It is estimated that 20% of patients >75 years will be living with peripheral vascular disease by the year 2030. Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), a serious form of PVD, is a severe blockage in the arteries of the lower extremities which markedly reduces blood flow. CLI is a chronic condition that results in severe pain in the feet and toes and is commonly coupled with multiple co-morbidities, including, but not limited to, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and increased age. With the increasing prevalence of PVD in an aging population, and the limitations of vascular surgery in patients with significant comorbidities, there is greater emphasis on treating these patients with less invasive endovascular therapies.
Endovascular revascularization of patients with PVD continues to evolve. New treatment modalities encompass balloon angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy. New modalities of therapy on the horizon include bio-absorbable stents and drug eluting balloons. However, data regarding the effectiveness of these modalities is scarce. A need exists to collect and report on real world data, including short and long term outcomes.
Started in 2013, the primary objective of the PRIME Registry is to systematically document endovascular revascularization approaches and patient outcomes in patients with advanced PVD and CLI both in-hospital and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and annually for 3 years following treatment. MCORRP is the coordinating center for the PRIME Registry and is funded by Metro Health, Wyoming, Michigan. Metro Health and Rex Health in Raleigh, North Carolina are currently entering cases, with eight additional sites endeavoring to participate. Enrollment in the registry is increasing rapidly, and three abstracts have been presented at the 2014 AMP symposium using this data. This collaborative research initiative will inform practices in endovascular care and have lasting impact on the treatment of this devastating disease.