Outcomes of embolization procedures for type II endoleaks following endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the mid-term outcomes of embolization procedures for type II endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic repair, and clarify the risk factors for aneurysm enlargement after embolization procedures. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter registry study enrolling patients who underwent embolization procedures for type II endoleaks after EVAR from January 2012 to December 2018 at 19 Japanese centers. The primary end point was the rate of freedom from aneurysm enlargement, more than 5 mm in the aortic maximum diameter, after an embolization procedure. Demographic, procedural, follow-up, and laboratory data were collected. Continuous variables were summarized descriptively, and Kaplan-Meier analyses and a Cox regression model were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 315 patients (248 men and 67 women) were enrolled. The average duration from the initial embolization procedure to the last follow-up was 31.6 ± 24.6 months. The rates of freedom from aneurysm enlargement at 3 and 5 years were 55.4 ± 3.8% and 37.0 ± 5.2%, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that a larger aortic diameter at the initial embolization procedure and the presence of a Moyamoya endoleak, defined as heterogeneous contrast opacity with an indistinct faint border, were associated with aneurysm enlargement after embolization management. CONCLUSIONS: The embolization procedures were generally ineffective in preventing further expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with type II endoleaks after EVAR, especially in patients with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm and/or a presence of a Moyamoya endoleak.

Endovascular Therapy for Distal Superior Mesenteric Artery Mycotic Aneurysms due to Infective Endocarditis.

Purpose: To report 3 patients with infective endocarditis who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for mycotic aneurysm of the distal superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Case Report: Three men (60, 64, and 65 years old) were diagnosed with infective endocarditis. Antibiotics were initiated immediately after admission and continued for several weeks to months. Distal SMA mycotic aneurysm was identified on computed tomography in the vicinity of the ileocolic artery at 33, 26, and 30 days after admission. In case 1, the ileal artery was occluded distal to the aneurysm, with collateral flow to the ileum. In case 2, the mycotic aneurysm was located below the ileocolic artery, which was stenosed distal to the lesion. In case 3, the aneurysm was located on a branch of the ileal artery. Transarterial embolization using microcoils was successfully performed in all patients. No complications associated with embolotherapy or relapse of infection were observed in these 3 patients at 60, 30, and 15 months, respectively. Conclusion: Transcatheter arterial embolization for distal SMA mycotic aneurysm could provide an alternative to open surgery. Anatomical assessment of collateral flow and preprocedure long-term antibiotic therapy could play important roles in preventing bowel ischemia and minimizing the risk of infection relapse.

A decade of outcomes and predictors of sac enlargement after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using zenith endografts in a Japanese population.

PURPOSE: To present 10-year outcomes and risk factors for sac enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Zenith AAA Endovascular Graft (Cook, Inc, Bloomington, Indiana) in a Japanese population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the period 1999-2011, 127 patients underwent elective EVAR using Zenith endografts at a single institution. A retrospective investigation looked at initial rates of technical success and complications, 10-year rate of freedom from all-cause and aneurysm-related mortality, freedom from secondary intervention and sac enlargement, and risk factors for second intervention and sac enlargement. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 78 years, and the median follow-up time was 43 months. The initial technical success rate was 98.4% (125 of 127 patients). Major adverse events occurred in 7 of 127 (5.5%) patients. Rates of freedom from all-cause and aneurysm-related mortality at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 95%, 87%, 77%, and 39% (all-cause mortality) and 100%, 100%, 99%, and 93% (aneurysm-related mortality). Rates of freedom from secondary intervention at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 97%, 91%, 88%, and 70%. Rates of primary freedom from sac enlargement at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 99%, 87%, 75%, and 67%. Multivariate analysis revealed aneurysm sac diameter as an independent risk factor for a secondary intervention. Preoperative sac diameter combined with an angulated short (AS) proximal neck was a risk factor for sac enlargement. CONCLUSIONS: The 10-year results of EVAR using Zenith endografts in a Japanese population were comparable to results from Western countries. Larger aneurysms and AS neck were predictors of sac enlargement after EVAR.

Intravascular ultrasound assessment of acute expansion of the balloon-expandable stent in heavy calcified iliac artery lesions or in lesions resistant to dilation by a self-expanding stent.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the acute stent expansion of a balloon-expandable stent (BES) by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lesions with heavy calcification or in lesions resistant to dilation by a self-expanding stent (SES). METHODS: Primary stent placement using the Express LD was performed for 72 limbs in 56 patients. The BES was deployed both for ostial lesions of the common iliac artery (CIA) in 63 limbs and for additional dilation of an SES using a stent-in-stent maneuver in 9 limbs. Of the CIA ostial lesions, 71% (45 of 63) had heavy calcification. The primary endpoint was an acute stent expansion as assessed by IVUS. The ratio of the IVUS-measured minimal stent diameter (MSD) to the diameter predicted by the manufacturer's compliance chart was used as a measure of the acute stent expansion. The ratio was compared between noncalcified and calcified CIA lesions and between before and after additional placement of the BES in the case of insufficient expansion of an SES. RESULTS: The BES achieved 81 ± 10% of the predicted MSD in noncalcified CIA lesions and 78 ± 12% of the predicted MSD in heavy calcified CIA lesions (P = 0.346). In the 9 limbs with insufficient expansion of an SES, deployment of the BES resulted in an improvement in MSD from 39 ± 16% to 77 ± 8% of the predicted MSD (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient acute expansion of the BES was demonstrated in heavy calcified lesions or in lesions with insufficient expansion of an SES.

Chest Compression-Associated Internal Thoracic Artery Injury During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Incidence, Injury Patterns and Efficacy of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and patterns of chest compression-associated internal thoracic artery injury (CAI) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and identify the embolization techniques used to treat hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for life-threatening hemorrhage caused by CAI at two tertiary care centers between May 2013 and December 2019. Data on background characteristics, imaging findings, embolization and outcomes were collected from the medical records. RESULTS: Among 385 patients in whom circulation returned after resuscitation, there were 9 patients (2.3%) who required TAE for CAI. Eight of 9 patients had acute myocardial infarction, and all had been started on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before TAE. Seven patients had unilateral, and two had bilateral internal thoracic artery injuries. Main trunk injury of internal thoracic artery was seen in 27%, while branch injury in 73%. Six patients (67%) had multiple injuries in the internal thoracic artery territory, and five (56%) had injuries to other vessels. In all cases, we embolized the main trunk of the internal thoracic artery using n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate and coils (n = 8), a gelatin sponge only (n = 2), or coils and a gelatin sponge (n = 1). TAE was technically successful in all, without any complication. The 30-day mortality rate was 44%. CONCLUSIONS: CAI needing hemostatic intervention occurred in 2.3% of patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Branch injury was more common than main trunk injury, and multiple vessel injuries were common. TAE appears to be safe and effective for controlling life-threatening hemorrhage.

Catheter-based bailout techniques for an interrupted deployment of the excluder endograft due to broken deployment string.

In this report we describe catheter-based bailout techniques for when the distal end of the ipsilateral leg of an Excluder endograft has remained undeployed due to a broken deployment string. We attempted to advance a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon into an undeployed leg via the brachial artery, but were unable to do so. The delivery catheter was then pulled out through the undeployed leg while the main body was supported by a dilated touch-up balloon to prevent stent graft migration, which subsequently enabled insertion of the balloon via the ipsilateral femoral artery. Complete deployment was accomplished by balloon dilation. Although this is situation is extremely rare, it should be recognized and catheter-based strategies should be known for dealing with this complication.

A Case of Transient Unilateral Right Leg Edema Caused by a Markedly Distended Bladder.

External compression of a vein is a relatively rare but important cause of unilateral leg edema. Here, we present a case of unilateral right leg edema caused by external compression of the right iliac vein due to a markedly distended urinary bladder, secondary to a neurogenic bladder. The patient initially had bilateral leg edema associated with chronic heart failure. However, the right-leg edema worsened and remained painful for several days. Lower extremity ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed an enlarged bladder. Based on these findings, venous angiography and intravascular ultrasound were performed. External compression is a significant cause of leg edema. It is important to consider the possibility of intra-abdominal/pelvic processes that may lead to external compression of the venous system in patients with unilateral and even bilateral lower extremity swelling.

Left brachiocephalic venous occlusion with spontaneous arteriovenous fistula presenting with severe edema in left upper extremity and face: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The coexistence of central venous occlusion and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) is rare among non-dialysis patients. Herein, we describe a case of left brachiocephalic venous occlusion with spontaneous AVF, presenting with severe edema in left upper extremity and face. CASE PRESENTATION: A 90-year-old woman presented to our hospital with gradually worsening edema in her left arm and face for eight years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed left brachiocephalic venous occlusion and severe edema in her left upper extremity and face. Computed tomography also revealed abundant collateral veins; thus, it seemed unnatural for severe edema to occur with such well-developed collateral pathways. Therefore, the presence of AVF was suspected. After careful re-examination of the patient, a continuous murmur was heard in the post-auricular region. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiogram revealed a dural AVF. Considering the patient's age and treatment difficulty for the dural AVF, we performed a stent insertion into the left brachiocephalic vein. After the procedure, edema in her left upper extremity and face improved dramatically. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In cases of persistent swelling of the upper extremities or face, there could be a factor that increases venous inflow. Therefore, any condition that may increase venous inflow must be aggressively investigated and therapeutic interventions should be applied to treat such conditions. CONCLUSION: Central venous occlusion and AVF is a possible underlying cause for severe refractory edema in the upper extremity and face. Therefore, both AVF and brachiocephalic occlusion should be assessed for treatment indications under these conditions.

Long-term outcomes for systematic primary stent placement in complex iliac artery occlusive disease classified according to Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC)-II.

PURPOSE: To compare long-term outcomes of systematic primary stent placement between Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC)-II C/D disease and TASC-II A/B disease. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2009, endovascular treatments with primary stent placement were performed for 533 lesions in 413 consecutive patients with iliac artery occlusive disease. Median follow-up term was 72 months (range, 1-144 months). Lesion severity in this retrospective study was classified according to TASC-II as type A in 134 patients (32%), type B in 154 patients (37%), type C in 64 patients (16%), and type D in 61 patients (15%). Technical success rates, procedure time, complication rates, and cumulative primary patency rates were compared between the complex lesion group (TASC-II type C/D) and the simple lesion group (TASC-II type A/B). Risk factors for in-stent restenosis were also analyzed. RESULTS: Technical success rates in TASC-II C/D and A/B were both 99%. Procedure times for TASC-II type A, B, C, and D lesions were 98 ± 40, 124 ± 50, 152 ± 55, and 183 ± 68 minutes, respectively. Procedure time was significantly longer in TASC-II C/D (167 ± 63 minutes) than in TASC-II A/B (112 ± 47 minutes; P < .001). The complication rate was significantly higher in TASC-II C/D (9%) than in TASC-II A/B (3%; P = .014). Cumulative primary patency rates at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 90%, 88%, 83%, and 71% in TASC-II C/D and 95%, 91%, 88%, and 83% in TASC-II A/B, respectively. No significant differences were apparent between groups (P = .17; Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test). In multivariate analysis, lesion length was an independent risk factor for in-stent restenosis (hazard ratio, 1.12, P = .03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.24). CONCLUSIONS: Primary stent placement for complex iliac artery occlusive disease provides acceptable long-term outcomes, although the procedure takes relatively longer and is associated with a higher frequency of complications than for simple disease.

Recurrent brain abscess induced by pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.

Brain abscess associated with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is sometimes difficult to diagnose and tends to recur. We report a case of recurrent brain abscess due to a pulmonary AVF (PAVF). A 69-year-old woman with a mass in the left cerebral peduncle had taken a progressively worse and shown decorticate rigidity. After an intravenous antibiotic for fever of unknown origin was changed, her condition gradually improved. She was discharged with the help of a cane. Thirty-one months later, she suffered left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass in the right lateral frontal lobe. At surgery, we confirmed pus in the cyst. A PAVF was detected and was treated with coil embolization. The left hemiparesis improved and the postoperative course was uneventful. Exhaustive study is absolutely necessary to detect the etiology of recurrent brain abscess and to achieve a cure.

[Endovascular therapy for aortic aneurysm].

Recently minimally invasive endovascular therapy using a stent graft has made significant advances in the treatment of aortic aneurysm. Eventually, five kinds of stent grafts were commercial available in Japan for the thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm with acceptable outcomes. Initial results of stent graft are superior than those of open surgery in many cases, but further investigation for endoleak and sac behavior should attempt to determine its efficacy over a longer follow-up period.

Endovascular Treatment for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Using Fenestrated and Branched Grafts.

Fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR) is a less invasive treatment for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm. Fenestrated and branched (cuff) grafts facilitate safe and durable repair, and bail-out maneuvers for target vessel cannulation and stenting have been established; however, the available bridging stent grafts have differences. The present article discusses the optimal selection of fenestrated or branched grafts, the cannulation of target vessels that have difficult anatomies, and the advantages and disadvantages of various bridging stents. We review the causes and risk factors of spinal cord injury (SCI), the protocol for prevention of SCI, and the outcomes of target vessel stent grafting, including patency and endoleak. Although conventional open surgery is the gold standard for the repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), it is highly invasive. To reduce invasiveness, hybrid surgery that combines open surgery and endovascular therapy has been developed [1, 2], and fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR) is frequently performed at centers in the USA, Europe, and Japan [3-5]. Additionally, a hostile neck may be an independent factor for sac enlargement after EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) [6], but a previous study reported that 41% of AAA cases presented with neck lengths outside the range prescribed by the traditional instruction for use [7]. Stark et al. showed that extending the graft above the highest renal artery would create an augmented neck length in 90% of patients with AAA [7]. F/B-EVAR is based on this principle. However, there are some technical tips for, and limitations of, fenestrated and/or branched graft. F/B-EVAR for TAAA and complex AAA will be reviewed in the present article.

Massive haemoptysis caused by a long-standing foreign body in the airway.

The presence of foreign bodies (FB) in the airway is a potentially life-threatening event. We encountered a rare case of long-standing bronchial FB complicating with intermittent massive haemoptysis in a 42-year-old man. He denied any prior history of aspiration. The FB was buried deep in the bronchial epithelium and could not be removed using bronchoscopy. Bronchial angiography revealed marked dilation of the inferior lobe branch of the bronchial artery due to the FB. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was performed, which was followed by left lower lobectomy (LLL). The FB was keyhole-shaped, composed of a plastic-like material, with an appearance akin to an ancient Japanese burial mound. This case was extremely unique, since a strange FB remained in the bronchi for a long time, which caused massive haemoptysis due to the dilation of the bronchial artery.

Prevalence, factors, and clinical impact of self-expanding stent fractures following iliac artery stenting.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence, factors, and clinical impact of self-expanding stent fracture following iliac artery stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the endovascular registry database for our department showed 353 patients with occlusive diseases of the iliac artery who underwent stenting between 1997 and 2007. While clinical data and images were retrospectively reviewed for all patients, 165 patients who underwent self-expanding stenting and plain radiograph with >or=6-months follow-up were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 43 months for 305 stents (elgiloy, n = 83; nitinol, n = 222) implanted in 216 iliac arteries. The mean duration until the last imaging study was 38 months. Items concerning prevalence of stent fracture, factors associated with fracture, and outcomes for patients with stent fracture were analyzed. RESULTS: Stent fracture was detected in 11 of 216 iliac arteries (5.1%). In stent-based analysis, 11 of 305 stents (3.6%) showed stent fracture, classified as type I in 2 stents, type II in 3 stents, type III in 4 stents, type IV in 1 stent, and type V in 1 stent. Stent fracture was detected in 11 of 222 nitinol stents (5.0%), but no Elgiloy stents. Cox proportional hazards regression model indicated stenting for chronic occlusion as a risk factor associated with nitinol stent fracture (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.09, P = 0.008, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-23.3). Cumulative primary patency rates in iliac arteries with and without fractured stents were 90% and 91% at 8 years (P = .80), respectively. CONCLUSION: Fracture of self-expanding stents is rare in iliac arteries, but stenting for chronic occlusion represents a risk factor for fracture. Fractures of stents placed in iliac arteries rarely affect patency.

[Current status and future of TEVAR for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm].

As a new option for treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm, thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has become more popular recently in Japan, because TEVAR is less invasive and TAG and Tallent are approved as a commercially available device for descending thoracic aorta The results of TEVAR showed more favorable compared to open surgery. Incidence of paraplegia after TEVAR is lower than that of open surgery. However we performed spinal cord drainage to avoid paraplegia in patients with history of the aortic aneurysm repair or long segmental coverage with stent graft. It has higher risk of injury to the iliac artery compared to EVAR, and in patients with small iliac artery and/or severe calcified artery, iliac conduit should be made before TEVAR. To expand the indication of TEAVR and to obtain better outcome, team approach with borderless and improvement of devices should be required. TEAVR will become more predominant and safer treatment in the future.

Factors Associated with Secondary Functional Patency After Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of the Early Failing or Immature Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for early failing hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and predictors of secondary functional patency (FP). METHODS: A review of our endovascular registry database showed that 61 patients with early failure after a surgically created AVF underwent endovascular intervention between 2011 and 2016. Median time from AVF creation to first intervention was 5.6 weeks. Median duration of follow-up was 14 months. Items related to the technical success rate and primary and secondary FP, and factors associated with secondary FP were analyzed. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 55 (90%) of 61 patients. The primary and secondary FP rates were 42% and 65% at 12 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lesion length (HR; 1.15, P = 0.001) and lesions including juxta-AVF (the portion of fistula vein within 2 cm of the arteriovenous anastomosis, HR; 6.23, P = 0.008) were factors associated with reduced secondary FP. ROC curve analysis indicated lesion length with cutoff value ≥ 9 cm as a risk factor for reduced secondary FP. Secondary FP at 12 months for patients with no risk factors, with 1, and with 2 was 86%, 65%, and 0%, respectively. There was a significant difference in secondary FP rates among these groups (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A lesion length and juxta-AVF lesion are the risk factors for reduced secondary FP. The secondary FP rate at 12 months is acceptable in patients without risk factors.

Utility of a preloaded fenestrated graft in thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.

An 84-year-old man with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was treated using a fenestrated stent graft with a preloaded guidewire system under local anesthesia. He suffered from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We successfully placed 4 bridging stent grafts for perfusion of the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and bilateral renal arteries via the 4 fenestrations. A preloaded wire system was used to insert a catheter into the celiac artery from the left brachial artery. Our findings indicate that a fenestrated stent graft with a preloaded wire system may expand the indication for treating thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in high-risk patients.

Iliac artery stent placement relieves claudication in patients with iliac and superficial femoral artery lesions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of iliac artery stent placement for relief of claudication in patients with both iliac and superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions. METHODS: Stent placement for only iliac artery occlusive disease was performed in 94 limbs (74 patients) with both iliac and SFA occlusive disease on the same limb. All procedures were performed because intermittent claudication did not improve after continuation of antiplatelet medication therapy and home-based exercise for 3 months. Rutherford classification was 2 in 20 limbs and 3 in 74 limbs. Patients with critical limb ischemia were excluded. Median duration of follow-up was 40 months. Primary patency rates of the iliac stent, clinical improvement rates, and risk factors for requiring additional SFA procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: Primary patency rates of the iliac stent at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 97, 93, 79, and 79 %, respectively. The initial clinical improvement rate was 87 %. Continued clinical improvement rates at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 87, 81, 69, and 66 %, respectively. SFA Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II C/D lesion was a significant risk factor for requiring additional SFA procedures. CONCLUSION: Intermittent claudication was relieved by iliac stent placement in most patients with both iliac and SFA lesions. Thus, the indications for treatment of the SFA intended for claudicants should be evaluated after treatment of the iliac lesion.

Early experience with fenestrated stent grafts for treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Fenestrated endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (FEVAR) using branched arteries devices for visceral arteries is increasingly being used for the repair of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (JAAs) in Europe, United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility and short-term results of FEVAR in treating JAAs in Japanese patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: FEVAR with Cook fenestrated stent-graft (Cook Medical Inc., Bloomington, Indiana, USA) was performed for 5 patients at high risk for open repair of JAA. Seventeen visceral vessels were successfully accommodated with 12 fenestrations, and five visceral arteries with four scallops with a loss of renal artery. In one case, a type III endoleak occurred at a renal artery fenestration, and this had disappeared in the 1-month postoperative computed tomography (CT). The mean follow-up duration was 8 months. Iliac leg occlusion occurred in 1 case, which was treated with thrombectomy and additional leg device deployment. All patients had survived at the end of the follow-up period and continued their outpatient visits. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of a Cook fenestrated stent-graft incorporating the visceral arteries is technically feasible in high-risk Japanese patients with JAA and may be a viable alternative to current methods.

Fracture and collapse of balloon-expandable stents in the bilateral common iliac arteries due to shiatsu massage.

We report a case of stent fracture and collapse of balloon-expandable stents caused by shiatsu massage. A 76-year-old man presented with complaints of intermittent claudication of the right lower extremity. Stenoses of the bilateral common iliac arteries (CIAs) were detected. Balloon-expandable stents were deployed in both CIAs, resulting in resolution of symptoms. Five months later, pelvis x-ray showed collapse of both stents. Despite the stent collapse, the patient was asymptomatic, and his ankle brachial index values were within the normal range. Further history showed that the patient underwent daily shiatsu therapy in the umbilical region, which may have triggered collapse of the stent. Physicians should advise patients to avoid compression of the abdominal wall after implantation of a stent in the iliac artery.