Vascular Surgeon Dr. Mazin Foteh and our host Dr. Sabeen Dhand consider various factors that can influence the choice of treatment methods for calcified common femoral artery (CFA) disease, including discussing the pros and cons of an endovascular vs surgical approach.

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SHOW NOTES

In this episode, vascular surgeon Dr. Mazin Foteh and our host Dr. Sabeen Dhand consider various factors that can influence the choice of treatment methods for common femoral artery (CFA) disease.

To start, Dr. Foteh describes risk factors of common femoral disease, such as smoking, renal failure, and diabetes. He notes that CFA lesions are usually calcified and homogenous because they are composed of layers of calcium, lipid, and platelets deposited in fibrin sheaths. He further distinguishes between partially occluded and fully occluded CFA lesions.

Dr. Foteh reviews key tips to minimize complications during an open endarterectomy. To maximize exposure, he recommends making a longitudinal incision rather than a medial groin incision. Before closing, he also ensures that he checks 3-4 cm proximal and distal to the CFA and stents the external iliac artery if needed. Dr. Foteh opts for general anesthesia over local anesthesia, in case of unforeseen complications.

With an endovascular approach, Dr. Foteh finds that shock wave lithotripsy has been most effective at cracking calcium, changing vessel compliance, and ultimately increasing luminal gain. He uses this technique first, examines the results, and then uses a drug-coated balloon or stent as needed.

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RESOURCES

Clinical Trial Investigating the Efficacy of the Supera Peripheral Stent System for the Treatment of the Common Femoral Artery: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02804113