Editor's Choice -- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) has developed clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in succession to the 2011 and 2019 versions, with the aim of assisting physicians and patients in selecting the best management strategy. METHODS: The guideline is based on scientific evidence completed with expert opinion on the matter. By summarising and evaluating the best available evidence, recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients have been formulated. The recommendations are graded according to a modified European Society of Cardiology grading system, where the strength (class) of each recommendation is graded from I to III and the letters A to C mark the level of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 160 recommendations have been issued on the following topics: Service standards, including surgical volume and training; Epidemiology, diagnosis, and screening; Management of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and indication for repair; Elective AAA repair, including operative risk assessment, open and endovascular repair, and early complications; Ruptured and symptomatic AAA, including peri-operative management, such as permissive hypotension and use of aortic occlusion balloon, open and endovascular repair, and early complications, such as abdominal compartment syndrome and colonic ischaemia; Long term outcome and follow up after AAA repair, including graft infection, endoleaks and follow up routines; Management of complex AAA, including open and endovascular repair; Management of iliac artery aneurysm, including indication for repair and open and endovascular repair; and Miscellaneous aortic problems, including mycotic, inflammatory, and saccular aortic aneurysm. In addition, Shared decision making is being addressed, with supporting information for patients, and Unresolved issues are discussed. CONCLUSION: The ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines provide the most comprehensive, up to date, and unbiased advice to clinicians and patients on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysms.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: development of a predictive model.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). However, thromboprophylaxis is largely underused. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine possible VTE development risk factors and to develop a novel predictive model. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with newly diagnosed AML. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression to estimate binary outcomes and identify potential predictors. Based on our final model, a dynamic nomogram was constructed with the goal of facilitating VTE probability calculation. RESULTS: Out of 626 eligible patients with AML, 72 (11.5%) developed VTE during 6 months of follow-up. Six parameters were independent predictors: male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.077-2.065), prior history of thrombotic events (OR 2.27, 95% CI: 1.4-4.96), international normalized ratio (OR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.95), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.94), and intensive therapy (OR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.07-3.91). The C statistics for the model was 0.68. The model was adequately calibrated and internally validated. The decision-curve analysis suggested the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients with VTE risks between 8 and 20%. CONCLUSION: We developed a novel and convenient tool that may assist clinicians in identifying patients whose VTE risk is high enough to warrant thromboprophylaxis.

Preoperative Anxiety is Associated With Postoperative Complications in Vascular Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is associated with increased morbidity and/or mortality in surgical patients. This study investigated the incidence, predictors, and association of preoperative anxiety with postoperative complications in vascular surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing aortic, carotid, and peripheral artery surgery, under general and regional anesthesia, from February until October 2019 were included in a cross-sectional study. Anesthesiologists assessed preoperative anxiety using a validated Serbian version of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale. Patients were divided into groups with low/high anxiety, both anesthesia- and surgery-related. Statistical analysis included multivariate linear logistic regression and point-biserial correlation. RESULTS: Of 402 patients interviewed, 16 were excluded and one patient refused to participate (response rate 99.7%). Out of 385 patients included (age range 39-86 years), 62.3% had previous surgery. High-level anesthesia- and surgery-related anxieties were present in 31.2 and 43.4% of patients, respectively. Independent predictors of high-level anesthesia-related anxiety were having no children (OR = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.239-0.821, p = 0.01), personal bad experiences with anesthesia (OR = 2.294, 95% CI: 1.043-5.045, p = 0.039), and time since diagnosis for ≥ 4 months (OR = 1.634, 95% CI: 1.023-5.983, p = 0.04). The female sex independently predicted high-level surgery-related preoperative anxiety (OR = 2.387, 95% CI: 1.432-3.979, p = 0.001). High-level anesthesia-related anxiety correlated with postoperative mental disorders (rpb = 0.193, p = 0.001) and pulmonary complications (rpb = 0.104, p = 0.042). Postoperative nausea (rpb = 0.111, p = 0.03) and postoperative mental disorders (rpb = 0.160, p = 0.002) correlated with high-level surgery-related preoperative anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Since preoperative anxiety affects the postoperative course and almost every third patient experiences anxiety preoperatively, routine screening might be recommended in vascular surgery.

Effect of Intra-operative Intra-arterial Thrombolysis on Long Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI) as a result of popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) thrombosis represents a significant problem. The aim of this study was to investigate outcome of intra-operative intra-arterial thrombolysis in the treatment of acute ischaemia due to PAA thrombosis in terms of major adverse limb events (MALE), overall survival, and intrahospital complications, especially those associated with bleeding. METHODS: A total of 156 patients with Rutherford grade IIa and IIb acute ischaemia resulting from PAA thrombosis were admitted between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2017. The patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent additional treatment with intra-operative intra-arterial thrombolysis (20 patients), and those who did not (136 patients). By using covariables from baseline and angiographic characteristics, a propensity score was calculated for each patient. Each patient who underwent intra-operative thrombolysis was matched to four patients from the non-thrombolysis group. Thus, comparable patient cohorts (20 in the thrombolysis and 80 in the non-thrombolysis group) were identified for further analysis. The primary end point was MALE and the secondary endpoint all cause mortality. RESULTS: After a median follow up of 55 months, the estimated MALE rate was significantly lower in the thrombolysis group (30% vs. 65%, chi square = 10.86, p < .001, log rank test). Also, patients in the thrombolysis group had a significantly lower mortality rate (20% vs. 42.65%, chi square = 3.65, p = .05, log rank test). The thrombolysis group had wound/haematoma related interventions performed more commonly (25% in thrombolysis vs 8%, in non-thrombolysis group), but the difference was not significant (p=.013). There were no cases of major (intracranial and gastrointestinal) bleeding in either group. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that intra-operative thrombolysis in the treatment of selected patients with ALI due to PAA thrombosis has long term MALE and overall survival benefits, without a significant risk of major, life threatening bleeding complications.

An Isolated Aneurysm of the Abdominal Aorta in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome-A Case Report.

We present a case of successfully treated abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 24-year-old patient with Marfan syndrome. After initial physical and ultrasound examination, the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scan revealed infrarenal aortic aneurysm of 6 cm in diameter, 10 cm long, along with slightly dilated iliac arteries. However, dimensions of aortic root, aortic arch, and descending suprarenal aorta were within normal limits. Further on, because the patient presented with signs of impending rupture, an urgent surgical intervention was performed. The patient was discharged in good general medical condition 7 days after surgery. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient's condition was satisfying and no MSCT signs of further aortic dissection/aneurysm were identified. To the best of our knowledge, a case of successful management of a patient with Marfans syndrome and truly isolated infrarenal and symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm has not been described in the literature before.

Combined Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease and Contrast Induced Acute Kidney Injury on Long-term Outcomes in Patients with Acute Lower Limb Ischaemia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI) is the sudden onset of decreased arterial perfusion with imminent threat to limb viability. Contrast induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is one of the complications that increases mortality in patients who undergo contrast imaging in coronary procedures. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CI-AKI on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with ALI undergoing lower limb revascularisation. METHODS: A total 1017 consecutive patients with acute lower limb ischaemia who were admitted between July 1, 2006, and January 1, 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had end stage renal disease, those who had end stage heart and malignant disease and died within 7 days of limb revascularisation, and those who did not undergo angiography were excluded. Thus 546 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients were classified as with or without CKD and were then subdivided according to the presence or absence of the development of CI-AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.5 mg/dL or by ≥25% from the baseline value within the first 72 h after contrast exposure. The primary end point was all cause mortality and secondary major adverse limb event (MALE). RESULTS: Both CKD and CI-AKI were associated with the highest rate of all cause mortality (chi square = 55.77, d.f. = 1, p < .01, log rank test) and MALE (chi square = 79.07, d.f. = 1, p < .01, log rank test). The presence of CKD and CI-AKI were significant risk factors associated with long-term all cause mortality (HR = 2.61, p < .01) and MALE (HR = 2.87, p < .01). CONCLUSION: In patients with ALI undergoing lower limb revascularisation, both CKD and CI-AKI were significantly associated with poor long-term outcomes compared with either CKD or CI-AKI alone. Further studies are required to assess this association and to confirm the combined effect of CKD and CI-AKI on long-term clinical outcomes.

Late Complication after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: What Is the Role of an Open Surgical Conversion?

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the causes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) failure and conversion to open surgery (COS) in a vascular center with high-volume open surgery and low-volume TEVAR procedures. METHODS: A total of 8 patients (6 men; mean age, 55.14 years) underwent COS after TEVAR. The indications for COS, intraoperative strategy, and early postoperative and mid-follow-up results were analyzed. RESULTS: The indications for COS were persistent proximal type I endoleak with progressive aneurysm enlargement in 2 patients, type III endoleak in 1 patient, progressive aneurysm enlargement with no endoleak in 1 patient, stent-graft migration in 2 patients, secondary aortoesophageal fistula in 1 patient, secondary aortoesophageal and aortobronchial fistula in 1 patient, and distal progression of the aneurysmal disease in 2 patients. In all but one patient, thoracic stent grafts were explanted, and replacement with a Dacron graft was performed using left partial cardiopulmonary bypass. In the remaining patients with disconnection of the distal component and unfavorable anatomy, the proximal stent graft was recycled, and the Dacron prosthesis was sewn to it. Patients with secondary aortobronchial and aortoesophageal fistulas required additional bronchial and esophageal repair. The in-hospital mortality rate was 50% (4 patients). Four (50%) patients were followed up between 7 and 24 months (mean, 16.75 months) without mortality. CONCLUSIONS: COS after TEVAR has a high mortality rate, and endovascular techniques should be considered as the first line of treatment. Those procedures should be performed by surgeons experienced in open repair which one might expect to be a challenging problem in the era of endovascular therapy.

Evaluation of the renal function using serum Cystatin C following open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Objectives Controversies regarding renal function impairment after open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair still exist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the renal function following open repair and endovascular aneurysm repair using Cystatin C. Methods This prospective, observational case-control study was conducted in tertiary referral centre over 3 years, starting from 2012. In total, 60 patients operated due to infrarenal AAA either by means of open repair (30 patients) or endovascular aneurysm repair (30 patients) were included in the study. Biochemical markers of renal function (sCr, urea, potassium) were recorded pre-operatively and at these specific time points, immediately after the operation and at discharge, home (third postoperative day, endovascular aneurysm repair group) or from intensive care unit (third postoperative day, open repair group). Multivariate and propensity score adjustments were used to control for the baseline differences between the groups. Results Creatinine levels in serum remained unchanged during the hospital stay in both groups without significant differences at any time point. Cystatin C levels in endovascular aneurysm repair patients significantly increased postoperatively and restored to values comparable to baseline at the discharge (0.865 ± 0.319 vs. *0.962 ± 0.353 vs. 0.921 ± 0.322, * p < 0.001). Cystatin C levels in patients treated with the open surgery was decreasing over time but not statistically significant comparing to Cystatin C values at the admission. However, decrease in Cystatin C serum levels in patients treated with conventional surgery resulted in statistically significant lower values compared to endovascular aneurysm repair patients both postoperatively and at the time of discharge (0.760 ± 0.225 vs. 0.962 ± 0.353, p < 0.05; 0.750 vs. 0.156, p < 0.05). Both multivariate linear regression models and propensity score adjustment confirm that, even after correction for previously observed intergroup differences, type of surgery, i.e. endovascular aneurysm repair is independently associated with the higher levels of Cystatin C both postoperatively and at the discharge. Conclusions Dynamics of Cystatin C levels have been proven as a more vulnerable marker of renal dysfunction. Endovascular aneurysm repair is associated with higher levels of kidney injury markers.

Effects of atmospheric pressure dynamics on abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture onset.

BACKGROUND: The effect of atmospheric pressure (AP) on the onset of abdominal aorta aneurysm rupture (RAAA) remains an unanswered question. We have investigated the seasonal variation and the effect of AP dynamics on RAAA by analysing the largest series of intraoperatively confirmed RAAA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To realize this study we have performed a retrospective analysis of 546 patients with RAAA, operated within 503 days at the Clinic for vascular and endovascular surgery CCS between 1.1.2003 and 31.12.2012. AP data for Belgrade city were obtained from meteorological yearbooks published by the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia measured at the hydrometeorological station "Belgrade Observatory". Only patients with a residence within the extended Belgrade region, exposed to the similar AP values, were included in the analysis of the AP effect on RAAA. RESULTS: RAAA were observed more frequently during winter and autumn months but without significant difference in comparison to other seasons. Months with higher AP values were associated with a higher RAAA rate (p = 0.0008, R2 = 0.665). A similar trend was observed for the monthly AP variability (p = 0.0311, R2 = 0.374). Average AP values did not differ between days with and without RAAA. However, during the three and seven days periods preceding RAAA AP variability parameters were greater and AP was rising. CONCLUSIONS: Although these pressure differences are very small, higher AP values over longer periods of time as well as greater variability are associated with RAAA. The exact mechanism behind this association remains unclear. The postulation that low AP may precipitate RAAA based on the Laplace law should be discarded.

Open Repair of AAA in a High Volume Center.

OBJECTIVE: To assess results of open repair (OR) of AAA in a single high volume center. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data of 450 patients who underwent elective OR of AAA at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of the Serbian Clinical Centre in the period between January 2013 and September 2014. RESULTS: Postoperative death occurred in seven patients (1. 55%) during the first 30 postoperative days. The mortality was caused by: uncontrolled bleeding-1, acute myocardial infarction-1, ischemic colitis-2, MOFS-2, sepsis due to infection and dehiscence of laparotomy wound-1. Coronary artery disease (OR 3.89; CI 0.85-17.7; p = 0.0058), postoperative acute myocardial infarction (OR 29.9; CI 2.56-334.95; p = 0.0053), chronic renal failure (OR 7.5; CI 1.35-8.5; p = 0.0073), colonic necrosis (OR 88.2; CI 4.77-1629.69; p = 0.0026), occlusion of the both hypogastric arteries and the inability to preserve at least one hypogastric artery (OR 17.4; CI 1.99-178.33; p = 0.0230), aortobifemoral reconstruction (OR 9.06; CI 1.76-46.49; p = 0.016), significant perioperative bleeding (>2 L) (OR 7.32; CI 1.31-10.79; p = 0.0001), hostile abdomen (OR 5.25; CI 1.3-21.1; p = 0.0055), inflammatory aneurysm (OR 13.99; CI 2.88-65.09; p = 0.0002), supraceliac aortic cross-clamping (OR 18.7; CI 3.8-90.6; p = 0.0003), prolonged aortic cross-clamping (>60 min) (OR 14.25; CI 2.75-64.5; p = 0.0003), the intraoperative hypotension (OR 6.61; CI 0.71-61.07; p = 0.0545), the prolonged operation (>240 min) (OR 8.66; CI 0.91-81.56; p = 0.0585) and complete dehiscence of the laparotomy (OR 44.1; CI 3.39-572.78; p = 0.0396) increased the 30-day mortality in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Early mortality after open repair of AAA in high volume center might be very low due to experienced multidisciplinary team. Centralized open aortic surgery might be solution for effective treatment of patients with unsuitable anatomy or for young patients with long life expectancy.

Morphological and Biomechanical Features in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Long and Short Neck-Case-Control Study in 64 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Both, open and endovascular, procedures are related to higher complication rate in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with shorter neck. Previous study showed that long-neck AAA might have lower risk of rupture. Estimation of biomechanical forces in AAA improves rupture risk assessment. The aim of this study was to compare morphological features and biomechanical forces in the short- and long-neck AAA with threshold of 15 mm. METHODS: Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine images of 64 aneurysms were prospectively collected and analyzed in a case-control study. Using commercially available software, Peak wall Stress (PWS) and Rupture Risk Equivalent Diameter (RRED) were determined. Difference between the maximal aneurysm diameter (MAD) and RRED was calculated and expressed as an absolute and relative (percentage of the MAD) value. In addition, volume of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) was calculated and expressed relative to AAA volume. RESULTS: Study included 64 AAA divided in group with long (36, 56.25%), and short (28, 43.75%) neck. There was no correlation between neck length and MAD, PWS, and RRED (P = 0.646, P = 0.421, and P = 0.405, respectively). Relative ILT volume was greater in the short-neck aneurysms (P = 0.033). Relative difference between RRED and MAD was -4% and -14.8% in short- and long-neck aneurysms, respectively (P = 0.029). The difference between RRED and MAD was positive in 14/28 patients (50%) with short neck and in 6/35 patients (17.14%) with long neck (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our biomechanical analysis, in AAA with neck longer than 15 mm rupture risk might be lower than the risk estimated by its diameter. It might be explained with lower relative volume of ILT.

Open Surgical Treatment of Secondary Aortoesophageal and Aortobronchial Fistula after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair and Esophagocoloplasty in a Second Procedure.

Aortoesophageal (AEF) and aortobronchial fistula (ABF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are rare complications with catastrophic consequences without treatment. In this case report, we presented a patient with AEF and ABF after TEVAR successfully treated with endograft explantation and replaced by Dacron graft followed by esophagectomy and left principal bronchus repairing. We report a patient with AEF and ABF after TEVAR who was evaluated due to dysphagia and chest pain followed by hematemesis and hemoptysis. Endoscopic examination revealed lesion of the esophageal wall with chronic abscess formation and stent-graft protrusion into the cavity. Patient was operated on with extracorporeal circulation. AEF and ABF were confirmed intraoperatively. Endograft was explanted and in situ reconstruction of thoracic aorta was carried out with tubular Dacron 22-mm prosthesis wrapped with omental flap. After aortic reconstruction, esophageal mucosal stripping was performed with cervical esophagostomy, pyloromyotomy, and Stamm-Kader gastrostomy for nutrition. In addition, omentoplasty of the defect in the left principal bronchus was performed. To re-establish peroral food intake esophagocoloplasty was carried out 8 months after previous surgery utilizing transversosplenic segment of the colon and retrosternal route. In very selective cases, stent-graft explantation and in situ reconstruction with Dacron graft covered by omental flap followed by esophagectomy and bronchus repairing permit adequate debridement reducing the risk of mediastinitis and graft infection and allow a safe esophageal reconstruction in a second procedure.

Treatment of a Patient with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The surgical tactics in cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and intra-abdominal malignancy are not uniform in the literature and are still a matter of debate. In this case report, we present a patient with coexisting AAA and primary liver cancer managed by simultaneous open AAA repair and liver resection After laparotomy and intraoperative liver ultrasonography that confirmed resectability of the tumor, aneurysm repair was performed with aorto-aortic tube grafting after interrenal cross-clamping Radiofrequency-assisted liver transection was performed to complete an anterior anatomic resection of liver segments VI and VII. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on a postoperative day 10. METHODS: This was prospective follow up of one patient. RESULTS: The patient is free from disease at 18-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The best treatment strategy for patients with AAA and malignant disease is still not clearly defined. Strategy selection is made individually according to the risk of rupture of AAA, general condition of the patient, experience of the teams that should perform the procedure and estimated life expectancy after resection of malignant disease.

Complete Immediate Paraplegia Reversal after Performing Aorto-Lumbar Bypass on the Patient who Underwent Aortoiliac Reconstruction.

Although both internal iliac arteries were saved during operation, the patient developed paraplegia immediately after aortoiliac reconstruction due to the spinal cord ischemia. We report a successfully treated immediate postoperative paraplegia by performing second operation and creating bypass from the bifurcated Dacron graft to the previously detected nonpaired huge lumbar artery.

The Rationale for Continuing Open Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Mortality after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) remains high. The purpose of this study is to present the results of open RAAA treatment observing 2 different 10-year periods in a single high-volume center and to consider the possibilities of result improvement in the future. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 729 RAAA patients who were treated through 1991-2001 (229 patients, Group A) and 2002-2011 (500 patients, Group B) was performed. Variables significantly associated with mortality were defined and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall 30-day mortality in Group A was 53.7% (123/229 patients) with intraoperative mortality of 13.5% (31/229 patients), while in Group B it was 37.4% (187/500 patients) with intraoperative mortality of 12.4% (62/500 patients). Overall 30-day mortality was significantly lower in Group B (P = 0.012). There was no difference regarding intraoperative mortality (P = 0.797). Preoperative severe hemodynamic instability (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), cardiac arrest (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), consciousness deterioration (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), renal malfunction (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), and significant anemia (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality in both A and B groups, respectively. Aortic cross-clamping level in Group A was predominantly infrarenal (68%) while in Group B it was mostly supraceliac (53%) (P < 0.001). Cross-clamping time, duration of surgery, and type of aortic reconstruction had no influence on survival in Group B (P > 0.05). Intraoperative hemodynamic instability (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), significant bleeding (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and low urine output (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) remained parameters that favored lethal outcome in both A and B groups, respectively. Cell saving was used only in Group B. The multivariate logistic regression applied on the complete sample of patients presented several significant predictors of lethal outcome: congestive heart failure on admission (odds ratio [OR] 1.954, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.103-3.460), intraperitoneal rupture (OR 3.009, 95% CI 1.771-5.423), aortofemoral reconstruction (OR 1.928, 95% CI 1.044-3.563), and total operative time (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.010). Postoperative multisystem organ failure (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), respiratory (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) and renal (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) failure, postoperative bleeding (P < 0.05), and cerebrovascular incidents (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) significantly increased mortality in both A and B groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although unselective, aggressive surgical approach in RAAA performed by teams experienced in open repair can improve patient's survival. Short admission/surgery time, supraceliac aortic cross-clamping, and the use of intraoperative cell saving are recommended.

Open Treatment of Blunt Injuries of Supra-Aortic Branches: Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Blunt injuries of the supra-aortic branches are rare entity, and majority of patients die before arrival at the hospital. Those who arrive alive require complex and fast procedure that requires sternotomy. We report 3 successfully managed cases. CASE REPORTS: We report 3 patients with injury of supra-aortic branches. One was treated urgently due to longitudinal rupture on the posterior wall of innominate artery after car accident, and another 2 had chronic false aneurysm located at the very orifice of the right subclavian and left common carotid artery. In first and second patient bypass grafting with a hand-made, Y-shaped, 8-mm Dacron graft from the ascending aorta to the right common carotid and proximal right subclavian artery were performed, whereas in last 1 bypass grafting from the ascending aorta to the cervical part of the left common carotid artery was performed. In our facility, there were no possibilities for any endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: When endovascular technology is not available, open surgical repair of blunt injuries of supra-aortic vessels can be performed without complications. No matter to that, endovascular and hybrid procedures should be considered whenever possible.

Carotid replacement with Dacron graft in 292 patients.

INTRODUCTION: In case of highly atherosclerotic carotid process, carotid graft replacement might be a potential solution for successful procedure. Many studies evaluated the results of vein and polytetrafluorethilen (PTFE) graft usage at the carotid bifurcation, while the experience on the Dacron graft due to extensive atherosclerotic process is missing. The aim of our study was to evaluate 30-day and long-term results of the Dacron graft on carotid artery used in patients with extensive atherosclerotic disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study analysed early and long-term neurological outcome as well as Dacron graft patency in patients operated with carotid reconstruction. Early results were confirmed by follow-up clinical examination, whereas late results were assessed by follow-up clinical examination as well as duplex sonographic examination at least 1 year after the surgery. As for statistical methods we used descriptive analysis tests, Chi-square test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Carotid graft replacement was performed in 292 patients, before endarterectomy in 155 (53.09%), or after already attempted unsuccessful eversion endarterectomy in 137 (46.91%). Nineteen (6.5%) patients had a stroke due to ipsilateral and contralateral ischaemia or haemorrhagic in 17 (5.8%), 1 (0.3%) and 1 (0.3%) patients, respectively. Significantly higher rate of strokes occurred when the graft reconstruction was used after the failure of endarterectomy (8.5% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.029). Stroke and death rate was 7.19%. Factors that increased risk of early stroke were the length of plaque in the internal carotid artery measured intraoperatively (p = 0.025) and the surgical tactic to perform graft reconstruction after attempted extensive endarterectomy (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Low number of patients with carotid stenosis has extensive atherosclerotic process longer than 4 cm that might jeopardise eversion endarterectomy. Carotid graft replacement with Dacron graft provide early results that are comparable with other conduits; however, in such patients reconstruction should be selected individually based on surgical experience and anatomical distribution of stenotic disease. Due to high risk of stroke, only symptomatic patients with such extensive atherosclerotic disease should be operated.

Giant Posttraumatic Cervical Hematoma: Acute Presentation of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in an Adolescent.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare case of acute presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 19-year-old male presented with an expanding cervical mass following blunt trauma. A computed tomography scan revealed a mass suspected to be hematoma that was compressing the vessels and thereby deviating the trachea. Immediate surgery was performed. Neither vascular injury nor active bleeding was seen; instead, a solid, hematoma-like tumefaction in the right thyroid lobe was revealed. A total thyroid lobectomy was performed. A histologic paraffin section confirmed a PTC that was permeated by hematoma. CONCLUSION: This was a unique case of an acute, life-threatening presentation of previously asymptomatic PTC in an adolescent.