Ep. 390 Laser Atherectomy: An Overview of the Pathfinder Registry with Dr. Tony Das

In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Chris Beck discusses atherectomy, laser technologies, and their use in vessel treatment with Dr. Tony Das, an interventional cardiologist practicing in Dallas, TX and one of the founding members of the VIVA Vascular Education Course in Las Vegas.

Dr. Das shares insights on the PATHFINDER registry, which is a prospective non-randomized, multicenter study to evaluate the performance and outcome of the Auryon laser atherectomy system. Their conversation explores the role of atherectomy in reducing stent usage, decreasing embolization likelihood, enhancing thrombus removal, and uncovering lesions. Dr. Das further provides recommendations for building a successful atherectomy program, utilizing laser technologies, and the importance of having ablative technology in outpatient labs. The doctors forecast future applications for artificial intelligence and remote monitoring.

---

CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR

AngioDynamics Auryon System
https://www.auryon-system.com/

---

SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
03:38 - Discussion about Connected Cardiovascular Care Associates
05:09 - Deep Dive into Atherectomy
14:06 - Understanding Laser Atherectomy
23:23 - Discussion on the PATHFINDER Study
34:52 - Advice for Building an Atherectomy Program
38:49 - Future Topics and Closing Remarks

---

RESOURCES

Connected Cardiovascular Care Associates:
https://www.texasc3.com/

Pathfinder Registry Trial:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04229563#publications

Pathfinder Registry Trial Introduction:
https://evtoday.com/articles/2021-sept/introduction-to-the-pathfinder-registry-and-complex-endovascular-cases-with-the-auryon-atherectomy-system

Limb salvage following laser-assisted angioplasty for critical limb ischemia: results of the LACI multicenter trial:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16445313/

Randomized controlled study of excimer laser atherectomy for treatment of femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis: initial results from the EXCITE ISR trial (EXCImer Laser Randomized Controlled Study for Treatment of FemoropopliTEal In-Stent Restenosis):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25499305/

Cryoplasty Versus Conventional Balloon Angioplasty of the Femoropopliteal Artery in Diabetic Patients: Long-Term Results from a Prospective Randomized Single-Center Controlled Trial:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00270-010-9915-x#Abs1

Cryoplasty for the treatment of femoropopliteal arterial disease: results of a prospective, multicenter registry:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16105918/

Auryon Laser from AngioDynamics:
https://www.angiodynamics.com/product/auryon/

Philips Laser System:
https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/product/HCIGTDPHLLSRSYSTM/laser-system-hcigtdphllsrsystm

Atherectomy plus drug-coated balloon versus drug-coated balloon only for treatment of femoropopliteal artery lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33478353/

Laser in Infrapopliteal and Popliteal Stenosis 2 Study (LIPS2): Long-Term Outcomes of Laser-Assisted Balloon Angioplasty Versus Balloon Angioplasty for Below Knee Peripheral Arterial Disease:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5407062/

Distal embolization during lower extremity endovascular interventions:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28366300/

Shockwave™ Lithoplasty in Combination With Atherectomy in Treating Severe Calcified Femoropopliteal and Iliac Artery Disease: A Single-Center Experience:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32563711/