Published Evidence on Peripheral Atherectomy: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Literature Review of More Than 300 Original Investigations
Abstract
Background Although atherectomy for peripheral interventions has been studied for over 35 years, recent criticisms suggest it lacks supportive evidence. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the quality and outcomes in the published atherectomy literature. Methods A systematic review of original research published in MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed through November 2024 identified prospective and retrospective studies on atherectomy for infrainguinal peripheral artery interventions. Case studies and meta-analyses were included in the systematic review but excluded from the quantitative meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using validated scales. Study design, device class, patient/lesion characteristics, provisional stenting, distal embolization, and 12-month outcomes (patency, major amputation, target lesion revascularization, and mortality) were captured. Results The systematic review included 322 published atherectomy papers (121 directional, 44 laser, 30 orbital, 72 rotational, 55 mixed atherectomy classes). Designs were meta-analyses in 3.7% (12 papers), randomized controlled trials in 5.9% (19 papers), prospective observational studies in 29.8% (96 papers), retrospective observational studies in 45.7% (147 papers), and case studies in 14.9% (48 papers). Adjunctive therapies were used in 91.5%, and 29.2% included a comparator arm. Among 190 papers included in the meta-analysis, the 12-month patency, target lesion revascularization, major amputation, and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Global, regional, and national burden of hepatitis B, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
- A meta‐analysis of anal cancer incidence by risk group: Toward a unified anal cancer risk scale
- Global fertility in 204 countries and territories, 1950–2021, with forecasts to 2100: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
- Exercise interventions in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Prognostic Significance of Carbonic Anhydrase IX Expression in Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis
- Glucocorticoid Resistance: Is It a Requisite for Increased Cytokine Production in Depression? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.