Interventional Exclusion of Iliac Artery Aneurysms Using the Flow-Diverting Multilayer Stent

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate retrospectively the results of complex iliac artery aneurysm (IAA) exclusion using the Cardiatis-Multilayer-Stent.

Methods

Between October 2010 and August 2012, ten IAAs were treated in eight males (mean age 75 (59–91) years) using the Multilayer Stent. All IAA exceeded a diameter of 3 cm or were symptomatic. Follow-up (FU) examinations included CT or MR angiography, sonography, and clinical assessment up to 2 years.

Results

Primary stent placement was technically successful in eight of ten cases. In two cases, severe stent retraction during deployment necessitated placement of an additional stent. Immediately after stent placement, a marked reduction of flow within the sac was observed in all cases (peri-interventional mortality 0 %). During FU, there were two thrombotic stent occlusions, making reintervention necessary (primary patency rate 80 %, secondary patency 100 %). Four IAA were completely occluded at FU, whereas the original vessel and covered branches (n = 8) were patent. In four IAA, there was still residual perfusion. In one patient, IAA diameter decreased slightly, while it remained constant in seven (mean imaging FU 195 (range 1–695) days). There were no adverse events on clinical FU (mean FU 467 (range 101–695) days).

Conclusions

Other studies showed the Cardiatis-Multilayer-Stent to be a technically relatively simple treatment option for complex IAA with inadequate landing zones, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities to avoid ipsilateral IIA obstruction. However, in our series complication rate was high. Incomplete sac exclusion, stent-shortening, and thrombotic occlusion can complicate treatment, making meticulous patient selection necessary. Close imaging surveillance is mandatory especially in the early postinterventional period.     

Endovascular Treatment of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Lesions With or Without Common Iliac Artery Involvement

Purpose

To evaluate the results of stent placement for obstructive atherosclerotic aortic disease with or without involvement of the common iliac artery.

Materials and Methods

Forty patients had self-expanding stents primarily or after balloon dilatation in the abdominal aorta between January 2005 and May 2011. All patients had trouble walking. Follow-up examinations were performed with clinical visits; these included color Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomographic angiography.

Results

Technical, clinical, and hemodynamic success was achieved in all patients. None of the patients underwent reintervention during the follow-up period, which ranged from 3 months to 6 years (median 24 months). Nine complications occurred in six patients. Of the nine complications, four were distal thromboembolisms, which were successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis or anticoagulation therapy.

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment of the obstructive aortic disease using self-expanding stents was safe and effective, with high technical success and long-term patency. Thromboembolic complications were high even though direct stenting was considered protective for thromboembolism formation. Particularly for infrarenal aortic stenosis, it can be recommended as the first-line treatment option for patients with obstructive atherosclerotic aortic disease.     

Below-the-ankle Angioplasty and Stenting for Limb Salvage: Anatomical Considerations and Long-term Outcomes

Purpose

To report the long-term angiographic and clinical results in a series of below-the-ankle (BTA) angioplasty procedures and to present some biomechanical issues related to the unique anatomical geometry of the ankle.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of BTA angioplasty procedures. Clinical end points included technical success, patient mortality, salvage of the treated foot, and repeat target lesion revascularization. Imaging end points included primary patency, binary restenosis of the target lesion at the 50 % threshold, and stent integrity (stent fracture, deformation, or collapse). Univariate subgroup analysis was performed.

Results

In total, 40 limbs in 37 patients (age 73.5 ± 8.2 years) with critical limb ischemia were included and 42 inframalleolar lesions (4.2 ± 1.4 cm) were analyzed. Technical success was achieved in 95.2 % (40 of 42). Provisional stent placement was performed in 45.2 % (19 of 42). Two patients died, and two major amputations occurred up to 3 years. At 1 year, overall primary vessel patency was 50.4 ± 9.1 %, lesion binary restenosis rate was 64.1 ± 8.3 %, and repeat intervention-free survival was 93.6 ± 4.3 % according to life table analysis of all treated lesions. Pairwise subgroup analysis showed that BTA self-expanding stents were associated with significantly higher restenosis and poorer primary patency compared to plain balloon angioplasty or sirolimus-eluting balloon-expandable stents. Significant deformation and/or fracture of balloon-expandable stents placed BTA were identified in five of 11. Dynamic imaging showed that the dorsalis pedis artery is kinked during foot dorsiflexion, whereas the distal posterior tibial artery is kinked during plantar flexion of the foot.

Conclusion

BTA angioplasty for critical limb ischemia treatment is safe and feasible with satisfactory long-term results. BTA stent placement must be reserved for bailout indications.     

Use of a New Hybrid Heparin-Bonded Nitinol Ring Stent in the Popliteal Artery: Procedural and Mid-term Clinical and Anatomical Outcomes

Purpose

To report the immediate and mid-term clinical and anatomical outcomes of a novel, hybrid, heparin-bonded, nitinol ring stent (TIGRIS; Gore Medical) when used for the treatment of lesions located in the popliteal artery.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective single-centre registry. Patients eligible for inclusion were individuals suffering from symptomatic popliteal arterial occlusive disease (Rutherford–Becker stage 3–6; P1–P3 segments) and treated with placement of the TIGRIS stent(s). Patients were prospectively scheduled for clinical review and duplex ultrasound follow-up after 6 and 12 months. Outcome measures included immediate technical success, primary vessel patency, in-stent binary restenosis (evaluable by Duplex at 50 % threshold; PSVR > 2.0), freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) and amputation-free survival (AFS) estimated by Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival analysis. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was also performed to adjust for confounders and search for independent predictors of outcomes.

Results

From August 2012 to March 2014, a total of 54 popliteal TIGRIS stents were implanted in 50 limbs of 48 patients (27 men and 21 women; mean age 76.0 ± 1.7 years). Median Rutherford–Becker stage was five at baseline and 37/50 (74.0 %) were chronic total occlusions. Technical success was achieved in all cases (100 %). Stented lesion length was 114.2 ± 36.9 mm (range 6–20 cm). Median follow-up was 11.8 ± 0.8 months. After 12 months, primary patency of the TIGRIS stent was 69.5 ± 10.2 % with an 86.1 ± 5.9 % freedom from TLR and 87 ± 5.0 % AFS (K–M estimates).

Conclusion

The TIGRIS hybrid heparin-bonded nitinol ring stent is a safe and effective endovascular option for complex occlusive disease of the popliteal artery.

     

Stent Placement for Chronic Iliac Arterial Occlusive Disease: the Results of 10 Years Experience in a Single Institution

Objective

We wanted to retrospectively evaluate the long-term therapeutic results of iliac arterial stent placement that was done in a single institution for 10 years.

Materials and Methods

From May 1994 to April 2004, 206 patients who underwent iliac arterial stent placement (mean age; 64±8.8) were followed up for evaluating the long term stent patency. Combined or subsequent bypass surgery was performed in 72 patients. The follow up period ranged from one month to 120 months (mean; 31±25.2 months). The factors that were analyzed for their effect on the patency of stents were age, the stent type and diameter, the lesion site, lesion shape, lesion length, the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventinal Radiology criteria, the total run off scores, the Fontaine stage and the cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking). Follow-up included angiography and/or CT angiography, color Doppler sonography and clinical evaluation with the ankle-brachial index.

Results

Two hundred and eighty-four stents were placed in 249 limbs of 203 patients. The technical success rate was 98% (203/206). The primary patency rates of the stents at 3, 5, 7 and 10 year were 87%, 83%, 61% and 49%, respectively. One hundred seventy-seven patients maintained the primary stent patency until the final follow up and 26 patients showed stenosis or obstruction during the follow up. Secondary intervention was performed in thirteen patients. Lesions in the external iliac artery (EIA) or lesions in both the common iliac artery (CIA) and EIA were a poor prognostic factor for stent patency. The run off score and stent diameter also showed statistically significant influence on stent patency. The overall complication rate was 6%.

Conclusion

Iliac arterial stent placement is a safe treatment with favorable long term patency. Lesions in the EIA or lesions in both the EIA and CIA, poor run off vessels and a stent having the same or a larger diameter than 10 mm were the poor prognostic factors for long term stent patency.     

Stent placement versus angioplasty for hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplant: a meta-analysis of case series

Background

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) is a serious complication of liver transplantation but data on the most effective endovascular management are lacking. We aimed to compare percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PBA) with stent placement.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Biosis Previews between 1970 and December 2011 and performed meta-analysis of short-term (procedural success, complications) and long-term outcomes (liver function, arterial patency, survival, re-intervention, re-transplantation). Random effects models were used for the analysis and meta-regression performed for the year of study.

Results

A total of 263 liver transplants in 257 patients [age 43 (±8) years] underwent 147 PBAs and 116 stents. Transplanted livers were from deceased donors in 240 (91 %). Follow-up was 1 month to 4.5 years (median 17 months). PBA and stent had similar procedural success (89 % vs. 98 %), complications (16 % vs. 19 %), normal liver function tests (80 % vs. 68 %), arterial patency (76 % vs. 68 %), survival (80 % vs. 82 %), and requirement for re-intervention (22 % vs. 25 %) or re-transplantation (20 % vs. 24 %) (P non-significant). In the most recent studies re-transplantation was reported less compared to older series (P?=?0.04).

Conclusion

Both PBA and stent offer comparable results for HAS. These techniques have contributed to a recent decline in re-transplantation.

Key Points

? Interventional radiological procedures are often used to treat post-transplant hepatic artery stenosis. ? Meta-analysis shows that percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement are both efficacious. ? Percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement appear to have similar complication rates. ? Re-transplantation rates have declined, partly due to interventional management for arterial stenosis.     

The Effect of Endovascular Revascularization of Common Iliac Artery Occlusions on Erectile Function

Purpose

To determine the incidence of erectile dysfunction in patients with common iliac artery (CIA) occlusive disease and the effect of revascularization on erectile function using the sexual health inventory for males (SHIM) questionnaire.

Methods

All patients (35 men; mean age 57 ± 5 years; range 42–67 years) were asked to recall their sexual function before and 1 month after iliac recanalization. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine variables effecting improvement of impotence.

Results

The incidence of impotence in patients with CIA occlusion was 74% (26 of 35) preoperatively. Overall 16 (46%) of 35 patients reported improved erectile function after iliac recanalization. The rate of improvement of impotence was 61.5% (16 of 26 impotent patients). Sixteen patients (46%), including seven with normal erectile function before the procedure, had no change. Three patients (8%) reported deterioration of their sexual function, two of whom (6%) had normal erectile function before the procedure. The median SHIM score increased from 14 (range 4–25) before the procedure to 20 (range 1–25) after the procedure (P = 0.005). The type of recanalization, the age of the patients, and the length of occlusion were related to erectile function improvement in univariate analysis. However, these factors were not independent factors for improvement of erectile dysfunction in multivariate analysis (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Endovascular recanalization of CIA occlusions clearly improves sexual function. More than half of the patients with erectile dysfunction who underwent endovascular recanalization of the CIA experienced improvement.     

Drug-Eluting Nitinol Stent Treatment of the Superficial Femoral Artery and Above-the-Knee Popliteal Artery (The Zilver PTX Single-Arm Clinical Study): A Comparison Between Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

Purpose

To describe the 1-year results of drug-eluting nitinol stent placement in the femoropopliteal artery of diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Materials and Methods

All patients enrolled in this prospective, multicenter study underwent paclitaxel-eluting stent placement for de novo or restenotic lesions of the superficial femoral and/or popliteal artery. Baseline and follow-up walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ) scores, Rutherford classifications, and ankle–brachial index (ABI) measurements were obtained. Follow-up was completed at 1, 6, and 12 months.

Results

There were 285 diabetic patients and 502 nondiabetic patients treated. There were no significant differences in mean lesion length or lesion calcification between patient groups. Procedural success in both treatment groups was >97 %. There were no significant differences between diabetic and nondiabetic groups in Kaplan–Meier estimates of patency, event-free survival (EFS), or freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 6 and 12 months. Both groups experienced a significant increase in ABI and WIQ values after treatment, and these improvements were sustained to 12-month follow-up; however, nondiabetic patients had significantly greater 6- and 12-month WIQ scores compared with diabetic patients. Based on covariate analysis, the only factors shown to be significant and to negatively influence patency were longer lesion length (p = 0.009), higher Rutherford classification (p = 0.02), and lack of hypertension (p = 0.02); diabetic status was not found to be a significant factor.

Conclusion

Diabetic and nondiabetic patients had similar estimates of primary patency, EFS, and freedom from TLR; however, diabetic patients showed less improvement in WIQ scores compared with nondiabetic patients.     

A Newly Designed Nitinol Stent: Early Clinical Experience in the Treatment of Iliac Artery Stenoses and Occlusions

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of the newly designed Niti-S stent in the management of iliac arterial stenoses and occlusions.

Materials and Methods

Stenoses (n=25) or occlusions (n=5) in the iliac arteries of 25 patients (30 limbs) were treated. The site of the lesions was the common (n=15) or external (n=11) iliac artery, or both (n=4). Eight limbs were treated for diffuse disease, six for highly eccentric lesion, five for occlusive lesion, and 11 for failed angioplasty.

Results

In all patients, technical success was achieved without major complications. One death, not procedure-related, occurred within 30 days. Ankle-brachial indexes improved from 0.63±0.30 to 0.99±0.21, and ischemic symptoms showed improvement in 22 patients (88%). Fontaine classifications before stenting, namely IIa(n=3), IIb(n=16), III(n=2), and IV(n=4) improved to I(n=17), IIa(n=5), and IV(n=3). Follow-up over a 27 (mean, 19.8±8)-month period showed that cumulative patency rates were 95.8% at 1 year and 86.2% at 2 and 3 years. No significant decrease in the mean ankle-brachial index was observed.

Conclusion

The Niti-S stent appears to be a safe and effective device for the treatment of iliac stenoses and occlusions. These preliminary results require confirmation with a larger series.     

Radial Artery Approach to Salvage Nonmaturing Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of an approach through the radial artery distal to the arteriovenous anastomosis for salvaging nonmaturing radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas.

Methods

Procedures that fulfilled the following criteria were retrospectively reviewed: (1) autogenous radiocephalic fistulas, (2) fistulas less than 3 months old, (3) distal radial artery approach for salvage. From 2005 to 2011, a total of 51 patients fulfilling the above criteria were enrolled. Outcome variables were obtained from angiographic, clinical and hemodialysis records, including the success, complication, and primary and secondary patency rates.

Results

The overall anatomical and clinical success rates for the distal radial artery approach were 96 and 94 %, respectively. The average procedure time was 36 ± 19 min. Six patients (12 %) experienced minor complications as a result of extravasations. No arterial complication or puncture site complication was noted. The postinterventional 6-month primary patency rate was 51 %, and the 6-month secondary patency rate was 90 %. When the patients were divided into a stenosed group (20 patients) and an occluded group (31 patients), there were no differences in the success rate, complication rate, or primary and secondary patency rates.

Conclusion

An approach through the radial artery distal to the arteriovenous anastomosis is an effective and safe alternative for the salvage of nonmaturing radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas, even for occluded fistulas.     

Long-term Outcome of Endovascular Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Presents a Credible Alternative to Open Surgery

Purpose

Endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) has become increasingly popular; however, long-term patency and limb salvage rates are not fully established.

Methods

A retrospective review of all endovascular PAA repairs at our institution (from 2005 to 2012) identified 34 PAAs in 26 patients, of which 32 % presented with acute symptoms. PAA were repaired with either Hemobahn^® or Viabahn^® endografts, using an entirely percutaneous approach. All patients were given Clopidogrel and/or aspirin postoperatively. Mean follow-up duration was 40 (range 4–86) months. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to determine primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage rates. Complications and reintervention rates also were examined.

Results

At 1, 3, and 5 years follow-up, the primary graft patency was 88, 82, and 82 %, respectively, and secondary patency was 90, 86, and 86 %. Amputation-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 97, 94, and 94 %, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 100 %. There were five graft occlusions: one was asymptomatic, one was treated with thrombolysis successfully, and one was thrombolysed but reoccluded resulting in nondisabling claudication. Two were not suitable for thrombolysis and required amputation. The overall reintervention rate was 12 %.

Conclusions

The primary and secondary patency rates of endovascular repair of PAA are equivalent to the reported outcome of open repair. Reintervention and limb salvage rate appears better than open repair. With improved long-term outcomes, endovascular repair can be considered a credible treatment strategy for routine uncomplicated PAA.     

MRI Assessment of Uterine Artery Patency and Fibroid Infarction Rates 6 Months after Uterine Artery Embolization with Nonspherical Polyvinyl Alcohol

Purpose

We have observed significant rates of uterine artery patency after uterine artery embolization (UAE) with nonspherical polyvinyl alcohol (nsPVA) on 6 month follow-up MR scanning. The study aim was to quantitatively assess uterine artery patency after UAE with nsPVA and to assess the effect of continued uterine artery patency on outcomes.

Methods

A single centre, retrospective study of 50 patients undergoing bilateral UAE for uterine leiomyomata was undertaken. Pelvic MRI was performed before and 6 months after UAE. All embolizations were performed with nsPVA. Outcome measures included uterine artery patency, uterine and dominant fibroid volume, dominant fibroid percentage infarction, presence of ovarian arterial collaterals, and symptom scores assessed by the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire (UFS-QOL).

Results

Magnetic resonance angiographic evidence of uterine artery recanalization was demonstrated in 90 % of the patients (64 % bilateral, 26 % unilateral) at 6 months. Eighty percent of all dominant fibroids demonstrated >90 % infarction. The mean percentage reduction in dominant fibroid volume was 35 %. No significant difference was identified between nonpatent, unilateral, and bilateral recanalization of the uterine arteries with regard to percentage dominant fibroid infarction or dominant fibroid volume reduction. The presence of bilaterally or unilaterally patent uterine arteries was not associated with inferior clinical outcomes (symptom score or UFS-QOL scores) at 6 months.

Conclusion

The high rates of uterine artery patency challenge the current paradigm that nsPVA is a permanent embolic agent and that permanent uterine artery occlusion is necessary to optimally treat uterine fibroids. Despite high rates of uterine artery recanalization in this cohort, satisfactory fibroid infarction rates and UFS-QOL scores were achieved.     

A Budget Impact Model for Paclitaxel-eluting Stent in Femoropopliteal Disease in France

Purpose

The Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent (Cook Ireland Ltd., Limerick, Ireland) represents an advance in endovascular treatments for atherosclerotic superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Clinical data demonstrate improved clinical outcomes compared to bare-metal stents (BMS). This analysis assessed the likely impact on the French public health care budget of introducing reimbursement for the Zilver PTX stent.

Methods

A model was developed in Microsoft Excel to estimate the impact of a progressive transition from BMS to Zilver PTX over a 5-year horizon. The number of patients undergoing SFA stenting was estimated on the basis of hospital episode data. The analysis from the payer perspective used French reimbursement tariffs. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) after primary stent placement was the primary outcome. TLR rates were based on 2-year data from the Zilver PTX single-arm study (6 and 9 %) and BMS rates reported in the literature (average 16 and 22 %) and extrapolated to 5 years. Net budget impact was expressed as the difference in total costs (primary stenting and reinterventions) for a scenario where BMS is progressively replaced by Zilver PTX compared to a scenario of BMS only.

Results

The model estimated a net cumulative 5-year budget reduction of €6,807,202 for a projected population of 82,316 patients (21,361 receiving Zilver PTX). Base case results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Adoption of Zilver PTX could lead to important savings for the French public health care payer. Despite higher initial reimbursement for the Zilver PTX stent, fewer expected SFA reinterventions after the primary stenting procedure result in net savings.     

Cutting-Balloon Angioplasty Versus Balloon Angioplasty as Treatment for Short Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Superficial Femoral Artery: Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

To evaluate the treatments of a short-segment atherosclerotic stenosis in the superficial femoral arteries with the cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) versus conventional balloon angioplasty [percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)] in a randomized controlled trial.

Material and Methods

The study group comprised 60 patients (33 men, 27 women; average age 64 years) with a short (≤5 cm) focal SFA de novo atherosclerotic stenosis associated with a history of intermittent claudication or rest pain. The primary end point of this study was the rate of binary restenosis in the treated segment 12 months after the intervention. All patients were evenly randomized to either the PTA or CBA treatment arms. Follow-up angiograms and ankle–brachial index (ABI) measurements were performed after 12 months. The evaluation of the restenosis rates and factors influencing its occurrence were calculated by logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the intention-to-treat analysis, restenosis rates after 2-month follow-up were 9 of 30 (30 %) in the PTA group and 4 of 30 (13 %) in the CBA group (p = 0.117). In the actual treatment analysis, after exclusion of patients who required nitinol stent placement for a suboptimal result after angioplasty alone (5 patients in the PTA group and none in the CBA group), restenosis rates were 9 of 25 (36 %) and 4 of 30 (13 %), respectively (p = 0.049). In the intention-to-treat analysis there were also significant differences in ABI values between the PTA and CBA groups at 0.77 ± 0.11 versus 0.82 ± 0.12, respectively (p = 0.039), at 12 months.

Conclusion

Based on the presented results of the trial, CBA seems to be a safer and more effective than PTA for treatment of short atherosclerotic lesions in the superior femoral artery.     

Long-term Results of Endovascular Stent Graft Placement of Ureteroarterial Fistula

Purpose

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term results of endovascular stent graft placement for ureteroarterial fistula (UAF).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed stent graft placement for UAF performed at our institution from 2004 to 2012. Fistula location was assessed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and angiography, and freedom from hematuria recurrence and mortality rates were estimated.

Results

Stent graft placement for 11 UAFs was performed (4 men, mean age 72.8 ± 11.6 years). Some risk factors were present, including long-term ureteral stenting in 10 (91 %), pelvic surgery in 8 (73 %), and pelvic radiation in 5 (45 %). Contrast-enhanced CT and/or angiography revealed fistula or encasement of the artery in 6 cases (55 %). In the remaining 5 (45 %), angiography revealed no abnormality, and the suspected fistula site was at the crossing area between urinary tract and artery. All procedures were successful. However, one patient died of urosepsis 37 days after the procedure. At a mean follow-up of 548 (range 35–1,386) days, 4 patients (36 %) had recurrent hematuria, and two of them underwent additional treatment with secondary stent graft placement and surgical reconstruction. The hematuria recurrence-free rates at 1 and 2 years were 76.2 and 40.6 %, respectively. The freedom from UAF-related and overall mortality rates at 2 years were 85.7 and 54.9 %, respectively.

Conclusion

Endovascular stent graft placement for UAF is a safe and effective method to manage acute events. However, the hematuria recurrence rate remains high. A further study of long-term results in larger number of patients is necessary.     

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Biliary Covered Stent Placement in Patients with Malignant Biliary Hilar Obstruction; Correlation with Liver Function

Purpose

To estimate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ePTFE-covered biliary stent placement and the relationship between underlying liver function and stent patency in patients with malignant hilar obstruction.

Materials and Methods

From March 2012 to June 2015, 41 patients [22 females, 19 males; mean age 69.8 (range 34–94) years] with malignant biliary obstruction underwent percutaneous biliary stent placement (31 patients with unilateral, 10 patients with bilateral side-by-side). Cumulative patient survival and stent patency rate curves were derived using the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox model was used to explore the relationship between liver function and patient survival, and also biliary stent patency. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between patient survival and stent patency.

Results

Technical success rate was 100 % and clinical success rate was 95 %. During follow-up, four complications occurred (two bilomas and two cases of acute cholecystitis) and were treated successfully with percutaneous drainage. No other complication occurred. Mean serum bilirubin level was 11.34 ± 7.35 mg/dL before drainage and 5.00 ± 4.83 mg/dL 2 weeks after stent placement. The median patent survival duration was 147 days (95 % CI, 69.6–224.4 days). The median stent patency duration was 101 days (95 % CI, 70.0–132.0 days). The cumulative stent patency rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 97, 57.6, 30.3, and 17.0 %, respectively. Child–Pugh score was correlated significantly with patient survival (P = 0.011) and stent patency (P = 0.007). MELD score was correlated significantly with stent patency (P = 0.044). There was a correlation between patient survival and stent patency (r = 0.778, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Percutaneous placement of ePTFE-covered biliary stent was a safe and an effective method for malignant biliary obstruction. Underlying liver function seemed to be one of the important factors affecting patient survival and stent patency, and stent patency showed statistically significant correlation with patient survival.

     

Comparing Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stent Placement for Treatment of Subclavian Arterial Occlusive Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose

Subclavian artery occlusive disease (SAOD) is often associated with cerebrovascular symptoms such as subclavian steal syndrome and stroke. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement for the treatment of SAOD.

Materials and Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus through October 16, 2014. From each study, we abstracted baseline patient characteristics, study design variables, and outcome data including rates of technical success, primary patency (≤2 and >2 years follow-up), symptom resolution, and complications. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 35 non-comparative studies with 1726 patients were included. Technical success rate was significantly higher in the stent group than the PTA group (92.8 vs 86.8 %, p = 0.007). Long-term primary patency rates (76.9 vs 79.6 %, p = 0.729) and symptom resolution rates (82.2 vs 73.0 %, p = 0.327) were not statistically different. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of stroke or death.

Conclusion

Stent placement for treatment of SAOD may be associated with higher rates of technical success but similar rates of symptom resolution and long-term outcomes. The confidence in the available estimates is low. Further comparative studies are needed to guide patients and clinicians in shared decision making.

     

Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstruction: Treatment by Means of Placement of a Newly Designed Y-Shaped Branched Covered Stent

Purpose

To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of placement of a newly designed Y-shaped branched covered stent for palliative treatment of malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Methods

From June 2011 to September 2014, 34 consecutive patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction underwent percutaneous placement of a Y-shaped branched covered stent for palliative treatment. Technical and clinical success, complications, cumulative patient survival, and stent patency were evaluated.

Results

Stent placement was technically successful in all patients. All patients showed adequate biliary drainage on the follow-up cholangiogram. Mean serum bilirubin level (10.9 mg/dl) decreased significantly 1 week (5.7 mg/dl) and 1 month (2.6 mg/dl) after stent placement (p < 0.01). Complications associated with the procedure included hemobilia (n = 3) and biloma (n = 1). During the mean follow-up period of 225 (range 12–820) days, nine patients (26.5 %) developed stent occlusion caused by tumor overgrowth (n = 8) and sludge (n = 1). Two of them underwent coaxial placement of a second stent with good results. The median survival time was 281 days and median primary stent patency was 337 days. There were no significant differences in the patient survival and stent patency rates in relation to age, sex, or Bismuth type.

Conclusion

Percutaneous placement of the Y-shaped branched covered stent seems to be technically feasible and clinically effective for palliative treatment of malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

     

Angiographic CT: in vitro comparison of different carotid artery stents—does stent orientation matter?

Introduction

Our aim was to evaluate the in vitro visualization of different carotid artery stents on angiographic CT (ACT). Of particular interest was the influence of stent orientation to the angiography system by measurement of artificial lumen narrowing (ALN) caused by the stent material within the stented vessel segment to determine whether ACT can be used to detect restenosis within the stent.

Methods

ACT appearances of 17 carotid artery stents of different designs and sizes (4.0 to 11.0 mm) were investigated in vitro. Stents were placed in different orientations to the angiography system. Standard algorithm image reconstruction and stent-optimized algorithm image reconstruction was performed. For each stent, ALN was calculated.

Results

With standard algorithm image reconstruction, ALN ranged from 19.0 to 43.6 %. With stent-optimized algorithm image reconstruction, ALN was significantly lower and ranged from 8.2 to 18.7 %. Stent struts could be visualized in all stents. Differences in ALN between the different stent orientations to the angiography system were not significant.

Conclusion

ACT evaluation of vessel patency after stent placement is possible but is impaired by ALN. Stent orientation of the stents to the angiography system did not significantly influence ALN. Stent-optimized algorithm image reconstruction decreases ALN but further research is required to define the visibility of in-stent stenosis depending on image reconstruction.     

Early Results with the Use of Heparin-bonded Stent Graft to Rescue Failed Angioplasty of Chronic Femoropopliteal Occlusive Lesions: TASC D Lesions Have a Poor Outcome

Purpose

To evaluate early patency rate of the heparin-bonded stent grafts in atherosclerotic long femoropopliteal occlusive disease, and to identify factors that affect outcome.

Methods

Heparin-bonded Viabahn stent grafts were placed in 33 limbs in 33 patients during 2009–2010. The stents were deployed to rescue failed conventional balloon angioplasty. Mean age was 69 (range 44–88) years, and 67?% (22 of 33) were men. Most procedures (21 of 33, 64?%) were performed for critical limb ischemia (33?% for rest pain, 30?% tissue loss). Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox regression analysis were used to identify significant risk factors.

Results

The average length of lesions treated was 25?±?10?cm, and they were predominantly TASC (Transatlantic Intersociety Consensus) D (n?=?13) and C (n?=?17) lesions. The median primary patency was 5.0?months (95?% confidence interval 1.22–8.77). The mean secondary patency was 8.6?months (95?% confidence interval 6.82–10.42). Subsequently, 4 patients underwent bypass surgery and 5 patients underwent major amputation. One patient died. There were 5 in-stent or edge-stent stenoses. Cox multivariate regression analysis identified TASC D lesions to be a significant risk factor for early occlusion (p?=?0.035).

Conclusion

TASC D lesions of femoropopliteal occlusions have poor patency rates with the use of heparin-bonded stent grafts after failed conventional angioplasty. Alternative options should be considered for these patients.