Critical appraisal of paclitaxel balloon angioplasty for femoral-popliteal arterial disease

Network Meta-Analysis of All Available Regimens Based on Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty and Laser Atherectomy for Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis

PURPOSE

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and laser atherectomy (LA) have been frequently utilized to treat femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR); however, no studies have concurrently compared available regimens, including DCB, LA+DCB, and LA + plain balloon angioplasty (PB). Therefore, we conducted this network meta-analysis to determine whether there were significant differences in outcomes among these regimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing DCB or LA-based regimes with POBA or each other for treating femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) from their inception until March 2021. The primary outcome measure was binary restenosis, and secondary outcome measures were target lesion revascularization (TLR) and mortality, evaluated at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Aggregate Data Drug Information System (ADDIS) 1.4 software, and all data were graphically summarized using Microsoft Excel software.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 11 studies, of which 6 studies compared DCB with PB, 2 studies compared PB vs LA+PB, 2 studies compared DCB vs LA+DCB, and 1 study compared LA+DCB with LA+PB. DCB was better than PB in decreasing binary restenosis at 6 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.22, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.04-0.91) and 12 (OR: 0.26, 95% CrI: 0.12-0.50) months. DCB was associated with lower TLR than PB at 6 months (OR: 0.31, 95% CrI: 0.13-0.69). LA+DCB was also superior to PB in treating binary restenosis at 12 months (OR: 6.10, 95% CrI: 1.94-24.41) and TLR at 6 months (OR: 5.32, 95% CrI: 1.43-28.06). There was no statistical difference in mortality between PB, DCB, and LA+PB. DCB and LA+DCB were the first 2 options for reducing binary restenosis and TLR.

CONCLUSION

The current network meta-analysis demonstrates that both DCB and LA+DCB are superior to PB alone, and that DCB and LA+DCB may be the preferred treatment options for reducing binary restenosis and TLR.

CLINICAL IMPACT

The treatment for femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains challenging clinical practice. One important reason is that no optimal treatment strategy was available. Drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB) and laser atherectomy (LA) have been extensively utilized to treat ISR; however, different combinations of these treatments further confused the clinicians' choices. This network meta-analysis systematically investigated the difference between the currently available treatments regarding therapeutic effects and safety, indicating that DCB and LA+DCB may be the optimal treatment for decreasing the risk of binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization. The results of the current network meta-analysis help to resolve the confusion of clinicians in making the decision.

Durable benefit after treatment of obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia with a novel drug-device combination product: 2-year outcomes from the EVEREST-I study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Optilume BPH Catheter System for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

This open-label, single-arm study enrolled eighty subjects with LUTS secondary to BPH who were treated with the Optilume BPH Catheter System. Symptoms were recorded utilizing the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BPH-II). Functional improvement was measured utilizing peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual urine volume (PVR). Adverse events were systematically captured and reported at each follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Subjects treated with the Optilume BPH Catheter System experienced a significant improvement in LUTS from baseline through 2 years of follow-up, as measured by IPSS (22.3 vs 8.2, p < 0.001) and BPH-II (6.9 vs 2.3, p < 0.001). Functional improvement was also significant, with Qmax improving from an average of 10.9 mL/s at baseline to 17.2 mL/s at the 2-year follow-up and PVR improving from 63.1 to 45.0 mL. Treatment-related adverse events were typically minor, with none occurring between 1- and 2-year post-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The Optilume BPH Catheter System is a unique minimally invasive surgical therapy that combines mechanical and pharmaceutical aspects for the treatment of BPH. The functional and symptomatic improvements seen after treatment are significant and have been sustained through 2 years in this early feasibility study.

REGISTRATION

NCT03423979, registered February 6, 2018.

A Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment for Urethral Stricture Disease: Three-Year Results from the ROBUST I Study

Introduction

Endoscopic management of male anterior urethral stricture disease is common; however, repeat treatment is associated with high recurrence rates. Here, we report the 3-year results of the ROBUST I trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Optilume^® drug coated balloon (DCB) in men with recurrent urethral strictures.

Methods

Adult men with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures ≤2 cm in length and 1–4 prior endoscopic interventions were treated with the Optilume DCB. Functional success was defined as ≥50% reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) without need for retreatment. Other outcomes included quality of life, maximum flow rate, post-void residual urine volume, erectile function, and freedom from repeat intervention.

Results

Of the 53 enrolled and treated men, 33 completed the 3-year visit, with 10 patients experiencing clinical failures at previous visits, giving a total of 43 subjects evaluable for the functional success endpoint. Functional success was achieved in 67% (29/43) and freedom from retreatment in 77% (33/43). Average IPSS improved from 25.2 at baseline to 5.5 at 3 years (p<0.0001). Significant improvements were observed in quality of life, flow rate, and post-void residual urine volume. Erectile function was not affected by treatment. Device-related adverse events were mild or moderate in nature and resolved quickly after onset. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events.

Conclusion

Symptomatic improvement after treatment with the Optilume DCB was maintained through 3 years in a population highly susceptible to recurrent urethral stricture disease. This minimally invasive therapy is safe with no negative impact on sexual function.

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty versus balloon angioplasty for treating patients with in-stent restenosis in the femoropopliteal artery: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The introduction of endovascular surgery has led to frequent stent use, although in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a challenging issue. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) and conventional balloon angioplasty (BA) are common endovascular procedures for addressing ISR in the femoropopliteal artery. However, there is controversy regarding which procedure provides the greatest benefit to patients.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for prospective controlled trials that compared DCB and BA for patients with ISR in the femoropopliteal artery. The study has been approved by Ethics Committee of Wuhan Central Hospital.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 6 prospective trials with 541 patients. We found that DCB use was associated with significant reductions in binary restenosis at 6 months (relative risk [RR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.63; P < .00001), binary restenosis at 1 year (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34-0.57; P < .00001), target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 6 months (RR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.20-0.65; P = .0006), and TLR at 1 year (RR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.27-0.54; P < .00001). The DCB group also had significantly better clinical improvement (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13-1.71; P = .002), although we did not detect inter-group differences in terms of death, target vessel thrombosis, or ipsilateral amputation. The brand of DCB may a cause of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Relative to BA, DCB use increases the durability of treatment for ISR in the femoropopliteal artery, based on significant reductions in binary restenosis and TLR at 6-12 months after the procedure. Furthermore, DCB use was associated with better clinical improvement. However, additional randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

One-year outcomes after treatment with a drug-coated balloon catheter system for lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background

This is the first report of the 1-year outcomes of the EVEREST-I study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Optilume^® BPH Catheter System, a prostatic paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter system, for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

Subjects were men >50 years old with moderate-to-severe LUTS secondary to BPH, peak urinary flow rate of 5–15 ml/s, prostatic urethra length 30–55 mm, and prostate volume 20–80 g. All were treated with the Optilume BPH Catheter System and followed at Foley removal, 2 weeks, 30 days, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with ≥40% improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The rate of post-procedural complications was evaluated.

Results

Eighty subjects were treated at six sites in Latin America and 75 completed the 1-year follow-up. The percent of subjects with an improvement ≥40% in IPSS from baseline was 81% at 3 months and 1 year. IPSS improved from 22.3 at baseline to 7.9 at 1 year, Qmax improved from 10.9 to 18.4 ml/s, and IPSS QoL improved from 4.6 to 1.3. Post-procedural complications included common urologic events and the rate of complications was significantly impacted by device diameter.

Conclusions

Treatment with the minimally invasive Optilume BPH Catheter System is safe and showed subjective and objective improvements in LUTS. Benefits were rapid and persisted through 1 year. The initial results warrant further evaluation of this therapy as a treatment option for patients with LUTS related to BPH.

BIOLUX P-III Passeo-18 Lux All-Comers Registry: 24-Month Results in Below-the-Knee Arteries

PURPOSE

The BIOLUX P-III registry was initiated to further assess the safety and efficacy of the Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon (DCB) in infrainguinal lesions in a real-world environment and in prespecified risk groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BIOLUX P-III is a prospective, global, all-comers registry with patients treated under real-world conditions. We herein report 24-month results of the prespecified subgroup of 151 patients with 185 below-the-knee (BTK) lesions. The primary safety and efficacy endpoints were freedom from major adverse events (a composite of freedom from device and procedure mortality through 30 days, major target limb amputation and clinically driven target lesion revascularization) at 6 months and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (FfTLR) at 12 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, 76.0% of patients had critical limb ischemia and 48.9% of lesions were TASC C or D lesions. Technical success was achieved in 97.8%, and bailout stenting was required in 1.1%. Freedom from major adverse events was 86.2% [95% CI 79.4; 90.8] at 6 months, and FfTLR was 90.9% [95% CI 85.2; 94.4] at 12 months. At 24 months, FfTLR was 90.9% [95% CI 85.2; 94.4], freedom from major amputation was 90.1% [95% CI 83.9, 94.0], and overall survival was 79.2% [70.7, 85.5]. There was a significant clinical improvement (mean Rutherford class improvement of - 2.9 ± 1.9, p < 0.0001) and an improvement in pain (mean improvement on Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale of - 2.7 ± 2.9, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world DCB registry, 24-month outcomes of Passeo-18 Lux demonstrated safety and efficacy in BTK lesions with high patency rates and sustained clinical improvements at 24 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02276313.

Development of elastic artificial vessels with a digital pulse flow system to investigate the risk of restenosis and vasospasm

The postoperative risk of stenosis is a complex issue, with risk factors including the status of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the shear stress of dynamic blood flow, and blood physiology. Current research would benefit from in vitro models that can mimic the microenvironment of living vessels, to study the response of endothelial cells to stent placement. In this study, we constructed a digital pulse flow system based on a group of programmable solenoid valves, to mimic dynamic blood flows in the left coronary artery. Elastic artificial vessels, with internally cultured endothelial cells, were used to simulate vessel function and physiology. Based on this novel platform, we systematically explored cell proliferation and function in artificial vessels implanted with bare metal stents or drug-eluting stents, using unstented vessels as controls, under static and pulse flow conditions. The results indicate that the natural shear stresses of dynamic blood flow actually benefit endothelial cell attachment and proliferation. And drug-eluting stents showed stronger inhibition of cell proliferation than bare metal stents, but had a more negative effect on the synthesis of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), suggesting that drug elution might reduce the postoperative risk of restenosis, while increasing the risk of vasospasm. The results suggest that stent evaluation should include both the risk of restenosis and the effect on endothelial cells. Our simulation establishes a realistic in vitro model for pathological studies of restenosis and vasospasm, shows potential for evaluation of new stent designs, and could help develop individualised therapies for patients with atherosclerosis.

A drug-coated balloon treatment for urethral stricture disease: Two-year results from the ROBUST I study

INTRODUCTION

Mechanical balloon dilation and direct visualization internal urethrotomy (DVIU) are the most widely used treatments for urethral stricture disease in the U.S., but recurrence rates are high, especially after re-treatment. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of the Optilume™ paclitaxel-coated balloon for the treatment of recurrent strictures.

METHODS

Men with recurrent bulbar strictures ≤2 cm with 1-4 prior endoscopic treatments were treated with the Optilume™ drug-coated balloon. Patients were evaluated within 14 days, three, six, 12, and 24 months post-treatment. The primary safety endpoint was serious urinary adverse events. The primary efficacy endpoint was ≥50% improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 24 months. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, erectile function, flow rate, and post-void residual urine volume.

RESULTS

A total of 53 subjects were enrolled and treated; 46 completed the 24-month followup. Forty-three percent of men had undergone >1 previous dilations, with a mean of 1.7 prior dilations. There were no serious adverse events related to treatment at two years. Success was achieved in 32/46 (70%), and baseline IPSS improved from a mean of 25.2 to 6.9 at 24 months (p<0.0001). Quality of life, flow rate, and post-void residual urine volumes improved significantly from baseline. There was no impact on erectile function.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-year data indicates the Optilume™ paclitaxel-coated balloon is safe for the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral strictures. Early efficacy results are encouraging and support further followup of these men through five years, as well as further investigation with a randomized trial.

Diffuse Cutaneous Manifestations after Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty

We present here a case of an uncommon cutaneous manifestation after paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty. In this case, the patient underwent drug-coated balloon angioplasty for stenosis of a prior vein bypass graft. The patient subsequently developed extensive cutaneous lesions not confined to a single arterial distribution. This case represents a rare complication related to paclitaxel-eluting balloons and provides a cautionary tale as well as clinical acumen for providers in using such devices in their practice.

Two-Year Outcomes of Orbital Atherectomy Combined With Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for Treatment of Heavily Calcified Femoropopliteal Lesions

Purpose: To examine whether the combination of orbital atherectomy (OA) and drug-coated balloons (DCB) can lead to superior procedural and 2-year outcomes compared with DCB only in heavily calcified femoropopliteal (FP) lesions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients treated with DCB only or OA+DCB for de novo FP lesions at a single center over a 4-year period (2014–2017). In the observation period, 113 patients met the inclusion criteria: 63 treated with DCB only (mean age 69.0±8.6 years; 62 men) vs 50 treated with OA+DCB (mean age 70.3±7.1 years; 48 men). The OA+DCB group had higher calcification rates (78% with severe calcification vs 37% in the DCB only group). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for baseline differences between the 2 groups. Cox regression analysis was used to compare the follow-up outcomes between lesions treated with OA+DCB vs DCB only. Results: No difference in procedural complications or success was found. After PSM adjustment, the OA+DCB group was associated with lower bailout stenting rates (39.4% vs 66.7% in the DCB only group; p=0.026). The 2 groups had similar long-term outcomes, although the OA+DCB arm had a trend toward reduced TLR rates that did not reach statistical significance. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for 2-year freedom from TLR were 76.1% for the OA+DCB group vs 55.5% for the DCB only group (p=0.109). Conclusion: OA+DCB is a safe and effective combination for the treatment of calcified FP lesions. The combined therapy decreased the bailout stenting rates in the adjusted analysis. Larger cohorts and randomized trials are needed to examine OA efficacy in FP lesions.

One-year results of drug-coated balloons for long and occlusive Femoropopliteal artery disease: a single-arm trial

Background

The performance of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in femoropopliteal interventions has been proven through randomized trials in short lesions and lesions with relatively low proportion of occlusions. There is limited evidence of DCBs in long or occlusive lesions. This study is to investigate the efficacy of the paclitaxel-coated balloon for treatment of long and occlusive femoropopliteal arterial lesions.

Methods

A single-arm trial including 44 femoropopliteal lesions (chronic total occlusion (CTO) plus > 10 cm) treated with DCBs was performed to collect data of average 1-year follow-up. Endpoints contain primary patency, target lesion revascularization (TLR), amelioration of the Rutherford classification, change of ankle brachial index (ABI) and major adverse events.

Results

Technical success is 97.7% while device success is 100%. Mean lesion length was 186 ± 86.3 cm. Stent implantation was performed in 13.6%. Cumulative probability of primary patency was 78.8% ± 6.8% at 1 year while that of freedom from TLR was 91.4% ± 4.9%. Rutherford classification improved from average 3.3 ± 1.0 to 2.1 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001) at follow-up with a 72.7% amelioration rate. Ankle-branchial index changed from 0.33 ± 0.40 to 0.67 ± 0.37 (p = 0.002). No major adverse event was observed.

Conclusion

These results suggest that it is safe and effective to treat long and totally occlusive femoropopliteal artery disease with DCBs. Further studies are demanded to confirm these results.

A drug-coated balloon treatment for urethral stricture disease: Interim results from the ROBUST I study

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the safety and preliminary efficacy of the Optilume™ paclitaxel-coated balloon for the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture.

METHODS

Men with bulbar urethral strictures ≤2 cm with 1-4 prior endoscopic treatments were enrolled at four study sites after ethics committee approvals. All subjects were treated with mechanical balloon dilation or direct visualization internal urethrotomy prior to drug-coated balloon treatment. Patients were evaluated at 2-5 days, 14 days, three, six, and 12-months post-treatment. The primary safety endpoint was serious complications through 90 days post-procedure. The preliminary efficacy endpoint was anatomic success, defined as urethral lumen ≥14 Fr at 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 53 subjects were enrolled and treated; 46 completed the 12-month followup. Forty-three percent of men had undergone >1 previous dilation; the mean for the overall study population was 1.7 prior dilations. There were no serious adverse events related to the treatment within 90 days. Anatomic success was achieved in 32/46 (70%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 54-82%) at 12 months. The 14 failures included seven cystoscopic recurrences, five retreatments, and two patients who exited the study early due to symptom recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year data indicates the Optilume paclitaxel-coated balloon is safe for the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral strictures. Early efficacy results are encouraging and support further followup of these men through five years, as well as further investigation with a randomized trial.

Orbital atherectomy for calcified femoropopliteal lesions: a current review

The orbital atherectomy system is a novel form of atherectomy that uses orbital sanding and pulsatile forces, an effective method of treatment for peripheral atherosclerotic lesions with varying levels of occlusion. Although the devices only has a general indication from the FDA to treat atherosclerotic lesions, they are effective in treating all kinds of lesions, and can therefore mitigate effects of all severities of peripheral artery disease. This approach to endovascular therapy involves the use of differential sanding to preferentially ablate fibrous, fibrofatty and calcified lesions, while deflecting healthy intima away from the crown. The eccentrically mounted crown design allows the device to employ rhythmic pulsating forces that penetrate the medial layer, and cause cracking in the lesions in order to facilitate easier balloon inflation and intravascular drug elution. The combination of vessel modification and lumen enlargement through sanding can effectively restore blood flow to the extremities, and can eliminate risk of critical limb ischemia, as well as subsequent amputation. Extensive lab testing and clinical trials have confirmed the high success rates and low major adverse events associated with this form of treatment. The device is economically viable as well, since its cost is offset by the lower frequency of adjunctive therapy sessions when compared to other devices. Considering the results outlined in this manuscript, the Diamondback 360° is an effective form of atherectomy therapy for peripheral artery disease. In-depth understanding of the operation preparation, procedure, and best imaging techniques can help to optimize outcomes.

O uso do balão com paclitaxel no tratamento da reestenose intra-stent no segmento fêmoro-poplíteo

Resumo Contexto A reestenose intra-stent por hiperplasia miointimal pós-angioplastia é uma intercorrência frequente e que limita a perviedade do procedimento a longo prazo. A terapia com balões revestidos de droga com ação antiproliferativa pode ser uma alternativa no tratamento dessa complicação. Objetivos Demonstrar eficácia e as complicações (óbito, grandes amputações, etc.) do balão farmacológico no tratamento da reestenose intra-stent de segmento femoropoplíteo. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de 32 pacientes consecutivos tratados entre os anos de 2012 e 2016, submetidos a terapia de reestenose intra-stent de segmento femoropoplíteo com angioplastia com balão farmacológico revestido com paclitaxel. A taxa de sucesso foi mensurada pela ocorrência de sucesso do procedimento e reestenose inferior a 50% em avaliação por eco-Doppler colorido 30, 90 e 180 dias após o procedimento. Resultados Quatro pacientes (12,5%) apresentaram reestenose superior a 50%, sendo um (3,1%) após 90 dias e três (9,4%) após 180 dias, conferindo uma taxa de sucesso de 87,5% ao procedimento. Após 180 dias, todos os pacientes referiam melhora ou cessação dos sinais e/ou sintomas apresentados antes do procedimento. Não houve óbitos, e complicações ocorreram apenas em dois casos, no pós-operatório imediato. Conclusões Os resultados a curto prazo da terapia com balão farmacológico são promissores, com redução na taxa de reestenose e baixo índice de complicações. Ainda precisam ser apresentados estudos demonstrando os efeitos a longo prazo dessa terapia, assim como seu impacto econômico quando comparada a outros procedimentos.

Therapeutic Potential of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treating Ischemic Limb Diseases

Ischemic limb diseases are induced by different obstructions of peripheral arteries. These obstructions result in insufficient nutrient and oxygen supplies to the extremities, thereby leading to severe tissue damage that is in turn related to severe morbidities and mortalities. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated from various sources. These cells are multipotent with respect to differentiation and are also characterized by migration, immune suppression, and secretion of paracrine factors. Mesenchymal stem cells have been proposed to have therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic limb diseases. In preclinical experiments, injection of single MSCs has been shown to increase angiogenesis and blood flow in ischemic hindlimb animal models; several molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis have also been elucidated. Furthermore, modified strategies have been developed for enhancing angiogenesis and the efficacy of MSCs. These strategies have demonstrated significant effects in pre-clinical studies. In clinical trials, MSCs have shown significant effects in the treatment of ischemic limb diseases. In this review, we focus on the therapeutic properties of human MSCs and the modified methods for enhancing angiogenesis in pre-clinical experiments. We also discuss the clinical applications of MSCs for treating limb ischemia.