Evaluation of novel balloon pulmonary angioplasty using intravascular ultrasound for total occlusion lesions and blood flow in the postprocedural phase after initially unsuccessful procedures.

Objectives: Outcomes of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with a rounded tip to cross a total occlusion lesion in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension without passing a conventional guidewire remain unclear. Even in initially unsuccessful cases of total occlusion lesions, improved blood flow may be observed in the postprocedural phase as a result of breaking the thrombosis cap surface. The aim of the study was to verify the initial success of BPA with a new technique using IVUS for total occlusion lesions and to evaluate peripheral blood flow in the postprocedural phase in initially unsuccessful cases.

Methods: Initial success rate and associated factors were evaluated in 50 total occlusion lesions by attempted IVUS passage using a new technique without a preceding guidewire from August 2016 to February 2024. Peripheral blood flow improvement in the postprocedural phase among initially unsuccessful cases was investigated via subsequent angiographic examination or during follow-up.

Results: The success rate was 54%, and the sole determinant of success was the angle of the lesion. Peripheral perfusion improved in 15 of 23 initially unsuccessful cases in the postprocedural phase. Even in the unsuccessful cases, significant improvement in peripheral perfusion occurred in the postprocedural phase in the patients undergoing dilatation with the balloon advanced partway into the total occlusion lesion to confirm intravascular location of the balloon (P = .0257).

Conclusions: BPA treatment of total occlusion lesions may improve perfusion in the postprocedural phase even following an initially unsuccessful treatment. Maximizing use of IVUS may provide an adjunctive role in BPA of total occlusion lesions.