Examining the impact of median arcuate ligament-induced celiac artery compression on target vessel patency, long-term survival and device integrity in fenestrated and branched endovascular repairs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of celiac artery (CA) compression by median arcuate ligament (MAL) on technical metrics and long-term CA patency in patients with complex aortic aneurysms undergoing fenestrated/branched endograft repairs (F/B-EVARs). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective review of patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs and requiring incorporation of the CA between 2013 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups-those with (MAL+) and without (MAL-) CA compression-based on preoperative computed tomography angiography findings. MAL was classified in three grades (A, B, and C) based on the degree and length of stenosis. Patients with MAL grade A had ≤50% CA stenosis measuring ≤3 mm in length. Those with grade B had 50% to 80% CA stenosis measuring 3 to 8 mm long, whereas those with grade C had >80% stenosis measuring >8 mm in length. End points included device integrity, CA patency and technical success-defined as successful implantation of the fenestrated/branched device with perfusion of CA and no endoleak. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty patients with complex aortic aneurysms (pararenal, 128; thoracoabdominal, 52) required incorporation of the CA during fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Majority (73%) were male, with a median age of 76 years (interquartile range [IQR], 69-81 years) and aneurysm size of 62 mm (IQR, 57-69 mm). Seventy-eight patients (43%) had MAL+ anatomy, including 33 patients with MAL grade A, 32 with grade B, and 13 with grade C compression. The median length of CA stenosis was 7.0 mm (IQR, 5.0-10.0 mm). CA was incorporated using fenestrations in 177 (98%) patients. Increased complexity led to failure in CA bridging stent placement in four MAL+ patients, but completion angiography showed CA perfusion and no endoleak, accounting for a technical success of 100%. MAL+ patients were more likely to require bare metal stenting in addition to covered stents (P = .004). Estimated blood loss, median operating room time, contrast volume, fluoroscopy dose and time were higher (P < .001) in MAL+ group. Thirty-day mortality was 3.3%, higher (5.1%) in MAL+ patients compared with MAL- patients (2.0 %). At a median follow-up of 770 days (IQR, 198-1525 days), endograft integrity was observed in all patients and CA events-kinking (n = 7), thrombosis (n = 1) and endoleak (n = 2) -occurred in 10 patients (5.6%). However, only two patients required reinterventions. MAL+ patients had overall lower long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: CA compression by MAL is a predictor of increased procedural complexity during fenestrated/branched device implantation. However, technical success, long-term device integrity and CA patency are similar to that of patients with MAL- anatomy.

Clinical outcomes of celiac artery coverage vs preservation during thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Adequate proximal and distal seal zones are necessary for successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Often, the achievement of an adequate distal seal zone requires celiac artery (CA) coverage by endograft with or without preservation of CA blood flow. The outcomes of CA coverage without its flow preservation were studied only in small case series. This study aims to determine the difference in outcomes between CA coverage with vs without preservation of CA blood flow during TEVAR using a multi-institutional national database. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative database was reviewed for all TEVAR patients distally landing in zone 6. The cohort was divided into TEVAR with vs without CA flow preservation. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative characteristics, as well as postoperative mortality, morbidities, and complications, were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 25,549 reviewed patients, 772 had a distal landing in Zone 6, 212 of which (27.5%) had TEVAR without CA flow preservation, whereas 560 (72.5%) underwent TEVAR with CA flow preservation. Indications for TEVAR were aneurysm in 431 (55.8%), dissection in 247 (32.0%), or other in 94 (12.2%) cases. Patients who underwent TEVAR without CA flow preservation had statistically significantly higher rates of 30-day mortality (11.3% vs 5.9%; P = .010), 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality (8.0% vs 4.3%; P = .039), as well as a tendency of increased intestinal ischemia requiring intervention (1.9% vs 0.5%; P = .077). After adjusting for potential confounders, CA coverage without flow preservation was associated with more than a two-fold increase in the overall 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-5.92; P = .006) and 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.11-6.72; P = .029). In a sub-group analysis based on disease pathology, these results persisted only in the aneurysm group (30-day mortality [OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.01-5.48; P = .047]; 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality [OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.08-7.67; P = .034]), whereas there was no significant association between CA flow preservation status and the endpoints in the dissection subgroup (30-day mortality [OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.22-6.05; P = .856], 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality [OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.16-5.19; P = .911]). CONCLUSIONS: CA coverage during TEVAR without preservation of its blood flow is associated with significantly higher mortality in patients with aortic aneurysm, but not dissection. In patients with aortic aneurysm, CA flow should be preserved during TEVAR whenever feasible, whereas in patients with dissection, it may be safe to cover CA without preservation of its flow. Prospective studies should be done to confirm these findings and compare the open vs endovascular revascularization techniques on outcomes.

Dissection of the Celiac Trunk Is a Mild Disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the presence of an aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease was a risk factor of poor prognosis in patients presenting a dissection of the celiac trunk (CT). METHODS: All patients presenting a CT dissection between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2022, were included. Patients with a CT dissection due to the extension of an aortic dissection were excluded. Les antécédents familiaux de dissection, de maladie anévrysmale, de maladie athéromateuse ou du tissu conjonctif, la pratique d'une activité physique ou sportive, un effort inhabituel les jours précédant la dissection ainsi qu'un traumatisme étaient recherchés. Family history of dissection, aneurysmal disease, atheromatous or connective tissue disease, physical activity or sport, an unusual effort in the days prior to the dissection and trauma were sought after. Ischemic or aneurysmal complications in the acute phase and the evolution of the dissection were evaluated and compared between patients with an isolated dissection and those presenting an aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease. RESULTS: 45 patients were included in the study. Twenty-three (51.1%) patients presented with symptomatic CT dissection, and 22 (48.9%) with asymptomatic CT dissection. All the patients initially had medical management alone. The mean follow-up was 32 ± 25 months and all patients were asymptomatic at the time last news. 24 (53.3%) presented an isolated CT dissection, and 21 (46.7%) a CT dissection associated with aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease. There was no significant difference between patients with an isolated CT dissection and those with an associated dissecting or aneurysmal pathology. CONCLUSIONS: CT dissection is a stable disease in the midterm, which makes it a mild arterial pathology, with or without aneurysmal or dissecting anomalies in another territory. The mechanical stress exerted on the CT by the arcuate ligament could be responsible for parietal trauma and favor the occurrence of a CT dissection.

Effects of preoperative visceral artery stenosis on target artery outcomes after fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Target artery stenosis might affect the outcomes of fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR). The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of preoperative stenosis of the celiac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) on the target artery outcomes after F-BEVAR. METHODS: During a 4-year period, 287 consecutive patients, 204 men (71%) and 83 women (29%), had undergone F-BEVAR using fenestrated (83%), fenestrated-branched (4.5%), branched (3.5%), and off-the-shelf t-Branch (9%) devices (Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, Ind). Preoperative SMA and CA significant stenosis was defined as a computed tomography angiography-based intraluminal diameter reduction >50%. The primary endpoints included primary patency, freedom from target vessel instability, and patient survival. RESULTS: The median patient age was 71 years (interquartile range, 67-77 years). Suprarenal (36%), juxtarenal (25%), and thoracoabdominal (39%) aortic aneurysms were treated. The technical success rate was 99%. The 30-day survival was 97%. Among 981 stented vessels, 179 (18%) were CAs and 270 (27.5%) were SMAs. Significant preoperative CA stenosis was identified in 39 patients (22%) and SMA stenosis in 24 (9%). The median follow-up was 29.9 months. The primary patency rates at 12, 36, and 60 months were 98%, 92%, and 92% for the CA and 99%, 98%, and 98% for the SMA, respectively. Primary patency was significantly lower in the patients with previous significant CA stenosis than in those without stenosis (83%, 83%, and 76% vs 100%, 100%, and 97% at 12, 36, and 60 months, respectively; P < .01). Freedom from celiac branch instability was also significantly lower among patients with significant stenosis (84%, 84%, and 76% vs 100%, 93%, and 93% at 12, 36, and 60 months; P < .01). The presence of significant SMA stenosis did not affect either primary patency or freedom from target vessel instability. The survival rates at 12, 36, and 60 months were significantly lower for the patients with CA stenosis than for those without stenosis (67%, 61%, and 55% vs 90%, 84%, and 82%, respectively; P < .01). Similarly, lower survival rates were observed for patients with significant SMA stenosis (70%, 60%, and 60% vs 87%, 79%, and 78% at 12, 36, and 60 months, respectively; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: F-BEVAR was associated with overall primary patency rates >90% for the CA and SMA. Preoperative CA stenosis was associated with lower primary patency and freedom from target vessel instability. In contrast, neither SMA branch primary patency nor freedom from target vessel instability were affected by preoperative SMA stenosis. We found visceral artery stenosis was a marker of atherosclerosis burden associated with reduced mid- and long-term patient survival.

Splanchnic occlusive disease predicts for spinal cord injury after open descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we sought to discern the effects of splanchnic occlusive disease (SOD; renal, superior mesenteric, and/or celiac axis arteries) on spinal cord injury (SCI; paraparesis or paraplegia) and major adverse events (MAE) after descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) open repair. METHODS: Patients who had undergone DTA/TAAA repair at our institution were dichotomized according to the presence of SOD, which was investigated as a predictive factor of our primary (SCI) and secondary (operative mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, tracheostomy, de novo dialysis, MAE, survival) endpoints. Risk adjustment used both propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: From July 1997 to October 2019, 888 patients had undergone DTA/TAAA repair, of whom 19 were excluded from our analysis for missing data. SOD was absent in 712 patients and present in 157 patients. The patients with SOD had presented with a greater incidence of preoperative renal impairment (61 [38.9%] vs 175 [24.6%]; P < .01) and peripheral arterial disease (60 [38.2%] vs 162 [22.8%]; P < .01] and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (45%; interquartile range, 10%; vs 50%; interquartile range, 4%; P < .01). The etiology of aortic disease was more frequently dissection in the SOD group (56.1% vs 43.7%) and more frequently nondissecting aneurysm in the non-SOD group (56.3% vs 43.9%; P < .01). Patients without SOD had presented with aneurysms more cranially located (DTA, 34.0% vs 7.6%; extent I TAAA, 44.0% vs 7.6%). In contrast, patients with SOD had presented with aneurysms more caudally located (extent II TAAA, 36.9% vs 8.6%; extent III TAAA, 30.6% vs 11.0%; extent IV TAAA, 17.2% vs 2.5%; P < .01). Propensity score matching led to 144 pairs, with SOD significantly associated with SCI (10 [6.9%] vs 2 [1.4%]; P = .03) and MAE (47 [32.6%] vs 26 [15%]; P < .01). Ten-year survival was reduced in those with SOD (31.5% vs 45.2%; P < .01). Conditional multivariable regression confirmed SOD to be a predictor of SCI in the matched sample (odds ratio, 6.60; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Our results have shown that SOD is a significant predictor of SCI in patients undergoing open DTA/TAAA repair. The investigation of measures to prolong neuronal ischemia tolerance (eg, hypothermia) is warranted for such patients.

Pentafurcated Celiac Trunk.

BACKGROUND: Commonly, but not exclusively, the celiac trunk (CT) trifurcates into the left gastric (LGA), common hepatic (CHA) and splenic (SA) arteries. Additional branches of the CT are scarcely reported in the literature. Less than ten reports were found presenting patterns of pentafurcation of the CT (pCT), all being resulted after anatomic dissections. METHOD: We hereby report such a rare pCT, which was found on the computed tomography angiograms of a 71-year-old female patient. RESULTS: From that pCT were branching off three collateral branches, two ascending and one descending, and two terminal branches. The ascending ones were the left inferior phrenic artery and a secondary hepatogastric trunk, further divided into a replaced left hepatic artery and the left gastric artery. The dorsal pancreatic artery was the descending collateral branch of the pCT. The pCT ended by dividing into the CHA and SA. The CHA reached the anterior side of the portal vein to divide into the gastroduodenal and right hepatic arteries. An accessory right hepatic artery left the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and ascended posterior to the portal vein. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, the combination of a pCT and a hepatic branch from the SMA, which raises to three the main arteries of the liver, was not reported previously. Additional branches of the CT should be carefully documented by computed tomography prior to surgical or interventional approaches of the aorta in the celiac region.

Endovascular Management of Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissecting Aneurysm by Retrograde Catheterization Via Collaterals from the Celiac Artery.

Isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissecting aneurysm is frequently symptomatic and potentially catastrophic; thus, it usually requires endovascular treatment. The endovascular management can be challenging in certain cases as catheterization of the collapsed true lumen is often very difficult. This case report is to describe a new approach for catheterization of the true lumen of the SMA in a case of isolated SMA dissecting aneurysm. A 63-year-old male with an SMA dissecting aneurysm underwent stent-graft placement for treatment. Catheterization of the true lumen via the anterograde approach was unsuccessful because of angulation and collapse of the SMA true lumen as a result of the dissecting aneurysm. A guidewire was passed through the collaterals from the celiac artery and retrogradely passed across the collapsed SMA true lumen into the aorta. We then used a snare that had been delivered through the contralateral femoral access to capture and retrieve the guidewire. A delivery system was advanced into the SMA, and a stent graft was successfully deployed to occlude the dissecting aneurysm. This report introduces a new feasible retrograde approach that provides access to the SMA true lumen via celiac collaterals in cases of difficult antegrade catheterization of an SMA dissecting aneurysm.

Parallel Grafting Should Be Considered as a Viable Alternative to Open Repair in High-Risk Patients With Paravisceral Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Parallel grafting presents a viable method for treating patients with complex aortic aneurysms. The current literature is limited to mostly pararenal configurations. We examined our results in patients with SMA and/or Celiac artery involvement. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for all patients undergoing parallel grafting during the period of 2014 to 2018 at a single institution. All patients had at least SMA with and/or without Celiac artery parallel grafting. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients (65% male, median age 74) were treated with 208 parallel grafts. Median ASA score is 4. Forty-nine cases were elective, 22 urgent, and 8 emergent. Mean pre-operative aneurysm diameter was 7.1 cm (4.6-15 cm). Self-expanding covered stents were used for the renal arteries (mean 6.3mm), and balloon-expandable covered stents were used for the SMA and Celiac (mean SMA 8.6 mm, mean celiac 8.3 mm). Axillary exposure was the choice of access in 68 patients (86%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. We defined this as aneurysm sac exclusion with patent visceral stent grafts, and absent to mild gutter leaks. Mean aortic graft proximal seal achieved was 48mm. Coverage extended above the celiac artery in 75% (10% stented and 65% covered). Median contrast volume was 145ml, operative duration was 4 hours, fluoroscopy time was 56 min, and EBL was 250 ml. Perioperative mortality was 6.1%. 4.5%, and 25%, for the elective, urgent, and emergent groups, respectively. There was no incidence of spinal cord ischemia. Axillary access was complicated in 4 patients, requiring patch closure of the axillary artery. One patient developed postprocedural ESRD from a rupture and ATN despite patent renal stents. Of those patients with a patent GDA and celiac coverage, 2 required a cholecystectomy. Nine patients had a persistent gutter leak at the conclusion of the procedure. Median follow-up was 12 months. On follow-up imaging, all SMA and Celiac stents were patent. Six renal stents were occluded and 2 patients progressed to ESRD, both solitary renal periscope configurations at the index procedure. Only 4 patients had persistent gutter leaks with 2 requiring reintervention. Ninety-five percent of patients demonstrated sac regression or stabilization with a mean sac size of 6.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Parallel grafting presents a safe, efficacious and off the shelf alternative to conventional repair of complex aortic aneurysms involving the visceral aorta.

Occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia in Chronic Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Among dialysis patients, occlusive mesenteric vascular disease has rarely been reported. OBJECTIVES: To report on the experience of one center with regard to diagnosing and treating this complication. METHODS: The retrospective case-series involved six patients (3 females, 3 males; age 52-88 years; 5/6 were smokers) on chronic hemodialysis at a single center. All patients with symptoms suggestive of occlusive mesenteric disease and a subsequent angiographic intervention were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from patient charts for the period before and after angioplasty and stenting of the mesenteric vessels. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the relevant data before and after the intervention. RESULTS: All participants had variable co-morbidities and postprandial abdominal pain, food aversion, and weight loss. CT angiography was limited due to heavy vascular calcifications. All underwent angioplasty with stenting of the superior mesenteric artery (4 patients) or the celiac artery (2 patients). All procedures were successful in resolving abdominal pain, malnutrition, and inflammation. Weight loss before was 15 ± 2 kg and weight gain after was 6 ± 2 kg. C-reactive protein decreased from 13.4 ± 5.2 mg/dl to 2.2 ± 0.4 mg/dl (P < 0.05). Serum albumin increased from 3.0 ± 0.2 g/dl to 3.9 ± 0.1 g/dl (P < 0.05). Two patients underwent a repeat procedure (4 years, 5 months, respectively). Follow-up ranged from 0.5-7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusive mesenteric ischemia occurs among dialysis patients. The diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion, and it is manageable by angiography and stenting of the most involved mesenteric artery.

Improving midterm results justify the continued use of bare-metal stents for endovascular therapy for chronic mesenteric ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the contemporary results of interventions in the celiac axis (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) and factors associated with patency and symptom-free survival. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with CMI treated with angioplasty and stenting with bare-metal stents from 2003 to 2014 was conducted. Demographic, history, risk factor, preoperative testing, and technical variables were collected and subject to univariate analysis, with end points of patency loss. The patients were divided into early (2003-2008) and late (2009-2014) groups to compare early and contemporary results. Correlates of patency were then subject to further univariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2014, there were 150 patients (39 men, 111 women; age, 70.7 ± 11.1 years) with CMI who underwent interventions on the CA (56 vessels) and the SMA (133 vessels); 38 patients had both CA and SMA intervention. Primary patency for the CA was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73-99) at 1 year and 66% (95% CI, 46-87) 3 years; for the SMA, primary patency was 81% (95% CI, 72-89) at 1 year and 69.0% (95% CI, 58-81) at 3 years. Increased age was associated with improved results in the SMA (hazard ratio [HR], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-1.00; P = .028). Chronic total occlusion in the SMA conferred worse patency compared with stenosis (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.03-5.47; P = .042), and younger patients (<70 years) had a higher proportion of SMA occlusion (38.9% vs 22.8; P = .045). In the SMA, comparing early (2003-2008; 68 patients) vs late (2009-2014; 65 patients), primary patency was better in the late experience (3 years, 59% vs 77%; P = .016). The late cohort was older (early, 68.1 ± 12.5 years vs 72.5 ± 9.7 years; P = .024). The late cohort had a higher incidence of ostial flaring of the stent (early, 44.1%; late, 72.3%; P < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed only ostial flaring to be associated with improved patency in the SMA (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.12-0.69; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention for CMI has acceptable midterm results, and with experience and adoption of newer techniques, the results appear to be improving. Patients older than 70 years have better results than younger patients, and this may reflect a more malignant presentation in the younger patients. Ostial flaring proved to be the single factor on multivariate analysis associated with improved patency and was adopted in the late group. These data support the continued use of bare-metal stents in the treatment of CMI.

The role of emergency presentation and revascularization in aneurysms of the peripancreatic arteries secondary to celiac trunk or superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyze our 10-year experience in the treatment of aneurysms of the collateral circulation secondary to steno-occlusions of the celiac trunk (CT) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA). METHODS: In the last 10 years, 32 celiac-mesenteric aneurysms were detected (25 true aneurysms and seven pseudoaneurysms) in 25 patients with steno-occlusion of the CT or SMA. All cases were diagnosed and treated at our center, with either surgical or endovascular approach. As open surgery, we performed aneurysmectomy and revascularization; as endovascular treatment we performed both the embolization (or graft exclusion) of the aneurysm sac, and embolization of afferent and efferent arteries. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (64%) underwent endovascular treatment, accounting for 66% of aneurysms (21/32). Six patients (24%) and seven associated aneurysms (22%) underwent open surgery. Three asymptomatic patients (12%), representing a total of four aneurysms (12%), were not treated. For endovascular procedures, the technical success rate was 90%, with a 56% clinical success rate. For open surgery, clinical and technical success were achieved in five patients (83%) and six procedures (86%), respectively. Sixty-eight percent of patients (17/25) were treated in an emergency setting, using either endovascular (88%) or open (12%) approaches. Although technical success was achieved in more than 85% of these procedures for both approaches, clinical success was reached less frequently among patients with an acute presentation (P = .041). Regardless of the type of treatment, CT or SMA revascularization during the first procedure did not show an increased rate of clinical success (P = .531). However, we reported four cases of visceral ischemia after an endovascular approach without revascularization, with three open surgical corrections required. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 0-136 months). CONCLUSIONS: Neither of the approaches described qualifies as a standard optimal choice. We suggest a tailored therapeutic approach based on the clinical condition at the time of diagnosis and specific vascular anatomy.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) describes the clinical presentation associated with direct compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. The poorly understood pathophysiologic mechanism, variable symptom severity, and unpredictable response to treatment make MALS a controversial diagnosis. METHODS: This review summarizes the literature pertaining to the pathophysiologic mechanism, presentation, diagnosis, and management of MALS. A suggested diagnostic workup and treatment algorithm are presented. RESULTS: Individuals with MALS present with signs and symptoms of foregut ischemia, including exercise-induced or postprandial epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Consideration of MALS in patients' diagnostic workup is typically delayed. Currently, no group consensus agreement as to the diagnostic criteria for MALS exists; duplex ultrasound, angiography, and gastric exercise tonometry are used in different combinations and with varying diagnostic values throughout the literature. Surgical management involves decompression of the median arcuate ligament's constriction of the celiac artery; robotic, laparoscopic, endoscopic retroperitoneal, and open surgical intervention can provide effective symptom relief, but long-term follow-up data (>5 years) are lacking. Patients treated nonoperatively appear to have worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: MALS is an important clinical entity with significant impact on affected individuals. Presenting symptoms, patient demographics, and radiologic signs are generally consistent, as is the short-to medium-term (<5 years) response to surgical intervention. Future prospective studies should directly compare long-term symptomatic and quality of life outcomes after nonoperative management with outcomes after open, laparoscopic, endoscopic retroperitoneal, and robotic celiac artery decompression to enable the development of evidence-based guidelines for the management of MALS.

Recanalization of superior mesenteric artery chronic total occlusion using hybrid algorithm and dissection reentry device.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of mesenteric arteries with associated chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular intervention has been associated with high technical success with high rates of freedom from symptoms and long-term patency. However, to achieve high procedural success, use of optimal vascular access and expertise in CTO hybrid algorithm including advanced dissection reentry strategies are essential. We present a case of CMI from severe celiac artery (CA) stenosis and CTO of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). After treatment of CA stenosis, we were unsuccessful in our first attempt at recanalization of SMA CTO. On second attempt, left brachial artery (BA) access was obtained and the hybrid algorithm along with use of Stingray Reentry balloon (Boston Scientific) for dissection reentry into true lumen was successful in recanalizing the SMA CTO with placement of balloon expandable covered stents (CS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report utilizing Sting-ray Reentry balloon in the mesenteric arteries.

Use of steerable catheters for endovascular procedures: Report of a CASE and literature review.

We report a case of a celiac trunk stenting using a steerable guiding catheter, to fix a residual endoleak following fenestrated endovascular repair (FEVAR) of a thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). A systematic search of the literature about the use of steerable catheters was also performed on Pubmed according to the PRISMA Guidelines, including all papers in which the device was used for in vivo endovascular procedures. In our case report, the patient had undergone a failed attempt of cannulation due to the presence of a severely angulated and stenosed ostium of the vessel. A steerable catheter was then used to fix the residual endoleak. The search of the Literature retrieved 544 papers. Of them, 13 met the inclusion criteria and were therefore assessed. The use of steerable sheaths and catheters was reported as effective and safe for the cannulation of 157 target vessels in 131 endovascular procedures, with a success rate of 95.5% and no complications. The use of a steerable guiding catheter in our experience was safe and effective for the selective cannulation of a severely stenosed and angulated celiac trunk, to correct a residual endoleak after FEVAR for TAAA. Steerable catheters could be useful tools for the selective cannulation of target vessels with a challenging ostium.

Physician-Modified Endograft With Double Inner Branches for Urgent Repair of Supraceliac Para-Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm.

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a physician-modified endograft (PMEG) with inner branches for 2 mesenteric arteries as an alternative to fenestrations or directional branches. Technique: A symptomatic 60-year-old man presented with supraceliac para-anastomotic pseudoaneurysm involving an antegrade aorta to celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery bypass. Since an off-the-shelf multibranched endograft was inappropriate, a Zenith Alpha thoracic stent-graft was modified with 2 inner branches fashioned of 8-mm Viabahn endoprostheses with preloaded guidewires. The procedure was technically successful, and the patient had no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Inner branches might offer an alternative to fenestrations or directional branches in patients with narrow aortas.

Changes in Target Vessel Anatomy Following Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Midterm Results.

Purpose: To analyze the changes in target vessel (TV) anatomy after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (fEVAR) during midterm follow-up. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-center study analyzed 56 patients (mean age 71±7 years; 49 men) who underwent fEVAR using custom-made stent-grafts (22 Zenith and 34 Anaconda) between June 2010 and July 2016. Advanta V12 (V12; 74, 53%) and BeGraft (BeG; 66, 47%) stent-grafts were used to bridge to the 140 TVs. Measurements of the TV deviation at the aortic origin, the vessel shift distal to the bridging stent-graft (BSG), and the outer and inner BSG curve lengths were performed after 3-dimensional reconstruction of the serial computed tomography angiography scans. The results of the measurements for the main devices, the TVs, and the bridging stent-grafts were compared using univariable and multivariable analysis. Results: Of the 140 BSGs examined (74 V12s and 66 BeGs), 393 measurements (38 celiac trunks, 102 superior mesenteric arteries, 121 left renal arteries, and 132 right renal arteries) were analyzed. The outer/inner BSG curve length ratio was larger after implantation of Zenith devices compared with Anaconda (p<0.001). The vessel shift distal to the BSG was significantly associated with the interaction of the TV and type of BSG only in the univariable analysis (p=0.001). There were no significant changes of the TV deviation at the aortic origin. Only the outer BSG curve length was significantly associated with TV complications (p=0.033). Median follow-up was 24 months (range 2-61). The BSG curve length ratio showed a significant increase over time (p<0.001) but did not differ between the BeG and V12 (p=0.381). Conclusion: No difference was found between the V12 and the BeG stent-grafts regarding anatomical TV changes during midterm follow-up after fEVAR. Both stent-grafts adapt to the TV anatomy over time, and moderate anatomical changes seem to be tolerated without increasing the risk for TV complications. The type of main device also influences the TV anatomy.

Endovascular Pressure Measurements to Assess the Functional Severity of Mesenteric Arterial Stenoses.

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of pressure measurements to discriminate clinically significant celiac artery (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis in patients with suspected chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of 41 intra-arterial pressure measurements during mesenteric angiography with intended revascularization, performed in 37 patients (mean age 67.7 ± 10.8 years, 62% female) between April 2015 and May 2017. Simultaneous prestenotic and poststenotic pressure measurements had been obtained before and after intra-arterial administration of nitroglycerin. Revascularization was performed in 38 of 41 procedures. Definitive diagnosis of CMI was defined as patient-reported symptom relief or improvement after successful revascularization. RESULTS: Pressure gradients obtained after vasodilator administration were significantly higher in CAs and SMAs with ≥50% stenosis. Pressure ratios (pressure distal [Pd]/pressure aorta [Pa]) obtained after vasodilator administration were significantly higher in CAs with ≥50% stenosis. Subgroup analysis of 22 patients with a ≥50% stenosis of either CA or SMA showed significantly higher pressure gradients and Pd/Pa ratios after vasodilator administration in CMI patients (median pressure gradient: CMI [interquartile ratio] 36 [21-40] mm Hg versus no-CMI 20 [9-21] mm Hg, P = 0.041; Pd/Pa: CMI 0.703 [0.598-0.769] versus no-CMI 0.827 [0.818-0.906], P = .009). A ≤0.8 Pd/Pa cutoff value after administration of a vasodilator best identified a clinically relevant stenosis, with 86% sensitivity and 83% specificity. Complications related to the pressure measurements were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial pressure measurements are feasible and safe. Low Pd/Pa ratios were associated with clinically relevant CA or SMA stenosis.

Factors Associated with Symptomology of Celiac Artery Compression and Outcomes following Median Arcuate Ligament Release.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify potential risk factors for becoming symptomatic in patients with radiographic celiac artery compression (CAC) as well as prognostic factors for patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) who underwent surgical ligament release. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with findings of CAC on computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography (CT/MRA) who were asymptomatic and who were diagnosed with MALS at a single university hospital between January 2001 and 2018. RESULTS: Following a review of 1,330 CT/MRA reports, a total of 109 patients were identified as having radiographically apparent CAC. Among these, 48 (44.0%) patients were symptomatic. Univariate comparison between those with and without symptoms showed that symptomatic patients were more commonly younger than 30 years old [17/48 (35.4%) vs. 8/61 (13.1%), P = 0.006], had a history of prior abdominal surgery [25/48 (52.1%) vs. 18/61 (29.5%), P = 0.017], and had high-grade stenosis [32/43 (74.4%) vs. 25/61 (41.0%), P = 0.001]. Among 41 included patients who underwent surgical release of the median arcuate ligament including open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, 82.9% reported overall clinical improvement, 5/41 (12.2%) reported persistent pain, and 13/36 (36.0%) experienced pain recurrence. The only identified risk factor associated with symptom recurrence was American Society of Anesthesiologists class III [7/13 (53.8%) vs. 4/23 (17.4%), P = 0.029]. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of stenosis and prior abdominal surgery both contributed to symptom development in patients with radiographically apparent CAC from the median arcuate ligament.

Endovascular Repair of an Aneurysm Arising from a Celiomesenteric Trunk.

Celiac axis (CA) aneurysm is a rare vascular condition, consisting of only 3.6-4% of visceral artery aneurysms but is frequently life threatening and can result in death. A celiomesenteric trunk (CMT) is an anatomic anomaly in which the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries arise from a common trunk. This structure accounts for only 1% of visceral artery variation, and a celiac artery aneurysm at a CMT is exceptionally rare. Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old woman with a celiac artery aneurysm at a CMT. Endovascular repair was completed using a bare metal stent-assisted coil. Satisfactory results were observed at the 10-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported of bare metal stent-assisted coil repair of a CA aneurysm at a CMT.

Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using a Supraceliac Aortic Proximal Seal Zone Versus an Infraceliac Aortic Proximal Seal Zone.

BACKGROUND: Fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR) achieves more extensive proximal seal than conventional infrarenal devices, thereby increasing aneurysm exclusion durability. Optimal seal zone length remains undefined. We assessed relative risks and benefits of extending the proximal seal above the celiac artery. METHODS: The prospective database of all complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs at a single institution (institutional review board-approved, physician-sponsored investigational device exemption trial, 10/2010-6/2017) was used to classify repairs according to the number of target visceral-renal arteries incorporated: 4-vessel versus <4-vessel. Comparisons of aneurysm characteristics, perioperative details, and postoperative complications were performed, stratified by repair type. One-year survival, target artery patency, freedom from type 1 or 3 endoleak, and freedom from reintervention were estimated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Among 175 F/B-EVARs, 38% (n = 67) were 4-vessel and 62% (n = 108) were <4-vessel. Intraoperatively, there was no difference in mean contrast use (76 mL vs. 74 mL, P = non significant [NS]) or dose area product (63,428 mGy cm2 vs. 96,015 mGy cm2), but there was increased median procedure time (4.8 hr, interquartile range [IQR] = 4.1-5.8 versus 3.6 hr, IQR = 2.9-4.1, P < 0.0001) and mean operating room direct costs ($52,532, standard deviation [SD] = 18,640 versus $40,128, SD = 15,135, P < 0.0001) in 4-vessel repairs. There were no differences in mortality (1.9% vs. 4.5%), paraparesis (0% vs. 3.0%), or paralysis (0.9% vs. 0%), all P = NS. There were no differences in one-year survival, target artery patency, or freedom from reintervention. There was a lower 1-year freedom from type 1 or 3 endoleak with 4-vessel repairs (82% vs. 94%, log-rank P = 0.02), driven by an increased rate of type 3 endoleaks. Endoleak resolution after treatment was equivalent in both groups (4-vessel, 10 of 12, 83% resolved; <4-vessel, 7 of 7, 100% resolved, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: With F/B-EVAR, utilization of a supraceliac seal zone, compared with an infraceliac seal zone, is associated with statistical differences in operative characteristics/resource utilization, but with negligible clinical significance. Further innovation to eliminate type 3 endoleaks at fenestrations/branches remains an unmet need. To achieve adequate F/B-EVAR proximal seal zone length, one should have a low threshold to incorporate the celiac artery.