Midterm results of atherectomy as an adjunct to endovascular intervention in a population with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Introduction: The use of atherectomy in peripheral vascular intervention remains controversial.

Aim: To review our experience with atherectomy as an adjunct to endovascular revascularization in a successive group of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Material and methods: Consecutive patients with CLTI treated in a high-volume vascular center between 12/01/2019 and 12/31/2021 were reviewed. Follow-up data were abstracted from office and hospital records. Endpoints were death, all amputation, major amputation and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary endpoints were relief of ischemic rest pain and healing of wounds.

Results: During the study period 405 patients (447 limbs) underwent an endovascular procedure. Mean age was 77 ±11.7 years. Of the 447 limbs treated, 123 (27.5%) were Rutherford 4, 284 (63.5%) Rutherford 5 and 40 (8.9%) Rutherford 6. 1190 lesions (2.66 ±1.02 lesion per limb) underwent treatment, with 56.3% located in the femoral-popliteal distribution and 681 (57.2%) being total occlusion. During follow-up to 24 months, there were 76 deaths (18.8%) and 18 major amputations (4%). Surgical bypass was performed in 2% of cases. Estimated two-year amputation and major amputation-free survival probability was 88.4% and 94.5%, respectively. Estimated two-year TLR-free probability was 55%.

Conclusions: Atherectomy facilitated treatment of patients with CLTI. These patients were elderly, with limited life expectancy and had multiple lesions per extremity with a high percentage of long occlusions and tibial disease. While TLR-free probability at 2 years was 55%, the overall amputation rate was low. This approach resulted in excellent limb salvage in a high-risk patient group with limited life expectancy and advanced disease.