Maria Söderström

Infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty versus bypass surgery as first-line strategies in critical leg ischemia: a propensity score analysis.

Introduction:Recently, endovascular revascularization (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA]) has challenged surgery as a method for the salvage of critically ischemic legs (CLI). Comparison of surgical and endovascular techniques in randomized controlled trials is difficult because of differences in patient characteristics. To overcome this problem, we adjusted the differences by using propensity score analysis. Materials and Methods:The study cohort comprised 1023 patients treated for CLI with 262 endovascular and 761 surgical revascularization procedures to their crural or pedal arteries. A propensity score was used for adjustment in multivariable analysis, for stratification, and for one-to-one matching. Results:In the overall series, PTA and bypass surgery achieved similar 5-year leg salvage (75.3% vs 76.0%), survival (47.5% vs 43.3%), and amputation-free survival (37.7% vs 37.3%) rates and similar freedom from any further revascularization (77.3% vs 74.4%), whereas freedom from surgical revascularization was higher after bypass surgery (94.3% vs 86.2%, P < 0.001). In propensity-score–matched pairs, outcomes did not differ, except for freedom from surgical revascularization, which was significantly higher in the bypass surgery group (91.4% vs 85.3% at 5 years, P = 0.045). In a subgroup of patients who underwent isolated infrapopliteal revascularization, PTA was associated with better leg salvage (75.5% vs 68.0%, P = 0.042) and somewhat lower freedom from surgical revascularization (78.8% vs 85.2%, P = 0.17). This significant difference in the leg salvage rate was also observed after adjustment for propensity score (P = 0.044), but not in propensity-score–matched pairs (P = 0.12). Conclusions:When feasible, infrapopliteal PTA as a first-line strategy is expected to achieve similar long-term results to bypass surgery in CLI when redo surgery is actively utilized.

Finnvasc score and modified Prevent III score predict long-term outcome after infrainguinal surgical and endovascular revascularization for critical limb ischemia

BACKGROUND Estimation of the risk of adverse long-term outcome is of paramount importance in the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI). METHODS We evaluated the accuracy of two specific risk score systems, the Finnvasc score and the modified Prevent III (mPIII) score, in 1425 CLI patients who underwent unilateral, infrainguinal surgical (47.6%) or endovascular (52.4%) revascularization. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to estimate the predictive value of these risk scoring methods. RESULTS The area under the ROC curve of Finnvasc score for prediction of 30-day amputation was 0.609 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.549-0.677) and of mPIII score 0.533 (95% CI 0.457-0.609). The area under ROC curve of Finnvasc score for prediction of 30-day amputation-free survival was 0.622 (95% CI 0.573-0.671) and of mPIII score 0.588 (95% CI 0.533-0.642). The area under the ROC curve of Finnvasc score for prediction of 1-year amputation-free survival was 0.630 (95% CI 0.597-0.663, P<.0001) and of mPIII score 0.634 (95% CI 0.600-0.667, P<.0001). Finnvasc score predicted leg salvage (relative risk [RR] 1.431, 95% CI 1.319-1.551), survival (RR 1.233, 95% CI 1.116-1.363), and amputation-free survival (RR 1.422, 95% CI 1.319-1.534). mPIII score also predicted leg salvage (RR 1.190, 95% CI 1.108-1.277), survival (RR 1.245, 95% CI 1.193-1.300), and amputation-free survival (RR 1.223, 95% CI 1.176-1.272). CONCLUSIONS Finnvasc and modified PIII risk scoring methods predict long-term outcome of patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization for CLI. Finnvasc score seems to perform well also in predicting immediate postoperative outcome.

Arm vein conduit vs prosthetic graft in infrainguinal revascularization for critical leg ischemia

BACKGROUND One-piece great saphenous vein (GSV) is the conduit of choice in infrainguinal revascularizations for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Unfortunately, adequate length of usable GSV is not always available. Despite inferior patency rates compared with GSV, prosthetic and arm vein conduits are generally considered usable. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of infrainguinal arm vein and prosthetic bypass. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 290 consecutive infrainguinal bypasses for CLI using arm vein conduit (n = 130) or prosthetic graft (n = 160) during January 2000 and December 2006 at our institution. The groups were compared for risk factors, indication for surgery, and runoff score. Survival, leg salvage, and patency rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Median surveillance time was 35 months (range 0-118 months). The age, gender, and usual risk factors were similar in arm vein and prosthetic groups, except cerebrovascular disease that was more common in the prosthetic group (P = .011). Indication for surgery was CLI. In the arm vein group, more than two-thirds (70.2%) of the procedures were for ischemic ulcer or gangrene, whereas in the prosthetic group the main indication was ischemic rest pain (51.3%). When the outcome of femoropopliteal bypasses was analyzed, the difference between groups was not statistically significant. However, in infrapopliteal revascularizations primary patency, assisted primary patency, and secondary patency rates at 3 years were significantly better in the arm vein group: 28.3% (SE +/- 6.3%) vs 9.6% (SE +/- 8.1%) (P = .031), 56.8% (SE +/- 6.6%) vs 10.4% (SE +/- 8.7%) (P = .000), and 57.4% (SE +/- 6.6) vs 11.2% (SE +/- 9.3%) (P = .000), respectively. Leg salvage and survival at 3 years were 75.0% (SE +/- 4.9%) vs 57.1% (SE +/- 8.8%) (P = .005) and 58.8% (SE +/- 5.1%) vs 39.5% (SE +/- 7.7%) (P = .007), respectively. CONCLUSION Arm vein conduits, even when spliced, are superior to prosthetic grafts in terms of midterm assisted primary patency, secondary patency, and leg salvage in infrapopliteal bypasses for CLI.

Infrainguinal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or bypass surgery in patients aged 80 years and older with critical leg ischaemia

Infrainguinal revascularization for critical leg ischaemia (CLI) in patients aged 80 years and over is associated with increased operative risk. The aim was to compare the results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and bypass surgery in these patients.

Healing of Ischaemic Tissue Lesions after Infrainguinal Bypass Surgery for Critical Leg Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE To evaluate healing time of ischaemic tissue lesions, limb salvage and survival in patients suffering from critical limb ischaemia (CLI) with tissue loss. DESIGN Prospective single centre cohort study. MATERIAL AND METHODS Consecutive patients with CLI and tissue loss (Fontaine IV) (148 patients, 150 limbs) were followed prospectively for 1 year after infrainguinal bypass. Healing time of tissue lesions, graft patency, limb salvage, survival rates and the overall need for any type of surgical and endovascular procedure were analysed. Patient comorbidities were assessed by uni- and multivariate analysis to determine risk factors for adverse outcome. RESULTS Complete tissue healing, including healing of ischaemic tissue lesions and surgical wounds, at 6 and 12 months after the infrainguinal bypass were respectively 40% and 75%. The median time to complete tissue healing was 190 days. Diabetes was the only significant risk factor which delayed tissue healing. Overall patency, limb salvage, survival and amputation-free survival rates were respectively at 12 months 80%, 81%, 73% and 63%. The clinically important endpoint amputation-free survival with completely healed wounds was attained in 50% of patients at 1 year. CONCLUSION Complete healing of ischemic tissue lesions is slow even after a successful infrainguinal bypass.

Angiosome Theory: Fact or Fiction?

The angiosome concept delineates the human body into three-dimensional blocks of tissue fed by specific arterial and venous sources named “angiosomes.” Adjacent angiosomes are connected by a vast compensatory collateral web, or “choke vessels.” This concept may provide new information applicable to improving targeted revascularization of ischemic tissue lesions. A few dedicated studies available seem to favor this strategy, as encouraging ulcer healing and limb preservation are reported in connection with both bypass and endovascular techniques based on these principles. The theory on the angiosome model of revascularization (AMV) may help the clinician to better refine vessel selection, vascular access, and specific strategies in the revascularization of critically ischemic legs with tissue lesions. Specific applications of angiosome-guided revascularization were recently suggested for patients with diabetes or renal insufficiency, with ischemic tissue lesions of the lower limb, and extended large- and medium-size collateral network decay. For these cases, the concept may allow deliberate arterial reconstruction following individual wound topographies in specific ischemic areas, although deprived from “rescue-vessel” supply. The AMV theory may contribute to a shift in common reperfusion options. However, the data available is suggestive and does not provide strong evidence as factors such as case mix and the severity of ischemia are unsatisfactorily controlled. At present, the evidence is scarce as to the effect of the severity of the arterial disease. In all comparisons, the groups treated are likely to be dissimilar and mismatched. The angiosome concept is postulated to be valid especially in diabetics, whose ischemic lesions tend to heal worse than those of non-diabetics.

The influence of the characteristics of ischemic tissue lesions on ulcer healing time after infrainguinal bypass for critical leg ischemia

OBJECTIVE Ulcer healing is a seldom reported outcome in studies of critical leg ischemia (CLI). The aim of this study was to analyze local factors affecting ulcer healing time after infrainguinal bypass surgery (IBS) for CLI Fontaine IV. METHODS In this prospective single center cohort study, 110 patients (113 legs) undergoing IBS due to CLI with ischemic tissue defects during year 2006 were followed prospectively for 1 year after the bypass. Ulcer location, duration, presence of gangrene, and the University of Texas wound classification (UTWCS) were determined at presentation. Healing time of the ischemic tissue defects, leg salvage, patency, and survival were calculated. The characteristics of the ischemic tissue lesions and patient comorbidities were analyzed to determine risk factors for adverse outcome. RESULTS Complete ulcer healing (+/-SE) was achieved in 74% +/- 5% of the legs 12 months after IBS. Median ulcer healing time was 186 days (range, 11 to >365 days). Leg salvage, secondary patency, and survival at 12 months were 87% +/- 3%, 82% +/- 4%, and 76% +/- 5%, respectively. Amputation-free survival with healed ulcers was attained in 55% at 12 months. Ischemic tissue lesions located in the mid- and hindfoot had significantly prolonged ulcer healing time (hazard ratio [HR] 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1 to 0.9, P = .044). None of the UTWCS classes predicted either ulcer healing time or leg salvage. Median ulcer duration before IBS was 68 days, range, 6 to 1154 days. Ulcer duration did not correlate with ulcer healing time (Spearman r = 0.138, P = .267). Ischemic ulcers with gangrene were not associated with prolonged ulcer healing time (P = .353). CONCLUSION The location of the ischemic tissue lesions influences ulcer healing time. According to our study UTWCS can be used as descriptive classification of ischemic ulcers but it does not predict the ulcer healing time or leg salvage after infrainguinal bypass surgery.

Femoropopliteal balloon angioplasty vs. bypass surgery for CLI: a propensity score analysis.

OBJECTIVES To compare the outcomes of femoropopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and bypass surgery for critical limb ischaemia (CLI). DESIGN The study is retrospective in nature. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 858 consecutive patients, who underwent femoropopliteal revascularisation for CLI at Helsinki University Central Hospital during 2000-2007. As many as 517 patients (60%) underwent PTA and 341 (40%) bypass surgery. Propensity score analysis was used for risk adjustment in multivariable analysis and for one-to-one matching. RESULTS In the overall series, PTA had poorer long-term results than bypass (5-year leg salvage, 78.2% vs. 91.8%, p < 0.0001; survival 49.2% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.048; amputation-free survival, 42.0% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.003; freedom from surgical re-intervention 86.2% vs. 94.3%, p < 0.0001). When treatment method was adjusted for propensity score as well as in the propensity score-matched pairs, leg salvage and freedom from surgical re-intervention were worse after PTA than after bypass (among the 241 propensity score-matched pairs, 74.3% vs. 88.2%, p = 0.031, and 86.1% vs. 89.8%, p = 0.025, respectively). Differences in survival, amputation-free survival and freedom from any re-intervention were not observed. CONCLUSIONS In CLI patients, femoropopliteal PTA seems to be associated with poorer long-term leg salvage and freedom from surgical re-intervention than bypass surgery. However, the treatment method did not affect long-term amputation-free survival.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as a predictor of outcome after infrainguinal bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVES Renal insufficiency is a risk factor for poor outcome after infrainguinal bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) takes age, gender and body size into account and therefore represents actual renal function more accurately than serum creatinine level alone. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different stages of renal insufficiency on outcome and to assess the prognostic significance of eGFR in patients with CLI. MATERIAL AND METHODS 603 patients with CLI who underwent infrainguinal bypass between January 2002 and December 2005 at our institution were included in this retrospective study. We estimated GFR using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation. Survival, leg salvage and amputation-free survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was performed to calculate hazard ratios for different outcome variables. RESULTS Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality, limb loss and limb loss and/or death for eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) versus serum creatinine > 200 micromol/l was 4.0 (95% CI 2.22-7.39) vs 3.5 (95% CI 1.82-6.84), 6.5 (95% CI 2.71-15.59) vs 6.2 (95% CI 2.47-15.56) and 4.0 (95% CI 2.40-6.63) vs 3.6 (95% CI 2.03-6.25), respectively. CONCLUSION Estimated GFR is better predictor of survival, leg salvage and amputation-free survival than serum creatinine alone. eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) is independent risk factor for all three outcome endpoints.

Outcome of Infrainguinal Single-Segment Great Saphenous Vein Bypass for Critical Limb Ischemia is Superior to Alternative Autologous Vein Bypass, Especially in Patients With High Operative Risk

BACKGROUND Single-segment great saphenous vein (ssGSV) is the conduit of choice in infrainguinal bypass for critical limb ischemia (CLI). The aim of this study was to assess results of other autologous vein grafts and risk factors for graft stenosis development and graft failure. The purpose was also to evaluate outcome of patients with high operative risk undergoing infrainguinal alternative autologous vein bypass for CLI. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 1,109 consecutive infrainguinal bypasses performed between 2000 and 2007 for CLI. Rate and type of operations needed to maintain graft patency were evaluated. Outcome of different types of vein grafts in terms of primary patency, assisted primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method. Predictors of poor outcome as well as patient- and graft-related risk factors for graft revision and graft failure were analyzed using multivariate analysis. RESULTS Median follow-up period was 37 (0-121) months. Primary patency, assisted primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage at 1 and 3 years were significantly better in ssGSV graft group than in alternative autologous vein graft (AAVG) group-74.4% and 67.1% versus 53.7% and 42.0% (P < 0.0001), 82.8% and 78.2% versus 67.2% and 57.8% (P < 0.0001), 84.8% and 80.8% versus 69.9% and 61.4% (P < 0.0001), and 88.9% and 86.9% versus 83.0% and 77.2% (P < 0.0001), respectively. In multivariate analysis, non-ssGSV graft was the only independent risk factor for the graft stenosis development (relative risk [RR]: 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-4.38, P < 0.0001), for graft occlusion (RR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.52-3.40, P < 0.0001), and for graft failure (stenosis or occlusion) (RR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.39-2.88, P < 0.0001). Revision rate of non-ssGSV conduits was higher than that of ssGSV grafts (18% vs. 12%, P = 0.007). High-risk patients (age of >80 years, coronary artery disease, estimated glomerular filtration rate of <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) who underwent bypass with arm vein or spliced vein had extremely poor outcome (1-year leg salvage rate and survival rate of 71.4% and 28.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION The ssGSV graft is superior to any other autologous vein graft in terms of midterm patency and leg salvage. It also needs less maintenance procedures than AAVGs. Non-ssGSV graft is independent predictor of both graft stenosis development and graft failure. Acceptable patency and leg salvage rates can also be achieved with AAVGs. However, patients with high operative risk and non-ssGSV graft bypass have poor outcome.