Predictors for reintervention and survival during long-term follow-up after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported short- and intermediate-term outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA); however, reports on long-term (10 years) outcomes are sparse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze predictors impacting long-term outcome after TEVAR for DTAA. METHODS: Databases from four academic institutions were reviewed and consecutive cases of TEVAR for DTAA between 1999 and 2021 were included in this retrospective multicenter study (case series). Ethical approval from the institutional review board was obtained and patient demographics and treatment data, as well as follow-up information were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 305 patients (mean age, 72 ± 10 years) who were treated with TEVAR for degenerative DTAA with a mean aortic diameter of 64 mm. Altogether 445 endografts were implanted via femoral access (93%) with a technical success of 94%. Operative mortality, stroke rate, and rate of spinal cord ischemia were 6% (5% for intact, 12% for ruptured DTAA), 4%, and 3%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimates for overall survival rates were 76%, 59% and 34% at 1, 5 and 10 years and freedom from reintervention rates were 84%, 73% and 58% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 to 5 and nonelective case were identified as predictors for death, whereas as fusiform DTAA, proximal landing zone 2, and hypertension, but not device generation, were predictive for reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study is, to date, the largest reporting long-term (10 years) outcome on TEVAR for DTAA. We found acceptable rates for long-term survival and freedom from reintervention that were independent of endovascular device generation.

Sex Differences in Short- and Long-Term Survival after Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Background and Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening disease. No differences between men and women have been made in the treatment of AAD so far and knowledge about sex differences regarding long-term outcomes is limited. Materials and Methods: Between 01/2004 and 12/2021, 874 patients were operated on for AAD, including 313 (35.8%) women and 561 (64.2%) men. Clinical and surgical records, including long-term follow-up information, were obtained and analyzed retrospectively. To account for differences in the outcome determined by different preoperative life expectancies, a subgroup analysis for a set of patients matched according to their remaining life expectancy was performed. Results: At the time of AAD, women were older than men (69.1 ± 13.0 vs. 61.8 ± 13.3 years, p < 0.001) and had a shorter remaining statistical life expectancy (18.6 ± 10.8 vs. 21.4 ± 10.4 years, p < 0.001). Significantly more DeBakey type II AAD was found in women (37.1% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.001). Comorbidities and preoperative status at the time of presentation were similar in women and men. More hemiarch procedures (63.3% vs. 52.0%, p < 0.001) and less arch replacements (8.6% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001) were performed in women, resulting in shorter cross-clamp times for women (92 ± 39 vs. 102 ± 49 min, p < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality was similar in women and men (11.5% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.618). Long-term survival was significantly shorter in women compared to men (9.8 [8.1-11.5] vs. 15.1 [11.9-18.4] years, p = 0.011). A matched subgroup analysis revealed that when comparing groups with a similar remaining life expectancy, the long-term survival showed no significant differences between women and men (9.8 [7.9-11.6] vs. 12.4 [10.1-14.7] years, p = 0.487). Conclusions: There are sex differences in AAD, with DeBakey type II dissection being more frequent in women. The seemingly worse long-term outcome can mostly be attributed to the shorter remaining statistical life expectancy at the time of presentation.

Ovine Biosynthetic Grafts for Aortoiliac Reconstructions in Nonsterile Operative Fields.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic vascular grafts placed surgically or via endovascular techniques can be subject to the risk of life-threatening graft infections. The Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is a biosynthetic graft that was reported to have favorable properties in resisting infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our 3 years' experience of using the Omniflow II prostheses for aortoiliac reconstructions in patients considered to carry a substantial risk of subsequent prosthetic graft infections (prevention group) as well as in patients with actively infected prosthetic vascular grafts (treatment group). RESULTS: Aorto-bi-iliac (n = 4) and aortobifemoral (n = 12) vascular reconstructions were performed using bifurcated Omniflow II prostheses in nine patients in the prevention group and seven patients in the treatment group. During mean follow-up of 28.6 ± 17.2 months, there was one case of graft infection (6.3%) and graft thrombosis (6.3%) with subsequent successful thrombectomy. Early and late surgical revisions were required in eight (50%) and two (12.6%) patients, respectively. All graft prostheses were patent at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Using bifurcated Omniflow II vascular prostheses in patients with or at a high risk of vascular graft infection is advisable, and is associated with acceptable reinfection and patency rates.

Percutaneous puncture of an aorto-bifemoral bypass graft and successful closure with MANTA® device in transfemoral TAVR.

Transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a standard therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Special anatomies can pose distinct challenges for vascular access and later closure of the access site, for example, in preoperated patients. Here, we elucidate a case of transfemoral TAVR with vascular access by direct puncture of an aorto-bifemoral bypass graft and illustrate the feasibility of vascular closure by an anchored collagen-plug vascular closure device (Teleflex MANTA® ).

T-shaped Transseptal Approach for Mitral Valve Surgery.

We present a T-shaped transseptal approach for mitral valve surgery that makes adequate exposure possible under challenging anatomic and surgical circumstances, hence eliminating the need for forceful retraction on potentially fragile tissues. Particularly suited for patients with complex mitral pathology, it also facilitates juxta-annular transseptal right atrial anchoring, especially in cases of endocarditic anterior mitral annular destruction.

[The Future of Vascular Medicine - Role of 3D Printing]. / Gefäßmedizin in der Zukunft ­ Möglichkeiten mit 3D-Druckverfahren.

Digitalisation is one of the key challenges in current surgery and will impact the future of surgical care as well as upcoming generations of surgeons. 3D printing is a technology that has recently been transferred from industrial prototyping into cardiovascular medicine. The digital model of the anatomical structure which needs to be engineered represents the inherent link of 3D printing to digital medicine. 3D printing technology is able to provide the surgeon with patient-specific models of anatomy and disease for surgical planning and patient informed consent as well as training templates for students and residents, surgical templates and even ready-to-use surgical implants. In our service, we have established a full-inhouse workflow for 3D printing and we currently use this technology for the generation of patient-specific models, training templates and for patient education, as will be presented in this article. Future advances in software solutions, printing polymers and easy-to-handle printers will further propagate and expand the applicability of this technology in cardiovascular medicine.

Endovascular Repair of Paravisceral Aortic Aneurysms Combining Chimney Grafts and the Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing Technology (Four-Vessel ChEVAS).

Background We demonstrate our initial experience and first results of the endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) technology with chimney grafts for the treatment of paravisceral aneurysms. Methods We present a consecutive series of seven patients with a mean age of 75 years who had been treated by four-vessel-chimney EVAS (ChEVAS) between May 2014 and May 2015. All patients were ASA grade ≥ III and were not eligible for fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (fEVAR/brEVAR) due to urgency (n = 5) or anatomical constraints (n = 2). Results Total 28 renovisceral target vessels were treated by balloon-expandable covered stents and 14 Nellix devices were used to seal the paravisceral aorta. Overall, 16 Nellix (Endologix Inc., Irvine, California, United States) devices and 65 covered stents were implanted with a technical success of 100%. Perioperatively, one patient with ruptured aneurysm died due to respiratory failure following splenic laceration/splenectomy (mortality = 14%) and in one patient, laceration of an axillary access vessel occurred. At a median follow-up of 6 months, all six surviving patients were well and no reinterventions were necessary. One chimney was found occluded without clinical sequelae resulting in a patency rate of 96%. Conclusion Four-vessel ChEVAS may serve as alternative treatment option in highly selected cases of either acute paravisceral aortic pathology and/or situations, where the implantation of fEVAR/brEVAR is hampered by anatomical constraints. Further follow-up and a multicenter study are of course warranted to corroborate these initial results.

The Effect of Obesity on Short- and Long-Term Outcome after Surgical Treatment for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: A paradox of lower morbidity and mortality in overweight or obese patients undergoing cardiac surgery has been described; however, knowledge about the influence of obesity in patients with acute Type A aortic dissection (AAD) is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of obesity on short- and long-term outcomes after surgical treatment for AAD. METHODS: Between 01/2004 and 12/2022, 912 patients with a BMI of 18.5 or greater were operated on for AAD. Patients were grouped according to their BMI (normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9, n = 332; overweight: BMI 25-29.9, n = 367; obesity class I: BMI 30-34.9, n = 133; obesity class II+: BMI ≥ 35, n = 67), and the obtained clinical and surgical data were compared. RESULTS: Obese patients were younger at the time of AAD (p = 0.001) and demonstrated higher rates of typical cardiovascular comorbidities (arterial hypertension, p = 0.005; diabetes mellitus, p < 0.001). The most important preoperative parameters, as well as the surgical approach, were similar between all four groups. The occurrence of renal failure requiring dialysis was higher in patients with BMI ≥ 35 (p = 0.010), but the in-hospital (p = 0.461) and long-term survival (p = 0.894) showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: There are no indications that the obesity paradox is applicable in the setting of AAD. Since obese patients are affected by AAD at a younger age, obesity might constitute a risk factor for AAD. However, obesity does not influence short- or long-term survival. Regardless of body weight, immediate surgical therapy remains the treatment of choice for AAD.

Awake Tracheal Intubation Is Associated with Fewer Adverse Events in Critical Care Patients than Anaesthetised Tracheal Intubation.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal intubation in critical care is a high-risk procedure requiring significant expertise and airway strategy modification. We hypothesise that awake tracheal intubation is associated with a lower incidence of severe adverse events compared to standard tracheal intubation in critical care patients. METHODS: Records were acquired for all tracheal intubations performed from 2020 to 2022 for critical care patients at a tertiary hospital. Each awake tracheal intubation case, using a videolaryngoscope with a hyperangulated blade (McGrath® MAC X-Blade), was propensity matched with two controls (1:2 ratio; standard intubation videolaryngoscopy (VL) and direct laryngoscopy (DL) undergoing general anaesthesia). The primary endpoint was the incidence of adverse events, defined as a mean arterial pressure of <55 mmHg (hypotension), SpO2 < 80% (desaturation) after sufficient preoxygenation, or peri-interventional cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Of the 135 tracheal intubations included for analysis, 45 involved the use of an awake tracheal intubation. At least one adverse event occurred after tracheal intubation in 36/135 (27%) of patients, including awake 1/45 (2.2%; 1/1 hypotension), VL 10/45 (22%; 6/10 hypotension and 4/10 desaturation), and DL 25/45 (47%; 10/25 hypotension, 12/25 desaturation, and 3/25 cardiac arrest; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective observational study of intubation practices in critical care patients, awake tracheal intubation was associated with a lower incidence of severe adverse events than anaesthetised tracheal intubation.

Paracolic Gutter Routing: A Novel Retroperitoneal Extra-Anatomical Repair for Infected Aorto-Iliac Axis.

OBJECTIVE: We describe and analyze outcomes of a novel extra-anatomical paracolic gutter routing technique for surgical repair of aorto-iliac infections. METHODS: A double-center, observational, cohort study of all consecutive patients with aorto-iliac infections treated using extra-anatomical paracolic gutter technique. Between May 2015 and December 2022, six patients with aorto-iliac infections were treated with the paracolic gutter routing technique. Cases were identified retrospectively in an institutional database, and data were retrieved from surgical records, imaging studies, and follow-up records. RESULTS: Aorto-bifemoral vascular reconstructions were performed using this technique in six patients. During mean follow-up of 52 ± 44 months, there was one case of graft thrombosis (17%) with subsequent successful thrombectomy. Primary and secondary graft patency rates were 83% and 100%, respectively. There was one mortality (17%) due to candida sepsis. All graft prostheses were patent at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The paracolic gutter technique is a useful technique in patients with extensive aorto-iliac infections, arteriovenous and iliac-ureteric fistulas, or at a high risk of vascular graft infection and is associated with favorable reinfection and patency rates.

Minimal invasive aortic arch repair with suture-mediated closure system.

Port implantation can be associated with an array of serious vascular complications, typically involving the subclavian artery. We report a case in which implantation of a port resulted in iatrogenic perforation of the aortic arch at the level of the left subclavian artery, which was sealed off using a percutaneous vascular closure device.

Conservative endoscopic closure with fibrin glue of an aorto-esophageal fistula secondary to endovascular repair of a contained penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer rupture.

An aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare complication of aortic surgery but can cause potentially lethal upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. A patient presented with an AEF secondary to emergency endovascular repair of a contained penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer rupture of the thoracic aorta and was successfully treated with endoscopic closure using fibrin glue. As endovascular repair becomes increasingly common, a greater incidence of AEFs should be anticipated and the treatment options better described.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of retrograde type A aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde type A dissection (RTAD) is a devastating complication of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) with low incidence but high mortality. The objective of this study is to report the incidence, mortality, potential risk factors, clinical manifestation and diagnostic modalities, and medical and surgical treatments. METHODS: A systematic review and single-arm and two-arm meta-analyses evaluated all published reports of RTAD post-TEVAR through January 2021. All study types were included, except study protocols and animal studies, without time restrictions. Outcomes of interest were procedural data (implanted stent-grafts type, and proximal stent-graft oversizing), the incidence of RTAD, associated mortality rate, clinical manifestations, diagnostic workouts and therapeutic management. RESULTS: RTAD occurred in 285 out of 10,600 patients: an estimated RTAD incidence of 2.3% (95% CI: 1.9-2.8); incidence of early RTAD was approximately 1.8 times higher than late. Wilcoxon signed-rank testing showed that the proportion of RTAD patients with acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) was significantly higher than those with chronic TBAD (P = .008). Pooled meta-analysis showed that the incidence of RTAD with proximal bare stent TEVAR was 2.1-fold higher than with non-bare stents: risk ratio was 1.55 (95% CI: 0.87-2.75; P = .13). Single arm meta-analysis estimated a mortality rate of 42.2% (95% CI: 32.5-51.8), with an I2 heterogeneity of 70.11% (P < .001). CONCLUSION: RTAD is rare after TEVAR but with high mortality, especially in the first month post-TEVAR with acute TBAD patients at greater risk as well as those treated with proximal bare stent endografts.

Prognostic factors for long-term survival following complete resection by lobectomy in stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors for long-term overall survival (OS) in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: All patients undergoing complete resection by lobectomy for stage I NSCLC between October 2012 and December 2015 at a single center were included. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p = 0.005), preoperative diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO, p = 0.010) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1, p = 0.041) as well as male gender (p = 0.026) as independent prognostic factors for OS. Combining the calculated cutoff values for FEV1 (<73.0%) and NLR (>3.49) into one parameter resulted in a highly significant difference in survival times when stratified by this variable. CONCLUSIONS: Recently, much emphasis has been put on the prognostic importance of blood biomarkers in NSCLC. In our study, NLR was an independent factor for OS, as were baseline characteristics such as DLCO, FEV1, and gender. Further studies on the association of biomarkers for systemic inflammation and lung function parameters with respect to patient survival are warranted.

Early results of a low-profile stent-graft for thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of a low-profile thoracic stent-graft in the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with aortic thoracic pathologies treated with the RelayPro device in two university hospitals between October 2018 and July 2019. RESULTS: 23 patients (65% men; mean age 63.4 ± 15 years) were treated. Pathologies included aortic dissections (n = 10), 5 residual type A (22%) and 5 type B (22%), 6 degenerative aortic aneurysms (26%), 4 penetrating aortic ulcers (17%), and aortic erosion, intramural hematoma and aortic rupture (n = 1 and 4% in each case). Two cases (9%) were emergent and two urgent. Proximal landing was achieved in zones 0 (4%), 1 (4%), 2 (43%), and 3 (26%). Five grafts were frozen elephant trunk extensions. Technical success was 100% with accurate device deployment in the intended landing zone of the aortic arch in all 23 patients and with no Ia/III endoleaks and three (13%) type II endoleaks. Apposition was adequate in 96%. Two patients had post-implantation syndromes (one fever, one leukocytosis). Mean follow-up was 11.6 ± 3.7 months (range, 2-16) with no other complications, secondary interventions or conversions to open surgery. There was no 30-day mortality and no aortic-related mortality; all-cause mortality was 4% during follow-up. CONCLUSION: A 3-4 French reduced profile in the current generation of stent-grafts facilitates TEVAR particularly in patients with smaller vessels access. Early safety and effectiveness outcomes are favorable, even in endpoints such as deployment accuracy and apposition which may be surrogates for longer-term clinical success and durability.

Direct true lumen cannulation in type A acute aortic dissection: A review of an 11 years' experience.

OBJECTIVES: Direct true lumen cannulation (DTLC) of the aorta is an alternative cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation technique in the context of type A acute aortic dissection (A-AAD). DTLC has been reported to be effective in restoring adequate perfusion to jeopardized organs. This study reports and compares operative outcomes with DTLC or alternative cannulation techniques in a large cohort of patients with A-AAD. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgery for A-AAD between January 2006 and January 2017 in Mainz university hospital were reviewed. The choice of cannulation technique was left to the operating surgeon, however DTLC was our preference in patients who were in state of shock or showed signs of tamponade or hypoperfusion, in cases of potential cerebral malperfusion, as well as in patients who were under resuscitation. RESULTS: A total of 528 patients (63% males, mean age 64±13.8 years) underwent emergency surgery for A-AAD. The DTLC technique was used in 52.4% of patients. The DTLC group of patients had worse clinical status at the time of presentation with more shock, tamponade, true lumen collapse, cerebral and other malperfusion states. New neurologic events were diagnosed in around 8% of patients in each group following surgery, but there was a trend for quicker neurological recovery in the DTLC-group. Early mortality rates, short-term and long-term survival rates did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: DTLC is a safe cannulation technique that enables effective antegrade true lumen perfusion in complicated A-AAD scenarios, and is an advantageous addition to the aortic surgeons' armamentarium.

Giant right atrial myxoma: A rare cause of cardiovascular collapse.

We report the case of a patient with a giant right atrial myxoma that remained clinically silent until it almost completely obliterated the right atrium, prolapsed into the right ventricle and obstructed the tricuspid valve inflow. This case illustrates the importance of rapid surgical intervention in the setting of acute heart failure caused by tumor masses obliterating heart valves or cardiac chambers.

Juxta-annular right atrial anchoring of prosthetic mitral valves in endocarditis with anterior annulus destruction†.

Destruction of the mitral annulus is associated with poor outcomes. We present the treatment of endocarditis using a technique that enables secure anchoring of prosthetic valves where the anterior part of the mitral annulus is severely disrupted. It was used in 5 patients. Follow-up at 10 ± 4 months showed the valves intact without recurrence of endocarditis. Mortality was limited to 1 patient who died of non-cardiac causes. We conclude that partial right atrial anchoring is a useful bail-out and enables favourable outcomes in patients with extensive loss of the (peri)annular tissue due to endocarditis.

Survival and reinterventions after isolated proximal aortic repair in acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Conventional treatment for acute type A dissection is the replacement of the ascending aorta. This study demonstrates the results of a conventional approach with isolated proximal repair combined with concomitant endovascular procedures. METHODS: Replacement of the ascending aorta with or without an open distal anastomosis was defined as isolated proximal repair and was performed in 562/588 patients between January 2004 and June 2017. A total of 68% were DeBakey type I and 32% were DeBakey type II aortic dissections. Concomitant procedures were thoracic endovascular aortic repair (3.6%); visceral, renal and iliac stents (2%); and peripheral bypasses (1.1%). Mean follow-up was 4.6 ± 3.5 years with a 98% follow-up rate. Early and long-term survival, reintervention rates and risk factors were analysed. RESULTS: Overall, the in-hospital mortality rate was 10.7%, 5.6% in DeBakey type II and 13% in DeBakey type I aortic dissection (P = 0.008). Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were age [odds ratio (OR) 1.03], chronic obstructive lung disease (OR 3.98), coronary artery disease (OR 2.19), Penn class BC (OR 15.41) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.01). The 5- and 10-year survival rates, including in-hospital mortality, were 71% and 54% for type I and 73% and 65% for type II aortic dissection, respectively (P = 0.14). Freedom from reintervention after 5 and 10 years was 96% and 94% for DeBakey type II aortic dissection and 86% and 78% for type I (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combined with concomitant endovascular procedures, good short- and long-term results can be achieved in DeBakey type I and II aortic dissection. The reintervention rate is higher in DeBakey type I but can be managed open and endovascularly with good results.