Dual-pathway inhibition in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia requiring reintervention for infrapopliteal occlusions

Our study aimed to assess the influence of incorporating new oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy on clinical outcomes among patients who underwent endovascular intervention for below-the-knee (BTK) occlusions necessitating reintervention. The inclusion criteria encompassed patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and had undergone a successful endovascular intervention for BTK artery occlusion, necessitating reintervention. Patients who underwent endovascular interventions for BTK reocclusion were compared to those who received dual-pathway inhibition with NOAC (rivaroxaban 2.5 mg 2 x 1) and clopidogrel (NOAC group), or dual-antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin (DAPT group). The primary endpoints were target vessel reocclusion and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at the 1-year follow-up, while major and minor amputations served as the secondary endpoint. Additionally, a one-year comparison was conducted between the two groups for major bleeding events. 64 patients in our clinic treated with endovascular reintervention (NOAC = 28, DAPT = 34). The TLR rate is 10.7% in NOAC group (N = 3) and 32.4% in DAPT group (N = 11, p = 0.043). The target vessel reocclusion rate is 17.8% in NOAC group (N = 5) and 41.2% in DAPT group (N = 14, p = 0.048). Minor or major amputation rate at 1-year follow-up was 3.6% in NOAC group (N = 1) and 11.7% in DAPT group (N = 4, p = 0.245). The patency rate is significantly higher, and the TLR rate is significantly lower in the NOAC group compared to the DAPT group, with no significant difference in major bleeding between the two groups. Although no statistically significant difference exists in amputation rates, a numerical distinction is evident.