The role of directional atherectomy in critical-limb ischemia

Prakash Krishnan1, Arthur Tarricone2, Simon Chen3

  • 1The Zena and Michael A. Weiner Cardiovascular Institute and the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Cardiovascular Health Center, Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1030, New York, NY 10029, USA.

Insights

Directional atherectomy (DA) shows promise for treating lower extremity critical-limb ischemia. This review of eleven papers found promising limb salvage and patency rates, suggesting DA is a valuable tool.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Endovascular Therapy

Background:

  • Lower extremity critical-limb ischemia (CLI) poses a significant clinical challenge.
  • Effective treatment options for CLI are continuously being investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on the efficacy of directional atherectomy (DA) for treating CLI.
  • To synthesize data on key outcomes of DA interventions in CLI patients.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and PubMed Central.
  • Eleven relevant papers detailing clinical and procedural data of DA interventions were included.
  • Systematic reviews were excluded to focus on primary research.

Main Results:

  • Included studies reported primary patency rates from 56.3% to 95.0% and secondary patency rates from 76.4% to 100%.
  • Limb salvage rates varied between 69% and 100%, indicating significant potential for limb preservation.
  • The procedure demonstrated technical success across a wide range of lesion lengths, from 30 ± 33 mm to 142.4 ± 107.9 mm.

Conclusions:

  • Directional atherectomy (DA) appears to be a viable and effective therapeutic option for patients suffering from lower extremity critical-limb ischemia.
  • The procedure offers encouraging results in terms of patency and limb salvage, supporting its consideration in CLI management.
Abstract

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