous vein that can yield limb salvage rates of approximately 95%. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTA/S), cryoplasty, catheter-directed atherectomy, laser-assisted PTA/S, drug-eluting stents, and subintimal angioplasty are emerging minimally invasive modalities used for the treatment of lower extremity ischemia. Early success rates using many of these techniques have been promising. The outcomes of randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-ups are needed to make confident remarks about the effectiveness of these techniques.

Contemporary Endovascular Treatment for Disease of the Superficial Femoral and Popliteal Arteries: An Integrated Device-Based Strategy

Endovascular therapy for disease of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and the popliteal artery remains controversial. Percutaneous treatment of this arterial segment presents a particular technical challenge, as the extent of disease varies from short, focal, and stenotic to long, diffuse, and occluded lesions. Over the last 2 decades, multiple therapies have been evaluated, including simple balloon angioplasty, directional atherectomy, stenting (both balloon-expandable and self-expanding), and more recently, intra-arterial radiation, laser, and cryotherapy. Regardless of which modality is used, however, endovascular therapy as a revascularization strategy has the potential to improve symptoms and quality of life and, in selected patients, to avoid limb amputation. While percutaneous endovascular treatment has been historically associated with high procedural success and favorable short and intermediate-term patency rates, long-term clinical results have proven disappointing. Conventional balloon angioplasty is limited by elastic recoil, dissection, and restenosis. Balloon-expandable stents (particularly in the distal SFA) are associated with late stent deformation and mechanical compression, with resultant late clinical failure. Newer self-expanding stents have shown improved initial results but have been limited by late mechanical fatigue and associated restenosis. With the development of several newer endovascular techniques in recent years, the possibilities for treating this condition have increased dramatically. Currently, no long-term comparative data exist regarding the role of these alternative technologies. This article summarizes and compares important data about new endovascular options for intervention therapy in SFA and popliteal disease. In addition, based on this analysis, we propose a contemporary treatment strategy, integrating older and newer technologies into a real-world algorithm.

Infrainguinal Arterial Intervention: Is There a Role for an Atherectomy Device?

Excision of atheromatous plaque is an attractive option for the minimally invasive treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Approved for use in 2003, the SilverHawk Plaque Exicison System (FoxHollow Technologies, Redwood City, CA) is a catheter-based plaque excision device allowing percutaneous removal of atheromatous material. This device represents the most recent generation of atherectomy tools. Overall experience with plaque debulking in the peripheral arteries spans almost two decades, and understanding of the technique continues to evolve. This article reviews the technology, current practices, and data on plaque excision.

Peripheral Atherectomy: Applications and Techniques

Peripheral atherectomy is a class of procedures that is rapidly increasing in volume. Multiple classes of devices exist, and newer variants are added to the market annually. The devices see wide application for de novo lesions, in-stent restenosis, and adjunctive therapy for drug-coated balloons. The body of evidence supporting atherectomy is less robust than for many other peripheral therapies. The frequency and severity of complications from atherectomy can be significant compared with angioplasty and stenting, and familiarity with preventative and bailout techniques is essential for the interventionalist.

Combination of rotational atherothrombectomy and Paclitaxel-coated angioplasty for femoropopliteal occlusion

OBJECTIVE

The rotational atherothrombectomy with Straub Rotarex^® is a safe and efficient treatment of acute/subactute vascular occlusions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of paclitaxel-coated angioplasty after rotational atherothrombectomy over an observation period of six months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 29 patients were treated with the Rotarex catheter in combination with paclitaxel-coated angioplasty. All patients had acute/subacute and chronic occlusions of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and/or popliteal arteries. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was detected before the intervention, after the procedure, and after six months. Also clinical examination and ultrasound scans were done in the observation period.

RESULTS

There were no technical failures. The ABI shows a significant increase from 0.52 ± 0.17 to 0.91 ± 0.25 in the follow-up. By ultrasound examination, there were found two (6.9%) restenoses during the follow-up. There was one dissection during the intervention (3.5%).

CONCLUSION

The rotational atherothrombectomy in combination with paclitaxel-coated angioplasty might be an effective and safe method with a promising low rate of restenosis at six months.

Three-year results after directional atherectomy of calcified stenotic lesions of the superficial femoral artery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the 3-year outcome of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and heavily calcified stenotic lesions of the superficial femoral artery after directional atherectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-three patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years; 18 females, 35 males, TASC B and C, mean lesion length 7.9 ± 3.5 cm) with PAD (Rutherford 2-6) were enrolled into this prospective monocentric study. In total, 59 calcified lesions of the superficial femoral artery were treated with the Silverhawk atherectomy device (Covidien, Plymouth, MN, USA). Patients were followed-up for 36 months with a 6-month interval to perform clinical re-evaluation, including measurement of maximum walking distance and ankle-brachial index (ABI) as well as duplex-sonography.

RESULTS

The primary success rate of the procedure was 92 %. In five cases (8 %), additional balloon-PTA and/or stent-PTA was necessary. Procedure-related embolization occurred in seven cases (12 %), which were all successfully treated by aspiration. The primary patency rate after 3 years was 55 %. Median Rutherford score decreased significantly from 5 to 0 after 36 months (p < 0.001). At the same time, the ABI increased from 0.65 to 1.12 (not significant). The limb-salvage rate after 3 years was 87 %.

CONCLUSION

In this subgroup of patients with POD and calcified stenotic lesions, atherectomy was successfully applied to decrease the plaque burden. Results after 3 years showed a significant decrease of Rutherford score with persistent improvement of ABI and reasonable patency rate.

Atherectomy for peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease may be treated by a number of options including exercise therapy, angioplasty, stenting and bypass surgery. Atherectomy is an alternative technique where atheroma is excised by a rotating cutting blade.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to analyse randomised controlled trials comparing atherectomy against any established treatment for peripheral arterial disease in order to evaluate the effectiveness of atherectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched November 2013) and CENTRAL (2013, Issue 10). Trials databases were searched for details of ongoing or unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing atherectomy and other established treatments were selected for inclusion. All participants had symptomatic peripheral arterial disease with either claudication or critical limb ischaemia and evidence of lower limb arterial disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors (GA and CT) screened studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of the trials. Any disagreements were resolved through discussion.

MAIN RESULTS

Four trials were included with a total of 220 participants (118 treated with atherectomy, 102 treated with balloon angioplasty) and 259 treated vessels (129 treated with atherectomy, 130 treated with balloon angioplasty). All studies compared atherectomy with angioplasty. No study was properly powered or assessors blinded to the procedures and there was a high risk of selection, attrition, detection and reporting biases.The estimated risk of success was similar between the treatment modalities although the confidence interval (CI) was compatible with small benefits of either treatment for the initial procedural success rate (Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (RR) 0.92, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.91, P = 0.82), patency at six months (Mantel-Haenszel RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.66, P = 0.79) and patency at 12 months (Mantel-Haenszel RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.90, P = 0.53) following the procedure. The reduction in all-cause mortality with atherectomy was most likely due to an unexpectedly high mortality in the balloon angioplasty group in one of the two trials that reported mortality (Mantel-Haenszel RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.91, P = 0.04). Cardiovascular events were not reported in any study. There was a reduction in the rate of bailout stenting following atherectomy (Mantel-Haenszel RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.84, P = 0.01), and balloon inflation pressures were lower following atherectomy (mean difference -2.73 mmHg, 95% CI -3.48 to -1.98, P < 0.00001). Complications such as embolisation and vessel dissection were reported in two trials indicating more embolisations in the atherectomy group and more vessel dissections in the angioplasty group, but the data could not be pooled. From the limited data available, there was no clear evidence of different rates of adverse events between the atherectomy and balloon angioplasty groups for target vessel revascularisation and above-knee amputation. Quality of life and clinical and symptomatic outcomes such as walking distance or symptom relief were not reported in the studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review has identified poor quality evidence to support atherectomy as an alternative to balloon angioplasty in maintaining primary patency at any time interval. There was no evidence for superiority of atherectomy over angioplasty on any outcome, and distal embolisation was not reported in all trials of atherectomy. Properly powered trials are recommended.

Effective endovascular treatment of calcified femoropopliteal disease with directional atherectomy and distal embolic protection: final results of the DEFINITIVE Ca⁺⁺ trial

Objectives

The purpose of the DEFINITIVE Ca⁺⁺ study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of directional atherectomy and distal embolic protection, used together to treat moderate to severely calcified femoropopliteal lesions.

Background

Despite advances in endovascular treatment modalities, treatment of calcified lesions remains a challenge.

Methods

A total of 133 subjects with 168 moderate to severely calcified lesions were enrolled. Lesions were treated with directional atherectomy devices, coupled with distal embolic protection.

Results

The 30-day freedom from MAE rate was 93.1%. Per angiographic core laboratory assessment, the primary effectiveness endpoint (≤50% residual diameter stenosis) was achieved in 92.0% (lower confidence bound of 87.6%) of lesions. By core lab analysis, these results did not achieve the success criteria (90%) for the primary effectiveness objective. Per site assessment, the objective was met with the endpoint being achieved in 97.0% (lower confidence bound 93.8%). A mean residual diameter stenosis of 33.3% was achieved with the directional atherectomy device. This was further decreased to 24.1% with the use of adjunctive therapy. The proportion of asymptomatic subjects [Rutherford Clinical Category (RCC) = 0] increased from 0% at baseline to 52.3% at the 30-day follow-up visit. In total, 88.5% of subjects experienced an improvement of one or more Rutherford categories.

Conclusions

The results of the DEFINITIVE Ca++ study demonstrate that the SilverHawk™ and TurboHawk™ atherectomy devices are safe and effective in the endovascular treatment of moderate to severely calcified lesions in the superficial femoral and/or popliteal arteries when used with the SpiderFX™ distal embolic protection device. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-term results of plaque excision combined with aggressive pharmacotherapy in high-risk patients with advanced peripheral artery disease (SAVE a LEG registry)

BACKGROUND

In United States alone there are more than 12 million people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Long-term outcomes of plaque excision in high-risk population (patients with diabetes and patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis) are scarce.

METHODS

Since November 2003, we treated 225 consecutive patients (138 male, mean age: 66.3 ± 12.4, range: 29-93) with SilverHawk(TM) plaque excision for critical limb ischemia or disabling claudication. A total of 367 procedures were performed treating 832 lesions (157 restenotic, 675 de novo). One hundred fifty-five patients (68.9%) were diabetics, 74 (32.9%) were on dialysis. All patients were treated with statins, clopidogrel, aspirin, and aggressive glycemic control. The primary endpoint for our study was target lesion revascularization (TLR), and the secondary endpoint was an assessment of major adverse events (all cause death, amputation, TLR).

RESULTS

The average time of observation was 2.2 ± 1.2 years. Procedural success rate was 99.4% with <30% residual stenosis achieved in 818 (98.9%) lesions. SilverHawk was used alone in 86.7%. No acute limb loss or major perforation occurred. Sixty (26.6%) patients had TLR. Long-term mortality was 16.4%. Seven (3.1%) patients had to undergo major amputations and 7 (3.1%) minor amputations. Seventy (31.1%) patients had a major adverse event. Atorvastatin 80 mg was found to be independent predictor of survival, and major amputation was found to be independent predictor of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

SilverHawk Plaque Excision combined with aggressive pharmacotherapy in this presented high-risk population is associated with promising long-term outcomes that compare favorably with accepted standards of care.

Directional atherectomy of a heavy calcified axillary artery stenosis inducing critical hand ischemia

The presence of a severe calcified peripheral artery lesion is responsible for a poor response to balloon dilation, due to significant acute vessel recoil and frequent flow-limiting dissections requiring stent implantation. This possibility could be associated with very high compression and/or fracture rates particularly in cases of lesion located at the mobile joints. In this setting directional atherectomy offers the theoretical advantages of eliminating stretch injury on arterial walls and reducing the restenosis rate by direct plaque excision. In this report, we present a case of critical hand ischemia due to a heavily calcified axillary artery lesion managed by directional atherectomy and balloon angioplasty followed by immediate angiographic success and sustained clinical benefit up to 3 years of follow-up.

Current debate on the role of embolic protection devices

The role of embolic protection devices (EPDs) during percutaneous arterial revascularization is still debated. This article discusses the use, the limitations, and issues of the variety of EPDs in different vascular beds, with a particular focus on the lower extremity arterial interventions.

Combined treatment of heavy calcified femoro-popliteal lesions using directional atherectomy and a paclitaxel coated balloon: One-year single centre clinical results

BACKGROUND

The use of directional atherectomy (DA) for the treatment of calcified femoro-popliteal lesions seems to improve the acute procedural success, however without reducing the long term restenosis rate. Drug coated balloons (DCB) reduced restenosis rate in non heavy calcified lesions. Aim of this study was to demonstrate safety and efficacy of a combined endovascular approach using DA and DCB for the treatment of heavy calcified lesions of the femoro-popliteal tract.

METHODS

From January 2010 to November 2010, 240 patients underwent PTA of the femoro-popliteal tract in our institution. Within this cohort a total of 30 patients had life limiting claudication (LLC) (n=18) and 12 a critical limb ischemia (CLI) with baseline Rutherford class 4.2±1.2 underwent PTA of heavy calcified lesions with intravascular ultrasound guided DA and DCB. All procedures have been performed using a distal protection device. Stent implantation was allowed only in case of flow limiting dissections or suboptimal result (residual stenosis>50%) by visual estimation. After the intervention patients were followed up to 12 months.

RESULTS

Procedural and clinical success, was achieved in all cases. Bail-out stenting was necessary in only two (6.5%). At twelve month follow up median Rutherford class was 2.2±1.2, ABI was 0.8±0.1 and Limb salvage rate was 100%. Two minor, foot finger or forefoot amputations, were performed to reach complete wound healing and/or preserve deambulation. Duplex control was performed in all the cases (n=30). In three cases duplex scan showed a significant target lesion restenosis requiring a reintervention (TLR=10%) leading a total one-year secondary patency rate of 100%. All the three restenosed patients were insulin dependent diabetics and none of them were stented during the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that combined use of DA and DCB may represent a potential alternative strategy for the treatment of femoro-popliteal severely calcified lesions. These very promising data and the considered hypothesis have to be confirmed in a multicentre randomised trial.

Excimer laser with adjunctive balloon angioplasty and heparin-coated self-expanding stent grafts for the treatment of femoropopliteal artery in-stent restenosis: twelve-month results from the SALVAGE study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treating femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) with debulking with excimer laser followed by implantation of a VIABAHN endoprosthesis.

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment strategy for femoropopliteal ISR is unclear.

METHODS

The SALVAGE study is a multicenter prospective registry involving nine US centers. Patients with femoropopliteal ISR with moderate to severe intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia (Rutherford categories 2-5) and an ankle-brachial index (ABI) =0.8 were treated with excimer laser and the VIABAHN endoprosthesis. The primary efficacy endpoint is primary patency at 12 months as measured by duplex ultrasonography. The primary safety endpoint is the major adverse event (MAE) rate at 30 days.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were enrolled. The mean lesion length was 20.7 ± 10.3 cm. The majority of lesions were TASC (TASC I) C and D (81.4%). All lesions were pretreated with excimer laser and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) prior to VIABAHN implantation. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases. There were no MAE at 30 days. Primary patency at 12 months was 48%. The ankle brachial index increased from 0.58 ± 0.24 at baseline to 0.90 ± 0.17 at 12 months. There was improvement in all quality-of-life parameters. The 12-month TLR rate was 17.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of excimer laser atherectomy and PTA followed by implantation of a self-expanding stent graft for the treatment of femoropopliteal ISR is safe and associated with high procedural success. Primary patency rate at 12-months was suboptimal; however, the TLR rate was low.

Mechanical recanalization of subacute vessel occlusion in peripheral arterial disease with a directional atherectomy catheter

PURPOSE

To retrospectively examine the technical feasibility and safety of directional atherectomy for treatment of subacute infrainguinal arterial vessel occlusions.

METHODS

Five patients (one woman, four men, age range 51-81 years) with peripheral arterial disease who experienced sudden worsening of their peripheral arterial disease-related symptoms during the last 2-6 weeks underwent digital subtraction angiography, which revealed vessel occlusion in native popliteal artery (n = 4) and in-stent occlusion of the superficial femoral artery (n = 1). Subsequently, all patients were treated by atherectomy with the SilverHawk (ev3 Endovascular, USA) device.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of treated vessels was 5.1 ± 1.0 mm. The length of the occlusion ranged 2-14 cm. The primary technical success rate was 100%. One patient experienced a reocclusion during hospitalization due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. There were no further periprocedural complications, in particular no peripheral embolizations, until hospital discharge or during the follow-up period of 1 year.

CONCLUSION

The recanalization of infrainguinal arterial vessel occlusions by atherectomy with the SilverHawk device is technically feasible and safe. In our limited retrospective study, it was associated with a high technical success rate and a low procedure-related complication rate.

One-year outcome after percutaneous rotational and aspiration atherectomy in infrainguinal arteries in patient with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

To compare the safety and efficacy of a rotational aspiration atherectomy system (Jetstream) for the treatment of infrainguinal arteries in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients.

METHODS

A total of 172 patients with Rutherford stage 1-5 lower limb ischemia were treated with rotational aspiration atherectomy between February 2006 and February 2007. Of these, 80 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM: 46.5%) were compared with 92 nonDM (53.5%) patients. Overall, 210 target lesions (99 DM; 111 nonDM) were treated, located in the superficial femoral (67% DM; 61% nonDM), popliteal (25% DM; 30% nonDM), and tibial (8% DM; 9% nonDM) arteries. Lesion characteristics were comparable in both groups, mean lesion length was 28.5 mm (DM) and 26.2 mm (nonDM); total occlusions were present in 29% (DM) and 32% (nonDM), and 15% (DM) and 14% (nonDM) were restenotic.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort, device success was 99% (all but two lesions). The major adverse event (MAE) rate (death, index limb amputation, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization [TLR] and target vessel revascularization) in DM at 30 days was 2.5% (n = 2 planned amputations) and 0% in nonDM. At 6 and 12 months, MAE in DM was seen in 13.8% (11/80) and 25% (20/80) compared with 21.7% (20/92) and 31.5% (29/92) in nonDM, respectively. TLR rate through 12 months was 20% (16/80) in DM and 28% in nonDM (26/92). Overall, 1 year restenosis rate was 38.2% based on duplex. The ankle-brachial index, mean Rutherford categories, and walking impairment questionnaire did not differ between groups at baseline and were increased significantly in both study cohorts at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Jetstream-assisted atherectomy in infrainguinal arteries is safe and effective in DM compared with nonDM patients. In this short-lesion cohort, vessel patency in diabetics was as good as for non-DM at 1 year. TLR and MAE were higher by trend in nonDM, although planned amputations were seen only in DM. The clinical benefit was similar in both groups.

Plaque Excision in Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease with the SilverHawk Atherectomy Catheter

Atherectomy, the removal of plaque from diseased vessels, is theoretically appealing with respect to various procedures used for revascularization of lower extremity vessels. Instead of damaging the native vessel by pushing aside plaque with a balloon or stent, the plaque is removed. Many atherectomy devices have been designed in attempts to achieve this goal. The SilverHawk device is the latest percutaneous device employing this treatment strategy. We discuss patient selection, technical considerations, and strategies for both above and below the knee revascularization, as well as pitfalls in each location based on our experience with over 200 patients.

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy is safe and promotes amputation-free survival in patients with critical limb ischemia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this Phase I open label nonrandomized trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (ABMNC) therapy in promoting amputation-free survival (AFS) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

METHODS

Between September 2005 and March 2009, 29 patients (30 limbs), with a median age of 66 years (range, 23-84 years; 14 male, 15 female) with CLI were enrolled. Twenty-one limbs presented with rest pain (RP), six with RP and ulceration, and three with ulcer only. All patients were not candidates for surgical bypass due to absence of a patent artery below the knee and/or endovascular approaches to improving perfusion was not possible as determined by an independent vascular surgeon. Patients were treated with an average dose of 1.7 ± 0.7 × 10(9) ABMNC injected intramuscularly in the index limb distal to the anterior tibial tuberosity. The primary safety end point was accumulation of serious adverse events, and the primary efficacy end point was AFS at 1 year. Secondary end points at 12 weeks posttreatment were changes in first toe pressure (FTP), toe-brachial index (TBI), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and transcutaneous oxygen measurements (TcPO(2)). Perfusion of the index limb was measured with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with intra-arterial infusion of H(2)O(15). RP, using a 10-cm visual analogue scale, quality of life using the VascuQuol questionnaire, and ulcer healing were assessed at each follow-up interval. Subpopulations of endothelial progenitor cells were quantified prior to ABMNC administration using immunocytochemistry and fluorescent-activated cell sorting.

RESULTS

There were two serious adverse events; however, there were no procedure-related deaths. Amputation-free survival at 1 year was 86.3%. There was a significant increase in FTP (10.2 ± 6.2 mm Hg; P = .02) and TBI (0.10 ± 0.05;P = .02) and a trend in improvement in ABI (0.08 ± 0.04; P = .73). Perfusion index by PET-CT H(2)O(15) increased by 19.3 ± 3.1, and RP decreased significantly by 2.2 ± 0.6 cm (P = .02). The VascuQol questionnaire demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life, and three of nine ulcers (33%) healed completely. KDR(+) but not CD34(+) or CD133(+) subpopulations of ABMNC were associated with improvement in limb perfusion.

CONCLUSION

This Phase I study has demonstrated safety, and the AFS rates suggest efficacy of ABMNC in promoting limb salvage in "no option" CLI. Based on these results, we plan to test the concept that ABMNCs improve AFS at 1 year in a Phase III randomized, double-blinded, multicenter trial.

Orbital atherectomy for symptomatic lower extremity disease

BACKGROUND

Plaque-debulking technologies have been proposed as alternative treatment options for peripheral arterial disease. Orbital atherectomy (OA), using the DiamondBack360 device, has emerged as one promising modality.

METHODS

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of OA in the first 200 lesions treated at our institution. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and lesion and procedural variables were collected and analyzed. The primary safety endpoint was the 30-day major adverse events (MAE), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unplanned amputation, or target lesion revascularization. Other safety endpoints included access-site complications, occurrence of dissections, perforations, distal embolization, spasm, and hemolysis. The efficacy endpoints were procedural success, need for adjunctive therapy, and improvement in ankle-brachial index. Multivariate analysis was performed to find independent predictors of the safety endpoints.

RESULTS

One hundred seventeen (58.5%) lesions were femoral, 31 (15.5%) were popliteal, and 52 (26.0%) were tibial. The procedural success (residual stenosis ≤30%) was comparable between the femoral and tibial lesions (86.3% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.18), but significantly lower for the popliteal lesions when compared with femoral and tibial (64.7% vs. 86.3%, P = 0.058, and 64.7% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.007 respectively). MAE at 30-days occurred in 3 (2.2%) procedures, and major access-site complications also occurred in 3 (2.2%). There were 31 (15.5%) dissections; independent predictors were diabetes mellitus (OR: 7.3, P = 0.008), crown-to-RVD ratio <0.6 (OR: 11.6, P = 0.005), and atherectomy time >360 sec (OR: 11.8, P = 0.001). There were 2 (1.0%) distal embolizations, 6 (3.0%) arterial spasms, and no perforations. Laboratory evidence of hemolysis was noted in 33.8% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Orbital atherectomy allows for a significant procedural success, limited need for stenting, and favorable safety profile.

Subintimal angioplasty is superior to SilverHawk atherectomy for the treatment of occlusive lesions of the lower extremities

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of atherectomy versus subintimal angioplasty (SIA) in patients with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.

METHODS

From September 2005 through July 2006, 27 patients (17 women; mean age 65 years, range 37-85) underwent atherectomy of 46 lesions (11 TASC C/D occlusions) with the SilverHawk device. Results were compared to 67 patients (34 men; mean age 69 years, range 46-92) undergoing SIA for 67 lower extremity arterial occlusions from July 1999 through June 2004.

RESULTS

Technical success in the atherectomy cohort was 100%. In the 11 patients with occlusions, symptoms improved in 10 and worsened in 1, but 9 (82.0%) of the 11 patients required reintervention, and 8 (72.7%) patients with occlusive lesions re-occluded. Endovascular reintervention was required to maintain primary patency in only 2 (12.5%) of 16 patients treated for stenotic lesions. At 1 year, the assisted primary patency was 37.7% in the atherectomy group. In the 11 patients with occlusive lesions, the patency rates were 36.8% and 12.3% at 6 and 9 months, respectively, versus 100% and 83.3% at the same time intervals in patients with stenotic lesions. SIA was technically successful in 56 (83.6%) of 67 occlusions. The assisted primary patency and limb salvage rates of the entire group (intention-to-treat) at 12 and 24 months were 59.2% and 45.0%, respectively, while the assisted primary patency of the 56 technically successful SIAs at 12 and 24 months were 70.7% and 53.8%, respectively. Limb salvage for the entire group (intention-to-treat) was 90.6% and 87.9% at 12 and 24 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Atherectomy may yield acceptable primary patency and limb salvage in patients with stenotic lesions. Many of the patients treated for occlusive lesions require reintervention. Based on patency and limb salvage, SIA appears superior to atherectomy for the treatment of lower extremity occlusive disease.

Endovascular treatment of peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects about 27 million people in North America and Europe, accounting for up to 413,000 hospitalizations per year with 88,000 hospitalizations involving the lower extremities and 28,000 involving embolectomy or thrombectomy of lower limb arteries. Many patients are asymptomatic and, among symptomatic patients, atypical symptoms are more common than classic claudication. Peripheral arterial disease also correlates strongly with risk of major cardiovascular events, and patients with PAD have a high prevalence of coexistent coronary and cerebrovascular disease. Because the prevalence of PAD increases progressively with age, PAD is a growing clinical problem due to the increasingly aged population in the United States and other developed countries. Until recently, vascular surgical procedures were the only alternative to medical therapy in such patients. Today, endovascular practice, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stenting, is used far more frequently for all types of lower extremity occlusive lesions, reflecting the continuing advances in imaging techniques, angioplasty equipment, and endovascular expertise. The role of endovascular intervention in the treatment of limb-threatening ischemia is also expanding, and its promise of limb salvage and symptom relief with reduced morbidity and mortality makes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/stenting an attractive alternative to surgery and, as most endovascular interventions are performed on an outpatient basis, hospital costs are cut considerably. In this monograph we discuss current endovascular intervention for treatment of occlusive PAD, aneurysmal arterial disease, and venous occlusive disease.

Endovascular management of the popliteal artery: comparison of atherectomy and angioplasty

PURPOSE

Symptomatic atherosclerotic disease of the popliteal artery presents challenges for endovascular therapy. We evaluated the technical success, complications, and midterm outcomes of atherectomy and angioplasty involving the popliteal segment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of outcomes of popliteal artery intervention using atherectomy or angioplasty performed between 2003 and 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients (36% women, age 72.8 +/- 12.2 years, 77% critical limb ischemia) underwent popliteal atherectomy (n = 18) or angioplasty (n = 38). These patients had similar clinical characteristics, TransAtlantic Intersociety Consensus (TASC)/ TASC II classification, mean lesion length, and runoff scores. We observed a trend toward higher rates of technical success defined as <30% residual stenosis after atherectomy compared to angioplasty (94% vs 71%, P = .08). While angioplasty was associated with a higher frequency of arterial dissection (23% vs 0%, P = .003), atherectomy was associated with a higher rate of thromboembolic events (22% vs 0%, P = 0.01). Adjunctive stenting was used more frequently following angioplasty compared to atherectomy (45% vs 6%, P = .005). Thrombolysis was used to treat embolization in 4 patients in the atherectomy group. The improvement in the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was similar between the 2 treatment groups. Primary patency of the popliteal artery at 3, 6, and 12 months was 94%, 88%, and 75% in the atherectomy group and 89%, 82%, and 73% in the angioplasty group (P = not significant [NS]). There were no significant differences in limb salvage and freedom from reintervention at 1 year between the atherectomy and angioplasty groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience with popliteal artery endovascular therapy indicates a distinct pattern of procedural complications with atherectomy compared to angioplasty but similar midterm patency, limb salvage, and freedom from intervention.

Atherectomy for infrainguinal peripheral artery disease

Compared to conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent implantation for arterial occlusive diseases, atherectomy offers the theoretical advantages of eliminating stretch injury on arterial walls and reducing the, rate of restenosis. Historically, however, neither rotational nor directional atherectomy, whether used alone or with adjunctive PTA, has shown any significant long-term benefit over PTA alone in the coronary or peripheral arteries. However, the SilverHawk Plaque Excision System has produced positive results in single-center prospective registries of patients with femoropopliteal and infrainguinal lesions, with reduced adjunctive PTA, minimal adjunctive stenting, and competitive 6-month and 12-month patency rates. In the observational nonrandomized TALON (Treating Peripherals with SilverHawk: Outcomes Collection) registry, freedom from target lesion revascularization was 80% for 87 patients at 12 months. Questions remaining for further research with this device include more accurate determination of an event rate for distal embolization, the appropriate use of distal protection, the value of and appropriate circumstances for adjunctive angioplasty, and definitive patency and clinical outcomes. Other atherectomy devices are discussed.

Arteriovenous fistula complicating directional atherectomy of the popliteal artery

We describe a case of a 70-year-old man with a critical popliteal artery stenosis treated by directional atherectomy and complicated by a huge arteriovenous fistula. A 70-year-old man, previously treated by bilateral femoropopliteal bypass, was admitted to our hospital because of right leg intermittens claudication. A critical infrapopliteal stenosis was documented; this lesion was treated by directional atherectomy, which was complicated by a huge arteriovenous fistula. Due to the failure of any conservative approach, surgical repair was necessary. Following surgery, the patient was discharged without any deficit. Although rare, huge arteriovenous fistula may be a serious complication of peripheral directional atherectomy.

Is Infrainguinal Percutaneous Atherectomy Better Suited for Certain Arteries Than Others?

Objective: We analyzed our results with percutaneous rotational atherectomy catheters and specifically examined whether they were more likely to be associated with a successful outcome when used to treat smaller diameter vessels such as infrapopliteal (IP) arteries compared to larger diameter femoropopliteal (FP) arteries and infrainguinal arterial autogenous vein grafts (GRAFTS). Material and Methods: Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006, athrectomies were performed on 32 patients for claudication (14), gangrene (9), rest pain (4), and failing GRAFTS (5). Treated vessels included 14 superficial femoral, 1 popliteal, 5 anterior tibial, 4 posterior tibial, and 3 peroneal arteries along with 5 failing GRAFTS. All procedures were performed by vascular surgeons in an endovascular operating suite using a mobile C-arm. Results for larger diameter vessels including FP arteries and GRAFTS were combined (FP + BYPASSES) and compared to results of IP artery lesions. Follow-up averaged 10 weeks (range, 0.5-34 weeks). Results: Length of treated lesions averaged 4.2 cm (range, 1—15 cm) for FP + GRAFT lesions (9 occlusions, 11 stenoses) versus 1.8 cm (1-4 cm) for IP lesions (6 occlusions, 6 stenoses; P = ns). Procedural success rate based on postoperative segmental pressures, pulse volume recordings, and duplex ultrasound was 70% (14/20) for FP + GRAFTS versus 83% (10/12) for IP lesions (P = .03). Need for concomitant adjunctive balloon angioplasty to treat residual stenosis tended to be higher for FP + GRAFT lesions (40% [8/20]) compared to IP lesions (25% [3/12]; P = ns). During follow-up, 25% (5/20) of FP + GRAFTS lesions required reintervention (3 balloon angioplasties, 1 thrombectomy, 1 GRAFT pseudoaneurysm) versus none for the IP lesions (P = .03). Limb salvage rates were 90% (18/20) for FP + GRAFT lesions versus 100% (12/12) for IP lesions during this short follow-up. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that short segment IP arterial stenoses and occlusions can be successfully treated with atherectomy catheters with a lower rate of reintervention during short-term follow-up, less need for concomitant adjunctive balloon angioplasty and a lower complication rate compared to FP + graft lesions.

Primary stenting of the superficial femoral and popliteal artery

OBJECTIVES

Over the last decade, the number of endovascular procedures performed on the superficial femoral (SFA) and popliteal arteries (PA) has significantly increased. There is no consensus on the optimal form of intervention used in this arterial segment. While some have advocated balloon angioplasty alone, others have championed either selective or primary stenting of these lesions. It is the purpose of this study to determine the efficacy and durability of primary stenting of the superficial femoral and popliteal artery.

METHODS

All patients undergoing peripheral angioplasty by a single vascular surgeon were prospectively enrolled in an Institutional Review Board-approved, primary-stenting protocol. During a 44-month period, all patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the SFA or PA also received primary arterial stenting with bare, self-expanding nitinol stents. Patient demographics and risk factors were identified. TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus (TASC) classifications were determined for all lesions. Loss of primary patency was said to have occurred when an occlusion or a 50% or greater stenosis in any treated arterial segment was diagnosed by arterial duplex or angiography. Only time to loss of primary patency was recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted and differences between groups tested by log rank method.

RESULTS

Between January 16, 2004 and August 13, 2007, 201 angioplasties with primary stenting were performed on 161 patients. One hundred twenty-three stents were placed for claudication, and 78 for critical limb ischemia. Forty-six segments treated were TASC A, 82 were TASC B, 38 were TASC C, and 35 were TASC D. Patient follow-up ranged from three to 1329 days (mean: 426 days). Primary patency rates for TASC A and B lesions were 79%, 67%, and 57% at 12, 24, and 36 months. For TASC C and D lesions, primary patency rates were 52.7%, 36%, and 19% at the same time intervals. Primary patency rates for TASC A and B lesions were significantly higher than for C and D lesions (P < .001). The limb salvage rate was 88.5% in patients with critical limb ischemia. Distal runoff did not influence patency (P = .827).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary stenting of the SFA and PA provides durable results in patients with TASC A and B lesions and may be an effective treatment strategy. This approach is significantly less effective when used in treating those with TASC C and D disease. Based on the results in this series, the use of primary stenting does not extend the anatomic limits of the current treatment recommendations for catheter-based intervention in patients with infrainguinal occlusive disease.

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

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

Endovascular infrainguinal revascularization: technical tips for atherectomy device selection and procedural success

The superficial femoral artery (SFA) is the interventionalist's most frequent adversary in infrainguinal revascularization, and we have yet to conquer it. Despite having numerous devices and techniques in our arsenal, we have, in large part, been unable to devise a treatment that yields not only excellent, safe, and reproducible acute outcomes, but also consistently good results at long-term follow-up. Angioplasty and stenting of the SFA has come under severe criticism due to numerous reports of stent fractures, unacceptable restenosis rates, and lack of US Food and Drug Administration-approved specific stents in this location. An alternative to displacement techniques is now being pursued. These include debulking the atheromatous plaque. We review these techniques and also offer helpful tips to achieve maximum success in infrainguinal revascularization.

Endovascular therapies for peripheral arterial disease: an evidence-based review

Peripheral arterial disease is one manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis. The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease increases with the age of the population. It is important to remember the significant association of coincident coronary artery disease, which is the major cause of mortality in these patients. Remarkable technological advances in the past decade, along with patient preference, have shifted revascularization strategies from traditional open surgical approaches toward lower-morbidity percutaneous endovascular treatments. The availability of stents, more than any other advance, has fueled the growth of catheter-based procedures by improving the safety, durability, and predictability of percutaneous revascularization.

Hybrid Revascularization Using Silverhawk Atherectomy and Infrapopliteal Bypass for Limb Salvage

Patients with limb-threatening ischemia and a paucity of ipsilateral greater saphenous vein for conduit represent a challenge for lower extremity revascularization. We present four patients with limited autogenous conduit who underwent hybrid revascularization using the Silverhawk atherectomy device and infrapopliteal artery bypass for limb-threatening ischemia. All patients experienced complete wound healing in early follow-up. Hybrid revascularization appears safe, produces excellent short-term outcomes, and may be appropriate for patients with limited autogenous vein who require lower extremity revascularization.