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Effect of lesion characteristics on outcome of directional coronary atherectomy.

Directional coronary atherectomy, a new transluminal procedure for treatment of obstructive lesions in coronary arteries by excision and removal of tissue, was performed on 447 lesions in 382 procedures. Successful outcome, defined as a reduction of stenosis by greater than or equal to 20% with a less than 50% residual stenosis, was achieved in 89.5% of lesions and mean stenosis was reduced from 75.9 +/- 13.3% to 14.5 +/- 22.1% (p less than 0.001). Complications included vessel occlusion during the procedure, 2.4%; vessel occlusion after the procedure, 1.3%; new lesion, 0.5%; nonobstructive guiding catheter-induced dissection, 0.3%; perforation, 0.8%; distal embolization, 2.1%; Q wave myocardial infarction, 0.8% and non-Q wave myocardial infarction, 4.2%. Twelve patients (3.1%) required coronary artery bypass surgery for these complications. The atherectomy success rate was greater than 80% and the combined atherectomy and angioplasty success rate was greater than 90% for complex morphologic features such as eccentric lesions, lengthy lesions, lesions with abnormal contour, angulated lesions, ostial lesions and lesions with branch involvement. In the presence of calcific deposition, atherectomy success rate was 52% for primary lesions and 83% for restenosed lesions. Among angiographically complex lesions, calcium was the predictor for failed atherectomy (p less than 0.0001). In summary, directional coronary atherectomy is safe and effective for treatment of obstructive lesions in coronary arteries in selected cases. In particular, it achieves a high success rate in lesions with complex morphologic characteristics, such as eccentricity, abnormal contour and ostial involvement.

Adult↗

[Transcutaneous oxygen pressure in the foot in treadmill stress before and after percutaneous atherectomy].

Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) on the dorsum of the foot and Doppler ankle/arm pressure ratio (AAR) were measured in nine patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)-stage IIb-III during treadmill exercise before and after (two days and one month) atherectomy. These parameters were compared with nine normal controls and nine PAOD I-IIa patients without atherectomy. All patients with atherectomy showed an increase in their pain free walking distance, and, both two days and one month after the intervention, a significant (p less than 0.05) increase in their exercise/rest tcPO2 ratio (pre-atherectomy: 25% (12-81), two days after: 78% (49-92), one month after: 85% (81-92). AAR displays a significant increase only between pre- and two days after atherectomy, without further significant improvement after one month. We conclude that tcPO2 measurement is an adequate measurement for follow-up studies in patients with PAOD after invasive therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, these data suggest that, while the maximum improvement for the macrocirculation (AAR) occurs shortly after atherectomy, improvement of the microcirculation (tcPO2) is delayed for a prolonged period after revascularization of major arteries, possibly due to reperfusion injury.

Adult↗

[Coronary atherectomy using the transluminal endarterectomy extraction catheter. Initial experience].

PURPOSE: To describe a new alternative technique for treating coronary artery disease: the coronary atherectomy with the transluminal endarterectomy-extraction catheter. METHODS: Four patients, 1 female and 3 males age 46 to 65 years (mean 53 +/- 8.5 years), were submitted to coronary atherectomy with the transluminal endarterectomy-extraction catheter. One patient presenting stable angina, one presenting recent angina, one with residual stenosis after acute myocardial infarction treated with intravenous streptokinase and one with two episodes of syncope and ECG alterations. The treated arteries were: left anterior descending in 3 patients and left circumflex in one. Two lesion were concentric and two were segmentary and eccentric. RESULTS: The coronary artery stenosis ranged from 80 to 95% (mean of 90 +/- 7.1%) before the atherectomy and from 20-50% (mean of 32.5 +/- 12.6%) after the atherectomy. Except the first patient, the other 3 were discharged in less than 48 hours after the atherectomy. None presented chest pain during the procedure and in three of them were no recordings of dissection or coronary artery perforation. In one patient the treated artery presented total occlusion (thrombus) 15 minutes after the procedure, but was immediate and successfully reopened with balloon angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Coronary atherectomy with the "transluminal endarterectomy-extraction catheter" has shown to be a safe and feasible procedure and to bring satisfactory immediate results.

Aged↗

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyze messenger-RNA expression in tissue obtained by directional atherectomy.

There is a widely recognized need to evaluate gene expression in human vascular plaque tissue. Directional atherectomy made it possible to sample plaque tissue from primary stenoses and subsequently from restenoses from one individual. Conventional approaches to analyze mRNA content of lesions, such as Northern blot analysis, and slot blot analysis are not sensitive enough to evaluate mRNA levels in atherectomy specimens limited by low cell number or low copy number per cell. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether gene expression, as reflected in mRNA copy number, in atherectomy biopsies, could be sufficiently analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The authors applied PCR to detect platelet-derived growth factor-A mRNA expression in 12 human lesions sampled percutaneously by directional atherectomy. After reverse transcription, specific amplification of the resulting cDNA was performed. This was successful with cDNA from less than 0.5 microgram of total cellular RNA. To quantitate mRNA content of specimens, the authors coamplified cDNA copies of mRNA from lesions and from a synthetic reference RNA in the same reaction vessel. Quantitative PCR is best applied if tissue is more than 45 mg in weight and of high cellularity with low calcification. This method allows quantitation of mRNA in human primary and restenotic lesions, and it complements histochemical approaches and in situ hybridization of coronary and peripheral atherectomy specimens.

Aorta↗

Reduced distal embolization with transluminal extraction atherectomy compared to balloon angioplasty for saphenous vein graft disease.

Extraction atherectomy utilizes suction aspiration as an attempt to limit distal emboli during atherectomy. We sought to test the hypothesis that extraction atherectomy produces less distal embolization than balloon angioplasty when treating saphenous vein grafts. Among 163 consecutive, nonrandomized patients, 103 patients underwent transluminal extraction catheter (TEC) atherectomy with or without adjunctive balloon angioplasty, and 60 patients had conventional balloon angioplasty. Both groups showed comparably high procedural success rates (TEC 90.3%, angioplasty 83.3%, P = NS). TEC cases had a significantly lower incidence of angiographic distal embolization, compared with angioplasty (3.9% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.005). In cases with angiographic evidence of thrombus in the grafts, TEC maintained a significantly lower incidence of distal embolization than angioplasty (5.6% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.004). There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding the incidence of other procedure-related complications, including death, myocardial infarction, or emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. TEC atherectomy appears to have a significantly lower incidence of distal embolization than balloon angioplasty when treating saphenous vein grafts, particularly in the presence of angiographically apparent thrombus.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗

Rotational atherectomy or balloon angioplasty in the treatment of intra-stent restenosis: BARASTER multicenter registry.

The BARASTER registry was formed to evaluate the initial success and long-term results of rotational atherectomy in the management of in-stent restenosis. Rotational atherectomy was used in 197 cases of in-stent restenosis: 46 with stand-alone rotational atherectomy or at most 1 atmosphere of balloon inflation (Rota strategy), and 151 with rotational atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty <1 atmosphere (Combination strategy). These were compared with 107 episodes of in-stent restenosis treated with balloon angioplasty alone. In this observational study, the use of Combination therapy was associated with a slightly higher initial success rate (95% vs. 87% with the Rota strategy and 89% with Balloons, P = 0.08). There was a reduction in one year clinical outcomes (death, myocardial infarction or target lesion revascularization) in the combination group (38% vs. 60% with Rota and 52% with balloons, P = 0.02). These data support a benefit of the strategy of debulking with rotational atherectomy followed by adjunctive balloon angioplasty, in the management of in-stent restenosis.

Aged↗

Angiographic outcome after intracoronary X-Sizer helical atherectomy and thrombectomy: first use in humans.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the early angiographic outcome in the first human subjects who underwent intracoronary atherectomy and thrombectomy using the X-Sizer helical cutting and aspiration system. Percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with thrombo-occlusive disease or friable degenerative saphenous vein grafts are associated with considerable periprocedural morbidity and mortality, predominantly related to microscopic distal embolization. X-Sizer catheter system is a novel atherectomy and thrombectomy device that consists of a helix cutter connected to a handheld motor drive unit and a vacuum collection chamber for aspiration of excised atheroma, thrombus, and debris. Quantitative coronary angiography was obtained in 14 patients before and after X-Sizer extraction atherectomy with adjunctive balloon angioplasty and stenting. Thirteen native coronary arteries and one saphenous vein graft were treated. Mean preprocedural reference vessel diameter was 3.06 +/- 0.66 mm. There were 71.4% AHA/ACC type B2 and C lesions. Preprocedural thrombus was present in nine patients and total occlusion in 64% of cases. Minimal luminal diameter was increased from 0.29 +/- 0.47 mm to 1.32 +/- 0.64 mm, a gain of 1.04 +/- 0.69 mm after atherectomy. Final total gain was 1.47 +/- 0.61 mm. Mean diameter stenosis was reduced from 89.3% to a final residual stenosis of 14.4%. Postatherectomy distal embolization occurred in one patient who had heavy preprocedural thrombus burden. No episodes of perforation, distal coronary spasm, abrupt closure, or slow/no-reflow occurred. The angiographic analysis of the first cohort of human subjects suggests that X-Sizer helical atherectomy is a feasible method of removing occlusive tissue or thrombus in coronary artery disease with a low angiographic complication rate. A large-scale randomized phase II clinical trial is underway to determine the ultimate safety and efficacy of this device in thrombo-occlusive native coronary arteries and saphenous vein grafts.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

New techniques for guiding catheter management during directional coronary atherectomy.

Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) is an important advance in the mechanical revascularization of stenotic coronary arteries. The bulky nature of the DCA device has necessitated the use of guiding catheter designs that are more cumbersome to use than balloon angioplasty guiding catheters. Because engagement of coronary artery ostia with the currently available DCA guiding catheters is often difficult and because DCA guiding catheters significantly "relax" and reshape during the atherectomy procedure, angiography using these guiding catheters before and after atherectomy can be suboptimal. A new technique for angiography during atherectomy using long Judkin's diagnostic catheters inserted through the existing DCA guiding catheters is described. This technique can be used for optimal visualization of the coronary arteries with minimal use of contrast before and after sessions of atherectomy and also can be used to help engage the DCA guiding catheters. Some improvements in the design of guiding catheters for DCA are suggested.

Atherectomy, Coronary↗

A randomized trial of transcutaneous extraction atherectomy in femoral arteries: intravascular ultrasound observations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that in occlusions of the superficial femoral artery, removal of atherosclerotic plaque would result in a higher long-term patency rate compared to balloon dilatation alone. A secondary hypothesis was that long term patency would be proportional to the amount of plaque removed. METHODS: A randomized controlled study of patients with occluded superficial femoral arteries was performed comparing balloon dilatation alone versus a 2.7 mm or a larger (4.0 mm or 4.7 mm) transcutaneous extraction catheter (TEC) atherectomy device followed by balloon dilatation. The effect of these devices on plaque area was assessed directly by intravascular ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: The mean occlusion length was 19.4 cm +/- 11.7 cm. The mean lumen area increased from 4.7 mm2 to 15.1 mm2, primarily due to balloon dilatation, but the mean atheroma area of 19.8 mm2 did not change with either size of TEC device. Although the initial procedure success rate was high (79%), the 6 month patency was only 45%. There was no difference in 6 month patency between the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that the TEC atherectomy devices do not remove a significant amount of atherosclerotic plaque in occluded superficial femoral arteries. The 6 month patency is no different with these atherectomy devices than with balloon dilatation alone. The larger (4.0 mm or 4.7 mm) TEC device does not remove any more tissue than the smaller (2.7 mm) device. The use of intravascular ultrasound to quantitate the effects of this atherectomy device provides important insights into the mechanism of action and lack of efficacy of the TEC atherectomy catheter.

Aged↗

Percutaneous transluminal rotational atherectomy in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease using a transluminal endatherectomy catheter (TEC): initial results and angiographic follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of percutaneous transluminal rotational atherectomy in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. METHODS: Rotational atherectomy was performed in 39 patients aged 39-87 years (mean 66.6 years). A total of 71 lesions (43 stenoses and 28 occlusions) were treated in 40 limbs. Additional balloon angioplasty was required in 54% of lesions. Fifteen patients (37.5%) presented in Fontaine stage II, 10 patients (25%) in Fontaine stage III and 15 patients (37.5%) in Fontaine stage IV. Rotational atherectomy at 750 rpm was carried out over a 0.014-inch guidewire with continuous aspiration into a vacuum bottle. Follow-up angiography and color flow Doppler examinations were performed in 22 patients (23 limbs) after a mean period of 6 months (range 2-14 months). RESULTS: There was one primary technical failure. In 36 of 40 lesions there was a good angiographic result with residual stenoses in less than 30%. In 70 lesions treated by rotational atherectomy, however, 54% showed residual stenoses of 30%-50% and these cases required additional balloon angioplasty. The mean ankle-brachial index improved significantly (p << 0.001) from 0.49 before the procedure to 1.01 after the procedure. A single distal embolus, related to primary recanalization, occurred and there were two large inguinal hematomas. Cumulative clinical patency after 6 months was 83.8% and cumulative angiographic patency after 6 months was 79.1%. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous rotational atherectomy is a promising approach for the treatment of chronic peripheral vascular disease. Further prospective, randomized studies are necessary to compare percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with this new technical approach.

Adult↗

Directional atherectomy in iliac stent failure: clinical technique and histopathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of directional atherectomy in the treatment of iliac stent stenosis or occlusion and to evaluate the histologic composition of excised atherectomy specimens. METHODS: Directional atherectomy of six occluded and 10 severely stenosed iliac stents was undertaken in 12 patients at a mean interval of 28 months (range 3-69 months) after stent insertion for occlusive aortoiliac disease. In cases of stent occlusion, atherectomy was preceded by low-dose thrombolysis. In all patients stent clearance with return of femoral pulses was achieved within 24 hr and there were no significant complications. All excised specimens were sent for histologic examination. RESULTS: Eleven patients (92%) remain symptom free with unlimited walking distance at a mean follow-up interval of 11.5 months (range 3-31 months) after treatment. Histologic examination revealed typical myointimal hyperplasia at three excision sites, intimal fibrosis at three sites, atheroma at four sites and organized thrombus at six sites. CONCLUSION: Atherectomy offers an effective treatment in iliac stent occlusion and restenosis with no significant adverse effects. Debulking of these lesions seems to offer a more logical approach than simple balloon angioplasty. Clinical and duplex follow-up confirms satisfactory outcome within the first year but longer-term results are not yet known. The histologic data obtained demonstrate that stent restenosis and occlusion are likely to be multifactorial, and challenge the assumption that myointimal hyperplasia is the sole cause of iliac stent occlusion.

Aged↗

Clinical significance of distal embolization after transluminal extraction atherectomy in diffusely diseased saphenous vein grafts.

Standard balloon angioplasty of degenerated saphenous vein graft lesions may be complicated by distal embolization, particularly in the presence of intragraft thrombus. Transluminal extraction atherectomy may be useful in this setting because of its ability to remove particulate debris. This study was designed to identify the incidence and prognostic significance of distal embolization after transluminal extraction atherectomy in high-risk saphenous vein graft lesions. To address these issues the clinical course of 65 consecutive patients (86 high-risk saphenous vein graft lesions) was reviewed after extraction atherectomy. Distal embolization occurred in 11 (12.8%) of 86 high-risk lesions. The majority (63.6%) of these episodes occurred after adjunct balloon dilatation following uncomplicated use of the extraction atherectomy catheter. Correlates of distal embolization included patient age and the presence of intragraft thrombus. Major in-hospital complications developed more often in patients with distal embolization (46% vs 2% in those without distal embolization, p < 0.001), resulting in a reduced procedural success rate in this group (55% vs 91%, p = 0.01). We conclude that the risk of distal embolization after saphenous vein graft angioplasty, although potentially reduced, is not eliminated with transluminal extraction atherectomy, particularly in lesions with superimposed thrombus.

Aged↗

Influence of plaque composition on luminal gain after balloon angioplasty, directional atherectomy, and coronary stenting.

This study was conducted to correlate the acute luminal enlargement achieved by three different nonsurgical revascularization procedures in 79 patients (32 treated by balloon angioplasty, 29 by directional atherectomy, and 18 by coronary stenting) with the morphologic characteristics of coronary plaques assessed by preprocedure intravascular ultrasound. The absolute luminal gain was 2.41 +/- 1.54 mm2 for balloon angioplasty, 3.17 +/- 1.8 mm2 for directional atherectomy, and 4.56 +/- 1.45 mm2 for coronary stenting (p = 0.00005). However, when luminal gain was corrected for the external vessel area (luminal gain index), such difference was no longer present (0.22 +/- 0.12 for balloon angioplasty, 0.24 +/- 0.15 for directional atherectomy, and 0.30 +/- 0.12 for coronary stenting, p = not significant). Concentric plaques treated by coronary stenting had a higher luminal gain index than eccentric plaques (p = 0.01). A comparison of the three devices showed that a similar luminal gain index was achieved in soft plaques, whereas coronary stenting was superior to directional atherectomy (0.41 +/- 0.10 vs 0.20 +/- 0.09, p = 0.002) and balloon angioplasty (0.41 +/- 0.10 vs 0.19 +/- 0.08, p = 0.0005) in concentric plaques. Coronary stenting also induced a greater luminal gain index than directional atherectomy in calcific plaques (0.30 +/- 0.11 vs 0.18 +/- 0.09, p = 0.04). In conclusion, these data show that plaque morphology assessed by preprocedure intracoronary ultrasound influences the acute luminal enlargement achieved by different coronary interventions. The knowledge of plaque composition may be useful in guiding the choice of the device to be used to obtain a larger acute luminal gain.

Adult↗

Directional coronary atherectomy: how much lumen enlargement is optimal?

Until recently, it has not been clear how much of the effect of directional coronary atherectomy is due to tissue removal per se, and whether the long-term results of the procedure are helped or harmed when the operator attempts to obtain the "near zero percent" residual stenosis of which this technique is capable. This article summarizes the findings of a series of studies that have addressed these important questions and proposes a prescription for the optimal performance of directional atherectomy. Analysis of retrieved tissue weights compared with measured increases in luminal volume shows that about half of the improvement seen after directional atherectomy results from mechanical dilation. Because this "facilitated" dilation appears to take place within the bases of the trenches created by atherectomy cuts (rather than being randomly distributed in fractures throughout the plaque substance), a larger and smoother lumen is possible compared with that seen after conventional balloon dilation. Although the recovery of deep vessel wall components (media and even adventitia) is common, it generally does not cause either acute complications (i.e., perforation) or increase the probability of subsequent restenosis. Rather, reduction in the probability of late restenosis appears to be most directly related to the ability of directional atherectomy to provide the largest acute luminal diameter safely possible, thus providing better tolerance of subsequent intimal hyperplasia before hemodynamically significant renarrowing results at the treatment site.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

The contribution of tissue removal to lumen improvement after directional coronary atherectomy.

The contribution of tissue removal to lumen improvement after directional coronary atherectomy remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to validate the intravascular ultrasound measurement of plaque volume and use it to study the contribution of tissue removal to lumen improvement after directional coronary atherectomy. With use of intravascular ultrasound, 12 human coronary vessels were imaged in vitro. With use of computer-assisted planimetry, the external elastic membrane and lumen cross-sectional areas were manually traced and the plaque+media area was calculated at 1 mm axial intervals. Then, plaque+media volume was calculated by Simpson's rule. After imaging, ultrasound measurements of plaque+media volume were compared with histologic measurements. Similarly, volumetric intravascular ultrasound imaging was performed before and after directional atherectomy in 47 patients. In vitro, the mean plaque+media volume measured by intravascular ultrasound was 134.0 +/- 94.8 mm3 and compared well with that derived by histology (187.4 +/- 128.8 mm3, r = 0.96, p < 0.001). In vivo, the lumen volume increased from 27.2 +/- 12.3 to 58.7 +/- 30.3 mm3, and the mean plaque+media volume decreased from 122.0 +/- 74.0 to 97.5 +/- 63.5 mm3. The mean intravascular ultrasound atherectomy index was 76 +/- 23%. In 11 of the 47 patients (23.4%), tissue removal alone accounted for lumen improvement. Volumetric intravascular ultrasound image analysis indicates that the mechanism of directional coronary atherectomy primarily is tissue removal. As a result, the contribution of arterial remodeling (expansion and dissection) probably is less important.

Aged↗

Early experience of directional coronary atherectomy: clinical results, complications and histopathological findings.

OBJECTIVE: To report the early experience, clinical results and histopathologic findings of Directional Coronary Atherectomy from a UK centre experienced in coronary angioplasty. DESIGN: Prospective study of the first 45 Directional Coronary Atherectomy (DCA) procedures using the Simpson coronary atherectomy device. RESULTS: Forty-five procedures were performed in 33 male and 5 female patients (mean age, 55.1 years). Directional Coronary Atherectomy was performed to 50 lesions (39 de novo, 11 restenosis; 44 left anterior descending, 3 right, 2 circumflex coronary arteries and 1 saphenous vein graft). Clinical and primary angiographic success was achieved in 43 of 45 cases (95.5%) and in 47 of 50 lesions (94%) after DCA alone. Before DCA the mean diameter stenosis was 88.7% (range, 50-100%) but following DCA (and percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) if necessary) the mean diameter stenosis was 3.5% (range, 0-15%; P < 0.001). Complications included occlusive dissection requiring coronary artery bypass surgery in two patients; abrupt closure of right coronary artery in one patient successfully reopened by PTCA and thrombolysis, complicated by excessive blood loss; reversible coronary artery spasm due to minor nose-cone trauma in four patients and temporary side branch loss in one patient. There were no coronary artery perforations, guide catheter complications, peripheral vascular trauma or deaths. On average 5.6 specimens (range, 1-18) were removed per case. Histology showed fibrous intimal plaque in 98%, media in 39% and adventitia in 7%. Neo-intimal hyperplasia was found in all restenosis lesions but also in 30% of de novo lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This small initial series indicates that directional coronary atherectomy is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease in carefully selected patients. With care, a high success rate can be achieved even during a learning phase. The technique is particularly effective for morphologically complex lesions that are unfavourable for PTCA. The procedure is unlike PTCA and requires additional training if pitfalls are to be avoided, high success rates achieved and complication rates kept low.

Adult↗

Clinical, histologic and quantitative angiographic predictors of restenosis after directional coronary atherectomy: a multivariate analysis of the renarrowing process and late outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize predictors of restenosis after successful directional atherectomy, we reviewed the clinical, angiographic and procedural data obtained during 132 consecutive procedures. METHODS: Clinical and angiographic follow-up data were obtained in a prospectively collected and consecutive series of 125 patients who underwent 132 atherectomy procedures for de novo (89%) or restenotic (11%) lesions in native coronary arteries. Restenosis was assessed clinically and by quantitative coronary angiography. A dual approach to data analysis was taken to gain insight into factors affecting the clinical outcome and vessel wall healing response. Therefore, multivariate analysis was performed to 1) determine the correlates of residual lumen diameter at follow-up (angiographic outcome), and 2) characterize the determinants of the late lumen loss (renarrowing process). RESULTS: Clinical and angiographic follow-up data after successful atherectomy were obtained in 100% and 95%, respectively. Atherectomy achieved an acute lumen gain of 1.28 +/- 0.48 mm (mean +/- SD), resulting in a minimal lumen diameter of 2.44 +/- 0.47 mm. At follow-up, the minimal lumen diameter decreased to 1.78 +/- 0.64 mm. The angiographic restenosis rate was 28% if the traditional 50% stenosis cutoff criterion was applied. Larger vessel size and postatherectomy minimal lumen diameter and right coronary or left circumflex artery lesions were independent predictors of a larger minimal lumen diameter (angiographic outcome). Lumen loss during follow-up (renarrowing process) was independently predicted by relative lumen gain and preprocedural minimal lumen diameter. CONCLUSIONS: In analyzing the long-term results of new interventional techniques such as directional atherectomy, the late lumen loss during follow-up (renarrowing process), which is characterized by the vessel wall healing response after an intervention, should be considered together with the residual lumen diameter at follow-up (clinical outcome). It is clear that whereas improved clinical outcome is associated with larger vessel size and postprocedural lumen diameter and non-left anterior descending artery location, greater relative gain at intervention is predictive of more extensive lumen renarrowing.

Aged↗

Comparative results of transluminal extraction coronary atherectomy in saphenous vein graft lesions with and without thrombus.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the results of transluminal extraction coronary atherectomy in saphenous vein graft lesions with and without angiographic thrombus. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous interventions in lesions with thrombus are associated with reduced procedural success and increased risk of complications. Use of the transluminal extraction catheter, which cuts and aspirates atheroma and thrombus, has been advocated as a potential revascularization strategy for lesions with thrombus. METHODS: Baseline patient characteristics, lesion morphology, immediate angiographic results, in-hospital complications and follow-up were prospectively entered into an interventional cardiology data base. The results of transluminal extraction coronary atherectomy in saphenous vein bypass grafts with angiographic thrombus were compared with results in similar grafts without angiographic thrombus. RESULTS: Transluminal extraction coronary atherectomy was performed in 175 patients with 183 vein graft lesions, including 59 lesions (32%) with thrombus (Group 1) and 124 (68%) without thrombus (Group 2). Compared with lesions in Group 2, lesions in Group 1 were associated with a higher incidence of baseline total occlusion, diffuse disease and abnormal Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade flow (p < 0.05); more severe diameter stenosis at baseline, after atherectomy and after final angiography (p < 0.05); a lower rate of clinical success (69% vs. 88%, p < 0.01); and more angiographic and clinical complications, including no reflow (p < 0.05), vascular repair (p < 0.05) and Q wave myocardial infarction (p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: In transluminal extraction coronary atherectomy of saphenous vein bypass grafts, the presence of thrombus is associated with more baseline lesion complexity, reduced clinical success and increased risk of no reflow, Q wave myocardial infarction and vascular repair.

Aged↗