Endovascular revascularization of challenging anatomical lesions: Revascularization in TASC-II C and D classes: A single-centre retrospective report

Abstract

Aim: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts quality of life and that can lead to limb amputation and thromboembolic events. Treatment options for PAD include endovascular and open surgical interventions, with the choice depending on the Trans-Atlantic inter-society consensus II (TASC II) classification. Recent evidence suggests that endovascular therapy may be feasible for complex PAD lesions, but further research is needed. Material and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 50 patients with TASC II class C and D lesions. The procedures were conducted using a state-of-the-art angiography system, and patients received appropriate antiplatelet therapy and heparin during the intervention. Data collection was performed following ethical considerations and standardization protocols. Results: This study involved 50 patients with peripheral arterial disease, characterized by an average age of 65.0 years and a prevalence of comorbidities such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and tobacco use. The majority of patients presented with claudication and had lesions primarily in the femoropopliteal region. The procedures performed, primarily using drug-coated balloons, resulted in high technical success rates and favorable outcomes at 30 days, with a slight decline in primary patency rates at 6 months. Some patients required readmission due to cardiac reasons, and a small portion necessitated open surgical revascularization. Conclusion: Our findings support the use of endovascular revascularization as a safe and effective option for patients with complex lesions. Further research is needed to address challenges related to dissection and optimize outcomes in this patient population. This study contributes to the growing understanding of treatment approaches for peripheral artery disease and highlights the potential benefits of endovascular therapy.