Utilization and in-hospital outcomes associated with atherectomy in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease: An observational analysis from the National Inpatient Sample

Objective Percutaneous revascularization for patients with peripheral arterial disease has become a treatment of choice for many symptomatic patients. The presence of severe arterial calcification presents many challenges for successful revascularization. Atherectomy is an adjunctive treatment option for patients with severe calcification undergoing percutaneous intervention. We sought to analyze the impact of atherectomy on in-hospital outcomes, length of stay, and cost in the percutaneous treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Methods Patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease undergoing percutaneous revascularization were assessed, utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (2012-2014) and appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic and procedural codes. Patients who were not treated with atherectomy (n=51,037) were compared to those treated with atherectomy (n=11,408). Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to address baseline differences. Results After performing propensity score-matched analysis, 11,037 patients were included in each group. Utilization of atherectomy was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (2% vs. 1.4% p=0.0006). All secondary outcomes were lower when using atherectomy except acute renal failure. Length of stay was slightly lower when using atherectomy (7.2 vs. 7.0 days, p=0.0494). However, median cost was higher in patients treated with atherectomy ($21,589 vs. $24,060, p=<0.0001). Conclusion The use of atherectomy was associated with significantly decreased in-hospital mortality, adverse events, and length of stay. Though, cost associated with atherectomy use is increased, this is offset by decreased in-hospital adverse outcomes. Appropriate use of atherectomy devices is an important tool in revascularization of peripheral arterial disease in select patients.