GARY M. ANSEL, MD

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This study focused on improving how clinical trials for endovascular treatments of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are designed and reported. Researchers created a framework called Endo-STAR after analyzing 228 prior interventions and collecting feedback from experts. They identified six key areas important for future trials, such as the expertise needed and details of the procedures, which will help standardize and enhance the quality of research in this area. Who this helps: This benefits patients with peripheral arterial disease by ensuring they receive treatments based on high-quality research.

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The C-GUARDIANS trial studied a new type of stent used in carotid artery stenting for patients at high risk for surgical procedures. Among 316 participants, only 0.95% experienced serious problems like death, stroke, or heart attack within the first 30 days, and just 1.93% had serious issues by the one-year mark. These findings are important because they show that this new stent is safe and effective, which could lead to better outcomes for patients needing this procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients requiring carotid artery stenting.

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This study looked at how well a procedure called endovenous stenting works for patients with blocked veins when they are on certain blood thinners. Researchers analyzed data from 100 patients, finding that after 12 months, 87% of patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) had successful stenting that remained open, similar to patients using other blood thinners, showing that DOACs are effective post-surgery. This is important because it helps doctors understand how to manage blood thinning treatment after vein surgery, ensuring patients have a good outcome. Who this helps: Patients with venous blockages undergoing endovenous stenting.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of endovascular treatment for patients suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). Over three years, the survival rate was 86% for patients with less severe symptoms (Rutherford category 2-3), while it dropped to 62% for those with the most severe symptoms (Rutherford category 6). The treatment also greatly reduced the risk of major amputations, with 98.5% of less severe patients avoiding this outcome. Who this helps: This benefits patients with peripheral artery disease and their doctors by providing clear insights on treatment effectiveness.

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This study looked at how a technique called directional atherectomy affects treatment outcomes in patients with severely calcified leg arteries who underwent balloon angioplasty with a drug-coated balloon. Researchers found that after 12 months, about 76.7% of patients had successful blood flow in their legs, and only 8.8% required a stent, which is a very positive outcome. This matters because it shows that this preparation method prior to using a drug-coated balloon is safe and effective, helping to reduce the need for additional procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients with peripheral artery disease, particularly those with complex and heavily calcified leg arteries.

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This study looked at patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) to see how common higher central venous pressure (CVP) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were among them. It found that 22.7% of patients had elevated CVP and 26.9% had OSA, with factors like being over 64 years old, having diabetes, and more severe symptoms in the legs linked to higher CVP levels. Understanding these links is important because it can help identify patients who may be at risk for serious complications. Who this helps: This information can benefit doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with chronic venous disease.

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This study looked at the long-term safety and effectiveness of paclitaxel drug-coated balloons (DCB) used during procedures for patients with claudication, a condition that causes leg pain due to poor blood flow. Researchers followed nearly 431 patients for up to 5 years and found that the mortality rate was comparable between those treated with the DCB (14.7%) and those who received standard treatment (12.0%), showing no increased risk of death from the drug. Additionally, patients receiving the DCB had a lower risk of needing further procedures to reopen blocked arteries. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with claudication and doctors treating this condition.

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This study examined the safety and effectiveness of a drug-coated balloon called paclitaxel for treating artery disease in the leg, involving nearly 2,000 patients over a five-year period. The researchers found that using this paclitaxel balloon did not increase the risk of death, with survival rates remaining similar among patients receiving different doses of the drug—ranging from 85.8% to 88.2%. This is important because it confirms that the paclitaxel balloon is a safe treatment option without links to higher mortality. Who this helps: This benefits patients with femoropopliteal artery disease and the doctors treating them.

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The LIBERTY 360 study looked at how effective endovascular treatments are for different stages of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in over 1,200 patients. After one year, most patients did well: 82.6% of those with less severe symptoms avoided major complications, and 99.3% of mild cases avoided major amputations. These results are important because they show that these treatments can significantly improve quality of life and reduce severe health risks for PAD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with peripheral artery disease, especially those at risk of severe complications.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of the iCAST Covered Stent for treating blockages in the iliac arteries, which are major blood vessels in the pelvis. Researchers followed 152 patients for up to three years and found that 98.7% of procedures were successful, 96.4% showed continuous blood flow after nine months without needing more surgery, and 86.6% remained clear of blockages after three years. These results are important because they show that this stent is both safe and effective for long-term treatment of serious artery issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with artery blockages, particularly those with atherosclerosis in the iliac arteries.

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This study looked at how well a combination of edoxaban and aspirin works for patients with peripheral artery disease who underwent a specific type of treatment called endovascular treatment (EVT). Researchers found that there were no major bleeding incidents in the edoxaban group, while the clopidogrel group had four major bleeding events. The use of edoxaban was also linked to a slightly lower rate of artery blockage after treatment (30.9% for edoxaban versus 34.7% for clopidogrel), although this difference wasn’t strong enough to be statistically significant. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with peripheral artery disease undergoing endovascular treatments.

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This study examined how effective nitinol stents are for patients with claudication, a condition caused by poor blood flow in the legs. Researchers analyzed data from 999 patients and found that after one year, about 70% of stents remained open, while 9-20% of patients needed further procedures to improve blood flow. These findings help establish a standard for comparing new treatments for people with this type of vascular disease. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from claudication and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a new way to diagnose iliocaval occlusion, a blockage in a major vein, using a simple ultrasound technique that examines blood flow in a vein near the abdomen. The researchers followed 15 patients and found that all showed a specific reversal of blood flow in the superficial epigastric vein, which confirmed the blockage when checked against more complex imaging methods. This finding is important because it offers a simple, non-invasive option for diagnosing a condition that can lead to serious complications like blood clots and venous issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients who may have iliocaval occlusion, allowing for quicker and easier diagnosis.

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This study looked at a new device called MobiusHD to help lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension—those whose blood pressure remains high despite taking multiple medications. After using the device, patients saw their office blood pressure drop by an average of 24/12 mm Hg over six months, with serious side effects occurring in only 13% of patients. This matters because it shows that the MobiusHD device could be a promising option for individuals struggling to control their blood pressure. Who this helps: This helps patients with resistant hypertension.

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The LIBERTY study looks at the effectiveness and costs of using certain medical devices to treat patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a condition that affects blood flow in the legs. About 1,200 patients will be followed for up to 5 years to see how well these devices work and what the results are in terms of recovery and quality of life. This research is important because it addresses a gap in knowledge by including high-risk patients who are often left out of other studies, which can help doctors make better treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with peripheral artery disease and their doctors.

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This research study looked at how well a combination of blood-thinning medications works in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) after they undergo a specific type of surgery called endovascular treatment. The trial enrolled 203 patients and compared the effects of the drug edoxaban to clopidogrel, both taken alongside aspirin. The researchers want to see which combination is safer and more effective in preventing complications like blood clots or blockages in the treated arteries. Who this helps: This benefits patients with peripheral artery disease who have undergone endovascular treatment.

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The study looked at how well the Formula balloon-expandable stent works for patients with narrowing of the kidneys' arteries due to plaque buildup, especially after previous attempts to widen those arteries weren't fully successful. After nine months, the stent was found to be effective, with 91.7% of patients maintaining blood flow in the treated area, and only 2.2% experiencing serious complications. Blood pressure decreased significantly, improving from an average of 150 to 141 mm Hg, showing that this treatment can help manage high blood pressure caused by renal artery stenosis. Who this helps: This benefits patients with kidney artery blockages and their doctors by providing a reliable treatment option for managing hypertension and improving kidney function.

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This study looked at how well different treatments work for patients with narrowed arteries in the thigh and knee, specifically focusing on a problem called restenosis, where arteries become narrow again after treatment. Researchers examined the rates of restenosis and found that using a drug called paclitaxel, which has been effective in other arteries, could be beneficial when applied in this area. This matters because better treatments can help reduce the chances of artery blockage returning, leading to improved patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with peripheral arterial disease, particularly those undergoing treatment in the femoropopliteal artery.

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This study compared two treatments for leg artery blockages: nitinol stents and balloon angioplasty, focusing on patients with a condition called claudication that causes pain in the legs. After three years, 75.5% of patients who received stents did not need additional procedures for their artery blockages compared to just 41.8% of those who had balloon angioplasty. This is important because it shows that stents provide more lasting relief from symptoms, leading to better overall outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with claudication and their doctors.

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This study looked at a type of treatment called stenting for patients with severe leg circulation problems, specifically those with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Out of 120 patients treated, 78.3% avoided limb amputation after one year, and those classified as the most severe cases (Rutherford Class 6) had a 55.2% success rate in keeping their limb. The findings are important because they show that this treatment can significantly help many patients avoid major amputations and improve their overall health. Who this helps: Patients with critical limb ischemia.

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This study looked at how effective and safe bare metal stents are for treating high blood pressure in patients with significant blockages in their kidney arteries. Researchers analyzed data from 600 patients and found that after getting a stent, the average systolic blood pressure dropped from 177.8 mmHg to 156.7 mmHg over nine months, with a 14.4% rate of artery blockage returning. These findings are crucial because they help set performance standards for future treatments aimed at controlling resistant hypertension in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with resistant hypertension and their doctors.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients aged 80 and older. Researchers found that only 2.8% of the very elderly patients experienced a stroke or died within 30 days of the procedure, which is much lower than the earlier reported rate of 12%. This is important because it shows that CAS can be a safe treatment option for older adults at high risk for surgery complications. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients who may benefit from less invasive procedures and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study compared two treatments for patients with blockages in the arteries of the leg: using a nitinol stent versus balloon angioplasty. It involved 206 patients and found that 87.3% of those who received the stent did not need further surgery after a year, compared to just 45.1% for those who had balloon angioplasty. The stent group also experienced better blockage-free rates, with 81.3% maintaining open arteries after one year compared to 36.7% for the angioplasty group, making the stent procedure more effective overall. Who this helps: This benefits patients with arterial blockages in their legs looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how safe and effective carotid artery stenting (CAS) is when performed by doctors with different levels of experience after they received formal training. They found that 5% of patients had major problems like stroke or heart attack within 30 days, and this increased to 12.5% after a year. The results showed that even less experienced doctors could achieve similar outcomes to highly trained specialists, which is important for ensuring patient safety in various medical settings. Who this helps: This helps patients with carotid artery issues who need stenting, as well as their doctors.

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This study looks at how to choose devices that protect the brain during procedures to open narrowed arteries. Researchers found that using different types of devices—like filters or methods that temporarily block blood flow—can help prevent complications during these procedures. Better protecting the brain during treatments increases the safety of carotid artery stenting, which means more patients can benefit from this effective treatment for artery narrowing. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing carotid artery stenting.

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This study explored the safety and effectiveness of a less invasive procedure, carotid artery stenting (CAS), for patients at high risk for surgery due to medical conditions or the structure of their arteries. Out of 480 patients, only 8.9% experienced serious complications such as strokes or heart attacks within a year, which is significantly better than the 12.6% expected from traditional surgery. This is important because it offers a safer alternative for high-risk patients who need treatment for narrowed carotid arteries. Who this helps: This helps patients who are at high surgical risk due to health issues or complex anatomy.

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This study looked at two treatments for serious narrowing of the carotid arteries: carotid stenting with an emboli-protection device and carotid endarterectomy, specifically for patients at high risk of complications. After three years, both groups had similar results, with a major issue occurring in 24.6% of the stenting group and 26.9% of the endarterectomy group—showing no clear advantage for either treatment. This matters because it provides important information for doctors to make better treatment decisions for high-risk patients with carotid artery disease. Who this helps: Patients with severe carotid artery stenosis who are at increased risk for surgery.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of bare nitinol stents used to treat leg pain caused by blood flow issues in patients. Researchers found that, based on data from previous clinical trials and medical literature, the expected success rate (or "patency") after 12 months for these stents should be 66%, which is twice the 33% success rate seen in traditional treatments. This finding is important because it sets a clear benchmark for future clinical trials and helps ensure that new treatments can provide significant improvements for patients. Who this helps: Patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease looking for better treatment options.

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This study focused on how to consistently evaluate and report fractures of stents used in clinical trials for patients with blocked arteries in the leg. The researchers found that there was no standard way to identify and report these stent fractures, which is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of different types of stents. They outlined specific guidelines for monitoring stent fractures, including how to take and analyze images, which is important because it helps compare the performance of different stents in clinical trials. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with patients who have peripheral artery disease.

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This study looked at a new device that uses a staple to close a small opening in the femoral artery after heart procedures, comparing it to the traditional method of applying pressure. Researchers found that patients using the staple device had much quicker bleeding control (3.3 minutes instead of 19.3 minutes) and were able to walk sooner (2.4 hours compared to 6.0 hours). The device was just as safe as the traditional method, with very few serious complications for both groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing heart procedures, as they experience quicker recovery times.

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The study focused on a patient with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) affecting both brachial arteries, which are key blood vessels in the arms. The patient experienced pain in their fingers, but after undergoing a procedure called balloon angioplasty, their symptoms completely went away. This is important because it shows that this treatment can be effective for managing FMD and improving quality of life for affected individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with fibromuscular dysplasia in their arm arteries.

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Researchers studied the 6Fr Angio-Seal device, which is used to close the artery after heart procedures, to see how safe and effective it is. They found that this device helps patients walk sooner after surgery without introducing new risks. Specifically, it allows for efficient recovery following cardiac catheterizations, making it an important tool in patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from heart procedures.

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This study looked at using ancrod, a medication that helps prevent blood clotting, instead of heparin after a procedure called coronary angioplasty, which opens blocked arteries. They found that ancrod was effective in patients who had a negative reaction to heparin, showing good results in preventing blood clots. This matters because it offers an alternative treatment that can help patients who cannot safely use heparin to avoid complications after their procedure. Who this helps: Patients who have reactions to heparin during heart treatments.

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This study looked at a case of zygomycosis, a serious fungal infection that was mistaken for a cancer in the maxillary sinus. The patient showed damage to nearby bones and the presence of fungi was confirmed through tests. They successfully treated the infection with a specific antifungal drug, and the researchers strongly recommend that doctors perform a nasal biopsy in similar cases before starting any treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients facing confusing diagnoses in sinus conditions.