Catheter‐based treatment of the subclavian and innominate arteries

Objectives : We report outcomes in patients undergoing catheter‐based intervention for symptomatic subclavian and innominate artery (S/IA) atherosclerosis. Background : Symptomatic S/IA obstructive lesions have traditionally been treated with open surgical revascularization. Catheter‐based endovascular therapies reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery in many vascular beds. Methods : Between December 1993 and May 2006, 170 patients underwent primary stent placement in 177 S/IA arteries. Indications for revascularization included arm ischemia (57%), subclavian steal syndrome (37%), coronary‐subclavian steal syndrome (21%), and planned coronary bypass surgery with the involved internal mammary artery (8%). Results : Technical success was achieved in 98.3% (174/177) arteries, including 99.4% for stenotic lesions (155/156) and 90.5% for occlusions (19/21). There were no procedure‐related deaths and one stroke (0.6%, 1/170). Follow‐up was obtained in 151 (89%) patients at 35.2 ± 30.8 months, with a target vessel revascularization rate of 14.6% (23/157). At last follow‐up, 82% (124/151) of all treated patients remained asymptomatic with a primary patency of 83% and a secondary patency of 96%. Conclusions : Catheter‐based revascularization with stents for symptomatic S/IA lesions is safe and effective with excellent patency rates and sustained symptom resolution in the majority (>80%) of patients over 3 years of follow‐up. Percutaneous primary stent therapy is the preferred method of revascularization in patients with suitable anatomy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Long term outcome after balloon angioplasty and stenting of subclavian artery obstruction: a single centre experience

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an accepted and successful treatment strategy in obstructive disease of the subclavian artery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical and clinical long-term outcome following endovascular therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 99 patients (mean age of 65 +/- 10 years) with 100 interventions of the subclavian arteries and the brachiocephalic trunk with different aetiologies [atherosclerosis (90%); Takayasu's arteritis (5%); thromboembolism (2%); external compression (1%); iatrogenic dissection (1%) and occlusion after graft implantation in type B dissection (1%)]. RESULTS: Primary success rate was 97% (100% for stenoses and 90% for total occlusions). Treatment modalities included balloon angioplasty (PTA) alone (16%), stent implantation (78%), rotational thrombectomy (2%) and atherectomy (1%). The primary 1-year patency rate of the whole study cohort was 87% being not significantly lower after PTA (75%) compared to stent assisted angioplasty (89%). After thrombectomy and atherectomy no relevant restenosis were found. Multivariable analysis of 1-year restenosis-free survival revealed younger age (p = 0.03) and stenting (p = 0.04) as independent predictor. The blood pressure difference between both limbs at baseline was 42 +/- 24 mmHg and dropped to 10 +/- 14 mmHg after the intervention and 15 +/- 20 mmHg after 12 months, respectively (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular therapy of subclavian artery obstructions of various aetiologies offers good acute success rates even in total occlusions. Long-term patency rate is in favour of stent placement.     

Determinants of immediate and long-term results of subclavian and innominate artery angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) is widely used in the treatment of subclavian/innominate artery obstruction, but factors of long-term PTA outcome are poorly understood. Our aim was to evaluate the efficiency of PTA on symptom resolution and identify determinants of long-term outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-six lesions were treated in 75 patients (58.7% men) aged 60 +/- 8.5 years. PTA was successful in 70 (93.3%) patients, including 58/58 (100%) stenotic lesions and 13/18 (72.2%) occlusions. The mean stenosis grade (QCA) was reduced from 78.9% +/- 16.6% to 13.5% +/- 10.7% (P < 0.01). A great majority of lesions (87.1%) were stented. In 5 (7.1%) high-risk lesions a proximal or distal neuroprotection system was used. There were no strokes or embolic events. Minor complications occurred in 7 (9.3%) cases. Fifty-seven (89%) of 64 symptomatic patients had complete symptom resolution. The mean follow-up was 24.4 +/- 15.5 months (up to 66 months). Ten restenoses (15.6%), including 9 (13.8%) in-stent restenoses and 1 (16.7%) restenosis after balloon angioplasty, were diagnosed in 64 patients and followed up for at least 6 months. Nine symptomatic restenoses were successfully treated with repeated angioplasty. Cox multivariable analysis revealed the following independent predictors of restenosis: implantation of more than one stent (P = 0.005), low stent diameter (P = 0.088), and postprocedural systolic blood pressure difference between upper extremities (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: PTA is a safe and effective method for the treatment of the subclavian/innominate artery obstruction and leads to symptom resolution in majority of patients. Restenosis is not frequent and it can be effectively treated with repeat angioplasty. Low stent diameter, implantation of two stents, and upper limb systolic blood pressure difference are independent predictors of restenosis.     

Fatal subclavian stent infection remote from implantation.

We report the unusual case of a 66-year-old alcoholic male who presented with acute arm ischemia 4 months following ipsilateral subclavian artery stenting. The patient had a petechial rash and Janeway lesions in the distribution of the affected subclavian artery. He had been treated for an infected dialysis graft 10 days prior to entry into the hospital. Subsequent angiogram confirmed a patent stent with intraluminal filling defects and occlusion of the brachial artery. Thrombectomy yielded material that was consistent with septic emboli and CT scan of the chest was suggestive of a mycotic aneurysm around the stent. The subclavian stent was removed surgically and the aneurysm was repaired. Unfortunately, the patient had multiple comorbidities and died of complications during recovery. This is the first case of a subclavian stent infection following septicemia remote from implantation.     

Outcomes of Percutaneous Intervention in Patients With Takayasu Arteritis

BackgroundThe status of vascular lesion treatment using percutaneous intervention (PI) in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) remains unresolved.ObjectivesThis study sought to develop PI strategies appropriate for TAK.MethodsA prospectively maintained single-center database of TAK PI procedures from 1996 to 2022 was analyzed retrospectively. Obstructive lesions were treated by elective stenting (using bare or covered stents), balloon angioplasty (BA), or cutting-balloon angioplasty (CBA), with adjunctive stenting for suboptimal BA or CBA results. PIs were repeated in restenotic lesions until sustained success was obtained. Aortic or peripheral aneurysms and spontaneous aortic dissections were treated with covered stents or endografts. Immunosuppressive therapy, started before PI, was continued long term.ResultsA total of 942 patients underwent PI to treat 2,450 arterial lesions (2,365 stenoses or occlusions, 85 aneurysms or dissections) in 630 subclavian or axillary, 586 renal, 463 aortic, 333 carotid, 188 mesenteric, 116 iliac, 71 coronary, and 63 other arteries; 3,805 PIs were performed (1.55 PIs per lesion; range 1-7 PIs per lesion). Early success was obtained in 2,262 (92.3%), and late success in 1,460 (84.5%) of 1,727 lesions with a median of 39 months (IQR: 15-85 months) of follow-up. Repeated PIs increased late success in obstructive lesions from 48.6% to 83.3%. A total of 1,687 elective stenting lesions achieved 88% late success with 1.49 PIs per lesion; covered stents (1.18 PIs per lesion) restenosed less than bare stents (1.51 PIs per lesion; P < 0.001). A total of 183 (36%) of 513 BA-treated lesions had good outcomes without adjunctive stenting; 122 CBA-treated lesions had 19% dissections and 8% ruptures or pseudoaneurysm formations. Aneurysms or dissections had 91.3% late success after PI. A total of 472 complications occurred in 415 (17%) lesions; 375 (79%) were resolved.ConclusionsMost vascular lesions in TAK can be effectively, safely, and durably treated using predominantly stent-based PI strategies.     

Iatrogenic subclavian artery and aortic dissection with mesenteric ischemia following subclavian artery angioplasty: Endovascular management

Subclavian stenosis affects up to 5% of patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting. Albeit usually asymptomatic, this condition can cause myocardial ischemia due to a steal phenomenon from the distal subclavian artery when the left internal mammary artery is used as a coronary bypass. We describe a case of proximal subclavian artery angioplasty complicated with aortic dissection and subsequent life‐threatening mesenteric ischemia. For the first time, we illustrate an endovascular approach to both complications consisting in urgent stenting of the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery followed by staged thoracic endovascular aortic repair due to progressive aortic dilatation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

高龄冠心病患者的经皮冠状动脉介入治疗

目的 :总结高龄冠心病介入治疗的经验。方法 :回顾分析我院 1997年 2月至 2 0 0 1年 12月连续 12 6例 70岁以上的冠心病病人的介入治疗资料 ,其中多支病变占 89 7%。 193处靶病变行PTCA、冠状动脉支架、切割球囊扩张和旋磨 ,其中复杂病变占 86 5 %。结果 :病例成功率 95 2 % ,病变成功率93 3%。其中 33例急性心肌梗死介入治疗梗塞相关血管开通率 10 0 %。慢性闭塞病变 2 1处 ,成功率81 0 %。 112例病人行冠状动脉支架术 (占 88 9% )。术前靶血管平均狭窄 (85 6± 11 3) % ,术后平均残余狭窄 (5 2± 6 1) %。严重并发症率 4 0 % ,其中死亡率 2 4 %。 1例 (0 8% )行紧急冠脉架桥术 ;1例(0 8% )Q波心梗。急性闭塞 5例 (4 0 % ) ,心包填塞 1例 (0 8% ) ;5例 (4 0 % )病人出现消化道出血 ,1例(0 8% )病人发生脑出血。结论 :70岁以上的高龄冠心病人的介入治疗成功率高、并发症的发生率也是可以接受的     

冠状动脉支架对完全闭塞与非闭塞病变的疗效比较

为比较冠状动脉支架对完全闭塞与非闭塞病变的即时结果和长期疗效,对516例(687处病变)行冠状动脉支架术的患者进行分析.将患者按手术部位的阻塞程度分为完全闭塞组(142例,160处病变)和非闭塞组(374例,527处病变),观察两组患者行冠状动脉支架术后的即时疗效及临床和造影复查的结果.结果显示完全闭塞组术前血管最小腔径显著小于非闭塞组(P<0.001),而术后两组没有统计学差异;临床并发症两组差异无显著性,影像学并发症完全闭塞组显著高于非闭塞组(6.1%比2.5%,P<0.05);完全闭塞组27.8%的病变可见再狭窄,非闭塞组23.7%的病变可见再狭窄,两组比较无显著性差异;随访临床事件完全闭塞组25.2%,非闭塞组22.7%,两组比较无显著性差异.以上结果表明冠状动脉支架对冠状动脉完全闭塞病变的即时结果和长期疗效均与非闭塞病变相近.     

Impact of pre-stent plaque debulking for chronic coronary total occlusions on restenosis reduction

BACKGROUND: While stenting improves the long-term angiographic outcomes of successfully recanalized chronic coronary total occlusions (CTO), the restenosis rate still remains high. The massive plaque burden in CTO is considered to be one of the causes of in-stent restenosis. METHODS: We examined the pre-stent plaque debulking strategy with high-speed rotational atherectomy (RA) for 50 CTO (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0; estimated occlusive duration, 3 months). Angiographic follow-up results were compared to those of 120 consecutive CTO recanalized with primary stenting in which RA could be indicated retrospectively. Angiographic restenosis was defined as diameter stenosis > 50% at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: RA could be performed safely in all lesions without any major complications. Adjunctive ballooning and stenting could be performed without high-pressure dilatation (8.4 +/- 1.7 atmospheres). Follow-up angiography was performed in 48 lesions 184 +/- 61 days after the procedure. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups; however, the implanted stent type was different. Quantitative coronary angiography revealed that diameter stenosis was smaller at follow-up (36.2 +/- 20.0% versus 52.2 +/- 26.7%; p = 0.0003) as well as post-procedure (7.8 +/- 11.5% versus 17.8 +/- 13.6%; p < 0.0001) compared with the control group. Angiographic restenosis was also significantly reduced (29.2% versus 52.5%; p = 0.0061). CONCLUSIONS: RA is a safe procedure for plaque debulking of CTO in selected cases. Plaque debulking of CTO facilitates subsequent stent expansion and may reduce the restenosis rate.     

Direct coronary stenting versus stenting with balloon pre-dilation: immediate and follow-up results of a multicentre, prospective, randomized study. The DISCO trial. DIrect Stenting of COronary Arteries.

AIMS: To assess the safety of direct coronary stenting, its influence on costs, duration of the procedure, radiation exposure, clinical outcome and angiographic restenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We randomized 416 patients (446 lesions) to direct stent implant or stent implant following balloon pre-dilation. Patients >75 years old, heavily calcified lesions, bifurcations, total occlusions, left main lesions and very tortuous vessels were excluded. Direct stenting was successful in 217/224 lesions (96.8%). No single loss or embolization of the stent occurred. All stents in the group with pre-dilation were effectively deployed. The immediate post-procedure angiographic results were similar with both techniques. Fluoroscopy and procedural time were significantly lower in direct stenting (6.4+/-0.3 and 21+/-0.9 min) than in pre-dilated stenting (9.1+/-0.4 and 27.5+/-1.1 min) (P>0.001). Major adverse cardiac events during hospitalization were one in direct and four in pre-dilated stenting (P=0.05) but there were no significant differences at follow-ups at 1, 6 and 12 months between the two groups. Angiographic reevaluation at 6 months was performed in 94% of the cases. Restenosis rate was 16.5% in direct stenting and 14.3% in pre-dilated stenting (P=ns). CONCLUSIONS: Direct stenting is as safe as pre-dilated stenting in selected coronary lesions. Acute angiographic results are similar but procedural costs, duration of the procedure and radiation exposure are lower in direct stenting. Overall success rate, mid-term clinical outcome and restenosis are similar with both techniques.     

Direct coronary stenting versus stenting with balloon pre-dilation: incidence of enzyme release and follow-up results of a multicentre, prospective, randomized study. The CK and Troponin I Estimation in direct STenting (CK TEST) trial

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the safety of direct coronary stenting, its influence on costs, duration of the procedure, radiation exposure, clinical outcome and the incidence of periprocedural myocardial damage as assessed by enzyme release determination. METHODS: We randomized 103 patients (109 lesions) to direct stent implant or stent implant following balloon predilatation. Patients with heavily calcified lesions, bifurcations, total occlusions, left main lesions and very tortuous vessels were excluded. Three samples of blood were drawn; before, 12 and 24 h after the procedure and total CK, CK MB mass and troponin I determination was carried out in a single centralized laboratory. RESULTS: Direct stenting was successful in 62/62 lesions (100%). No single loss or embolization of the stent occurred. All stents in the group with predilatation were effectively deployed. The immediate post procedure angiographic results were similar with both techniques. Contrast media consumption and procedural time were significantly lower in direct stenting (150+/-82 cc and 30+/-13 min) than in pre-dilated stenting (184+/-85 cc and 36+/-14 min) (P=0.04 and P=0.036 respectively) while fluoroscopy time was similar (9.1+/-12 vs 9.19+/-15 min, P=0.97). The incidence of enzyme release was similar in the groups with only three non Q MI all in the pre-dilated group (P=0.149). Any elevation of CK MB and troponin I occurred in 7% of direct stent vs 12% of pre-dilated group (P=0.66), isolated troponin I elevation in 21% of both groups. Major adverse cardiac events during hospitalization were 0 in direct and 3 in pre-dilated stenting (P=0.66), but there were no significant differences at follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 months between the 2 groups (target lesion revascularization at 12 months 11 vs 14% in the 2 groups respectively). CONCLUSION: Direct stenting is as safe as pre-dilated stenting in selected coronary lesions. Acute results and myocardial damage as assessed by enzyme release determination are similar, but procedural costs (as measured by resource consumption) and duration of the procedure are lower in direct stenting. Overall success rate and mid-term clinical outcome are similar with both techniques.     

Subclavian angioplasty: Immediate and late results in 50 patients

In order to assess the therapeutic outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for subclavian stenosis, 50 patients were followed up clinically as well as with a velocimetric Doppler after attempted angioplasty. A minimal clinical follow-up of 9 months was expected. Subclavian stenoses were due to atheroma in 49 patients and to Takayasu's disease in 1 case. Indication of angioplasty was curative in 34 (68%) symptomatic patients (posterior fossa ischemia and/or upper limb ischemia) and preventive in 16 (32%) asymptomatic patients (severe difference of blood pressure between the 2 arms and/or association with carotid stenosis or axillo-femoral bypass). Angioplasty was successful in 45 patients (primary success rate = 90%). Three (6%) thrombosis occurred due to the percutaneous approach, one of the axillary and one of the brachial artery without any significant sequelae, and one of the aorta requiring an aorto-bifemoral bypass. A complication occurred in 2 unsuccessful angioplasties (4%): an ischemic stroke occurred in 1 case and a thrombosis of the dilated site requiring a surgical bypass. Clinical follow-up over a period of 9–101 months (mean = 41) was performed in 43 out of the 45 patients who had undergone angioplasty successfully. Two patients had a follow-up shorter than 9 months: one died after 5 months, the other was lost to follow-up. By the end of the clinical follow-up, 37 (84%) out of the 44 followed-up patients had benefitted from the procedure. Doppler study performed in 35 out of the 44 followed-up patients (80%) over a period of 2–90 months (mean = 39) showed 5 restenosis (14%). This study demonstrates the good long-term results of angioplasty in case of subclavian artery stenosis. Though there are complications, angioplasty could be proposed as a first choice treatment for subclavian stenosis as compared to surgery. Indications in asymptomatic patients should be carefully weighed as complications may occur. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Subclavian artery stenting: factors influencing long-term outcome.

This study provides extended follow-up of a nonrandomized series of symptomatic patients who underwent subclavian stent-supported angioplasty (SSA) with emphasis on preprocedure factors that may have influenced outcome. The endpoints of mortality and restenosis were analyzed using backward stepwise logistic regression with the following clinical variables: coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal insufficiency/failure, and hypothyroidism. Restenosis is reported based on prospective serial noninvasive studies and/or angiography. Mortality was evaluated by retrospective database review and inquiry to the State Department of Health and Human Services' statistical registry in patients who were lost to follow-up. Over a 9-year period (mean follow-up, 36.1 +/- 30.4 months; maximum observation, 109.5 months), 101 stents were placed in 91 consecutive patients (37 male, 54 female). The mean age at intervention was 62.03 +/- 9.3. The procedure was technically successful in 89 patients 97% (mean pre- and postoperative stenosis and pressure gradients were 90.2% +/- 9.4% vs. 3.7% +/- 6.6%, P < 0.001, and 59.9 +/- 35.2 vs. 0 mm Hg, P < 0.001, respectively), with 13 minor complications and no immediate major complications. One patient died of unrelated causes within 30 days. Per Kaplan-Meier method, for years 1 through 5, the rates of overall patency were 96%, 91%, 86%, 77%, and 72%; likewise, overall patient survival was 93%, 88%, 8%4, 81%, and 76%. No clear predictors for restenosis were discovered, although a trend toward higher recurrence was noted in women (18.5% in female vs. and 8.6% in male; P > 0.05), but the same were less likely to die during follow-up (P > 0.001). Also, the presence of hypothyroidism (P = 0.004) and increasing age (P = 0.068) were positively correlated with all-cause mortality. This study suggests that SSA is predictable, safe, and durable. The diagnosis of symptomatic subclavian disease is of prognostic importance, with age and male gender representing important predictors of all-cause long-term mortality. The strong association of increased mortality with hypothyroidism is difficult to discard and raises the question of a yet to be described thyroid steal phenomena.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian arteries.

AIM: The aim of this study was to review the feasibility, safety and long-term results of subclavian artery (SA) angioplasty. METHODS: Over 14 years, 237 patients (males: 135; mean age: 64+/-12 years) underwent percutaneous treatment for SA occlusive disease. Indications for treatment were upper limb ischemia (n=125), vertebrobasilar insufficiency (n=128), coronary steal (n=11) and anticipated coronary bypass surgery in asymptomatic patients (n=26). A total of 192 arteries were stenosed and 45 occluded. Mean percentage stenosis was 81.9+/-7.6% and mean lesion length was 23.8+/-8.8 mm. Percutaneous techniques included retrograde femoral (n=163), brachial artery (n=47) access or both (n=14) and in 4 cases the 'pull through technique'. An isolated balloon angioplasty was performed in 59 cases. We implanted 132 balloon expandable stents and 32 self-expandable stents. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in 223 lesions (94%). Only 31 occlusions were recanalized (69%). Four periprocedural events occurred (1.2%), 1 major (fatal) stroke, 1 transient ischemic attack and 2 arterial thromboses. At follow-up (mean follow-up: 65.8+/-33.5 months), we had 27 restenoses (12%). Thirteen occurred following angioplasty alone (18.8%) and 14 following angioplasty and stent implantation (8.4%). Primary (PI) and secondary (PII) patencies on an intention to treat basis at 10-year follow-up were 78.1% and 84.5%, respectively. In patients without initial stent placement, the rates were 67.5% and 75.5%, while in those with stents the rates rose to 89.7% and 96.9% (P<0.01). PI for all recanalized lesions were 84.6%, 79.1% without stent, 89.7% with stent (P<0.04) and PII 91.6%, 88.5%, 96.9%, respectively (P<0.02). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is currently the treatment of choice for SA lesions. It is a safe and effective procedure associated with low risks and good long-term results. Stents seem to limit the restenosis rate and improve long-term results.     

Immediate and late outcomes of subclavian artery stenting

Stenting for subclavian artery occlusive disease is being increasingly utilized. To determine the immediate and late outcome of subclavian artery stenting, we studied 38 consecutive patients in whom the procedure was attempted. Technical and clinical success was achieved in 35 patients without complications. Failures occurred only in completely occluded arteries. Late clinical success was demonstrated in 31 patients. Three patients had recurrent symptoms. Two had angiographic restenosis within 4 months of the procedure; both were successfully redilated. The third patient had a new lesion, which was successfully stented. One patient died from lung cancer 10 months after the procedure. We conclude that stenting for subclavian artery occlusive disease has favorable immediate and late clinical outcomes and may be considered as a primary therapy. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 46:169–172, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The concept of protective stent placement after successful recanalization of chronic total coronary occlusions: a matched pair analysis in 100 patients

OBJECTIVE: Interim results of successful balloon angioplasty for total coronary occlusions (TCO) are disappointing due to the high rate of restenosis and reocclusion. Adjunctive stenting has been suggested to improve patency rate after recanalization of total coronary occlusions (TCO); however, this concept of protective stenting has not been substantiated in a case control study. METHODS: To test the efficacy of protective stenting of TCO, 100 patients were subjected to a matched pair analysis (block design) comparing conventional PTCA with protective stenting (Palmaz-Schatz stents) after successful recanalization of TCO followed by a standard antithrombotic regimen. Matching parameters included age (+/- 3.5 years), sex, cardiovascular risk factor, and lesion anatomy. Coronary angiography and QCA were performed before pair assignment, after the intervention, and at a mean follow-up of 5 +/- 1.5 months. RESULTS: There were no deaths or myocardial infarctions related to the intervention in the entire study cohort; bleeding at the puncture site was observed in two patients in both groups. Binary reocclusion and restenosis (> or = 50%) rates were observed in 8% and 0% in stented patients versus 30% and 22% in the group with no protective stenting, respectively (p < 0.01). Target lesion reintervention was necessary in 8% after protective stenting as compared to 58% after PTCA alone (p < 0.001). At 6 months follow-up, 62% of stented patients were free of any symptoms versus 23% with PTCA (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Protective stenting improves the immediate and follow-up angiographic and clinical results of PTCA in chronic total coronary occlusions. Stenting of successfully recanalized total coronary occlusions should be a routine procedure.     

Evaluation of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To review the usefulness of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma and identify problems that may need to be addressed.METHODS:The study population consisted of 36 patients with obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)who underwent endoscopic biliary stenting(EBS)as the initial drainage procedure at our hospital.The EBS technical success rate and drainage success rate were assessed.Drainage was considered effective when the serum total bilirubin level decreased by 50%or more following the procedure compared to the pre-drainage value.Survival time after the procedure and patient background characteristics were assessed comparatively between the successful drainage group(group A)and the non-successful drainage group(group B).The EBS stent patency duration in the successful drainage group(group A)was also assessed.RESULTS:The technical success rate was 100%for both the initial endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and EBS in all patients.Single stenting was placed in 21 patients and multiple stenting in the remaining 15 patients.The drainage successful rate was 75%and the median interval to successful drainage was 40 d(2-295 d).The median survival time was 150 d in group A and 22 d in group B,with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant(P<0.0001).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient background characteristics,background liver condition,or tumor factors;on the other hand,the two groups showed statistically significant differences in patients without a history of hepatectomy(P=0.009)and those that received multiple stenting(P=0.036).The median duration of stent patency was 43 d in group A(2-757 d).No early complications related to the EBS technique were encountered.Late complications occurred in 13 patients(36.1%),including stent occlusion in 7,infection in 3,and distal migration in 3.CONCLUSION:EBS is recommended as the initial drainage procedure for obstructive jaundice caused by HCC,as it appears to contribute to prolongation of survival time.     

Angioplasty of an asymptomatic total occlusion of the left subclavian artery to provide access for coronary angiography and intervention: a case report.

Reports and follow-up of angioplasty and stenting of asymptomatic totally occluded subclavian arteries are limited. We present a case of unstable angina and arterial occlusion of all four extremities treated with subclavian angioplasty and stenting with subsequent coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. Twelve-month follow-up is also provided.     

Successful percutaneous revascularization of totally occluded left subclavian artery using orbital atherectomy

Subclavian artery steal (SAS) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has been reported to be as high as 3.4%. These patients with patent left internal mammary artery (LIMA) anastomosis will also have coronary–subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS). Percutaneous intervention (PCI) by balloon angioplasty (BA) and stenting has been done successfully for subclavian artery (SA) stenosis. The visibility of the vertebral artery (VA) and LIMA during BA and stent positioning is extremely important. Debulking total occlusions by orbital atherectomy (OA) and avoiding unnecessary BA, stenting across side branches may decrease the chance of plaque shifting and subsequent loss of flow especially if they have ostial disease. Herein we report successful OA, BA and stenting of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of proximal left subclavian artery in a patient with coronary–subclavian steal syndrome with preservation of LIMA and diseased left vertebral artery (VA).     

Immediate and medium-term outcomes following the treatment of very long (> or =50 mm) chronic total coronary artery occlusions

OBJECTIVE: The follow-up patency rates and associated clinical and angiographic variables following stenting of very long (> or =50 mm) and chronic (>6 months) total coronary artery occlusive lesions are not well documented. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the early results and mid-term outcomes following angioplasty of such lesions. METHODS: Between January 2000 and June 2002, we treated 278 chronic coronary occlusions. Of these, eighty-nine occlusions (89 patients) were with lesions > or =50 mm long; these patients constituted the study population. RESULTS: Mean duration of occlusion was 7 +/- 2 months (range, 6-13 months). Procedural success was obtained in 81 patients. A total of 211 coronary stents (2.6 +/- 1.1 stents/patient) were implanted, and mean stent length was 59 +/- 9 mm. In 3 patients, TIMI flow 1-2 was observed after stent implantation. Thus, the angiographic success was considered to be 78/89 patients (87.6%). Periprocedural major adverse cardiac events occurred in 6 patients (6.7%). Clinical success was obtained in 74 patients (83%). During a 9.6 +/- 2 month follow-up, forty-three patients (55.1%) remained angina free, thirty-two (41%) had recurrence of angina, three patients (3.9%) had a new myocardial infarction and no deaths were reported. Target vessel revascularization was required in 34 patients (43.6%). Angiographic follow-up was obtained in 70 patients (90%) at a mean of 7.4 +/- 2 months. Restenosis was observed in 36 patients (51%), six of whom had reocclusion. A significant correlation was observed between the need for reintervention and stent length (R 0.52), residual stenosis (R 0.73) and diabetes mellitus (0.68). CONCLUSION: Although coronary artery stenting for very long (> or =50 mm) chronically occlusive lesions is feasible, safe and associated with a low incidence of periprocedural adverse clinical events, these complex and expensive procedures still have a high 6-month restenosis rate. These results might be significantly improved with the advent of drug-eluting stents.