Atherosclerotic disease is currently one of the most important problems of modern medicine because it is a leading cause of increased morbidity, mortality, and disability in the Western World. Atherosclerosis of the lower limbs (peripheral arterial disease - PAD) significantly affects the quality of life and, in a considerable proportion of patients, is a cause of disability. The negative impact of PAD on quality of life is well established and the optimization of management strategies is an important area of evolving research. Radical treatment of PAD, both surgical and endovascular, aims at revascularisation of ischaemic tissues distal to obstructed arteries. Many of these patients have coexisting coronary artery disease, and surgical revascularization poses risks of perioperative myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death.
Peripheral catheter-based interventions for endovascular repair of atherosclerotic lesions represent an emerging alternative therapeutic modality, which is attracting the attention of many researchers worldwide, thanks to unique features such as the minimally invasive nature and the intrinsic low risk of morbidity and mortality. The number of endovascular procedures for PAD has increased over the past years. However, the endovascular treatment of PAD is still challenging. Despite new technologies, the outcome of endovascular therapy in terms of durability is still weak. In the meantime, the latest developments are progressing, such as the combination of mechanical angioplasty and drug delivery. Additionally, there are former techniques, such as debulking by atherectomy, which have been technically improved and now contribute to modern concepts of endovascular treatment.
This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive picture on this lively research area by gathering contributions covering all aspects related to this research, starting from pathophysiological questions to technical endovascular aspects, down to clinical trials and applications. Contributions (original articles and reviews) may be, therefore, related, but not limited to:
- Indications and technical options including the latest technical developments,
- Arterial imaging approach,
- Thrombectomy and atherectomy procedures,
- Arterial angioplasty,
- Drug delivery technologies,
- Recommendations and complex endovascular interventions.
Atherosclerotic disease is currently one of the most important problems of modern medicine because it is a leading cause of increased morbidity, mortality, and disability in the Western World. Atherosclerosis of the lower limbs (peripheral arterial disease - PAD) significantly affects the quality of life and, in a considerable proportion of patients, is a cause of disability. The negative impact of PAD on quality of life is well established and the optimization of management strategies is an important area of evolving research. Radical treatment of PAD, both surgical and endovascular, aims at revascularisation of ischaemic tissues distal to obstructed arteries. Many of these patients have coexisting coronary artery disease, and surgical revascularization poses risks of perioperative myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death.
Peripheral catheter-based interventions for endovascular repair of atherosclerotic lesions represent an emerging alternative therapeutic modality, which is attracting the attention of many researchers worldwide, thanks to unique features such as the minimally invasive nature and the intrinsic low risk of morbidity and mortality. The number of endovascular procedures for PAD has increased over the past years. However, the endovascular treatment of PAD is still challenging. Despite new technologies, the outcome of endovascular therapy in terms of durability is still weak. In the meantime, the latest developments are progressing, such as the combination of mechanical angioplasty and drug delivery. Additionally, there are former techniques, such as debulking by atherectomy, which have been technically improved and now contribute to modern concepts of endovascular treatment.
This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive picture on this lively research area by gathering contributions covering all aspects related to this research, starting from pathophysiological questions to technical endovascular aspects, down to clinical trials and applications. Contributions (original articles and reviews) may be, therefore, related, but not limited to:
- Indications and technical options including the latest technical developments,
- Arterial imaging approach,
- Thrombectomy and atherectomy procedures,
- Arterial angioplasty,
- Drug delivery technologies,
- Recommendations and complex endovascular interventions.
