Subexpansión de stent tratado con balón de Shockwave / Use of a Shockwave balloon to treat insufficient stent expansion

La calcificación coronaria afecta negativamente los resultados de las intervenciones coronarias al impedir el cruce, lograr una buena aposición y expansión del stent; puede alterar el polímero y la cinética de liberación del fármaco. La subexpansión del stent se asocia a trombosis posterior del stent y/o necesidad de nueva revascularización de la lesión. Existen distintas técnicas para modificar el calcio de las arterias coronarias como los balones no complacientes (BNC), balones modificadores de placa y tecnologías de ateroablación como la aterectomia rotacional, orbital y láser. Todas con complicaciones y limitaciones. La litotripsia intracoronaria es una tecnología nueva, que mediante la emisión de ondas de choque acústicas es capaz de fracturar el calcio coronario profundo mejorando la distensibilidad de la arteria coronaria, lo que permite una adecuada expansión del stent. En esta oportunidad presentamos el caso de un stent subexpandido debido a una lesión muy calcificada de la arteria coronaria derecha (ACD) tratada con un catéter de Shockwave IVL (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

Coronary calcification negatively affects the results of coronary interventions by preventing crossing, achieving good apposition and expansion of the stent; it may alter the polymer and the kinetics of drug release. Stent underexpansion is associated with subsequent stent thrombosis and/or the need for new revascularization of the lesion. There are different techniques to modify the calcium of the coronary arteries such as non-compliant balloons (NCB), plaque-modifying balloons and atheroablation technologies such as rotational, orbital and laser atherectomy. All with complications and limitations. Intracoronary lithotripsy is a new technology that, through the emission of acoustic shock waves, is capable of fracturing deep coronary calcium, improving compliance of the coronary artery, which allows adequate expansion of the stent. On this occasion, we present the case of an underexpanded stent due to a highly calcified lesion of the right coronary artery (RCA) treated with a Shockwave IVL catheter (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

Chemical Angioplasty with Nitroglycerin for Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Case Series and Review

Introduction Vasospasm is a common and potentially devastating complication in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, causing high morbidity and mortality. There is no effective and consistent way to prevent or treat cerebral vasospasm capable of altering the morbidity and mortality of this complication. Animal and human studies have attempted to show improvement in aneurysmal vasospasm. Some sought their prevention; others, the treatment of already installed vasospasm. Some achieved only angiographic improvement without clinical correlation, others achieved both, but with ephemeral duration or at the expense of very harmful associated effects. Endovascular techniques allow immediate and aggressive treatment of cerebral vasospasm and include methods such as mechanical and chemical angioplasty. These methods have risks and benefits. Objectives To analyze the results of chemical angioplasty using nitroglycerin (GTN). In addition, to performa comprehensive review and analysis of aneurysmal vasospasm. Methods We describe our series of 77 patients treated for 8 years with angioplasty for vasospasm, either mechanical (with balloon), chemical (with GTN) or both. Results Eleven patients received only balloon; 37 received only GTN; 29 received both. Forty-four patients (70.1%) evolved with delayed cerebral ischemia and 19 died (mortality of 24.7%). Two deaths were causally related to the rupture of the vessel by the balloon. The only predictors of poor outcome were the need for external ventricular drainage in the first hours of admission, and isolated mechanical angioplasty. Conclusions Balloon angioplasty has excellent results, but it is restricted to proximal vessels and is not without complications. Chemical angioplasty using nitroglycerin has reasonable but short-lived results and further research is needed about it. It is restricted to vasospasm angioplasties only in hospitals, like ours, where better and more potent vasodilator agents are not available.

Mid- and long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of drug-coated balloon angioplasty for treatment of femoropopliteal long lesions / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the effective and safe outcomes of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for the treatment of femoropopliteal long lesions in mid-term and long-term follow-up. Methods: The clinical data of 114 patients with symptomatic (Rutherford 2 to 6) femoropopliteal long lesions who underwent angioplasty with DCB between June 2016 and May 2021 at Department of Vascular Surgery,Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 75 males and 39 females were enrolled, aged (71.9±8.4)years (range: 49 to 89 years). Among 138 lesions in 114 patients, there were 111 de nove lesions (80.4%, 111/138). Total occlusions were recanalized in 116 limbs (84.1%, 116/138). The lesion length was (280.9±78.7)mm (range: 150 to 520 mm). DCB angioplasty combined with debulking devices was used in 59 lesions (42.8%, 59/138).The bail-out stent implantation was performed in 27 limbs (19.6%, 27/138). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate cumulative primary patency rate, freedom from the clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) rate and accumulate survival rate. Univariate and multivariate analyses with Cox proportional hazards models were performed to determine the significant prognostic factors for primary patency. Results: DCB angioplasty was completed in 114 patients. The technical success rate was 98.2%(112/114). The mean follow-up time was 18 months (range: 3 to 54 months).The results showed that primary patency rates at 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively were 87.5%, 75.2% and 55.1%, respectively. Freedom from CD-TLR rate at 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively were 92.4%, 81.8% and 68.7%, respectively. Accumulate survival rate at 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively were 96.2%, 94.0% and 80.2%. Multivariate Cox's regression analyses showed that chronic limb-threatening ischemia(CLTI) (HR=2.629, 95%CI:1.519 to 4.547, P<0.01) and hyperlipidemia (HR=2.228, 95%CI: 1.004 to 4.948, P=0.026) were independent prognosis factors for primary patency in DCB treatment of femoropopliteal long lesions. Conclusions: DCB provided favorable outcomes for the treatment of femoropopliteal long lesions. CLTI and hyperlipidemia are independent prognosis factors for restenosis after DCB angioplasty.

Impact of interventional therapy on top of standard drug therapy on left ventricular structure and function in HFrEF patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the impact of interventional therapy on top of drug therapy on cardiac function and structure in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis (TA-MAS). Methods: It was a retrospective longitudinal study. The data of patients with TA-MAS and HFrEF, who received interventional therapy on top of drug therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2010 to September 2020, were collected and analyzed. Baseline clinical data (including demographic data, basic treatment, etc.) were collected through the electronic medical record system. Changes of indexes such as New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) before and after therapy were analyzed. Results: A total of 10 patients were collected. There were 8 females in this patient cohort, age was (18.4±5.0) years and onset age was (15.3±5.0) years. All 10 patients received standard heart failure medication therapy in addition to hormone and/or immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory therapy, but cardiac function was not improved, so aortic balloon dilatation and/or aortic stenting were performed in these patients. The median follow-up was 3.3(1.3, 5.6) years. On the third day after interventional therapy, the clinical symptoms of the 10 patients were significantly improved, NYHA classfication was restored from preoperative Ⅲ/Ⅳ to Ⅱ at 6 months post intervention(P<0.05). Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.028), LVEDD (P=0.011) and LVMI (P=0.019) were significantly decreased, LVEF was significantly increased (P<0.001) at 6 months after operation. Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.016), LVEDD (P=0.023) and LVMI (P=0.043) remained decreased, LVEF remained increased (P<0.001) at 1 year after operation. Conclusion: Results from short and medium term follow-up show that interventional therapy on top of heart failure drug therpay can effectively improve left cardiac function and attenuate cardiac remodeling in patients with TA-MAS comorbid with HFrEF.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty (PTPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: This prospective single arm study included 19 CTEPH patients (7 male, age(56.3±12.5)years) admitted to Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital from January 2017 to June 2019 and received PTPA interventional therapy. Baseline data, including age, sex, WHO functional class, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), NT-proBNP, right heart catheterization values, were collected. Patients received single or repeated PTPA. Number of dilated vessels from each patient was analyzed, patients were followed up for 24 weeks and right heart catheterization was repeated at 24 weeks post initial PTPA. All-cause death, perioperative complications, and reperfusion pulmonary edema were reported. WHO functional class, 6MWD, NT-proBNP, right heart catheterization values were compared between baseline and at 24 weeks follow up. Results: Nineteen CTEPH patients received a total of 56 PTPA treatments. The pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) decreased from (40.11±7.55) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (27.53±4.75) mmHg (P<0.001), and the total pulmonary resistance (TPR) decreased from (13.00±3.56) Wood U to (5.48±1.56) Wood U (P<0.001), cardiac output increased from (3.19±0.63) L/min to (5.23±0.94) L/minutes (P<0.01) at 24 weeks post PTPA. The WHO functional class improved significantly (P<0.001), 6MWD increased from (307.08±129.51) m to (428.00±112.64) m (P=0.002), the NT-proBNP decreased at 24 weeks post PTPA (P=0.002). During the follow-up period, there was no death; hemoptysis occurred in 4 patients during the operation, none of which resulted in serious adverse clinical consequences. One patient developed reperfusion pulmonary edema and recovered after treatment. Conclusion: PTPA treatment is safe and can significantly improve the hemodynamics and WHO functional class of patients with CTEPH.

Short-term efficacy and perioperative safety of catheter-based intervention for pulmonary vein stenosis caused by fibrosing mediastinitis / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and perioperative safety of catheter-based intervention in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis caused by fibrosing mediastinitis (FM). Methods: It was a case series study. Consecutive patients with pulmonary vein stenosis caused by FM, who underwent percutaneous pulmonary vein angioplasty in Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2018 to June 2020, were retrospective enrolled. The baseline characteristics, comorbidities, exercise capacity and hemodynamic data before and after treatment were compared, and the procedural related complications were evaluated. Results: A total of 30 patients ((64.3±7.1) years, 15 males) were included. Sixty-three pulmonary vein stenosis were treated by 32 percutaneous pulmonary vein angioplasty procedures. Forty-four stents were implanted in 41 pulmonary veins after balloon angioplasty, and the diameter of implanted stents was (8.3±1.2)mm. Balloon angioplasty was performed on 22 pulmonary vein stenosis, the mean balloon diameter was (4.2±2.1)mm. The pulmonary vein diameter increased from (2.6±1.3) to (6.6±2.6) mm (P<0.001) and the pressure gradient across the pulmonary vein stenotic segment reduced from 19 (12, 29) to 2 (0, 4) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) (P<0.001) immediately post procedure. The pulmonary vein flow grade was significantly improved compared with baseline (P<0.001). The most common operation related complications were lung injury (44.0% (11/25)) and hemoptysis (18.8% (6/32)), which did not need special treatment. During the 2.0 (1.3, 3.2) months follow-up, the WHO functional class was significantly improved (P<0.05), the 6-minute walking distance increased from (254.8±114.5) m to (342.8±72.4)m (P<0.05), the mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased from (40.9±8.3) mmHg to (35.4±7.7) mmHg (P<0.01), 17 out of 19 patients with refractory pleural effusion experienced total remission during the follow-up period (P<0.001). CT pulmonary venography was repeated in 17 patients. The incidence of in-stent restenosis of pulmonary vein was 24.0% (6/25). Conclusions: Percutaneous pulmonary vein angioplasty is effective for the treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis caused by fibrosing mediastinitis. However, it's not so safe, procedural related complication should be paid attention to and the rate of in-stent restenosis is relative high during the short-term follow-up.

Coarctação de aorta abdominal justarrenal associada à hipertensão renovascular e claudicação incapacitante: tratamento utilizando ponte ilíaco-birrenal e técnica "paving and cracking" / Coarctation of the abdominal aorta associated with renovascular hypertension and incapacitating claudication: repair with iliac-birenal bypass and paving and cracking technique

Resumo Coarctação da aorta abdominal é uma causa rara de claudicação de membros inferiores e hipertensão refratária. O tratamento é complexo e exige conhecimento de diversas técnicas de reconstrução vascular. Apresentamos um caso de coarctação ao nível das artérias renais, seu tratamento e revisão da literatura. Paciente feminina, 65 anos, com hipertensão refratária desde os 35 anos, utilizando cinco medicações anti-hipertensivas em dose máxima. Pressão arterial média de 260/180mmHg e claudicação incapacitante (menos de 20 metros) bilateral. Angiotomografia computadorizada demonstrou coarctação de aorta justarrenal de 4 mm de maior diâmetro, calcificação circunferencial no local da estenose e tortuosidade da aorta infrarrenal. Foi submetida a tratamento híbrido, com ponte ilíaco-birrenal e implante de stent Advanta V12 no local da estenose. A paciente evoluiu satisfatoriamente e, 60 dias depois da cirurgia, apresentava-se com uma pressão arterial de 140/80mmHg, em uso de apenas duas medicações anti-hipertensivas e sem claudicação.

Abstract Coarctation of the abdominal aorta is a rare etiology of intermittent claudication and refractory hypertension. Treatment is complex and requires knowledge of several vascular reconstruction techniques. We report a case of aortic coarctation at the level of the renal arteries, describing its treatment and presenting a literature review. Female patient, 65 years old, with refractory hypertension since the age of 35, using five antihypertensive medications at maximum doses. Blood pressure was 260/180mmHg and she had disabling claudication (less than 20 meters). Computed tomography angiography showed a 4mm coarctation in the juxtarenal aorta, with circumferential calcification at the stenosis site, and tortuous infrarenal aorta. Hybrid repair was performed with an iliac-birenal bypass and implantation of an Advanta V12 stent at the stenosis site. The patient's postoperative course was satisfactory, she was free from claudication, and her blood pressure 60 days after surgery was 140/80mmHg, taking two antihypertensive medications.

Resultados en el corto y mediano plazo del tratamiento endovascular en la enfermedad arterial obstructiva infrapoplítea en pacientes con isquemia crítica de una extremidad / Short to midterm results after endovascular approach in critical limb isquemia in patients with below-the-knee arterial disease

Resumen Objetivo: Mostrar los resultados en el corto y mediano plazo del tratamiento endovascular de angioplastia transluminal percutánea (ATP) con balón en pacientes en estado de isquemia crítica por enfermedad arterial obstructiva infrapoplítea. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron los pacientes hospitalizados entre 2009 y 2018 por isquemia crítica Fontaine III o IV sometidos a una ATP del territorio infrapoplíteo. Se observó como objetivos primarios la preservación de la extremidad afectada y la mortalidad posoperatoria a un año plazo, y como objetivos secundarios los procedimientos adicionales en pacientes con lesiones o necrosis distales, estadía hospitalaria, complicaciones posoperatorias y necesidad de reintervención. Resultados: Se incluyeron 42 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 66 años (46-82), con importantes comorbilidades. Un 83,3% ingresó en etapa Fontaine IV. En 16 casos se realizó una angioplastia percutánea en más de una arteria. No se colocó stents. Se presentaron complicaciones en 3 pacientes, 2 requirieron una amputación mayor y en otro se debió efectuar un nuevo procedimiento endovascular de rescate. La estadía hospitalaria promedio fue 22 días. No hubo mortalidad precoz posprocedimiento. La mortalidad global a un año fue 9,5%. A todos los pacientes en etapa Fontaine IV se les efectuó algún procedimiento adicional, a 31 una amputación menor, 3 cerraron sus lesiones por segunda intención y en otro se realizó un injerto dermo-epidérmico. De los 35 pacientes con seguimiento, 77% preservó su extremidad a un año. Conclusión: La reparación endovascular mediante una angioplastia percutánea en estos casos es un procedimiento seguro y tiene una alta tasa de preservación de la extremidad inicial a un año de seguimiento.

Aim: Show initial and midterms results of endovascular Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) in critical limb isquemia (CLI) patients caused by below-the-knee arterial disease. Materials and Method: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. 42 CLI patients admitted in our hospital from 2009 until 2018 with Fontaine III or IV treated by PTA in infrapopliteal arteries were analyzed, collecting demographic, clinical and surgical characteristics, additional procedures in Fontaine IV, hospital stay, postoperative complications, need of reintervention, limb preservation and mortality with one year follow-up after procedure. Results: 42 patients, average age 66 year-old (46-82), with significant comorbidities. Fontaine IV stage patients were 83.3%. In 16 cases more than one artery was intervened. No stent revascularization was performed. Complications occurred in 3 patients, 2 required major amputation and an urgent endovascular reintervention was required in another. Average hospital stay was 22 days with no post-operative mortality. One-year global mortality was 9.5 One-year follow-up in 35 patients shows that 77% preserved their limb. Conclusión: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedure in this patients has a high rate of limb preservation in a one-year follow-up. There was no post-operative mortality.

Comparison of standard balloon and drug-coated balloon angioplasty in patients with the below-the-knee peripheral artery disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the interventions of percutaneous transluminal drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB PTA) and standard PTA in the treatment of patients with the below-the-knee peripheral artery disease (BTK PAD). METHODS: Overall, 196 patients (113 males and 83 females; mean age: 63.56±11.94 years; 45-83 years) were treated with PTA for BTK PAD between June 2014 and March 2019. RESULT: Standard PTA (group 1; 96 patients) and DCB PTA (group 2; 100 patients) results were analyzed and compared retrospectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean ages of group 1 and 2 patients (p=0.371, p>0.05). Demographic and clinical data were compared and no any statistically significant differences was found between the two groups. Comparing in terms of the iliac lesion, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of frequency of popliteal lesions (p=0.001; p<0.05). There was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of other lesions. In addition, limb salvage rates were 82.0% (18 amputations) and 65.6% (33 amputations) in the drug-release balloon group and the naked balloon group, at the end of 1 year, respectively. No distal embolism, limb-threatening ischemia, and mortality were observed in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, patients in the DCB group had significantly higher rates of primary patency as compared with the other patients.

Endovascular revascularization of chronic total arterial occlusion of the lower limb using the SAFARI technique / Revascularização endovascular utilizando a técnica SAFARI em casos de oclusão arterial total do membro inferior

Abstract The SAFARI technique or Subintimal Arterial Flossing with Antegrade-Retrograde Intervention is an endovascular procedure that allows recanalization of Chronic Total Occlusive (CTO) lesions when conventional subintimal angioplasty is unsuccessful. Retrograde access is usually obtained through the popliteal, anterior tibial, dorsalis pedis artery, or posterior tibial arteries and may potentially provide more options for endovascular interventions in limb salvage. The case of an 81-year-old man with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia is presented. He presented with a cutaneous ulcer on the right lower limb with torpid evolution and poor healing. The Doppler ultrasound and arteriographic study revealed a CTO lesion of the popliteal artery that was not a candidate for antegrade endovascular revascularization, but was successfully treated using the SAFARI technique. The patient had no perioperative complications, the wound showed better healing, and he was discharged with an indication of daily dressings and control by an external outpatient clinic.

Resumo A técnica SAFARI, ou Subintimal Arterial Flossing with Antegrade-Retrograde Intervention, é um procedimento endovascular que permite a recanalização de lesões por oclusão total crônica (OTC) em caso de fracasso da angioplastia subintimal convencional. O acesso retrógrado é geralmente obtido através da artéria poplítea, tibial anterior, pediosa ou tibial posterior e pode fornecer mais alternativas de intervenções endovasculares para o salvamento do membro. É apresentado o caso de um homem de 81 anos com histórico de hipertenção não controlada, diabetes melito e dislipidemia. Ele apresentava uma lesão ulcerativa cutânea no membro inferior direito com evolução tórpida e má cicatrização. O ultrassom Doppler e o estudo arteriográfico revelaram uma lesão por OTC na artéria poplítea. O paciente não era candidato a revascularização endovascular anterógrada; sendo assim, esta foi realizada com successo utilizando a técnica SAFARI. O paciente não apresentou complicações perioperatórias e recebeu alta com indicação de cuidados diários com a ferida e controle em um ambulatório externo. Além disso, a ferida apresentou melhor cicatrização.

Síndrome de Budd-Chiari por obstrução da via de saída da veia hepática por membrana: tratamento percutâneo por angioplastia com balão / Budd-Chiari syndrome due to hepatic venous web outflow obstruction: percutaneous treatment with balloon angioplasty

Resumo A síndrome de Budd-Chiari é uma doença venosa hepática rara, mais incidente em adultos jovens, podendo se apresentar na forma aguda, subaguda ou crônica, o que resulta em hipertensão portal. O tratamento tradicional consiste em técnicas de trombólise e de shunts portossistêmicos intra-hepáticos, como pontes para o transplante hepático. Recentemente, técnicas de angioplastia com balão ou stents têm sido relatadas para o tratamento dessa afecção. Neste artigo, é relatado e discutido um caso de síndrome de Budd-Chiari por obstrução membranosa da via de saída da veia supra-hepática com trombose da veia hepática média em uma paciente de 24 anos. O tratamento estabelecido foi a angioplastia transjugular com balão, que obteve resultados satisfatórios e boa evolução clínica.

Abstract The Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare hepatic venous disease. It is more prevalent in young adults and may present in acute, subacute, or chronic forms, causing portal hypertension. Traditional treatment consists of thrombolysis techniques and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, as a bridge to liver transplantation. Recently, use of balloon or stent angioplasty techniques has been reported for treatment of this condition. In this article, we report and discuss a case of BCS by membranous obstruction in the hepatic vein outflow tract, with middle hepatic vein thrombosis, in a 24-year-old patient. The treatment chosen and employed was transjugular balloon angioplasty, which achieved satisfactory results and good clinical evolution.

Perfil de seguridad de la angioplastia pulmonar con balón bajo anticoagulación con antagonistas de vitamina K / Safety profile of balloon pulmonary angioplasty under anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists

La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica se trata con angioplastia pulmonar con balón (APB) cuando la enfermedad es distal o la clase funcional cardíaca no permite la tromboendarectomía. La anticoagulación con antagonistas de vitamina k es uno de los pilares del tratamiento. Se describe la experiencia de 25 procedimientos de ABP bajo tratamiento anticoagulante con AVK y sus complicaciones de sangrado (8% de las ABP). Realizar APB, con RIN mayor igual a 2 no presenta un riesgo significativo de sangrado en nuestra serie.

Endovascular repair of a penetrating axillary artery injury

Abstract We report a 16-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot injury on his upper left side of the chest that resulted in an injury to the left axillary artery and was treated with endovascular repair. An endovascular repair has been increasingly accepted for the management of hemorrhage in critically ill trauma patients; using covered endovascular stents provides an alternative modality for both controlling hemorrhage and preserving flow.

Angioplastía con balón para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar por enfermedad tromboembólica crónica. Resultados hemodinámicos y clínicos inmediatos / Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a therapeutic alternative for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Aim: To report the initial experience with the "refined BPA technique" with the use of intravascular images. Patients and Methods: Between June 2015 and June 2016 we selected fourteen patients with CTEPH who were considered candidates for BPA. Lesions targeted for treatment were further analyzed using intravascular imaging with optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). We report the immediate hemodynamic results and four weeks of follow-up of the first eight patients of this series. Results: We performed 16 BPA in eight patients aged 61 ± 14 years (88% women). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) was 48.6 ± 5.8 mmHg. Success was achieved in seven patients (88%). A mean of 2.3 segments per patient were intervened in 11 sessions (1.6 sessions/ patient). Only one patient developed lung reperfusion injury. No mortality was associated with the procedure. After the last BPA session, PAPm decreased to 37.4 ± 8.6 mmHg (p=0.02). Pulmonary vascular resistance (RVP) decreased from 858,6 ± 377,0 at baseline to 516,6 ± 323,3 Dynes/sec/cm−5 (p<0.01) and the cardiac index increased from 2.4±0.6 at baseline to 2.8±0.3 L/min/m2 (p=0.01). At 4 weeks after the last BPA, WHO functional class improved from 3.3±0.5 to 2.5±0.5 (p<0,01) and six minutes walking distance from 331±92 to 451±149 m (p=0.01). Conclusions: BPA guided by OFDI for the treatment of inoperable CTEPH patients is a safe alternative with excellent immediate hemodynamic and clinical results.

Femoral-popliteal Arteriosclerosis Obliterans:Review of Evidence-based Studies on Drug-eluting Endovascular Treatment / 中国医学科学院学报

Atherosclerosis-related diseases have increasingly become health concerns with the increased living conditions and aging.Globally,about 200 million people have suffered from arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO),which can even be life-threatening in some cases.The past seven decades have witnessed the rapid advances in the treatment of ASO,which has developed from surgery to endovascular interventions including plain balloon angioplasty,bare metal stent placement,drug-coated balloon,and drug-eluting stent.However,the roles of these new techniques for femoral-popliteal lesions,especially their real-world clinical outcomes and indications,remain unclear.This article reviews the latest evidences on the use of drug-eluting devices in treating femoral-popliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans.

Management of Coarctation of The Aorta in Adult Patients: State of The Art

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a common form of congenital heart disease. Adult patients with CoA may be asymptomatic or may present with hypertension. Over the last few years, endovascular management of adult patients with CoA emerged as the preferred strategy. Stent implantation, though technically challenging, offers the best and most lasting therapy. In this paper, we will review technical considerations and outcome of patients undergoing stent implantation for CoA.

Efficiency of Air Bubble Removal in Preparation of Low-Profile Angioplasty Balloon Catheter: Bench-Top Comparison of Six Methods / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Complete removal of air bubbles from balloons for neurovascular angioplasty is cumbersome. We compared the preparation difficulty, air removal efficiency, and air collection pattern of six different balloon catheter preparation methods to propose a better preparation method for both initial and second balloon uses, especially for small-profile angioplasty balloon catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 neurovascular angioplasty balloon catheters with nominal diameters of 2 mm were prepared to test six different preparation methods: the instruction for use method (method A), simplified method using a syringe (method B) and four newly devised preparation methods using inflating devices (methods C–F). Serial radiographs were obtained while the balloons were gradually inflated. We measured the time for each preparation and the bubble number, analyzed their distribution in the balloon, and calculated the contrast filling ratio (contrast filling area/total balloon area) for initial and second ballooning. The whole process was repeated three times. RESULTS: The preparation time varied widely (11.5 seconds [method D] to 73.3 seconds [method A]). On initial inflation, the contrast filling ratio at 8 atm was the highest (100%) with methods A and F. On second inflation, the ratio was again highest with method A (99.5%), followed by method F (99.2%). Initial ballooning tended to show a uniform pattern of single bubble in the distal segment of the balloon; in contrast, second ballooning showed varying patterns in which the bubbles were multiple and randomly distributed. CONCLUSION: None of the six methods were able to completely exclude air bubbles from the balloon catheters including the second ballooning; however, the method of repeating aspiration with high-volume inflating device (method F) could be a practical option considering the simplicity and efficiency of preparation.