Complex Aortoiliac Pelvic And Visceral Revascularization.

Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) remains an area of debate concerning open and endovascular treatment options. A case of a 63-year old female is reported, with previous known vascular intermittent claudication, that presented in the emergency room with acute ischemia of the right lower limb with 24-hours of evolution. The computer tomographic angiography unveiled occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, occlusion of left common iliac artery (CIA), subocclusive stenosis of right CIA, occlusion of distal runoffs vessels in the right lower limb and diffuse aorto-iliac disease. The first approach was to place the patient under catheter directed thrombolysis (48h) which led to right pedal pulse recovery but the occlusion of left CIA remained. The patient was then electively submitted to Covered Endovascular Repair of Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) with chimney to inferior mesenteric artery and with an additional bailout left iliac sandwich due to dissection. Distal pulses are still present after 18 months of follow-up. Endovascular techniques provide a low morbimortality option with similar symptomatic improvement, challenging open surgery as the standard of care even in complex AIOD.

True Brachial Artery Aneurysm after Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis - Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Brachial artery aneurysms are relatively uncommon and generally due to infectious, post-traumatic or iatrogenic etiology. They seem to affect 4.5% of arteriovenous fistula. The usual manifestation is an accidental finding of a pulsatile, painless, and asymptomatic mass. Complications include sac thrombosis, thromboembolic ischaemic events, and disruption with profuse bleeding. METHODS: The aim of this study is to present a case of true brachial artery aneurysm in end-stage renal disease patient after arteriovenous fistula creation. RESULTS: Sixty-six-year-old men with a past medical history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and poliquistic renal disease. He started a hemodialysis program in March 2006, using a brachiocephalic fistula on the left upper limb, built in February 2005. Submitted to kidney transplant in June 2010 and subsequent fistula ligation in December 2012. He goes to the emergency service in June 2016 with a pulsatile mass on the medial aspect of the left arm. Pain, redness and heat were present. Radial pulse was palpable. Inflammatory parameters were high and ultrasound revealed a fusiform aneurysm of the brachial artery with partial thrombosis and triphasic flow. An MRI was performed, documenting a brachial artery aneurysm, with 44mm greatest diameter and an extension of 17.5cm. Patient was hospitalized under antibiotic therapy and submitted to a reversed great saphenous vein interposition graft. Discharge from hospital occurred on the 7th postoperative day, with no sensitive or motor deficits and a present radial pulse. CONCLUSION: Arterial aneurysm is a rare, but significant complication long after the creation of a hemodialysis access. High flow, immunosuppression and increased resistance following ligation of the AV fistula may accelerate this process.

[Endovascular management of iatrogenic renal arteriovenous fistulas]. / TRATAMENTO ENDOVASCULAR DE FÍSTULAS ARTERIOVENOSAS RENAIS IATROGÉNICAS.

Renal arteriovenous fistulas are uncommon in clinical practice, however the higher frequency of percutaneous renal procedures led to an increase of iatrogenic renal vascular lesions and associated fistulas. Many of these lesions are asymptomatic, however in case of symptoms they can be indicated for treatment. With the emergence of new techniques and materials for embolization, this therapeutic option has been increasingly used to treat this type of injury. The authors present two clinical cases of iatrogenic renal arteriovenous fistulas successfully treated using percutaneous embolization. The percutaneous management of iatrogenic renal vascular lesions is a safe and effective procedure and should be considered as the first-line treatment.

[Occlusion of peripheral bypass--changing of an institutional paradigm]. / OCLUSÃO DE BYPASS PERIFÉRICO. MUDANÇA DE PARADIGMA INSTITUCIONAL.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the results of surgical thrombectomy (ST) and catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute ischemia due to peripheral prosthetic bypass occlusion. METHODS: Retrospective single center analysis of the electronic clinical data on two groups of patients with acute lower limb ischemia due to prosthetic bypass occlusion: in one ST was performed (data collected between June-2006 ahd September-2011) and the other was treated with CDT Qui2 test (categorical variables) and independent samples t test (continuous variables) were used for comparisons between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate rates of freedom from reintervention and limb salvage, with the Log Rank test used for comparisons. RESULTS: Twenty-six bypass were included in the ST group and 11 bypass were included in the CDT group. There were no statistically significan differences between groups regarding gender age and type of occluded bypass. The median time for freedom from reintervention was 275 days for the CDT group and three days for the ST group (p = 0.0029 when comparing survival curves). The median time for limb salvage was 468 days for the CDT group and 17 days for the ST group (p = 0.03 when comparing survival curves). CONCLUSION: These results support the choice for CDT as the local first line therapy for acute ischemia due to bypass occlusion, despite the limitations arising from the sample size. The results of ST need to be urgently addressed.

[Independent factors related to limb salvage and survival in distal angioplasty for critical ischemia]. / Factores determinantes de "limb salvage" e mortalidade nos doentes com isquemia crítica submetidos a angioplastia distal.

INTRODUCTION: Infragenicular multisegmentar atherosclerotic disease is prevalent in diabetic and chronic renal failure (CRF) patients and associated with critical ischemia ulcera related. Distal angioplasty revascularization is an option allowing wound healing and improvement of life quality. Objectives Identification and impact determination of independent factors related to limb salvage and mortality in patients submitted to distal angioplasty. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2012, 31 balloon angioplasties were performed in 25 patients with critical limb ischemia. Overall survival and limb salvage were determined by Kaplan- Meier analysis. Independent impact on the "primary endpoints" factors was evaluated using log rank test or Cox regression. The rate of complications and reintervention was analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 68 ± 11 years, 17 diabetic patients (68%) and 9 patients on hemodialysis (36 %). Mean follow-up was 380 days. Mean C-reactive protein was 75 mg / L. Overall survival was 97, 88 and 74 % at 3, 6 and 12 months, and remained stable at last observation. The limb salvage was 67 % at 3 months, 55 % at 6 months and 30 % at last observation. Diabetic and ASA 2 patients had a more satisfactory last observation limb salvage, respectively 61 and 75%, p value close to significance. There was statistically significant relationship between mortality and CRF (p = 0.004). One non-succeded reintervention occurred and there was one transient post contrast renal acute failure. CONCLUSION: In this sample, although survival is high, long term limb salvage is low justified by the very sick population and anatomical issues. ASA classification and diabetes can be an additional prognostic factor of limb salvage.

Paradoxical embolism and pulmonary embolism in a patient with patent foramen ovale: a case report.

Paradoxical embolism may occur in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism, when a patent foramen ovale(PFO) coexists with a right to left shunt associated to pulmonary hypertension. We presented the case of a 83 year old woman with paradoxical embolism to both legs, in the setting of pulmonary embolism. She was successfully treated with peripheral thrombectomy and anticoagulation. Patent foramen ovale closure wasn't performed because of its small size and right to left shunt absence after clinical stability.

[Radiofrequency-powered segmental thermal ablation in chronic venous disorders: A single center experience]. / Radiofrequência no tratamento da doença venosa crónica. Uma experiência institucional.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, endovascular radiofrequency obliteration has been used as a safe and feasible method, alternative to conventional vein-stripping surgery. METHODS: Data were collected from our center between January 2009 and June 2011. Pretreatment examination included lower limb assessment using CEAP classification and VCSS (Vein Clinical Severity Score). Ultrasound examination was performed at first follow-up visit (one week to one month after surgery) and the last-one in September 2011. RESULTS: The study enrolled 30 patients (33 legs), their mean age was 41.4 ± 10.4 and 76,7% (n=23) were female. Mean follow-up time was 240 days. Treated veins included 32 great saphenous vein above-knee segments, and one small saphenous vein. Only 8% of patients were free of pain before treatment and at last follow-up 61% reported no pain. Edema rate also improved from 52% (before surgery) to 9% at last control. During follow-up, two treated vessels were identified as patent, albeit competent: one a small saphenous vein and the other a segment of a great saphenous vein. Two cases of paresthesias and one of hyperpigmentation were observed at stab avulsion site. The mean VCSS score was 5,6 ±3.11before surgery and 1,4±1.34 at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation effectively reduced symptoms of venous insufficiency, with a significant reduction at VCSS score, and was a well tolerated and safe method, with few complications.

THE IMPACT OF NEUTROPHIL-TOLYMPHOCYTE RATIO AND PLATELETTO- LYMPHOCYTE RATIO IN CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation is a common underlying feature of atherosclerosis. Several inflammatory biomarkers have been reported to have prognostic value, in several areas, including in vascular surgery. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) may permit to identify patients at greater risk for cerebrovascular events, tailor patient management, improve preoperative status and possibly develop target anti-atherosclerotic therapy. However, studies reporting usefulness of these hematological biomarkers in the context of carotid artery disease are still scarce. The aim of this study was to review the literature concerning the prognostic ability of NLR and PLR in the subpopulation of vascular patients with carotid artery disease. METHODS: A Medline search was performed in order to identify publications focused on the physiopathology of NLR and PLR and their impact in the management of patients with carotid artery disease. RESULTS: The study identified 18 articles with a total of 5339 patients. NLR is associated with carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaques, carotid stenosis, symptomatic stenosis and intra-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting and cognitive dysfunction after carotid endarterectomy. PLR is associated with carotid stenosis, symptomatic stenosis and predicts post-operative outcomes after carotid artery revascularization, including post-operative stroke, acute coronary syndrome and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have the ability to predict sub-clinic atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis progression in carotid artery disease and propensity for carotid stenosis to become symptomatic along with morbidity following CEA and carotid stenting. Consequently, these parameters may be considered to tailored therapy and improve patient management.

Red blood cell distribution width is associated with hypoperfusion in carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia develop intraoperative neurologic deficit during carotid artery crossclamping related to critical cerebral perfusion, which may be owing to low flow or embolic phenomena. This subgroup is deemed prone to worse outcomes, which highlights its clinical relevance. The main aim of this study was to identify clinical and hematological predictors for intraoperative neurologic deficit. The secondary aim was to evaluate the perioperative prognostic value of postcarotid artery crossclamping manifestations of cerebral ischemia. METHODS: Between January 2012 to January 2020, patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia in a tertiary referral center who presented intraoperative neurologic deficit were prospectively and consecutively included. This group constituted 8% of the total carotid endarterectomy performed in the center during this timeframe. The control group of patients was the subsequent patient submitted to carotid endarterectomy without intraoperative neurologic deficit in a 1:1 ratio. Blood samples were collected before surgery (<2 weeks). Propensity score matching was used to identify well-matched pairs of patients. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients were included, with 90 (50% of the cohort and 8% of total carotid endarterectomies) presenting intraoperative neurologic deficit associated to clamping. Mean age was 71.4 ± 9.27 years in the study group and 68.8 ± 8.36 years in the control group. The clinical variables presenting significance after multivariate analysis include: age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.04, 5-95% confidence interval, [1.003-1.078]; P = .034), obesity (adjusted odds ratio: 3.537 [1.445-8.658]; P = .006), lower ipsilateral carotid stenosis grade (adjusted odds ratio: 0.725 [0.525-0.997]; P = .049), and higher contralateral carotid stenosis grade (adjusted odds ratio: 1.266 [1.057-1.516]; P = .010). Red cell distribution width coefficient of variation demonstrated statistical significance in predicting intraoperative neurologic deficit with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.394 (1.076-1.805); P = .012. The 30-day stroke rate was significantly higher in the intraoperative neurologic deficit group, with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.13 (5-95% confidence interval [1.058-24.87]; P = .042) after propensity score matching. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥2) were also associated with intraoperative neurologic deficit (after propensity score matching adjusted odds ratio of 2.748 [5-95% confidence interval, 0.976-7.741]; P = .051). CONCLUSION: In this study, increased red cell distribution width coefficient of variation demonstrated value to predict intraoperative neurologic deficit. Additionally, age, obesity, a lower degree of ipsilateral carotid stenosis, and a higher degree of contralateral carotid stenosis also demonstrated ability to predict intraoperative neurologic deficit. Moreover, intraoperative neurologic deficit was an independent risk factor for 30-day stroke and postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo ≥2.

Impact of sarcopenia in aortoiliac occlusive disease in Mediterranean population.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to validate the psoas muscle area and psoas muscle density as morphometric predictors in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular endpoints in patients with extensive aortoiliac peripheral arterial disease. METHODS: A total of 57 patients (55 males, 2 females; mean age 60±8.2 years; range, 35 to 83 years) with Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus type D lesions who underwent revascularization at two Portuguese tertiary hospitals between January 2013 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with a recent (<6 months) computed tomography scan prior to the revascularization procedure were included in the study. Both centers offered to their patients open and endovascular repair of aortoiliac peripheral arterial disease. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and major adverse limb events were evaluated. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 20 months. The mean survival rate was 93±3.4% at 30 days and 62.7±8.6% at 48 months. The discriminative thresholds found in this population were 2,175.8 mm2 for total psoas area and 51.75 Hounsfield unit for psoas muscle density. There was a statistically significant difference in the one-year survival rate (p=0.003 and p=0.291, respectively) and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (p=0.005 and p=0.206, respectively) for total psoas area compared to psoas muscle density. CONCLUSION: Total psoas area shows a prognostic value for survival and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in this patient population.

[Supra-genicular femoro-popliteal bypass: 5 years retrospectively analysis]. / Bypass femoro-poplíteo supra-genicular: análise retrospectiva de 5 anos.

We report a retrospective study of patients submitted to supragenicular femoro-popliteal bypass surgery in our department between 1998 and 2002. A SPSS package was used for statistical analysis. Eighty bypasses were performed in 74 patients with a median follow up of 19,6 months [1-71 (+/- 22,5 months)]. Leriche-Fontaine stage IV chronic ischemia was the main indication for surgery accounting for 68,8% of cases, followed by stage III (25%) and stage IIb (6,2%). The most prevalent vascular conduit was PTFE (87,5%), with great saphenous vein and Dacron being used on 7,5 % and 5% of cases. Ten patients (12,5 %) later required major amputation and limb salvage at 12, 24 and 36 months was 91,6 %, 87,7 % and 82,8 %. The primary patency rates were 81,7 %, 78,9 % and 71 % at the end of the first, second and third year of follow up. Patient survival was 92,8 %, 92,8 % e 88,6 % at 12, 24 e 36 months of follow up. A large proportion of patients (61,7 %) required an accessory procedure. Our results might be considered acceptable in face of other published results, though care must be taken given the intrinsic limitations of this retrospective study.

[Rupture of venous bypass graft associated to infection of multiresistant bacteria]. / Rotura de bypass venoso associada a infecção por bactérias multirresistentes.

We report two cases of severe trauma of the upper limb requiring arterial revascularization. A brachio-brachial inverted saphenous bypass graft was done in both cases. Graft rupture attributed to local infection occurred at fourth post-operative week. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from the surgical wound in the first case and Acinetobacter baumanni in the second. The first case ended up with arm amputation mostly owing to extensive destruction of soft tissue, the patient being discharged home without any other sequel. In the second case the patient was successfully resuscitated after cardiopulmonary arrest, secondary to hemorrhagic shock. He underwent new brachio-brachial venous bypass graft avoiding the contaminated area. Irreversible ischemic signs plus growing overt infection led to arm amputation later on. This patient developed multi-organ failure and died by the fifth post-operative week. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are gram-negative bacilli widely present in hospital environment. Most of them are resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Their association with vascular conduit infections might have dreadful consequences as it happened in these cases.

[Carotid eversion endarterectomy: retrospective analysis]. / Endarteriectomia carotídea por eversão "versus" não-eversão: análise retropectiva.

The aim of this study was to report the initial experience with eversion carotid endarterectomy technique at our department. We undertook a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all carotid endarterectomies performed since January 2004 to March 2006. A comparison between both groups - eversion endarterectomy (EE) and conventional endarterectomy (CE) - was done using a statistical software package. A total of 150 consecutive carotid endarterectomies were performed, 26 (17 %) of them being done using EE. Median age for all patients was 69 [52 - 89] years old with a clear male predominance (n=119; 79,3%). Cardiovascular risk factors were distributed as follows: hypertension, 126 (84%); diabetes, 40 (26,7%); dyslipidaemia, 105 (70%); tobacco smoking, 44 (29,3%). There were proportionately more patients on the EE group submitted to simultaneous CABG (30,8 % vs. 8,8 %; p=0,043) and asymptomatic for previous neurological events (53,9 %vs. 27,3%; p=0,05). There was one case of cervical haematoma reported for the EE technique. Neither neurological morbidity nor deaths were reported within this group. In the CE group the mortality was 0,8 % (1 patient) and the neurological morbidity (either stroke or TIA) was 2,4 % (3 patients). The overall stroke and death rate combining both groups was 2,7 %. Outcome differences between EE and CE patients were nonsignificant, even on multivariate analysis. Eversion carotid endarterectomy is a safe procedure that might be considered as a valid option to conventional endarterectomy.