IN.PACT AV Access Randomized Trial of Drug-Coated Balloons for Dysfunctional Arteriovenous Fistulae: Clinical

Robert Lookstein1, Hiroaki Haruguchi2, Kotaro Suemitsu3

  • 1Department of Diagnostic, Molecular, and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.

Insights

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) significantly improved target lesion and access circuit patency in dialysis fistulas compared to standard angioplasty over 36 months. DCBs also reduced access circuit thrombosis, showing long-term benefits for hemodialysis access maintenance.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Arteriovenous fistulas are crucial for hemodialysis access.
  • Lesions in native upper extremity fistulas often require intervention.
  • Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) offer a potential improvement over standard angioplasty.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report 36-month outcomes of the IN.PACT AV Access study.
  • Compare drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty versus standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for fistula lesions.
  • Evaluate target lesion and access circuit patency, reinterventions, and adverse events.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective randomized trial with 330 participants.
  • Randomization to IN.PACT AV DCB (n=170) or standard PTA (n=160).
  • Assessment of target lesion primary patency (TLPP) and access circuit primary patency (ACPP) at 36 months.

Main Results:

  • 36-month TLPP: 43.1% for DCB vs. 28.6% for PTA (P < .001).
  • 36-month ACPP: 26.4% for DCB vs. 16.6% for PTA (P < .001).
  • Lower access circuit thrombosis in DCB group (8.2% vs. 18.3%, P = .040).

Conclusions:

  • DCBs demonstrate superior long-term patency compared to PTA for upper extremity fistula lesions.
  • DCB treatment significantly reduces access circuit thrombosis.
  • No significant difference in 3-year mortality between groups.
Abstract