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Purpose: To compare patency and reintervention outcomes after either plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) or drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCBA) for venous stenoses after percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) creation., Materials and Methods: One-hundred ninety-five pAVFs were successfully created during the study period, 141 using Ellipsys and 54 using Wavelinq. After pAVF creation, 95 patients (48.7%) required secondary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with either POBA (n = 55, 58%) or DCBA (n = 40, 42.1%). The most common site for PTA was the juxta-anastomotic segment (75.5%; 74/98). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to compare target lesion primary patency, access circuit primary patency, secondary patency, and reintervention rates in the POBA and DCBA cohorts., Results: Thirty-four of 55 (62%) patients in the POBA cohort and 14 of 40 (35%) patients in the DCBA cohort required reinterventions for pAVF restenosis. Mean number of follow-up days among patients treated with POBA was 1,030.4 (SD ± 342.9) and among those treated with DCBA was 744.4 (SD ± 403.5). The use of POBA compared with DCBA was not associated with target lesion and access circuit primary patency loss in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81; 95% CI, 0.93-3.51; P = .080; and HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.73-4.28; P = .210, respectively). However, time from fistula creation to the first PTA (days) was statistically significantly associated with both outcomes (HR, 0.997; 95% CI, 0.994-0.999; P = .009; and HR, 0.997; 95% CI, 0.992-0.999; P = .021, respectively). There were no major adverse events., Conclusions: In this retrospective single-center analysis of pAVFs, considerably more patients who underwent PTA with POBA after pAVF creation required reinterventions compared with PTA using DCBA, although the follow-up time of POBA was longer. In multivariate analysis, no differences were noted in the hazard of patency loss between POBA and DCBA., (Copyright © 2024 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) compared with those of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis via a review of systematic reviews (SRs) and an update of the current meta-analysis., Materials and Methods: Literature was searched to retrieve SRs comparing DCBs and PTA for AVFs. A narrative review of SRs and pooled analysis were performed., Results: Eleven SRs were included. DCBs demonstrated favorable outcomes at 6 and 12 months compared with PTA, with improved patency in 7 SRs and a trend toward favorable outcomes without statistical significance in 3 SRs. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) was reported in 3 SRs; 2 reviews reported a significantly lower incidence in the DCB group than in the PTA group, whereas 1 review reported no significant differences at 12 months. Four studies reporting all-cause mortality revealed no significant difference between the 2 treatments. In the updated meta-analysis including 23 studies, DCBs demonstrated improved primary patency at 6 months (risk ratio [RR], 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07-1.50) and 12 months (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.19-1.55) and were associated with a lower incidence of TLR at 6 months (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.73) and 12 months (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.99). There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups for 24 months., Conclusions: A review of SRs and meta-analysis update revealed the consistent benefits of DCBs over PTA in treating AVFs in terms of primary patency and TLR. Compared with PTA, DCBs do not increase mortality risk., (Copyright © 2024 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the safety, durability, and patency rates of stent grafts (SGs) placed in the cannulation zone of hemodialysis access circuits., Materials and Methods: From April 2020 to April 2023, all procedures with SGs placed in the cannulation zone were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 40 patients (25 men and 15 women) with SGs placed in the cannulation zone were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 70 years. The Covera covered stent (BD, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey) was used in all cases. Of these, 26 were arteriovenous (AV) fistulae and 14 were AV grafts. SGs were placed for residual stenosis, perforation, aneurysm, and thrombosis. Follow-up outcomes were determined using follow-up angiographic images and included primary patency, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency., Results: The primary patency of the target lesion was 89% (SD ± 5) and 74% (SD ± 8.4) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The primary-assisted patency was 89% (SD ± 5.2) and 78% (SD ± 7.6) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Secondary patency of the access circuit was 97% (SD ± 2.5) at both 6 and 12 months. Mean follow-up was 332 days (range, 28-661 days). All SGs were successfully cannulated for hemodialysis. No cases of stent fracture or stent infection were observed during follow-up., Conclusions: SGs placed for cannulation zone pathologies can be safely cannulated for dialysis and have adequate short- and mid-term patency rates., (Copyright © 2023 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the safety and effectiveness of a rotational mechanical atherothrombectomy device in patients with symptomatic iliac limb occlusion after abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)., Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent rotational mechanical thrombectomy using the Rotarex S device for symptomatic acute, subacute, or chronic graft limb thrombosis at 5 vascular centers between 2017 and 2021. This study comprised 23 male patients with a mean age of 74.5 years (SD ± 7.2) at the time of the procedure. The clinical presentation of the patients varied, with 1 patient experiencing acute limb ischemia and 11 patients (47.8%) experiencing disabling intermittent claudication. The remaining patients developed chronic limb-threatening ischemia after iliac limb occlusion. Early outcomes included technical success, postprocedural complications, and periprocedural mortality. Follow-up evaluations encompassed primary patency, patient survival, freedom from reintervention, and the need for surgical conversion., Results: Technical success was achieved in all cases, with no occurrences of distal embolization during or after the procedure, and no periprocedural deaths were reported. Endograft relining was performed in 82.6% of patients to establish a new, nonthrombogenic surface within the graft. Over a median follow-up period of 8 months (interquartile range, 3-16 months), 2 patients experienced iliac limb reocclusion. No deaths or other reinterventions occurred during the observational follow-up period., Conclusions: Rotational mechanical thrombectomy for iliac limb occlusion after EVAR appears to be both safe and effective. This technique may uncover intraluminal defects contributing to graft occlusion and enable their resolution within the same procedure., (Copyright © 2023 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess long-term patency rates of cephalic arch stent grafts in brachiocephalic fistulae and the importance of device position., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 152 patients with dysfunctional brachiocephalic fistulae and cephalic arch stenosis treated with stent grafts (Viabahn; W. L. Gore) at a single tertiary center between 2012 and 2021. The median age was 67.5 years (range, 25-91 years), and the median follow-up period was 637 days (range, 3-3,368 days). A grading system of protrusion was applied: (a) Grade 0, no protrusion; (b) Grade 1, perpendicular; and (c) Grade 2, in-line protrusion. Subsequent fistulograms were available in 133 (88%) of the 152 patients and were assessed for central vein stenosis within 10 mm of the stent graft. Clinical records were assessed for sequelae of stent graft protrusion. Stent graft primary and cumulative circuit patencies were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method., Results: Protrusion was documented in 106 (70%) stent grafts-56 Grade 1 and 50 Grade 2. Central vein stenosis was seen in 1 (2%) case of no protrusion (Grade 0) and 38 (40%) cases of protrusion (P < .0001). There was no significant difference in stenosis between Grade 1 and 2 protrusion (P = .15). No adverse clinical sequelae occurred in 147 (97%) patients. Eight patients had a new access subsequently formed in the same arm, and 3 of these 8 patients developed symptoms due to the previous stent graft protrusion (all Grade 2). The primary patency rates of the stent-grafts at 6 and 12 months were 73% and 50%, respectively. The cumulative access circuit patency rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 84%, 72%, and 54%, respectively., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that protrusion of a cephalic arch stent graft into the central vein is safe and only clinically relevant when a subsequent ipsilateral access is created., (Crown Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between anatomic factors and primary patency of brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) after stent graft (SG) placement for cephalic arch stenosis (CAS)., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed all cephalic arch SGs placed in brachiocephalic AVFs in a tertiary academic medical center between 2014 and 2017. Sixty-three patients were included in the study. The mean patient age at the time of SG placement was 62.6 years ± 19, and the mean patient follow-up was 1,994 days ± 353. A cohort of patients (n = 31) who underwent brachiocephalic fistulograms for CAS but only received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was the control group. Patient demographic characteristics, AVF anatomy, SG type, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. The duration of primary cephalic arch patency after SG placement was compared with that after previous PTA., Results: The median AVF age at the time of data retrieval was 345 days. The primary patency of CAS after SG placement at 6 months, 12 months, and 3 years was 64%, 49.9%, and 23.5%, respectively. Primary cephalic arch patency was significantly associated with the SG diameter (P = .007) but not with cephalic vein-axillary vein junction anatomy, size of feeding artery, or SG length (P > .05). The primary patency of CAS in patients treated with PTA only (n = 31) at 6 months, 12 months, and 3 years was 61%, 35%, and 0%, respectively, which was significantly lower than that in patients treated with SG placement (P = .01)., Conclusions: This study showed that the primary patency of CAS after SG placement was significantly higher than that of PTA-only treatment. Moreover, primary cephalic arch patency after SG placement was significantly associated with the SG diameter., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: To study the use of the self-expanding Covera covered stent for the treatment of stenotic lesions at the venous anastomosis of hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVGs)., Materials and Methods: A total of 110 patients with AVG venous anastomotic stenosis of ≥50% and access dysfunction were treated at 14 centers in the United States using percutaneous transluminal angioplasty followed by covered stent placement. The primary end points were 30-day safety and 6-month target lesion primary patency (TLPP). The secondary measures included access circuit primary patency, circuit cumulative patency, and the number of reinterventions through 24 months., Results: Freedom from a primary safety event at 30 days was 96.4% while the 6-month TLPP rate was 70.3%. Seventy-five patients completed 24-month follow-up (68.2%). The TLPP rates were 54.2% at 365 days and 36.9% at 730 days while the access circuit primary patency rates were 16.7% at 365 days and 7.8% at 730 days (Kaplan-Meier analysis). The access circuit cumulative patency rates were 85.4% at 12 months and 73.6% at 24 months. The number of reinterventions to maintain the patency of the access circuit was 3.6 ± 3.1 at 24 months (1.6 ± 1.9 at the target lesion)., Conclusions: Use of the Covera covered stent for hemodialysis graft-vein anastomotic stenosis provided a safe treatment option with a TLPP rate of 70.3% at 6 months and TLPP and cumulative access circuit patency rates of 36.9% and 73.6% at 2 years., (Copyright © 2022 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess whether angioplasty of hemodialysis access (HA) stenosis with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) would prevent restenosis in comparison with plain-balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)., Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial enrolled 120 patients with dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae (n = 109) and grafts (n = 11), due to a ≥50% stenosis between March 2014 and April 2018. All patients underwent high-pressure balloon angioplasty and were then randomized to either DCB (n = 60) or PTA (n = 60). Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and angiography was performed 6 months after angioplasty. The primary endpoint was the late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included other angiographic parameters at 6 months and HA failures, adverse event, and mortality at 12 months. Continuous variables were compared with a Student t-test, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for freedom from HA failure and for mortality., Results: LLL in the DCB and in the PTA group were 0.64 mm ± 1.20 and 1.13 mm ± 1.51, respectively (P = .082, adjusted P = .0498). DCB was associated with lower percentage stenosis (54.2% ± 19.3 vs 61.7% ± 18.2; P = .047) and binary restenosis ≥50% (56.5% vs 81.1%; P = .009) than PTA. The number of HA failures after 12 months was lower for DCB than for PTA (45% vs 66.7%; P = .017). Mortality at 12 months was 10% and 8.3% in the DCB and PTA groups, respectively (P = .75)., Conclusions: Despite LLL improvement that failed to reach statistical significance, this study demonstrated decreased incidence and severity of restenosis with DCB compared with PTA to treat dysfunctional HA., (Copyright © 2020 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the use of a sirolimus drug-coated balloon (DCB) in the management of a thrombosed arteriovenous graft (AVG)., Materials and Methods: A single-center prospective pilot study was conducted between October 2018 and October 2019. Twenty patients (age = 67.0 years ± 10; male = 35%; mean time on dialysis = 31 months) with thrombosed upper limb AVG were enrolled. After successful pharmacomechanical thrombectomy and adequate treatment of the graft vein junction, sirolimus DCB angioplasty was performed at the graft vein junction. The patients were followed-up for 6 months, and all adverse events occurring during the study period were recorded., Results: The primary circuit patency rates at 3 and 6 months were 76% and 65%, respectively, while the assisted-primary circuit patency rates at 3 and 6 months were 82% and 65%, respectively. The 3- and 6-month secondary circuit patency rates were 88% and 76%, respectively. Using Kaplan-Meier analyses, the estimated mean primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patencies were 285 days (95% confidence interval (CI) = 194-376 days), 319 days (95% CI = 221-416 days), and 409 days (95% CI = 333-485 days). No adverse event directly related to sirolimus DCB use was observed., Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that the application of sirolimus DCB at the graft vein junction after the successful thrombectomy of AVG may be a feasible option to improve patency outcomes., (Copyright © 2020 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the safety and clinical benefit of the Lutonix drug-coated balloon (DCB) catheter for the treatment of dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) and grafts (AVG) in a heterogenous real-world population., Materials and Methods: This multicenter, prospective study enrolled 320 subjects from 12 countries in 25 sites across Europe and Asia. A total of 392 lesions were treated with the Lutonix 035 DCB catheter. Lesions were de novo and restenotic, located in every part of the circuit from the cannulation zone to central venous outflow. In-stent restenotic lesions also were treated. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from serious adverse events involving the access circuit through 30 days. The primary effectiveness endpoint was target lesion primary patency (TLPP) through 6 months. Secondary endpoints included access circuit primary patency (ACPP) at 6 months and the investigation of factors that would independently influence the primary endpoints., Results: The primary safety endpoint was 95.5%, while TLPP was 73.9% at 6 months, per Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. ACPP was 71% at 6 months. TLPP for stenosis of AVFs was 78.1%. Subgroup analysis showed significantly improved TLPP when DCB was dilated for ≥120 seconds (P = .007). TLPP was significantly better when predilation occurred compared with cases where only DCB angioplasty was performed (77% vs 48.6%, P = .0005)., Conclusions: The Lutonix AV Global Registry confirms that the Lutonix DCB is a safe and effective treatment option in real-world patients with dysfunctional AVF or AVG. Procedural details had a significant role in TLPP. No significant difference in TLPP was observed among different treatment areas., (Copyright © 2020 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This brief report presents 12 patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to increase the retrograde blood flow from the palmar arch. All the patients had radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas with occluded feeding arteries. The technical success rate was 100%. Three patients (25.0%) underwent surgical repair for restenosis, 2 patients (16.6%) underwent surgical repair for other reasons, 5 patients (41.8%) underwent repeated PTAs for restenosis, and 2 patients (16.6%) had no further treatment. The target lesion primary patency rates at 6, 12, 36, and 60 months were 90.9%, 54.5%, 36.4%, and 18.2%, respectively., (Copyright © 2020 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To review the immediate flow response and incidence of steal syndrome after taper reduction of tapered dialysis grafts., Material and Methods: This was a retrospective review of a quality assurance database of all hemodialysis access interventions performed between 2005 and 2017. It identified 77 patients who underwent a taper reduction procedure, involving angioplasty of the arterial limb of the graft and the arterial anastomosis for graft thrombosis/poor flow. A subset of patients underwent 5-, 6-, or 7-mm balloon taper reduction angioplasty coupled with intravascular direct flow measurement (n = 15 with 16 dialysis grafts). A two-tailed Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-taper reduction flows. Mean duration of follow-up was 3.5 years (range, 0-12.5 years)., Results: Mean access survival after taper reduction was 20.2 months (range, 0.10-94.4 months). Pre- and post-taper reduction access flows (mean Qb ± standard deviation) were 574 ± 315 ml/min and 929 ± 352 ml/min, respectively (P < .0001). The mean ratio of post- to pre-taper reduction flows was 1.6 (range, 1.1-10.2). No patients developed steal syndrome within 6 months after taper reduction., Conclusions: Dialysis graft arterial anastomotic taper reduction did not result in the development of steal syndrome within 6 months. In the subset of patients who underwent flow measurements, taper reduction was associated with nearly a 2-fold improvement in access flow, which is a key predictor of access function., (Copyright © 2020 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare outcomes of transradial access for endovascular treatment of nonmaturing hemodialysis fistulae compared to brachial arteriography followed by unidirectional or bidirectional fistula access for intervention., Materials and Methods: In this institutional review board-approved, retrospective, case-control study, 56 consecutive patients with nonmaturing arteriovenous fistulae underwent percutaneous intervention between 2015 and 2018. The transradial group (n = 28) underwent radial artery access for diagnostic fistulography and intervention. The control group (n = 28) underwent retrograde brachial artery access for fistulography followed by unidirectional/bidirectional fistula access for intervention. Both groups had similar demographics, fistula characteristics, and stenosis locations., Results: Fewer punctures were required in the transradial group compared to controls (1.2 vs 2.4, P < .0001), and procedure time was shorter (64.9 vs 91.3 minutes, P = .0016). Anatomic, technical, and clinical success rates trended higher in the transradial group compared to controls (93% vs 86%, 96% vs 89%, and 82% vs 64%, respectively). Nonmaturation resulting in fistula abandonment was lower in the transradial group (3.7% vs 25%, P = .025). Primary unassisted patency at 3, 6, and 12 months was 77.1% ± 8.2%, 73.1% ± 8.7%, and 53.3% ± 10.6% in the transradial group, respectively, and 63.0% ± 9.3%, 55.6% ± 9.6%, and 48.1% ± 9.6% in the control group, respectively (P = .76). Primary assisted patency at 12 months was 92.3% ± 5.3% in the transradial group compared to 61.8% ± 9.6% at 12 months in the control group (P = .021). No major complications occurred. Minor complications were lower in the transradial group than in the control group (14% vs 39%, P = .068)., Conclusions: Treatment of nonmaturing fistulae via a transradial approach was safe, improved midterm patency, and was associated with lower rates of fistula abandonment., (Copyright © 2020 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Covera stent graft (SG) for the treatment of dysfunctional or thrombosed arteriovenous grafts (AVGs)., Materials and Methods: Within 29 months (February 2016-August 2018), 79 patients underwent Covera SG placement in the authors' department for the treatment of dysfunctional AVGs. Data were available for 64 patients who underwent 64 procedures, using 64 devices. Minimum follow-up was 6 months, unless reintervention occurred. Mean follow-up was 277 days (6-923 days). Treatment characteristics were 51 cases with venous-graft anastomosis (VGA) stenosis (79.7%), 13 cases of puncture zone stenosis (20.3%), 14 cases of in SG stenosis (21.9%), 8 cases of pseudoaneurysm treatment (12.5%) (1 treatment area might have had more than 1 characteristic). Thirty-six patients presented with thrombosis (56.2%), and 31 of 64 case were de novo treatment areas (48.4%). Primary outcome measurements were technical success and post-intervention primary patency (PIPP) at 6 months, whereas secondary outcome measurements included factors influencing primary outcome., Results: Technical success was 100%. Median PIPP was 336 days, and 73.6% of treatment areas were patent at 6 months. There were no significant differences in terms of PIPP when de novo treatment areas were compared with restenotic areas (519 vs. 320 days, respectively; P = .1); patients who presented with versus those who presented without thrombosis (320 vs. 583 days, respectively; P = .07); puncture zone stenosis or elsewhere (329 vs. 686 days, respectively; P = .52); and VGA stenosis or elsewhere (336 vs. 335 days, respectively; P = .9)., Conclusions: Use of the Covera SG for AVG treatment was safe and effective in every type of treatment area presented in this retrospective analysis., (Copyright © 2019 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) during angioplasty of dysfunctional arteriovenous access., Materials and Methods: Eighty study participants with dysfunctional arteriovenous access were enrolled in this prospective, randomized clinical trial between November 2016 and February 2018. Eighty patients were randomized to either the ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BPB group (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 65.1 ± 12.4; male:female = 17:23) or the no regional anesthesia group (mean age ± SD, 64.0 ± 11.7; male:female = 25:15). Pain was assessed on the 10-point Visual Analogue Scale. Participant satisfaction was examined. Six-month clinical follow-up was done to evaluate arteriovenous access patency and long-term complications., Results: The BPB group showed a lower average pain score than the control group (mean ± SD, 0.9 ± 1.9 vs 6.4 ± 2.5; P < .001). Participant satisfaction (mean ± SD, 2.8 ± 0.5 vs 2.1±0.8; P < .001) was also higher in the BPB group. Six-month patency was 65% (26/40) in the BPB group and 59% (23/39) in the control group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .59). No major immediate or delayed complications were observed., Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided BPB is highly effective in reducing pain during angioplasty of dysfunctional arteriovenous access with an acceptable safety profile., (Copyright © 2019 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare outcomes after conversion of arteriovenous (AV) access to Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft vs stent deployment in patients with arm swelling owing to ipsilateral central vein stenosis., Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective study comprised 48 patients (19 men, mean age 58 y) with arm swelling ipsilateral to AV access and central vein stenosis over a 13-year period who had clinical follow-up and without prior central stents. Twenty-one patients underwent placement of a HeRO graft with anastomosis of the HeRO graft to the existing graft or fistula, and 27 patients underwent central venous stent deployment. Symptomatic improvement in arm swelling and access patency rates after intervention were ascertained from medical records., Results: Improvement in swelling within 1 month after HeRO conversion and stent deployment was found in 95% and 89%, respectively (P = .62). Swelling eventually recurred in 16 patients (59%) treated with stents compared with 1 patient (5%) who underwent HeRO conversion (P < .001). Primary access patency was statistically significantly longer after HeRO conversions than stent deployments, with 6- and 12-month primary patency rates of 89% and 72% vs 47% and 11% (P < .001). HeRO conversions also resulted in longer 6- and 12-month secondary access patency rates (95% and 95% vs 79% and 58%, P = .006). Mean number of interventions per 1,000 access days to maintain secondary patency was 2.7 for the HeRO group vs 6.3 for the stent group., Conclusions: Although stent deployment and HeRO graft conversion are effective for alleviating arm swelling in the short term in patients receiving hemodialysis with clinically significant arm swelling and functioning AV access, the HeRO graft has more durable results., (Copyright © 2019 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To present final, 2-year results of a randomized trial comparing paclitaxel-coated vs uncoated balloon angioplasty following vessel preparation with ultra-high-pressure percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs)., Materials and Methods: Twenty-three sites enrolled 285 subjects with dysfunctional AVFs located in the arm. Before 1:1 randomization, successful vessel preparation was achieved (full waist effacement, < 30% residual stenosis). Follow-up was clinically driven except for a 6-month office visit., Results: Ninety-six of 141 subjects in the drug-coated balloon (DCB) arm and 111 of 144 in the control arm completed the study. Target lesion primary patency (TLPP) rates for the DCB and control groups were 58% ± 4 vs 46% ± 4 (P = .02) at 9 months, 44% ± 5 vs 36% ± 4 (P = .04) at 12 months, 34% ± 5 vs 28% ± 4 (P = .06) at 18 months, and 27% ± 4 vs 24% ± 4 (P = .09) at 24 months, respectively. Mean time to TLPP event for subjects with an event was longer for DCBs (322 vs 207 d; P < .0001). Fewer interventions were needed to maintain target lesion patency in the DCB group at 9 months (P = .02) but not at 12 (P = .08), 18 (P = .13), or 24 months (P = .19). The noninferiority safety target was met at all intervals (P < .01). Mortality did not differ between groups (P = .27). Post hoc analyses showed equivalent DCB effect in all subgroups., Conclusions: Two-year results demonstrate long-term safety and variable efficacy of DCB angioplasty in AVFs., (Copyright © 2019 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To report results of percutaneous costoclavicular bypass for symptomatic thoracic outlet or cephalic arch occlusion in patients with arteriovenous fistula., Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of percutaneous costoclavicular bypass patients between 2014 and 2018 was performed. Stent grafts were placed subcutaneously over the clavicle from the fistula outflow (axillary or cephalic vein) into a jugular vein or collateral. The procedures were performed in patients who had exhausted or were not candidates for balloon dilation or intravascular stent placement., Results: Technical success was 100% (9/9) with resolution of symptoms in all patients. Indications were arm swelling in 67% (6/9), fistula dysfunction in 22% (2/7), and 1 enlarging aneurysm. The fistula outflow was cephalic in 67% (6/9) and axillary in 33% (3/9). The return vessel was external jugular in 78% (7/9) and internal jugular in 22% (2/9). Two overlapping Viabahn stent grafts were used in 88% of cases (7/8) and 3 stent grafts in 1 case. In the initial case, 2 Gore hybrid grafts were used. Stent graft diameter ranged from 9 mm to 13 mm. Mean follow-up was 852 ± 339 days (range, 488-1483 days). At 12 months and 24 months, primary patency was 67% and 67%, and secondary patency was 89% and 78%, respectively. Complications included late thrombosis and secondary infection. There were no anastomotic leaks or seromas associated with extravascular stent grafts., Conclusions: The percutaneous costoclavicular bypass is a feasible option for thoracic outlet and cephalic arch occlusion in symptomatic dialysis patients., (Copyright © 2019 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To develop a clinically relevant model of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of venous stenosis in mice with arteriovenous fistula (AVF); to test the hypothesis that there is increased wall shear stress (WSS) after PTA; and to histologically characterize the vessels., Materials and Methods: Thirteen C57BL/6J male mice, 6-8 weeks old, underwent partial nephrectomy to create chronic kidney disease. Twenty-eight days later, an AVF was created from the right external jugular vein to the left carotid artery. Fourteen days later, an angioplasty or sham procedure was performed, and the mice were sacrificed 14 days later for histologic evaluation to identify the cells contributing to the vascular remodeling (α-SMA, FSP-1, CD31, and CD68), proliferation (Ki-67), cell death (TUNEL), and hypoxia staining (HIF-1α). Histomorphometric analysis was performed to assess lumen area, neointima+media area, and cellular density. Ultrasound was performed weekly after creation of the AVF., Results: Venous stenosis occurred 14 days after the creation of an AVF. PTA-treated vessels had significantly higher WSS; average peak systolic velocity, with increased lumen vessel area; and decreased neointima + media area compared to sham controls. There was a significant decrease in the staining of smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, HIF-1α, proliferation, and apoptosis and an increase in CD31-(+) cells., Conclusions: A clinically relevant model of PTA of venous stenosis in mice was created. PTA-treated vessels had increased lumen vessel area and WSS. The alterations in tissue markers of vascular remodeling, tissue hypoxia, proliferation, and cell death may be implications for future design of drug and device development., (Copyright © 2018 SIR. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the changing use of transcatheter hemodialysis conduit procedures., Methods: Multiple Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services datasets were used to assess hemodialysis conduit angiography. Use was normalized per 100,000 beneficiaries and stratified by specialty and site of service., Results: From 2001 to 2015, hemodialysis angiography use increased from 385 to 1,045 per 100,000 beneficiaries (compound annual growth rate [CAGR], +7.4%)]. Thrombectomy use increased from 114 to 168 (CAGR, +2.8%). Angiography and thrombectomy changed, by specialty, +1.5% and -1.3% for radiologists, +18.4% and +14.4% for surgeons, and +24.0% and +17.7% for nephrologists, respectively. By site, angiography and thrombectomy changed +29.1% and +20.7% for office settings and +0.8% and -2.4% for hospital settings, respectively. Radiologists' angiography and thrombectomy market shares decreased from 81.5% to 37.0% and from 84.2% to 47.3%, respectively. Angiography use showed the greatest growth for nephrologists in the office (from 5 to 265) and the greatest decline for radiologists in the hospital (299 to 205). Across states in 2015, there was marked variation in the use of angiography (0 [Wyoming] to 1173 [Georgia]) and thrombectomy (0 [6 states] to 275 [Rhode Island]). Radiologists' angiography and thrombectomy market shares decreased in 48 and 31 states, respectively, in some instances dramatically (eg, angiography in Nevada from 100.0% to 6.7%)., Conclusions: Dialysis conduit angiography use has grown substantially, more so than thrombectomy. This growth has been accompanied by a drastic market shift from radiologists in hospitals to nephrologists and surgeons in offices. Despite wide geographic variability nationally, radiologist market share has declined in most states., (Copyright © 2019 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: A retrospective longitudinal analysis was performed to evaluate the outcome of consecutive treatments with drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in dysfunctional arteriovenous (AV) dialysis access (fistulae and grafts)., Materials and Methods: From January 2015 to December 2017, 339 DCBs were used in 257 procedures in 165 patients with dysfunctional accesses. Of these, 38 patients had ≥ 2 procedures and were included in the analysis. A total of 112 procedures were performed with 133 devices (22 patients treated twice, 4 treated 3 times, 7 treated 4 times, 2 treated 5 times, and 3 treated 6 times). Mean balloon diameter was 8.13 mm (min-max range, 3-12 mm) and length was 63.16 mm (min-max range, 40-150 mm). Primary outcome measures were safety and effectiveness based on the noninferiority hypothesis that the second treatment would be as effective as the first regarding postintervention primary patency (PIPP). Secondary outcome measures included independent factors that may influence outcomes., Results: Mean lesion follow-up was 617 d (range, 175-1,100 d). Median PIPP durations were 216.5 d for the first intervention and 280 d for the second (P = .37; hazard ratio, 1.271; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-2.16). There was a significant difference in PIPP in favor of the second intervention when patients with only 2 interventions (22 of 38; 57.9%) were included (first intervention, 269 d; second intervention, 520 d; P = .03; hazard ratio, 2.354; 95% confidence interval, 1.087-5.098)., Conclusions: There was no significant difference in PIPP between the first and second DCB procedures. Results suggest consistency in PIPP with the use of DCBs regardless of aging AV access., (Copyright © 2018 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: A prospective, single-center, single-arm feasibility study evaluated procedural and short-term performance of the Advance Enforcer 35 focal-force percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon catheter in treating stenoses of mature native arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis access circuits., Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients undergoing treatment for stenosis of a mature native AV hemodialysis access circuit were enrolled at a single institution. Angiographic assessments of the study lesion were required at baseline and after the procedure. Adjunctive procedures for significant residual stenosis were permitted, and patients had clinical and imaging follow-up for as long as 6 months., Results: Treatment with the study balloon was effective in reducing the average percent diameter stenosis of the treated lesion from 66.3% (range, 43.8%-93.3%) before the procedure to 23.7% (range, -6.7% to 51.4%) after the procedure. The average inflation pressure required was 12.3 atm. Only 1 patient required an adjunctive procedure, and all patients could resume normal dialysis following the study procedure. At 3 months, 62.0% of study lesions remained patent, and the 6-month patency rate was 25.1%. Two adverse events associated with the study procedure were reported: access-site hematoma and forearm pain (3.6% each)., Conclusions: The results demonstrate safety of the study balloon in treating AV access stenosis. Nominal-diameter angioplasty was achieved at relatively low pressure in most study patients without the use of adjunctive procedures, and resumption of normal dialysis was achieved for all patients., (Copyright © 2018 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To establish the capability of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging for the detection of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity as a biomarker of vascular remodeling (VR) in arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) in vivo., Materials and Methods: AVFs were created in the right groins of Wistar rats (n = 10), and sham procedures were performed in the contralateral groins. Fistulography via a left common carotid artery approach confirmed stenosis (> 50%) in a subset of animals (n = 5) 4 weeks after AVF creation. After administration of MMP-2-activated NIRF probe, near-infrared imaging was performed in vivo and ex vivo of both the AVF and the sham-treated vessels to measure radiant efficiency of MMP-2-activated NIRF signal over background. Histologic analyses of AVF and sham-treated vessels were performed to measure VR defined as inward growth of the vessel caused by intimal thickening., Results: AVFs demonstrated a significantly higher percentage increase in radiant efficiency over background compared with sham vessels (45.5 ± 56% vs 16.1 ± 17.8%; P = .008). VR in AVFs was associated with increased thickness of neointima staining positively for MMP-2 (161.8 ± 45.5 μm vs 73.2 ± 36.7 μm; P = .01). A significant correlation was observed between MMP-2 activity as measured by relative increase in radiant efficiency for AVFs and thickness of neointima staining positively for MMP-2 (P = .039)., Conclusions: NIRF imaging can detect increased MMP activity in remodeled AVFs compared with contralateral sham vessels. MMP-2-activated NIRF signal correlates with the severity of intimal thickening. These findings suggest NIRF imaging of MMP-2 may be used as a biomarker of the vascular remodeling underlying stenosis., (Copyright © 2018 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To prospectively analyze technical and clinical outcome of percutaneous thrombectomy aspiration using a vacuum-assisted thrombectomy catheter in acutely thrombosed dialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and/or arteriovenous graft (AVG)., Materials and Methods: From June 2016 to April 2017, 35 patients (average age, 61.8 y; range, 33-81 y) presenting with acute thrombosis of dialysis AVF and/or AVG were prospectively evaluated for mechanical thrombectomy using the Indigo System. Adjunctive therapies and procedure-related complications were noted. Technical success, clinical success, primary patency, primary assisted patency, and secondary patency of the dialysis fistula were assessed., Results: Mean follow-up time was 8.5 months (range, 3-12 months). Technical success was 97.1% (34/35 patients). Clinical success was 91.4% (32/35 patients). Complications included hematoma (n = 1), thrombosis < 24 hours (n = 1), and perforation (n = 1). Other mechanical/aspiration thrombectomy devices were used in 1 site to clear the thrombus burden (Arrow-Trerotola [2.8%; 1/35 patients] and Fogarty [5.7%; 2/35 patients]). Average procedure time was 38.1 minutes (range, 15-140 min). Average blood loss during the procedure was 122.5 mL (range, 50-300 mL). The 6-month primary patency, primary assisted patency, and secondary patency were 71%, 80%, and 88.5%. No risk factors for early dialysis fistula occlusion were identified. There was no 30-day mortality., Conclusions: Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy aspiration of thrombosed dialysis AVF and/or AVG with a vacuum-assisted thrombectomy catheter is a safe procedure with a low complication rate and effective method for restoring patency before hemodialysis., (Copyright © 2018 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate feasibility and efficacy of transanastomotic self-expandable polytetrafluoroethylene stent graft placement for salvage of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (RCAVFs)., Materials and Methods: From 2008 to 2016, 26 patients (21 male; age, 38-80 y) with dysfunctional RCAVFs for juxtaanastomotic lesions that were unresponsive to angioplasty underwent transanastomotic stent graft placement. Stenotic and thrombotic lesions were included. All were deemed unsuitable for surgical revision. Patency rates were calculated per Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox analysis was used to identify influencing factors., Results: Thirty-two stent grafts (6 patients had 2 stents) were deployed. Anatomic and clinical success were achieved in all patients; no major complications occurred. Mechanical and/or pharmacologic thrombolysis was performed in 6 cases before stent graft deployment. During follow-up (median, 34.7 mo; range, 1.9-102.7 mo), 17 repeat interventions were required in 10 patients (43 procedures overall), for an endovascular intervention rate of 0.27 per year. At 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, primary patency (PP) rates were 96% ± 4 (95% CI, 75%-99%), 83% ± 7 (95% CI, 61%-93%), 78% ± 8 (95% CI, 55%-90%), and 69% ± 10 (95% CI, 46%-84%). The corresponding assisted PP rates were 96% ± 4 (95% CI, 76%-99%), 96% ± 4 (95% CI, 76%-99%), 92% ± 5 (95% CI, 71%-98%), and 82% ± 8 (95% CI, 60%-93%). Five AVFs were ultimately abandoned. Per Cox analysis, arterial diameter ≥ 4 mm was associated with better PP (P = .032)., Conclusions: Transanastomotic stent graft placement for RCAVF salvage is feasible and safe, providing patency rates comparable with historical endovascular and surgical data. Its role should be evaluated in larger studies., (Copyright © 2018 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To establish a rate of nonintervention in patients referred for hemodialysis access fistulography and to report clinical and fistulographic variables associated with nonintervention., Materials and Methods: Encounters for fistulography were reviewed from 2001 to 2016 to determine annual rates of nontreatment over 15 years. Next, an access database was used to retrospectively identify patients undergoing fistulography from 2010 to 2016. Patients who underwent fistulography without intervention (angioplasty or stent placement) served as the nontreatment group (NTG; n = 76). Patients who underwent fistulography with intervention served as the control group (CG; n = 77). Patients with thrombosed accesses were excluded. Clinical indications for intervention and physical examination findings were correlated with fistulography. Need for subsequent percutaneous intervention was recorded., Results: Annual nontreatment rates ranged from 3% to 14% (median, 10%). Preprocedure thrill was encountered in 45 patients in the NTG (59%) vs 6 in the CG (7.8%; P < .01). Aneurysm as indication for fistulography was more common in the NTG than the CG (19 [25%] vs 4 [5%]; P < .01). The NTG had a higher proportion of aneurysms noted on fistulography as well (38 [50%] vs 19 [25%]; P < .01). The CG had a higher proportion of patients needing subsequent percutaneous intervention vs the NTG (73 [96%] vs 38 [50%]; P < .001)., Conclusions: A suggested nonintervention rate for hemodialysis access fistulography is 10%. Patients in the NTG were more likely to have a thrill on physical examination or to present with aneurysms as the clinical indicator. NTG patients were less likely to require subsequent percutaneous intervention., (Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine the frequency of new-onset symptoms of central venous stenosis (CVS) after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of a hemodialysis access-related stenosis in patients with previously asymptomatic CVS and to identify risk factors for this phenomenon., Materials and Methods: Retrospective review was performed of patients treated with PTA for an access-related stenosis (excluding central vein interventions) between 2001 and 2016 who returned within 3 months with symptoms of CVS (ie, "unmasking"): 39 patients met these criteria. A control group of 122 patients who had untreated asymptomatic CVS and did not experience unmasking was selected. Fistulograms were graded for degree of CVS. A total of 51% of the unmasked group was male, with an average age of 65 years; 57% of the control group was male, with an average age of 63 years., Results: The incidence of unmasking among patients with untreated asymptomatic CVS was 4.9%. A total of 90% of the unmasked group (35 of 39) had upper-arm access, compared with 77% of the control group (94 of 122; P = .017). A total of 28% of unmasked-group patients (11 of 39) underwent thrombectomy, vs 4% of controls (5 of 122; P < .0001). A total of 54% of unmasked-group patients (21 of 39) had significant brachiocephalic vein stenosis, vs 26% of controls (32 of 122; P = .001). A total of 8% of unmasked-group patients (3 of 39) had superior vena cava stenosis, vs none of the 122 controls (P = .01). A total of 64% of unmasked-group patients (25 of 39) had extensive collateral vessels, vs 24% of controls (29 of 122; P < .0001)., Conclusions: The incidence of unmasking of asymptomatic CVS is low. Prophylactic treatment of asymptomatic CVS therefore remains generally inadvisable. However, patients undergoing declotting with extensive collateral vessels might warrant treatment of asymptomatic CVS., (Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and outcome of transjugular access for endovascular treatment of immature arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs)., Materials and Methods: Between August 2013 and January 2016, 90 patients (mean age, 64.5 y ± 12.8) underwent endovascular treatment of immature AVFs via transjugular access. The mean age of fistulae was 3.3 months ± 1.8. Total procedure time and technical and clinical success rates of endovascular procedures were assessed. Primary and secondary patency rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and complications were assessed., Results: All patients had inflow lesions, among which 19 (21.1%) had occlusions. The juxtaanastomotic segment was the most common site (44.3%). Transjugular access was successful in 83 patients (92.2%), and 7 required additional standard or transarterial access. The mean procedure time was 36.5 minutes. Technical and clinical success rates were 98.9% and 90.5%, respectively. Mean primary and secondary patency durations were 14.3 months ± 1.7 and 31.0 months ± 0.7, respectively. Primary patency rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 84.4%, 67.3%, and 48.8%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 6 and 18 months were 98.6% and 95.5%, respectively. Venous rupture occurred as a result of balloon inflation in 9 patients (10%), and was managed by balloon tamponade. There were no complications related to transjugular access during a mean follow-up period of 12.6 months., Conclusions: Transjugular access for angioplasty of immature AVFs is feasible and safe. Potential problems associated with access in the outflow vein could be avoided by transjugular access., (Copyright © 2016 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene stent graft versus balloon angioplasty for the treatment of in-stent restenosis in the venous outflow of hemodialysis access grafts and fistulae., Materials and Methods: Two hundred seventy-five patients were randomized at 23 US sites to stent-graft placement or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Primary study endpoints were access circuit primary patency (ACPP) at 6 months and safety through 30 days; secondary endpoints were evaluated through 24 months., Results: ACPP at 6 months was significantly higher in the stent-graft group (18.6%) versus the PTA group (4.5%; P < .001), and freedom from safety events (30 days) was comparable (stent graft, 96.9%; PTA, 96.4%; P = .003 for noninferiority). The separation in ACPP survival curves remained through 12 months (stent graft, 6.2%; PTA, 1.5%). Treatment area primary patency (TAPP) was superior for the stent-graft group (66.4%) versus the PTA group (12.3%) at 6 months (P < .001), with a survivorship difference in favor of stent-graft placement maintained through 24 months (stent graft, 15.6%; PTA, 2.2%). ACPP and TAPP for the stent-graft group were better than those for the PTA group when compared within central and peripheral vein subgroups (P < .001). In central veins, TAPP was 13.6% in the stent-graft group versus 4.3% in the PTA group at 24 months (P < .001)., Conclusions: Stent-graft use provided better ACPP and TAPP than PTA when treating in-stent restenosis in patients receiving dialysis with arteriovenous grafts and fistulae., (Copyright © 2016 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To present final, 2-year data from randomized comparison of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene stent graft (SG) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for treatment of arteriovenous graft (AVG) anastomotic stenoses., Materials and Methods: A 28-site, prospective, controlled US study enrolled 270 patients with malfunctioning AVG anastomotic stenoses of ≥ 50%; 138 patients underwent SG placement, and 132 underwent PTA alone. Follow-up imaging and intervention were event-driven., Results: The study was completed by 191 patients (97 SG, 94 PTA). Five patients were lost to follow-up or withdrew; 74 patients died during the study (38 SG, 36 PTA). At 12 months, treatment area primary patency (TAPP) was SG 47.6% versus PTA 24.8% (P < .001), access circuit primary patency (ACPP) was SG 24% versus PTA 11% (P = .007), and index of patency function (IPF) was SG 5.2 months/intervention ± 4.1 versus PTA 4.4 months/intervention ± 3.5 (P = .009). At 24 months, TAPP was SG 26.9% versus PTA 13.5% (P < .001), ACPP was SG 9.5% versus PTA 5.5% (P = .01), and IPF was SG 7.1 months/intervention ± 7.0 versus PTA 5.3 months/intervention ± 5.2; estimated number of reinterventions before graft abandonment was 3.4 for SG patients versus 4.3 for PTA patients. There were no significant differences in adverse events (P > .05) except for restenosis requiring reintervention rates of 82.6% in PTA patients versus 63.0% in SG patients (P < .001)., Conclusions: At 2 years, SG use provided a sustained, greater than 2-fold advantage over PTA in treatment area and overall access patency. Time to subsequent intervention was longer in the SG group., (Copyright © 2016 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rotational atherectomy with the use of the JetStream XC device is indicated for treatment of infrainguinal arterial obstructive disease. The number of blades-up (BU) runs needed for optimal tissue debulking in femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) is unknown. In the present series, 6 patients (15 lesions) were treated for femoropopliteal ISR with the JetStream XC device. Minimal luminal diameter or percent stenosis improved significantly from baseline after 2 BU runs, but no further gain was seen between 2 and 4 BU runs (P > .05). However, adjunctive balloon angioplasty reduced percent stenosis significantly following BU runs. In conclusion, the JetStream XC device achieved optimal acute angiographic results in treating femoropopliteal ISR following 2 BU runs and adjunctive balloon angioplasty., (Copyright © 2015 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine postintervention patency rates after endovascular interventions on intragraft stenosis within failing prosthetic arteriovenous (AV) grafts, as well as predictors of patency., Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of percutaneous interventions on prosthetic AV grafts presenting with first-time intragraft stenoses over a 7-year period revealed 183 patients (81 male; mean age, 59.7 y). "Intragraft" was defined as 2 cm or more from the arterial or venous anastomosis. Procedural imaging was retrospectively reviewed. Patency rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier test. Predictors of patency were calculated by Cox proportional-hazards model., Results: Two-hundred twenty-nine intragraft stenoses were identified in 183 grafts. Intragraft stenoses were treated at a median of 20.7 months (interquartile range, 12.0-33.9 mo) after graft creation. Graft thrombosis was present in 62%. The anatomic success rate of angioplasty was 85%. Fifteen percent required stent or stent-graft deployment because of inadequate response to angioplasty. A concurrent nonintragraft stenosis within the access circuit was identified in 76% of grafts. At 3, 6, and 12 months, postintervention primary patency rates were 56%, 40%, and 23%, respectively. Secondary patency rates were 84%, 77%, and 67%, respectively. The lesion-specific patency rates were 89, 75%, and 63%, respectively. Graft thrombosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.43; P = .048) and concurrent nonintragraft lesion (HR, 1.51; P = .047) were independent negative predictors of primary patency. Graft thrombosis (HR, 1.81; P = .029) was a negative predictor of lesion patency, and stent or stent-graft deployment (HR, 0.42; P = .045) was a positive predictor of lesion patency., Conclusions: Endovascular interventions on intragraft stenoses resulted in primary, secondary, and lesion-specific patency rates of 40%, 77%, and 75%, respectively, at 6 months. Stent or stent-graft deployment may prolong lesion patency., (Copyright © 2015 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the value of collateral vein embolization (CVE) as a salvage treatment for nonmaturing native arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) in patients requiring hemodialysis., Materials and Methods: A total of 49 patients undergoing CVE (N = 65) for immature native AVFs at a single institution were reviewed. The study included 42 patients treated by 56 embolizations. Average fistula age at time of intervention was 18.2 weeks. Each patient underwent angiographic evaluation for fistula immaturity, with clinical success defined by initiation of single-session hemodialysis through the native fistula., Results: Fistula maturity was achieved in 32 of 42 patients (76.2%). No major complications occurred. Average time from CVE to fistula maturity was 38.4 days. Angioplasty done with CVE was found in a statistically higher percentage of patients with fistula success versus failure (31.3% vs 8.3%; P = .039). Radiocephalic fistulae were seen in a higher percentage of fistula failures compared with successes, but the results were not statistically significant (83.3% vs 59.4%; P = .054). Thirty-four patients underwent CVE without angioplasty, which resulted in successful fistula maturation in 22 cases (64.7%). Radiocephalic fistulae were again seen in a higher percentage of fistula failures compared with successes, but the findings did not meet statistical significance (81.8% vs 54.5%; P = .052)., Conclusions: Coil embolization of competing collateral vessels as a salvage treatment for nonfunctioning autologous AVFs is a viable treatment option in the majority of patients. Patients with radiocephalic fistulae may be at higher risk for primary fistula failure, but the present data are inconclusive., (Copyright © 2014 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To report on the long-term outcomes of endovascular exclusion of visceral and renal artery aneurysms with the use of stent-grafts., Materials and Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients (mean age, 59 y ± 16 [standard deviation]) with a total of 19 visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs; hepatic, n = 6; celiac, n = 4; renal, n = 4; splenic, n = 3; and superior mesenteric, n = 2) were electively (n = 9) or emergently (n = 10) treated with a variety of stent-grafts. The etiology of aneurysms was variable: postoperative (n = 9), infectious (n = 3), idiopathic (n = 4), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (n = 2), and α1-antitrypsin deficiency (n = 1). The patients were followed up with clinical examinations and computed tomographic (CT) angiography., Results: No patient was lost to follow-up. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11% (n = 2). Three patients died of cancer after successful VAA treatment. At the last follow-up, the remaining 14 patients were alive and well. Three patients refused follow-up CT angiography. CT angiography demonstrated stent-graft patency at a mean follow-up of 28 months (range, 2-100 mo) in nine of 11 remaining patients (82%) and thrombosis in two patients (one with a splenic and one with a renal artery stent-graft). These events were asymptomatic. All aneurysms decreased in size. Late repeat intervention was performed to treat a celiac restenosis in a patient with a hepatic stent-graft., Conclusions: Irrespective of their etiology and acuteness, VAAs can be treated with stent-grafts, with an excellent clinical long-term outcome and a high patency rate., (Copyright © 2013 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study is a retrospective evaluation of an alternative technique for angioplasty of thrombosed loop hemodialysis grafts through a single vascular access. This technique can provide balloon angioplasty to the puncture site without any additional vascular accesses by using a T-shaped balloon catheter and can simplify thrombectomy procedures., (Copyright © 2013 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present work describes the preliminary results of a new method of minimally invasive thrombectomy in the treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with dilated aneurysm. Data from 25 patients who were treated with this minimal venotomy technique were retrospectively reviewed. The minimal venotomy was made on the dilated fistula, and thrombectomy was performed with forceps and Fogarty catheters through the venotomy site. Technical and clinical success was achieved in all 25 patients. There were two major and two minor complications (8% each). The two major complications consisted of bleeding at the venotomy site after early suture removal., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: To determine outcomes in children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction who underwent percutaneous intervention for anastomotic stenosis after meso-Rex bypass., Materials and Methods: Eighty-six patients who underwent meso-Rex bypass between 1997 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed, and 15 who underwent transhepatic portal venography for graft stenosis were identified. Technical success and clinical outcomes were analyzed., Results: Nine of 15 patients (60%) with anastomotic stenosis were successfully treated by endovascular techniques and remain symptom-free with patent shunts, three (20%) underwent technically successful interventions but currently have recurrent stenosis, and three (20%) underwent failed attempts at percutaneous intervention. All three in whom percutaneous intervention failed required surgical revision, including two with near-occlusive lesions that prevented traversal of the stenosis and one who developed postprocedure shunt thrombosis. In total, patients underwent 27 endovascular procedures, including 17 balloon venoplasties, four cutting balloon venoplasties, five stent placements, and one balloon venoplasty with thrombolysis. The mean pressure gradient across the stenosis decreased from 11 mm Hg ± 3 to 5 mm Hg ± 3 (P < .001) after technically successful intervention. Platelet count improved (from 97,000/μL ± 41,000 to 165,000 ± 67,000/μL; P = .002) and ammonia levels decreased (from 40 μmol/L ± 11 to 24 μmol/L ± 13; P = .05) after intervention. Patients were followed for a median duration of 39 months after the last intervention., Conclusions: Percutaneous interventions allow for long-term vein graft patency and clinical resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients with anastomotic stenosis after meso-Rex bypass., (Copyright © 2012 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This registry was designed to evaluate the Bridge Extra Support renal stent system (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, California) in the treatment of renal artery ostial lesions following suboptimal percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA)., Materials and Methods: This consecutive, nonrandomized, prospective, multicenter registry enrolled 188 patients between April 1999 and May 2002 with single de novo or restenotic renal artery ostial lesions (>or=70% stenosis) who underwent implantation of a balloon-expandable stent immediately following unsuccessful PTRA. Primary safety endpoints were major adverse clinical events (MACE) at 30 days and 9-12 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was absence of binary restenosis at 9-12 months with duplex ultrasonography (US). Secondary endpoints were acute success and quality-of-life (QOL) improvements (blood pressure, antihypertensive medications, renal function). The long-term effect of renal artery stenting on blood pressure and renal function was assessed to 36 months., Results: The acute procedure and clinical success rates were 92.9%. At 30 days, the MACE rate was 3.2%, with no instances of target lesion revascularization (TLR). At 9-12 months, the MACE rate was 16.5%, with five (2.7%) deaths and 14 (7.4%) instances of TLR. The rate of restenosis at 9-12 months with duplex US was 12.6%, and 94% of patients had QOL improvements. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure occurred following renal artery stenting and persisted to 36 months., Conclusions: Renal artery stenting is safe and efficacious in the treatment of single de novo and restenotic renal artery ostial lesions following suboptimal PTRA.