Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty alone versus stent placement for the treatment of transplant renal artery stenosis

PurposeThe purposes of this retrospective study were to assess the efficacy of endovascular techniques for the treatment of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) by analyzing technical and clinical success and to compare the results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone to those of stenting.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for TRAS between January 2012 and December 2017. There were 23 men and 8 women with a mean age of 60.5 ± 14 (SD) years (range: 24–81 years). Ten patients (10/31; 32%; 8 men, 2 women; median age, 63 years) were treated with PTA alone and 21/31 (68%; 15 men, 6 women; median age, 65 years) with metallic stent placement. Several variables including serum creatinine level, glomerular filtration rate, arterial blood pressure value, antihypertensive medication obtained before and after treatment were compared. Technical success was assessed for each procedure. Clinical success was defined as a 15% drop in serum creatinine level, a decrease greater than 15% in mean blood pressure values or a decrease greater than 10% in mean blood pressure values with a reduction in the number of antihypertensive drugs needed for hypertension control.ResultsTechnical success was obtained in all patients [31/31; 100%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 89–100%] and clinical success in 27/31 patients (87%; 95%CI: 71–95%). Four patients (4/31; 13%; 95%CI: 5–29%) underwent repeat endovascular intervention. Mean serum creatinine level and mean arterial blood pressure values were significantly lower after treatment (177.4 and 93.8 μmol/l, respectively) compared to before treatment (319.4 and 106.7 μmol/l, respectively) in the stent group but not in the group treated with PTA alone (P = 0.0012 and P = 0.002, respectively).ConclusionThe endovascular approach is safe and effective in the management of TRAS and stenting, depending on the morphology of the stenosis, should be the treatment of choice when possible.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for experimental carotid artery stenosis. Mechanism and long-term results

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is not commonly applied to the carotid artery because of the risk of cerebral embolization and the uncertainty concerning the long-term results. To test its effectiveness and safety, the author performed PTA in dogs with experimentally induced carotid artery stenosis. Under general anesthesia, one carotid artery was exposed by midline incision. Two vascular tourniquets were applied to the artery, 2 to 5 cm apart, and the blood between them was replaced with pentobarbital sodium for 5 minutes. The drug was then removed and the tourniquets released. Angiography revealed the formation of stenotic lesions within 1 to 6 weeks. Histological examination showed the source of stenosis to be thrombi adhering to the vessel wall. PTA was performed 1 week or 3 to 6 weeks after induction of stenosis using either Grüntzig or Dotter catheters. Immediately after PTA, considerable enlargement of stenotic areas was angiographically observed, and no emboli were detected in distal arteries. Histological findings included depressions in the intima, thrombi, and stretching of the internal elastic membrane and tunica media. Angiograms obtained 3 and 6 months after PTA disclosed persistence of dilatation of the carotid lumen and diminution of the inner surface irregularities. Six months after PTA, the histological features included intimal proliferation and rarefaction of the tunica media. On the other hand, stenotic arteries not subjected to PTA were totally occluded by thrombi and intimal proliferation 6 months after induction of stenosis. It is apparent that PTA was effective not only in bringing about dilatation of the carotid artery but also in arresting the progression of stenosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in subclavian artery stenosis

The technique of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) that was introduced initially by Dotter and Judkins in 1964 has been applied to various arterial stenoses and some occlusive lesions and has advanced dramatically with the development of the Grüntzig catheter in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. However, the application to occlusive disease in brachiocephalic arteries is still considered to be disputable and has been made only in selective cases, especially in Japan. We report here a case with stenosis of the left subclavian artery successfully treated with PTA. The patient was 66 year-old man, who had been suffering from transient attacks of vertigo, ataxia, visual disturbance and the left arm claudication. Blood pressure was 150/92 mmHg in the right arm and 110 mmHg in systole in the left arm. Diagnostic arteriography identified the right carotid artery occlusion at its origin and significant stenosis in the proximal left subclavian artery. PTA under fluoroscopic control was performed by passing dilating catheter in antegrade fashion by Seldinger method through the left femoral artery. Anatomic correction was achieved without hemorrhagic or embolic complications. Systolic blood pressure gradient measured at the brachial artery level disappeared immediately after PTA and symptomatic relief was obtained completely. One month later, wide patency of the left subclavian artery and sufficient antegrade flow in the vertebral artery were confirmed angiographically. During follow-up period of 4 months, the patient was asymptomatic. We reviewed the literature reporting PTA for occlusive disease in brachiocephalic arteries and discussed its problems and possibilities, especially for the treatment of subclavian artery stenosis.     

颈动脉狭窄的血管内支架治疗

目的 总结颈内动脉狭窄血管内支架治疗的经验与并发症。方法 颈内动脉狭窄患者417例，全部患者行全脑血管造影及颈部超声检查。134例患者使用脑保护装置；283患者未使用保护装置，对其中202例(71．38％)进行预扩张，66例(23．32％)采取后扩张，3例未扩张。结果 417例患者术中，心率下降者105例(25．18％)；术中微栓子脱落5例，其中2例治疗后好转，2例留有一侧肢体运动障碍，术后颅内出血死亡1例。322例随诊，占77．22％，其中再狭窄15例，再狭窄发生率为3．6％。325例有临床症状的患者中，256例症状消失或好转，占78．77％；结论 采用正确的围手术期治疗及手术方法，颈内动脉狭窄的血管内支架治疗是安全的，应对术后脑血管过度灌注导致脑出血给予重视。     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for transplant renal artery stenosis in children

Severe hypertension developed secondary to renal artery stenosis in 11 of 229 children who received a renal allograft. Renal artery stenosis was suspected because of de novo development of hypertension or exacerbation of pre-existing hypertension, which was detected 1 to 24 months after transplantation. Selective renal angiography was performed 2 to 74 months after transplantation (mean 13 months). Follow-up was 1 to 8 years (mean 2.5 years). The stenosis involved the anastomosis in 5 patients and was distal to the anastomosis in 6. One graft had an arteriovenous malformation. Seven grafts were suitable for vessel dilation; percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was partially successful in 4 cases in which the stenosis occurred at the anastomosis. The remaining patients were treated with medical therapy alone and the grafts were not lost. Our findings suggest that strictures distal to the anastomosis rarely are amenable to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and should be treated medically whenever possible. Strictures at the anastomosis respond to vessel dilation but antihypertensive medication also often is required. An operation should be reserved for patients who do not respond to these measures.     

应用自膨式支架置入治疗颈动脉狭窄

目的　探索颈动脉狭窄的治疗方法。　方法　应用 14枚自膨式支架血管内置入治疗 9例有症状颈动脉狭窄患者的 10处病变 ,狭窄程度 70 % -95 %。　结果　治疗后短暂性脑缺血发作 (TIA)消失 ,残余狭窄均 <5 0 %。无症状脑梗塞 1例。无死亡。　结论　应用自膨式支架血管内置入是治疗颈动脉狭窄是一种安全有效的方法     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty treatment of renal transplant artery stenosis

Since June 1979, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has been the procedure of choice for renal transplant artery stenosis (RTAS) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Of 241 renal allograft recipients, 17 (7%) when studied by arteriogram because of suspected RTAS proved to have significant stenosis (the mean reduction in luminal width for the group being 68%) and underwent PTA. RTAS was equally prevalent in cadaver and related kidney allografts and was no less common in HLA-identical related donor grafts, arguing against the importance of immune factors in etiology. RTAS was equally prevalent whether the anastomotic technique was end to end or end to side. However, when RTAS occurred after end to side anastomoses, it was usually postanastomotic. Fifteen of 17 of the attempts at dilation by PTA were successful by angiographic analysis. Thirteen of the 15 successfully dilated patients had long-term allograft survival and in all of these instances blood pressure (BP) was decreased after PTA. After a mean of 67 weeks, BP decreased from a systolic of 184 +/- 24 mm Hg pre-PTA to 135 +/- 15 mm Hg (P less than 0.001) and from a diastolic of 115 +/- 10 mm Hg pre-PTA to 87 +/- 11 mm Hg (P less than 0.001). The majority of patients continue to require antihypertensive drugs but in a less vigorous regimen than pre-PTA. Serum creatinine level fell following PTA from 1.9 +/- 0.6 to 1.7 +/- 0.5 mg/100 ml (P less than 0.01). Repeat angiographic study was done in nine patients, an average of 61 weeks after PTA, and no recurrent RTAS was identified. Three minor complications of PTA occurred but none led to long-term sequelae. Thus, we believe PTA of RTAS is relatively safe, carrying less mortality and morbidity than operative treatment, and is capable of improving BP control and renal allograft function.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for multiple brachiocephalic artery stenosis: case report

We encountered a patient with multiple stenotic lesions. He was treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The patient, a 59 year-old male, complained of right motor weakness. CT scan showed a multiple low density area (LDA) in the distribution of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), but did not reveal LDA in the distribution of the left MCA on the affected side. After hospitalization, right motor weakness gradually worsened and aphasia became apparent. A repeat CT scan, 8 days after the stroke, disclosed a new LDA in the left watershed zone and the basal ganglia. Angiographical findings revealed a right ICA occlusion, left ICA stenosis, right VA anaplasia and left subclavian artery stenosis, which proved inadequate for anatomical collateral supply. We treated both the left ICA stenosis and the left subclavian artery stenosis by Dotter balloon dilatation catheter, and successfully obtained sufficient dilatation of the vessels concerned. No complication occurred. PTA is a useful method to use in patients with multiple stenotic lesions which might result in ischemic injury if surgical procedures were used. It would also be of value in cases where surgery using general anesthesia might be highly risky.     

Endovascular therapy for stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery: percutaneous transluminal angioplasty compared with stent placement

OBJECT: The effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement for stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) were compared. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with symptomatic, greater than 60% stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the ICA were treated using PTA or stent placement; 15 were treated with PTA and nine with stent insertion. Initial and follow-up results (> 3 months posttreatment) were compared in each group. Stenotic portions of the ICA were successfully opened in 13 of 15 patients in the PTA group, and in all nine patients in the stent-treated group. In one case in the PTA group stent delivery was attempted; however, the device could not pass through the vessel's tortuous curve, and PTA alone was performed in this case. Postoperatively, the mean stenotic ratio decreased from 72.1 to 29.6% in the PTA group, and from 75.6 to 2.2% in the stent-treated group. In four patients in the PTA group, stenoses greater than 50% were demonstrated on follow-up angiography performed at 3 to 6 months after PTA. In the stent-treated group, no restenosis was encountered, although in one case acute occlusion of the stent occurred; the device was recanalized with PTA and infusion of tissue plasminogen activator. This case was the only one of the 24 in which any neurological deficits related to the endovascular procedure occurred. Stent placement brought a greater gain in diameter than did PTA at the initial and late follow-up period; this gain was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement is more effective than PTA for stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the ICA from the viewpoint of initial and late gain in diameter.     

Operative intervention for recurrent stenosis after carotid stent angioplasty: a report

Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting is gaining popularity, yet the natural history and optimal treatment for recurrent stenoses within stents are not known. Recurrent stenosis rates are not well characterized, with rates between 0 and 33% reported within the first year. Treatment of these lesions with repeat angioplasty may not be feasible or desirable, leading to operative interventions. We present two cases of asymptomatic high-grade in-stent restenosis treated successfully with carotid artery bypass using PTFE.     

锁骨下动脉闭塞的血管腔内治疗

目的：探讨经皮血管内成形术(PTA)和血管内支架置放术治疗锁骨下动脉起始段闭塞的疗效。方法：应用经皮血管内成形术(PTA)和血管内支架安置术治疗5例锁骨下动脉起始段闭塞的病人。结果：5例手术均获成功。术后患肢动脉搏动恢复正常，多普勒测压双上肢血压压差由术前平均54mmHg降至术后9．6mmHg．术后随访1～3月；彩超提示支架无脱落及移位，病变部位血流通畅，椎动脉恢复为正常人颅血流。结论：PTA和血管内支架安置术是治疗锁骨下动脉起始段闭塞的一种微创、安全可行和疗效满意的方法。     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation. Eighteen patients with hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation were included in this study. The success rate and complications of PTA and recurrent stenosis of the hepatic artery were evaluated. Seventeen of 18 patients (94.4%) were successfully treated without complication by a first PTA procedure. Recurrence of hepatic artery stenosis occurred in 6 patients (33.3%). Repeated PTA was performed 12 times for the 6 patients. Two complications occurred as arterial dissection and perforation. As a consequence, the complication rate was 6.7%, involving 2 of 30 procedures in total. In conclusion, PTA is effective for treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation without an increase in the complication rate.     

Self-expanding stent (Wallstent) supported angioplasty for carotid artery stenosis]

We reported the preliminary results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) supported with a self-expanding stent (Wallstent) for the cervical internal carotid artery (i.c.) stenosis in 6 patients (7 lesions). All were male aged from 60 to 79 (mean 70.8). Three patients were symptomatic and 3 were asymptomatic. The procedure was attempted in patients with severe i.c. stenosis according to criteria of NASCET, ECST or ACAS studies and with high risk if carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were performed. In all cases, vascular access was from the femoral artery and angioplasty was performed without cerebral protection. Successful angioplasty was obtained in all cases with no mortality. Stenosis was improved from 82.7% (74-90%) to 17.4% (10-33%). Perioperative complications were seen in only one case with TIA during the postdilatation period, which was supposed to be due to a distal embolism. The preliminary results of PTA supported with self-expanding stent for severe i.c. stenosis were excellent. These results suggested that some patients with severe i.c. stenosis can be treated safely and effectively by stent-supported PTA. However, it is necessary to mark the indications clear and strict, and to follow up these lesions after the procedure, because of the possibility of perioperative ischemic complications and restenosis.     

Frequency and management of recurrent stenosis after carotid artery stent implantation

OBJECT: To determine the rate of hemodynamically significant recurrent carotid artery (CA) stenosis after stent-assisted angioplasty for CA occlusive disease, the authors analyzed Doppler ultrasonography data that had been prospectively collected between October 1998 and September 2002 for CA stent trials. METHODS: Patients included in the study participated in at least 6 months of follow-up review with serial Doppler studies or were found to have elevated in-stent velocities (> 300 cm/second) on postprocedure Doppler ultrasonograms. Hemodynamically significant (> or = 80%) recurrent stenosis was identified using the following Doppler criteria: peak in-stent systolic velocity at least 330 cm/second, peak in-stent diastolic velocity at least 130 cm/second, and peak internal carotid artery/common carotid artery velocity ratio at least 3.8. Follow-up studies were obtained at approximate fixed intervals of 1 day, 1 month, 6 months, and yearly. Angiography was performed in the event of recurrent symptoms, evidence of hemodynamically significant stenosis on Doppler ultrasonography, or both. Treatment was repeated because of symptoms, angiographic evidence of severe (> or = 80%) recurrent stenosis, or both of these. Stents were implanted in 142 vessels in 138 patients (all but five patients were considered high-risk surgical candidates and 25 patients were lost to follow-up review). For the remaining 112 patients (117 vessels), the mean duration of Doppler ultrasonography follow up was 16.42+/-10.58 months (range 4-54 months). Using one or more Doppler criteria, severe (> or = 80%) in-stent stenosis was detected in six patients (5%). Eight patients underwent repeated angiography. Six patients (three with symptoms) required repeated intervention (in four patients angioplasty alone; in one patient conventional angioplasty plus Cutting Balloon angioplasty; and in one patient stent-assisted angioplasty). CONCLUSIONS: In a subset of primarily high-risk surgical candidates treated with stent-assisted angioplasty, the rates of hemodynamically significant restenosis were comparable to surgical restenosis rates cited in previously published works. Treatment for recurrent stenosis incurred no instance of periprocedure neurological morbidity.     

Persistent proatlantal artery associated with carotid artery stenosis treatment by percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty

A 58-year-old man had an asymptomatic tight stenosis of the internal carotid artery associated with a persistent proatlantal artery. This as well as other compositional arterial anomalies of the basilar artery were discovered on arteriograms. The stenosis was successfully treated by percutaneous transluminal balloon angiopfasty. Therapeutic choices are discussed in this setting because of the risk of carotid clamping in the presence of persistent carotid-basilar anastomoses. kg]Key wordsPresented at the Annual Meeting of the Société de Chirurgie Vasculaire de Langue Française, May 18–19, 1990, Nancy, France.     

Treatment of severe renal artery stenosis by percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty and stent implantation

The clinical course of two children with mid-aortic syndrome and renal artery stenosis (RAS) who suffered from severe arterial hypertension is described. Hypertension was uncontrollable by antihypertensive medication and was managed by percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) with stent implantation. The pediatric experience with PTRA is limited, and there are only few cases reported with additional stent implantation. Complications of these procedures are well known from experience with adult patients. However, since surgical revascularization may be technically difficult especially in small children, PTRA with or without stenting should be considered as a valuable treatment option in pediatric RAS.