Network meta-analysis of balloon angioplasty, nondrug metal stent, drug-eluting balloon, and drug-eluting stent for treatment of infrapopliteal artery occlusive disease

Network Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing the Outcomes of Different Endovascular Revascularisation Treatments for Infra-inguinal Peripheral Arterial Disease Causing Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different endovascular revascularisation procedures for treating chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) using network meta-analysis (NMA).

DATA SOURCES

The databases PubMed and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials were searched on 14 March 2023.

REVIEW METHODS

A NMA of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy of different endovascular revascularisation techniques for treating CLTI was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The primary and secondary outcomes were major amputation and death, respectively. Random effects models were developed and the results were presented using surface under the cumulative ranking curve plots and forest plots. A p value of ≤ .050 was considered statistically significant. The Cochrane collaborative tool was used to assess risk of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 2 655 participants of whom 94.8% had CLTI were included. Eleven trials compared plain balloon angioplasty (PBA) vs. drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty (n = 1 771), five trials compared bare metal stent (BMS) vs. drug coated stent (DCS) (n = 466), three trials compared atherectomy vs. DCB (n = 194), two trials compared PBA vs. BMS (n = 70), one trial compared PBA vs. atherectomy (n = 50), and one trial compared BMS vs. DCB (n = 104). None of the revascularisation strategies significantly reduced the risk of major amputation or death compared with PBA. Using the network estimates, GRADE certainty of evidence for improvement in major amputation outcomes for DCB was moderate, for atherectomy and BMS was low, and for DCS was very low compared with PBA. Risk of bias was low in 16 trials, of some concerns in six trials, and high in one trial, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There is no current evidence from RCTs to reliably conclude that BMS, DCB, DCS, or atherectomy are superior to PBA in preventing major amputation and death in patients with CLTI. Larger comparative RCTs are needed to identify the best endovascular revascularisation strategy.

Comparative effectiveness of endovascular treatment modalities for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the best endovascular treatment for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up through network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

Medical databases were searched on September 17, 2023. 17 trials and 7 treatments were selected. Outcomes were primary patency, target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation and all-cause mortality at 3 and/or 5 years.

RESULTS

Regarding 3-year primary patency, drug-eluting stents (DES) was the best and better than balloon angioplasty (BA; odds ratio [OR], 4.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68-9.18), bare metal stents (BMS; OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.45-5.46), cryoplasty (OR, 6.75; 95% CI, 2.76-16.50), covered stents (CS; OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.19-8.87) and drug-coated balloons (DCB; OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.14-3.63). Regarding 5-year primary patency, DES was the best and better than BMS (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.10-4.99). Regarding 3-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.13-0.44). Regarding 5-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.09-0.42) and balloon angioplasty with brachytherapy (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74). Regarding 3- and 5-year major amputation, DCB was the best. Regarding 3-year mortality, DES was the best and better than CS (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

DES was the best treatment regarding 3-year primary patency, TLR and mortality, and DCB was the best regarding major amputation. DES was the best treatment regarding 5-year TLR, and DCB was the best regarding primary patency and major amputation. DES and DCB should be given priority in treating femoropopliteal lesions.

Comparing Endovascular Approaches in Lower Extremity Artery Disease: Insights from a Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy offers an alternative for treating femoropopliteal (FP) and infrapopliteal (IP) lesions related to occlusive lower extremity artery disease. Despite numerous trials, the effectiveness of restenosis prevention using local drug delivery devices remains a topic of debate.

OBJECTIVES

An updated systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted. Our overall aim was to summarize the most recent clinical evidence regarding endovascular approaches for FP and IP atherosclerotic lesions.

METHODS

We conducted a search for randomized trials in the MEDLINE database, and extracted data related to clinical endpoints. Our primary focus was on the rate of major adverse events (MAEs), including mortality, amputation, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). A multiple treatment network meta-analysis supplemented with component network analyses was performed to examine the impact of combined treatment.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 33 randomized controlled trials encompassing 5766 patients. This included 19 studies focused on femoropopliteal and 14 on IP lesions, accounting for 3565 and 2201 patients, respectively. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents (DESs) displayed a reduced MAE risk in comparison to plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA)-RR for DCB: 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52-0.77) and for DES: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.51-0.99). The bare-metal stent (BMS) group manifested the most substantial MAE risk, being 59% higher relative to the DCB cohort (BMS vs. DCB RR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.03-2.47). For FP lesions, DES was the standout performer, curtailing MAE risk by 55% relative to POBA. Within IP lesions, DES mitigated the MAE risk by 25% versus POBA. DCB did not exhibit any notable MAE reduction when pitted against POBA.

CONCLUSION

In FP arteries, both DESs and DCBs yielded significantly diminished MAEs, thus outpacing other techniques. Regarding IP arteries, only DESs resulted in significantly fewer MAEs. In alignment with contemporary research, our findings revealed no signs of elevated mortality in patients undergoing treatment with drug-eluting apparatuses.

Meta-analysis of outcomes from drug-eluting stent implantation in infrapopliteal arteries

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous drug-eluting stent implantation (DESI) is an emerging and promising treatment modality for infrapopliteal artery diseases (IPADs). This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes and quantitatively analyzes the outcomes of DESI in IPADs considering the hazard ratio (HR), which is a more accurate and appropriate outcome measure than the more commonly used relative risk and odds ratio.

AIM

To explore the superiority of drug-eluting stents (DESs) vs traditional treatment modalities for IPADs.

METHODS

The following postoperative indicators were the outcomes of interest: All-cause death (ACD)-free survival, major amputation (MA)-free survival, target lesion revascularization (TLR)-free survival, adverse event (AE)-free survival, and primary patency (PP) survival. The outcome measures were then compared according to their respective HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The participants were human IPAD patients who underwent treatments for infrapopliteal lesions. DESI was set as the intervention arm, and traditional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without bare metal stent implantation (BMSI) was set as the control arm. A systematic search in the Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed on November 29, 2022. All controlled studies published in English with sufficient data on outcomes of interest for extraction or conversion were included. When studies did not directly report the HRs but gave a corresponding survival curve, we utilized Engauge Digitizer software and standard formulas to convert the information and derive HRs. Then, meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials and three cohort studies involving 2639 participants were included. The ACD-free and MA-free survival HR values for DESI were not statistically significant from those of the control treatment (P > 0.05); however, the HR values for TLR-free, AE-free, and PP-survival differed significantly [2.65 (95%CI: 1.56-4.50), 1.57 (95%CI: 1.23-2.01), and 5.67 (95%CI: 3.56-9.03), respectively].

CONCLUSION

Compared with traditional treatment modalities (i.e., PTA with or without BMSI), DESI for IPADs is superior in avoiding TLR and AEs and maintaining PP but shows no superiority or inferiority in avoiding ACD and MA.

Meta-analysis of outcomes from drug-eluting stent implantation in infrapopliteal arteries

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous drug-eluting stent implantation (DESI) is an emerging and promising treatment modality for infrapopliteal artery diseases (IPADs). This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes and quantitatively analyzes the outcomes of DESI in IPADs considering the hazard ratio (HR), which is a more accurate and appropriate outcome measure than the more commonly used relative risk and odds ratio.

AIM

To explore the superiority of drug-eluting stents (DESs) vs traditional treatment modalities for IPADs.

METHODS

The following postoperative indicators were the outcomes of interest: All-cause death (ACD)-free survival, major amputation (MA)-free survival, target lesion revascularization (TLR)-free survival, adverse event (AE)-free survival, and primary patency (PP) survival. The outcome measures were then compared according to their respective HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The participants were human IPAD patients who underwent treatments for infrapopliteal lesions. DESI was set as the intervention arm, and traditional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without bare metal stent implantation (BMSI) was set as the control arm. A systematic search in the Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed on November 29, 2022. All controlled studies published in English with sufficient data on outcomes of interest for extraction or conversion were included. When studies did not directly report the HRs but gave a corresponding survival curve, we utilized Engauge Digitizer software and standard formulas to convert the information and derive HRs. Then, meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials and three cohort studies involving 2639 participants were included. The ACD-free and MA-free survival HR values for DESI were not statistically significant from those of the control treatment (P > 0.05); however, the HR values for TLR-free, AE-free, and PP-survival differed significantly [2.65 (95%CI: 1.56-4.50), 1.57 (95%CI: 1.23-2.01), and 5.67 (95%CI: 3.56-9.03), respectively].

CONCLUSION

Compared with traditional treatment modalities (i.e., PTA with or without BMSI), DESI for IPADs is superior in avoiding TLR and AEs and maintaining PP but shows no superiority or inferiority in avoiding ACD and MA.

Comparative Effectiveness of Treatment Modalities for Complex Aortic Aneurysms: A Network Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND

To conduct a network meta-analysis comparing multiple treatments for complex aortic aneurysms (CAAs).

METHODS

Medical databases were searched on November 11, 2022. Twenty-five studies (5,149 patients) and four treatments (open surgery [OS], chimney/snorkel endovascular aneurysm repair [CEVAR], fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair [FEVAR], and branched endovascular aneurysm repair) were selected. Outcomes were branch vessel patency, mortality, and reintervention at short- and long-term followup, and perioperative complications.

RESULTS

Regarding branch vessel patency, OS was the most effective treatment and had higher 24-month branch vessel patency rates than CEVAR (odds ratio [OR], 10.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08-55.79). FEVAR (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-1.00) and OS (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.17-0.93) were better than CEVAR regarding 30-day mortality and 24-month mortality, respectively. Regarding 24-month reintervention, OS was better than CEVAR (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.15-8.18) and FEVAR (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.08-5.73). Regarding perioperative complications, FEVAR had lower acute renal failure rates than OS (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.27-0.66) and CEVAR (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25-0.92) and lower myocardial infarction rates than OS (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.97) and was the most effective treatment in preventing acute renal failure, myocardial infarction, bowel ischemia, and stroke, while OS was the most effective treatment in preventing spinal cord ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

OS might have advantages regarding branch vessel patency, 24-month mortality, and reintervention and is similar to FEVAR regarding 30-day mortality. Regarding perioperative complications, FEVAR might confer advantages in preventing acute renal failure, myocardial infarction, bowel ischemia, and stroke, and OS in preventing spinal cord ischemia.

Comparative effectiveness of endovascular treatment modalities for de novo femoropopliteal lesions in intermittent claudication: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the most effective endovascular treatment modalities for de novo femoropopliteal lesions in intermittent claudication (IC) in terms of technical success, primary patency, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and all-cause mortality through network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

Medical databases were searched on December 3, 2020. 16 studies (3265 patients) and 7 treatments were selected. Outcomes were technical success, primary patency, TLR and mortality at 6 and/or 12 months.

RESULTS

Regarding 6-month primary patency, drug-eluting stents (DES) was better than balloon angioplasty (BA; odds ratio [OR], 23.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.57-43.06), drug-coated balloons (DCB; OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 2.26-14.03) and directional atherectomy (DA; OR, 31.52; 95% CI, 7.81-127.28), and bare nitinol stents (BNS) was better than BA (OR, 17.91; 95% CI, 7.22-44.48), DCB (OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.40-13.45) and DA (OR, 24.27; 95% CI, 5.16-114.11). Regarding 12-month primary patency, DES was better than BA (OR, 10.05; 95% CI, 4.56-22.16), DCB (OR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.54-8.89) and DA (OR, 29.54; 95% CI, 7.26-120.26). DCB and combination of balloon and atherectomy were the most effective treatment regarding 12-month TLR and technical success (residual stenosis <30%), respectively. DES, BNS and DA with DCB (DA-DCB) were included in the best cluster in the clustered ranking plot combining 12-month primary patency and TLR.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon and atherectomy may confer advantages over other treatments for technical success; DCB may for TLR. Stent technologies confer substantial advantages regarding primary patency. Stent technologies and DA-DCB should be given priority in treating femoropopliteal lesions in IC.

Predictors of outcome in diabetic patients undergoing infrapopliteal endovascular revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of chronic limb-threatening ischemia in diabetic patients is increasing. The factors influencing outcome after infrapopliteal revascularization in these patients are largely unknown. Therefore, this study aims to identify the impact of perioperative glucose control on the long-term outcomes in this patient cohort, and furthermore to identify other factors independently associated with outcome.

METHODS

Consecutive diabetic patients undergoing infrapopliteal endovascular revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia were identified. Patients' demographics, procedural details, daily capillary blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1C levels were collected and analyzed against the study end points using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 437 infrapopliteal target vessels were successfully crossed in 203 patients. Amputation-free survival by Kaplan-Meier (estimate (standard error)%) was 74 (3.3)% and 63 (3.7)%, primary patency was 61 (4.2)% and 50 (4.9)%, assisted primary patency was 69 (5.2)% and 55 (6.1)%, and secondary patency was 71 (3.8)% and 59 (4.1)% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed high perioperative capillary blood glucose levels to be an independent predictor of binary restenosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-1.1.78; P = .015). Postprocedural dual-antiplatelet therapy was found to be an independent predictor of amputation-free survival (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04-2.75; P = .033), and freedom from major adverse limb events (HR: 1.96; 95% CI, 1.16-3.27; P = .023) and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly associated with better amputation-free survival (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.87; P = .014).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor perioperative glycemic control is associated with a higher incidence of restenosis after infrapopliteal revascularization in diabetic patients. Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with better outcomes in this group.

World's First Experience Treating TASC II C and D Tibial Occlusive Disease Using the Selution SLR Sirolimus-Eluting Balloon: Six-Month Results From the PRESTIGE Study

Purpose:

The performance of sirolimus-coated devices has not been studied in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients. PRESTIGE aims to investigate the 6-month efficacy and safety profile of the Selution Sustained Limus Release (SLR) sirolimus-eluting balloon for treatment of TASC II C and D tibial occlusive lesions in patients with CLTI.

Materials and Methods:

PRESTIGE is a pilot prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm, multi-investigator, single-center clinical study. Endpoints were adverse event-free survival at 1 month, technical success rate, primary tibial patency at 6 months, limb salvage success, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and amputation free survival (AFS).

Results:

A total of 25 patients were included. There were 17 (68.0%) males; mean age, 63.7±9.73 years. CLTI severity was based on the Rutherford scale (R5=25/25; 100.0%). Significant comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (n=22; 88.0%) and end-stage renal failure (n=11; 44.0%). A total of 33 atherosclerotic lesions were treated (TASC II D=15 (45.5%)). Mean lesion length treated was 191±111 mm. Technical success was 100%. Primary tibial patency at 6 months was 22/27 (81.5%) and freedom from clinically driven TLR was 25/30 (83.3%). AFS was 21/25 (84.0%; 3 deaths and 1 major lower extremity amputation). Mean Rutherford score improved from 5.00 at baseline to 1.14±2.10 (p<0.05) at 6 months. There was a wound healing rate of 13/22 (59.1%) and 17/21 (81.0%) at 3 and 6 months respectively.

Conclusions:

Selution SLR drug-eluting balloon is a safe and efficacious modality in treating complex tibial arterial occlusive lesions in what is an otherwise frail cohort of CLTI patients, with a high prevalence of diabetes and end-stage renal failure. Technical and clinical success rates are high and 6-month target lesion patency and AFS are more than satisfactory.

Outcomes of open and hybrid treatments in below the knee pathology for critical limb threatening ischemia

INTRODUCTION

The optimal management of below the knee pathology remains one of the most challenging areas for revascularization in patients presenting with critical limb threatening ischemia. Patients commonly have multilevel lesions and have a high amputation rate and associated mortality. This review aimed to assess the outcomes of below the knee revascularization strategies.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

An online literature search of medical databases for original articles or review articles was conducted using mesh terms.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Bypass surgery remains the gold standard for revascularization with good long-term outcomes with regards to patency, limb salvage, and quality of life but is associated with a higher morbidity than the endovascular approach. Given the increasing frailty of our patients, endovascular treatments have become the preferred strategy with results that are now equal to bypass. Hybrid surgery is an increasingly popular option as it combines the benefits of both endovascular and open surgery and although the evidence base is small the outcomes are encouraging.

CONCLUSIONS

Hybrid surgery offers promising results and could be considered in the treatment of multi-level lower limb arterial disease especially in high-risk patients or those who are not suitable for either open or endovascular techniques as a sole treatment modality.

Gepants for abortive treatment of migraine: A network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of gepants for abortive treatment of migraine by network meta-analysis.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Publications, which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about gepants for abortive treatment of migraine, were acquired from Pubmed and Cochrane Library. The literatures screening and quality assessment followed the Cochrane handbook. Review manager 5.3 and Addis v1.16.8 were utilized for data analyzing.

RESULTS

Totally, 15 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis. The trials enrolled were with high quality. There are 7 treatments were analyzed: BI 44370 TA, MK-3207, olcegepant, rimegepant, telcagepant, ubrogepant, and placebo. Of these trials, 11,118 patients and 10,917 patients were assigned to one of 7 treatments randomly for efficacy assessment and safety assessment, respectively. In meta-analysis of direct comparisons, all gepants were superior to placebo in achieving pain freedom 2 hr postdose and only rimegepant and telcagepant were higher than placebo in incidence of any adverse events. In network meta-analysis, the rank best 3 drugs were olcegepant, BI 44370 TA, and MK-3207 for efficacy outcomes. And the rank best 3 drugs were BI 44370 TA, placebo, and ubrogepant for safety outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Gepants were effective for abortive treatment of migraine. The most effective treatment of gepants for migraine might be olcegepant which were administrated transvenously. And all of gepants were safe for migraine treatment with single dose.

Comparative Effectiveness of Endovascular Treatment Modalities for De Novo Femoropopliteal Lesions: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose: To report the results of a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing multiple endovascular treatments for de novo femoropopliteal lesions. Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were systematically searched on June 1, 2019, for prospective RCTs comparing 14 treatments [ie, atherectomy, brachytherapy, cryoplasty, cutting balloons, drug-coated balloons, bare nitinol stents, drug-eluting stents (DES), covered stents (CS), and combinations] in the treatment of de novo femoropopliteal lesions. Outcomes were technical success; binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 6, 12, and/or 24 months; and all-cause mortality at 12 months. Ultimately, 53 articles reporting on 45 studies (91 study arms; 5565 patients) were selected. For the technical success outcome, all types of stents, all balloons, and all atherectomy devices were aggregated in stent, balloon, and atherectomy technology groups, respectively. Results: In terms of technical success for aggregated treatment types, stent technology was the most effective treatment and was better than balloon and atherectomy technologies. In terms of binary restenosis, DES was the most effective single treatment at the 6- and 12-month follow-up and CS at the 24-month follow-up. Both DES and CS were better than the majority of other single treatments, including balloon angioplasty, cutting balloon, cryoplasty, directional atherectomy, and bare nitinol stent during all follow-up periods. In terms of TLR, DES was the second most effective single treatment and the most effective single treatment at the 6- and 12-month follow-up intervals; CS was the most effective single treatment at the 24-month follow-up. Both DES and CS were better than the majority of other single treatments. The 12-month all-cause mortality of both DES and CS were similar to other treatments, whereas cryoplasty seemed to be the least effective treatment with regard to binary restenosis and TLR. Conclusion: Both DES and CS had substantial advantages in terms of restenosis and TLR in femoropopliteal lesions and were similar to aggregate stent technology in terms of technical success. DES performed better within 12 months after operation and CS at ~24 months, but neither had much advantage in terms of mortality. In contrast, cryoplasty seemed to be a less effective treatment.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Endovascular Treatment Modalities for Femoropopliteal Artery Lesions: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of multiple endovascular treatments for femoropopliteal lesions.

METHODS

Nine treatments for femoropopliteal lesions were identified. We compared major amputation and all-cause mortality at 12-month follow-ups and primary patency at 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-ups of the treatments.

RESULTS

Altogether, 26 studies (52 study arms; 4102 patients) were considered eligible. In terms of primary patency, drug-eluting stent (DES) placement was the most effective treatment at 6- and 12-month follow-ups and covered stent (CS) placement at 24-month follow-ups, whereas directional atherectomy (DA) was the least effective treatment during all follow-up periods; both DES and CS placements were better than the majority of other single treatments, including balloon angioplasty, DA, nitinol stent (NS) placement and drug-coated balloon use, during all follow-up periods. In terms of 12-month major amputation and all-cause mortality, DA was the most safe treatment, whereas NS placement was the least safe single treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

DES and CS placements have shown encouraging results in terms of primary patency for femoropopliteal lesions, DES placement performs better within 12 months after operation and CS placement at approximately 24 months, while DA seems to be less effective. DA may be better than other treatments in terms of major amputation and all-cause mortality, while NS seems to be less safe.

A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Treatment Modalities for Infrapopliteal Lesions in Critical Limb Ischemia

BACKGROUND

We aimed to conduct a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing treatment modalities for infrapopliteal lesions in critical limb ischemia.

METHODS

Five treatments for infrapopliteal lesions in critical limb ischemia were recognized. We compared primary patency, target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation at the 12-month follow-up, and technical success rate of the treatment modalities.

RESULTS

Altogether, 11 studies (22 study arms; 1,330 patients) were considered eligible. The drug-eluting balloon (DEB) significantly increased primary patency compared with balloon angioplasty (BA; odds ratio [OR] 9.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.18-25.55), the bare metal stent (BMS; OR 14.39, 95% CI 4.33-47.87), and the drug-eluting stent (DES; OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.20-11.11). The DES significantly increased primary patency compared with BA (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.57-3.74) and BMS (OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.24-6.65). DES significantly increased the technical success rate compared with BA (OR 11.78, 95% CI 1.42-97.59). According to the value of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), DEB was considered the best treatment in terms of primary patency (SUCRA = 99.7) and TLR (SUCRA = 70.7), and DES was considered the best treatment in terms of technical success rate (SUCRA = 90.6) and major amputation (SUCRA = 85.9).

CONCLUSIONS

DEB has shown encouraging results in terms of primary patency for infrapopliteal lesions in critical limb ischemia; furthermore, DEB may be better than other treatments in terms of TLR. DES may be better than other treatments in terms of technical success and major amputation. In contrast, BA and BMS seem to be less effective treatment options.

Modern endovascular methods in treatment of patients with the tibial arteries lesion: determinants and perspectives

Endovascular interventions have proved efficacy in the treatment of the shin arteries lesion management. Lots of published works witness on the significance and future perspective of the field. The article is focused on the analysis of studies for previous 5 years, on various treatment approaches, balloons and cytostatics coated stents usage. The ways for interventions relsults improvement are sketched on tibial arteries with drug eluting stents.

Drug-eluting stents versus control therapy in the infrapopliteal disease: A meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials and two cohort studies

BACKGROUD

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have been proposed for the treatment of infrapopliteal arteries disease. However, the long-term clinical impact of DES treatment in the vascular territory still remains uncertain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane data, CNKI and Wanfang Data were searched until December 20, 2016 for eligible studies according to identical strategies. Additional data were manually retrieved. STATA ver. 12.0 software were used to Meta-analyze the efficacies of DES and control treatment (BMS or PTA) for infrapopliteal arteries disease. A total of 927 patients from 10 studies (8 randomized controlled trials and 2 cohort studies) were assigned to DESs (n = 484) versus control treatment (n = 443). The results showed that infrapopliteal DES therapy yielded higher primary patency and EFS, while decreased the risk of restenosis at 12-months compared to controls significantly. At 3 years there were no significant differences between two groups, pooled RRs and 95% CI were 1.639 [0.526-5.105], P = 0.394; 1.197 [0.432-3.317], P = 0.729 and 0.992 [0.960-1.024], P = 0.661, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that infrapopliteal DES therapy using Sirolimus-eluting stents rather than Everolimus-eluting stents provided higher clinic benefits. Infrapopliteal DES therapy yielded no significant difference for TLR, overall survival, Rutherford-Becker class improvement, limb amputation at 12-months and 3-years compared with control treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present meta-analysis indicate the non-superiority of infrapopliteal DES therapy over control therapies (BMS/PTA) at 3 years, although short-term benefits at 12 months after DES therapy were evident. Further randomized trials with longer follow-up are required to provide the best scientific evidence regarding the preferred endovascular treatment for patients with occlusive disease of infrapopliteal arteries.