Nationwide Experience of Cardio- and Cerebrovascular Complications During Infrainguinal Endovascular Intervention for Peripheral Arterial Disease and Acute Limb Ischaemia

Objectives Endovascular treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is increasingly used and also continuously applied to more severe vascular pathology. Only few studies report on systemic complications during these procedures, but it is important to address these risks. We report the results of a recent national audit on cardio- and cerebrovascular complications after endovascular procedures for PAD. Methods Data from the Swedish Vascular Registry (Swedvasc) were retrieved on all infrainguinal endovascular procedures performed between May 2008 and December 2011. A total of 9187 cases were analysed regarding the prevalence of myocardial infarction and major stroke within 30 days post-intervention. A literature review in PubMed and Cochrane databases was conducted. Results The risk of myocardial infarction was 0.3% in intermittent claudication, 1.2% in critical limb ischaemia and 1% in acute limb ischaemia. Corresponding risk of major stroke was 0.4%, 0.3% and 1.4%. Thrombolytic therapy was associated with a threefold risk of major stroke. Only a few studies relevant to the subject were found during the literature review. Conclusions In this population-based study we found a low risk of cardiac complications, but catheter-administered thrombolytic therapy entailed a non-negligible risk of major stroke.