Heparin-Bonded Stent-Graft for the Treatment of TASC II C and D Femoropopliteal Lesions: 36-Month Results of the Viabahn 25 cm Trial

Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate the 36-month technical and clinical outcome after implantation of the 25-cm Viabahn endoprosthesis with Propaten bioactive surface in TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C and D lesions of the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial (ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT01263665) enrolled 71 patients (mean age 66.7±8.3 years; 50 men) with lifestyle-limiting claudication or rest pain (Rutherford category 2–4) and long (>20-cm) lesions of the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries. Primary endpoint was primary patency at 36 months. Secondary endpoints included primary assisted patency; secondary patency; freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR); freedom from a composite of death, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and amputation; clinical success; and freedom from device fracture.

Results:

Primary patency estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 40.6% at 36 months. Primary assisted patency and secondary patency estimates were 53.0% and 96.9%, respectively. Within 36 months, 27 patients had to undergo a TLR. Twenty-five patients (35.2%) had a TVR. Freedom from the composite of death, TVR, and amputation endpoint was 44.5%. The estimate of the sustained clinical success with stable or improved Rutherford category was 58.5%. No stent fracture was detected during follow-up.

Conclusion:

The primary patency rate without reintervention after treatment of long femoropopliteal lesions is low. However, secondary patency after implantation of a Viabahn endoprosthesis is high and seems to be superior to the use of other revascularization techniques, resulting in persistent clinical improvement.