Outcomes of Endovascular Intervention of Atherosclerotic Lesions Confined to the Popliteal Artery

Most surgeons employ an endovascular-first approach to the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), but controversy remains regarding best way manage isolated popliteal artery lesions. Indeed, there is a paucity data that compare outcomes stents vs other catheter-based interventions (CBIs). The goal this study was evaluate CBI in Vascular Study Group New England (VSGNE) database queried for all CBIs performed occlusive disease. Those with follow-up available >1 year were included analysis. primary endpoint 1-year freedom from composite target lesion (TL) failure restenosis >50% on duplex, reintervention, or ipsilateral major amputation. A total 683 procedures 627 patients 2010 2021 included. Of these, 445 (65.15%) treated plain balloons (POBAs), 74 (10.83%) had stents, 106 (15.52%) special (drug-coated, cutting, lithotripsy), and 54 (7.91%) atherectomies performed. Stent placement associated lower TL (67.57%) than (83.96%; P = .01) atherectomy (83.33%; .044). Stents also higher rate when compared POBA (9.46% 4.05%; .044) (Table). Popliteal stent high at 1 should therefore be avoided whenever feasible.TableOne-year outcomesStentPOBASpecial balloonAtherectomyFreedom outcomes50 (67.57)344 (77.30)P .0789 (83.96)P .0145 (83.33)P .044>50% stenosis rate7 (9.46)18 (4.05)P .0445 (4.72)P .2092 (3.70)P .208Amputation rate5 (6.76)23 (5.17)P .5752 (1.89)P .0964 (7.41)P .887Reintervention rate16 (21.62)70 (15.73)P .20711 (10.38)P .0385 (9.26) .062POBA, Plain balloon.Data are presented as number (%). Open table new tab