Outcomes of directional atherectomy for common femoral artery disease

Intravascular Lithotripsy for Treatment of Severely Calcified Common Femoral Artery Disease: Results From the Disrupt PAD III Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Surgical endarterectomy is currently considered the front-line therapy for the treatment of calcified lesions in the common femoral artery (CFA). Endovascular interventions have evolved, and their use is increasing in frequency. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has shown promising safety and effectiveness in calcified CFA lesions in a small pilot study, but "real-world" evidence from a larger cohort is lacking.

METHODS

The Disrupt PAD III Observational Study (NCT02923193) was a prospective, multicenter registry designed to assess the acute safety and effectiveness of IVL treatment for calcified peripheral arterial disease. Any concomitant treatment with other calcium-modifying technologies as well as definitive treatment strategies was at the discretion of the operators. Patients with CFA lesions were evaluated for acute angiographic safety and effectiveness outcomes following IVL treatment as determined by an independent angiographic core lab.

RESULTS

Common femoral artery treatment was indicated in 177 patients (n=163 could be analyzed based on core-laboratory data) enrolled at 23 sites. Characteristics for 164 treated lesions included moderate-severe calcification 95.1%, diameter stenosis 74.8±17.7%, and lesion length 53.6±53.1 mm. Concomitant calcium-modifying therapy was used in 32.3% of lesions. Final therapy included drug-coated balloons in 68.9% and stenting in 16.5% of lesions. Post-IVL and final residual stenoses were 29.2±16.5%and 23.6±11.5%, respectively. No vascular complications (flow-limiting dissections, perforations, embolization, slow or no reflow, or abrupt closure) were present at the end of the procedure by core-laboratory assessment, with 1 (0.8%) flow-limiting dissection initially occurring immediately following IVL treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the largest real-world experience of IVL treatment in heavily calcified CFA lesions. Intravascular lithotripsy treatment showed significant stenosis reduction and favorable periprocedural safety in this challenging patient population.

CLINICAL IMPACT

In this study we show that calcified common femoral artery disease can be safely and effectively treated with shockwave balloon angioplasty with high procedural success and low complication rates and in clinical practice can now be offered as an alternative to surgical treatment in those patients reluctant to or high risk for vascular surgery. This opens another option for clinicians to treat calcified common femoral artery disease without the risk of dissection, perforation or distal embolization that are associated with atherectomy. This study shows that shockwave lithoplasty offers an innovative plaque modification technology to tackle calcified disease in the common femoral artery.

Percutaneous intervention versus surgery in the treatment of common femoral artery lesions: study protocol for the prospective, multi-center, randomized PESTO-CFA trial

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy has become established as a first-line therapy in most arterial regions. However, open vascular surgery (endarterectomy) remains the treatment of choice for common femoral artery (CFA) lesions. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute and mid-term results of directional atherectomy plus drug-coated balloon (DCB) in comparison to endarterectomy in treatment of de novo arteriosclerotic CFA lesions.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, multicenter non-inferiority study will enroll 306 participants with symptomatic (Rutherford category 1 to 5) de novo stenosis of the CFA including the bifurcation. Patients eligible for both treatment groups could be included in this 1:1 randomized trial. Primary efficacy endpoint is patency of the target lesion at 12 months defined as restenosis < 50% without the need of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (cdTLR). Primary safety endpoint is a combined endpoint including death, myocardial infarction, major or minor amputation of the target limb, and peri-procedural complications at 30 days. Secondary endpoints include primary patency of the target lesion at 6 and 24 months, secondary patency, cdTLR 6, 12, and 24 months, change in ankle-brachial index, and Rutherford-Becker class at 6, 12, and 24 months. Limb salvage, change in quality of life measured by Walking Impairment Questionnaire, and major adverse events including death, myocardial infarction, and minor or major amputation of the target limb will be determined at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months.

DISCUSSION

Endovascular treatment of CFA lesions is still a matter of debate. Few studies compared modern endovascular therapy methods against the so-called gold standard surgical endarterectomy so far. Based on recent positive results, this study aims to confirm non-inferiority of a "leaving nothing behind" endovascular approach combining directional atherectomy and DCB compared to surgical therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02517827.

Percutaneous Endovascular Reconstruction of the Common Femoral Artery and Its Bifurcation

Occlusive lesions of the common femoral artery (CFA) and its bifurcation have traditionally been treated with open surgery. Although long-term patency rates after open surgery are excellent, such repairs are associated with substantial local and general morbidity. In recent years, different treatment options have emerged within percutaneous endovascular repair. We hereby present a narrative review on endovascular treatment modalities and a treatment algorithm for endovascular revascularisation of the CFA and its bifurcation. Lesion analysis, access issues, vessel preparation tools, and types of repairs with or without the involvement of the bifurcation are described. Based on current data, an interventional approach can result in high technical success and acceptable mid-term patency rates. Further comparative evidence with open surgery and/or between the different types of endovascular repairs is required to improve the current treatment algorithm.

Pharmacotherapy and revascularization strategies of peripheral artery disease

The global epidemiological transition of atherosclerotic vascular diseases is witnessing a rapid redistribution of its burden, shifting from high-income to low- and middle-income countries. With a wide clinical spectrum, spanning from intermittent claudication to more complex critical limb threatening ischemia, nonhealing ulcers, gangrene as well as acute limb ischemia, peripheral artery disease is often faced with the challenges of under-diagnosis and under-treatment despite its high prevalence. The management of peripheral arterial disease in patients with multiple comorbidities presents a formidable challenge and remains a pressing global health concern. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth overview of the pathophysiology of peripheral artery disease and explore evidence-based management strategies encompassing pharmacological, lifestyle, interventional, and surgical approaches. By addressing these challenges, the review contributes to a better understanding of the evolving landscape of peripheral artery disease, offering insights into effective and holistic management strategies.

Safety and effectiveness of the phoenix atherectomy device for endovascular treatment of common femoral and popliteal arteries: Results of the EN-MOBILE trial

Background: This study aimed to assess the peri- and postprocedural outcomes of atherectomy-assisted endovascular treatment of the common femoral (CFA) and popliteal arteries. Methods: Phoenix atherectomy was used for the treatment of 73 and 53 de novo CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively, in 122 consecutive patients. Safety endpoints encompassed perforation and peripheral embolization. Postprocedural endpoints included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and clinical success (an improvement of ⩾ 2 Rutherford category [RC]). In addition, 531 patients treated for popliteal artery stenosis or occlusion without atherectomy were used as a comparator group. Results: Procedural success (residual stenosis < 30% after treatment) was 99.2%. The need for bail-out stenting was 2 (2.7%) and 3 (5.7%) in CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively. Only one (1.4%) embolization occurred in the CFA, which was treated by catheter aspiration. No perforations occurred. After 1.50 (IQR = 1.17-2.20) years, CD-TLR occurred in seven (9.2%) and six (14.6%) patients with CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively, whereas clinical success was achieved in 62 (91.2%) and 31 (75.6%), respectively. Patients treated with atherectomy and DCB in the popliteal artery after matching for baseline RC, lesion calcification, length, and the presence of chronic total occlusion, exhibited higher freedom from CD-TLR compared to the nondebulking group (HR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.1-8.5, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Atherectomy can be used safely and is associated with low rates of bail-out stenting in CFA and popliteal arteries. CD-TLR and clinical success rates are clinically acceptable. In addition, for the popliteal artery, atherectomy combined with DCB demonstrates lower CD-TLR rates compared to a DCB alone strategy. (German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00016708).

[Endovascular therapy for peripheral arterial disease]

In addition to conservative therapy with intensive walking training, endovascular revascularisation and open vascular surgical revascularisation are of high importance in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Over the past decades, endovascular therapy has developed considerably and is now the treatment of choice for most vascular segments. The use of different devices has been shown to be beneficial for different vessel segments. Primary stent angioplasty has been shown to be superior to balloon angioplasty with secondary stent implantation for the treatment of iliac lesions. Femoropopliteal, the use of paclitaxel-eluting balloon angioplasty is recommended. A mortality signal shown in a meta-analysis was not confirmed. With directional atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy, different options for plaque modification are available. The cytostatic drug sirolimus as another antirestenotic substance still has to be investigated in large, randomised trials. A final assessment of the effectiveness and safety is not yet possible. Infrapopliteal balloon angioplasty remains the standard treatment. After interventional therapy, regular follow-up is recommended.

Surgical, Endovascular, and Multimodal Approaches to the Management of Atherosclerotic Common Femoral Artery Disease

Common femoral artery disease is at the heart of nearly all treatment algorithms and decisions for patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Surgical endarterectomy has been the mainstay of common femoral treatment with a wealth of data supporting its safety, efficacy, and durability. Advances in endovascular technology and techniques for the management of iliac and superficial femoral artery disease has resulted in a paradigm shift in management. The common femoral artery has been aptly named a "no stent zone" due to anatomic and disease-specific challenges that have limited the role for endovascular techniques. New technology and techniques in the endovascular management of common femoral disease seek to change our treatment strategies. A multimodal approach utilizing a combination of angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting has been shown most beneficial, although limited long-term data leave durability an unanswered question. While surgical treatment remains the gold standard, advances in the endovascular approach will certainly continue to improve outcomes. As truly isolated common femoral disease is a rarity, a collaborative approach combining all benefits of open and endovascular techniques in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease is essential.

Open Surgical Thrombendarterectomy Versus Endovascular Treatment in Occlusive Processes of the Femoral Artery Bifurcation

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment of occlusive processes of the femoral artery bifurcation is thrombendarterectomy (TEA). Endovascular techniques (ENDO) have recently been put forward as a potential alternative. It is unclear so far which modality yields better outcomes with respect to long-term revascularization and periprocedural complications. Method: Multiple databases were systematically searched for pertinent publications (publication date November 1965 to February 2022). From the included studies, individual patient data (IPD) were requested. Aggregate data (AD) were used when no IPD were available. Primary and secondary patency (PP and SP), perioperative morbidity/mortality, and further endpoints were determined separately for TEA and ENDO and compared with each other. AD for each modality were summarized in meta-analyses. Time-to-event analyses and comparative meta-analyses with PP as primary endpoint were carried out using IPD. Results: 42 studies (3 IPD, 39 AD; 27 TEA, 12 ENDO, 3 comparisons of TEA versus ENDO) were included. In the combined meta-analysis of IPD and AD, PP for TEA was 97% at 6 months and 92% at 12 months, while PP for ENDO was 84% at 6 months and 85% at 12 months. The differences were not statistically significant. The comparative meta-analysis regarding PP did not reveal any significant differences either (TEA versus ENDO: HR 0.30 [0.06; 1.48]). SP at 12 months was 97% (TEA) and 93% (ENDO). The periprocedural morbidity was 16% for TEA and 9% for ENDO. Conclusion: In light of a higher PP, even without formal statistical proof of superiority, TEA can still be considered the standard treatment for occlusive processes of the femoral artery bifurcation.

METHODS

Multiple databases were systematically searched for pertinent publications (publication date November 1965 to February 2022). From the included studies, individual patient data (IPD) were requested. Aggregate data (AD) were used when no IPD were available. Primary and secondary patency (PP and SP), perioperative morbidity/mortality, and further endpoints were determined separately for TEA and ENDO and compared with each other. AD for each modality were summarized in meta-analyses. Time-to-event analyses and comparative meta-analyses with PP as primary endpoint were carried out using IPD.

RESULTS

42 studies (3 IPD, 39 AD; 27 TEA, 12 ENDO, 3 comparisons of TEA versus ENDO) were included. In the combined meta-analysis of IPD and AD, PP for TEA was 97% at 6 months and 92% at 12 months, while PP for ENDO was 84% at 6 months and 85% at 12 months. The differences were not statistically significant. The comparative meta-analysis regarding PP did not reveal any significant differences either (TEA versus ENDO: HR 0.30 [0.06; 1.48]). SP at 12 months was 97% (TEA) and 93% (ENDO). The periprocedural morbidity was 16% for TEA and 9% for ENDO.

CONCLUSION

In light of a higher PP, even without formal statistical proof of superiority, TEA can still be considered the standard treatment for occlusive processes of the femoral artery bifurcation.

Percutaneous debulking strategy for severe nodular calcification in common femoral artery

BACKGROUND

Despite marked progress in endovascular treatment (EVT) techniques and devices, calcified lesions remain one of the toughest obstacles to EVT success. Moreover, because the common femoral artery (CFA) is known as a "non-stenting zone," endovascular strategies for this area are controversial.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we describe the technical tips for a novel, less invasive, and effective debulking strategy for severe nodular calcification using an endovascular maneuver. This technique was demonstrated in a 73-year-old man with severe calcified stenosis of the CFA. To complete a stent-less strategy for CFA, we conducted aggressive debulking of the nodular calcification, established a bidirectional approach from the radial artery and the superficial femoral artery (SFA), and inserted a balloon-guiding catheter in the SFA. Under distal protection provided by this catheter, we crushed the nodular calcification 43 times using myocardial biopsy forceps. After achieving a volume reduction of nodular calcification through this maneuver, we completed the procedure by inflating a 6-mm drug-coated balloon catheter. Final angiography demonstrated a reduced filling defect of the contrast medium in the CFA and favorable blood flow as far as the ankle. The puncture site on the SFA was closed with a vascular suture assisted by balloon inflation inside the vessel, which allowed the patient to be ambulatory immediately after the procedure without requiring bed rest.

CONCLUSIONS

Severely calcified lesions in the CFA are usually difficult to treat using an endovascular strategy, but our novel and less invasive method may become a promising technique for managing these lesions.

Systematic review of atherectomy of inguinal arteries for atherosclerotic lesions

INTRODUCTION

Surgical endarterectomy represents the gold standard for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the groin vessels. Endovascular treatment such as atherectomy with or without drug coated angioplasty (DCA) of the so called no stenting zones, i.e. inguinal and popliteal vessels, is gaining growing acceptance as alternative option to open surgery. This systematic review aims to scrutiny the current clinical evidence regarding atherectomy and DCA for the common artery (CFA).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted an exhaustive research in multiple platforms (Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Embase) on studies over atherectomy and angioplasty for inguinal atherosclerotic lesions published between 2000 and 2021. As search strategy we used a wide list of MeSH items, words, synonyms. Bibliographies of review articles were checked for further relating studies regarding atherectomy of CFA. A qualitative and quantitative data analysis was carried out.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative review. Not all studies were focused only on atherectomy of inguinal vessels, despite including such treatment. Hence, data regarding this treatment were not exhaustive. A fairly homogeneous data analysis was possible in 7 of 15 studies. The remaining 8 studies were qualitatively analyzed but not included in the statistical analysis. In all 7 included studies directional atherectomy and DCA under filter protection were carried out. In this subgroup, overall, 497 patients were treated with atherectomy. Sixty-eight percent of the patients were males. Rutherford class from 1-3 dominated against 4-6 (63% vs. 37%). Mean technical success rate was 96%, with a primary and secondary patency rate of 92% and 98% respectively at one year. Procedure related vascular complications ranged from 1% to 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Current literature about atherectomy for inguinal arteries is scant, data are inhomogeneous and so are treatment modalities. Nevertheless, the results of this systematic review suggest that this endovascular strategy is feasible with good short and midterm results. Prospective trials with larger patient cohorts are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.