Long-term outcomes after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair for juxtarenal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm (jAAA) disease is safe and effective with good short- and mid-term outcomes. The durability issues have mainly focused on the proximal and distal seal and target vessel (TV) instability, and long-term data are scarce. In previous studies, we have reported the short-term outcomes after FEVAR and compared our early and late experience and the long-term results for the early cohort. In the present report, we have provided the long-term outcomes for our late experience cohort who had undergone FEVAR at the Vascular Center (Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden). METHODS: Consecutive patients who had undergone FEVAR for jAAAs from 2007 to 2011 were included in the present study. Data were collected retrospectively from the medical and imaging records. The follow-up protocol consisted of a clinical examination 1 month postoperatively and computed tomography angiography combined with plain abdominal radiography at 1 and 12 months and annually thereafter. The primary endpoints were TV instability, reinterventions, and survival. Changes in the aneurysm diameter and renal function and the incidence and type of endoleaks were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients were included in the present study. The median follow-up time was 89 months (range, 0-152 months). A total of 280 fenestrations or scallops were used, of which 205 were stented. Technical success was 89.4%. Primary TV patency was 94% ± 1% at 1 year, 90% ± 2% at 3 years, and 89% ± 2% at 5 years. Of the 94 patients, 37 (39.4%) had required a total of 70 reinterventions. The mean time to the first reintervention was 21 ± 3.97 months. Five patients (5.3%) had died of aneurysm-related causes. Overall survival was 95.7% ± 2.1% at 1 year, 87.1% ± 3.5% at 3 years, and 71.0% ± 4.7% at 5 years. A stable or decreasing aortic diameter after treatment was seen in 91% of the cases. The mean glomerular filtration rate had decreased from 59.2 ± 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 preoperatively to 50.0 ± 18.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have shown that the long-term results after treatment of jAAAs with FEVAR remain good and the treatment is safe and effective. Although the need for reintervention remained high, long-term renal function and survival support the use of FEVAR as a valid treatment option for jAAA disease.

Five Year Results of Off the Shelf Fenestrated Endografts for Elective and Emergency Repair of Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a well established treatment for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). FEVAR with custom made devices (CMDs) has limitations in both the emergency and elective settings due to time consuming manufacture. "Off the shelf" (OTS) fenestrated stent grafts are a potential solution. The primary goal was to evaluate the five year outcome of the COOK Zenith p-Branch OTS device at a single centre. METHODS: Patients with juxtarenal AAA meeting the inclusion criteria for the COOK Zenith p-Branch device were enrolled in a prospective, non-randomised, non-comparative trial from July 2012 to September 2015. Demographic, anatomical, procedure related, and five year follow up data were collected, analysed, and adjudicated by a core laboratory. The primary aims were to assess intervention free survival and overall survival at five years. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were treated and 21 completed follow up. Mean time to p-Branch implantation after patient presentation was 28 hours (range 0-122 hours) in emergency cases and 67 days (range 20-112 days) in elective cases. Median procedure time was 283 minutes (range 161-475 minutes) and technical success was 91%. Mean follow up was 45 months (standard deviation ± 24.4 months). The most common adverse events were renal injuries. Primary target vessel patency was 96.4% and 94.0% after one and five years respectively. Mean time to first re-intervention was 469 days (range 0-1 567 days). Survival during the follow up period was 76%, with no aneurysm related deaths. CONCLUSION: FEVAR with the COOK Zenith p-Branch device is safe and effective for juxtarenal AAA in a selected patient population, in both elective and emergency settings. Long term outcomes are acceptable although inferior to CMDs. Mid and long term outcomes emphasise the p-Branch as a possible endovascular treatment for juxtarenal aortic pathology where CMD is not an option. Further innovation to address target vessel complications is needed, as these seem more prevalent than after repair with CMDs.

Juxtarenal endovascular therapy with fenestrated and branched stent grafts after previous infrarenal repair.

BACKGROUND: The treatment strategy for proximal aortic disease or type I endoleak after previous infrarenal repair has traditionally been open surgery. As endovascular treatment options with fenestrated and branched stent grafts increasingly rival open surgery for juxtarenal and pararenal aortic aneurysms, secondary proximal repair may similarly be performed endovascularly. Fenestrated stent grafts are individually tailored to each patient, whereas a more readily available "off-the-shelf" branched stent graft is often suitable in more urgent settings. METHODS: All patients who had been reoperated on with a proximal fenestrated or branched cuff after previous infrarenal endovascular or open repair from two tertiary referral centers between 2002 and 2015 were included in the analysis. Patients were retrospectively enrolled in a digital database. Data were collected from chart review and digital imaging. RESULTS: There were 43 patients, 37 (86%) male and six (14%) female, who were treated. The indications for proximal endovascular repair were type I endoleak (58%), proximal aneurysm formation (30%), and stent graft migration (12%). Median follow-up time was 33 months (range, 3-120 months); 34 patients (79%) received a fenestrated cuff, and branched stent grafts were used in 8 (19%) cases. The majority of grafts had three (47%) or four (49%) fenestrations or branches. Technical success was accomplished in 93% of cases. In two cases, the celiac trunk occluded; in one case, the hepatic artery was overstented, and a renal artery could not be cannulated in one case. Median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-57 days). The 30-day mortality was 0%, and 1-year mortality was 5%. One patient died of an aneurysm-related cause during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: An endovascular approach with fenestrated or branched stent grafts for treatment of proximal endoleak, proximal aneurysm formation, or pseudoaneurysms after previous infrarenal repair seems to be a valid alternative to open surgery.

Applicability and midterm results of branch cuff closure with vascular plug in branched endovascular repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the applicability and outcomes of the closure of unused cuffs in branched endovascular aneurysm repair (b-EVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: We reviewed b-EVAR procedures at a tertiary referral center to identify patients who underwent incomplete branching and needed closure of the unused branch cuffs. An electronic database and intraoperative and follow-up imaging studies were reviewed to assess technical applicability and outcomes. RESULTS: Between January 2007 and December 2015, 17 patients underwent incomplete branching during b-EVAR. The unused branch cuff in one patient occluded spontaneously after b-EVAR and was excluded from this analysis. The remaining 16 patients underwent 11 elective and five emergency repairs. Amplatzer Vascular Plugs (St. Jude Medical, Plymouth, Minn) were used to successfully close 17 branches: 8 targeting preoperatively occluded target vessels, 3 optional branches where fenestrations were used instead, 5 after failures of catheterization or stent bridging to target vessels, and 1 renal branch of an atrophic kidney. Four branch cuffs were extended with a peripheral covered stent before plug deployment. Sixteen branch cuffs were closed intraoperatively, and the remaining cuff was closed percutaneously at a later occasion. Perioperative death occurred in two patients. Median follow-up duration was 19 months (interquartile range, 11-30 months). There was no endoleak or reintervention related to the plugged cuffs. Two late deaths occurred not related to the aneurysm. Two patients required reinterventions for type III endoleaks with interval sac expansions caused by aortic stent graft component separation in tortuous thoracic segments not related to the occluded cuffs. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the branch cuff of multibranched stent graft with Amplatzer Vascular Plug is feasible and effective. It was not associated with adverse aneurysm outcomes, and it is very useful especially when using an off-the-shelf device in the acute setting.

Outcome of visceral chimney grafts after urgent endovascular repair of complex aortic lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular abdominal aortic repair requires an adequate sealing zone. The chimney graft (CG) technique may be the only option for urgent high-risk patients who are unfit for open repair and have no adequate sealing zone. This single-center experience provides long-term results of CGs with endovascular repair for urgent and complex aortic lesions. METHODS: Between July 2006 and October 2012, 51 patients (16 women) with a median age of 77 years (interquartile range, 72-81 years), were treated urgently (within 24 hours [61%]) or semiurgently (within 3 days [39%]) with endovascular aortic repair and visceral CGs (n = 73). Median follow-up was 2.3 years (interquartile range, 0.8-5.0 years) for the whole cohort, 3 years for 30-day survivors, and 4.8 years for patients who are still alive. RESULTS: Five patients (10%) died within 30 days. All of them had a sacrificed kidney. All-cause mortality was 57% (n = 29), but the chimney- and procedure-related mortality was 6% (n = 3) and 16% (n = 8), respectively. Chimney-related death was due to bleeding, infection, renal failure, and multiple organ failure. There were two postoperative ruptures; both were fatal although not related to the treated disease. The primary and secondary long-term CG patencies were 89% (65 of 73) and 93% (68 of 73), respectively. Primary type I endoleak (EL-I) occurred in 10% (5 of 51) of the patients, and only one patient had recurrent EL-I (2%; 1 of 51). No secondary endoleak was observed. Chimney-related reintervention was required in 16% (8 of 51) of the patients because of EL-I (n = 3), visceral ischemia (n = 4), and bleeding (n = 2). The reinterventions included stenting (n = 5), embolization (n = 3), and laparotomy (n = 2). Thirty-one visceral branches were sacrificed (9 celiac trunks, 9 right, and 13 left renal arteries). Among the 30-day survivors, 8 of 17 patients (47%) with a sacrificed kidney required permanent dialysis; of these, seven underwent an urgent index operation. The aneurysm sac shrank in 63% (29 of 46) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The 6% chimney-related mortality and 93% long-term patency seem promising in urgent, complex aortic lesions of a high-risk population and may justify a continued yet restrictive applicability of this technique. Most endoleaks could be sealed endovascularly. However, sacrifice of a kidney in this elderly cohort was associated with permanent dialysis in 47% of patients.

The effects of combining fusion imaging, low-frequency pulsed fluoroscopy, and low-concentration contrast agent during endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of a combined imaging protocol using low-frequency pulsed fluoroscopy, fusion imaging, and low-concentration iodine contrast for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of aortic aneurysms of varying complexity. METHODS: The study retrospectively reviewed the data of 103 patients treated between May 2013 and November 2014 with the combined imaging protocol (group A) with low-dose fluoroscopy at 3.75 frames/s, fusion imaging, and iodine contrast of 140 mg iodine/mL. A control group (group B) consisted of 123 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR before the combined imaging protocol was introduced by matching the type of procedure. In group B, low-dose 7.5 frames/s fluoroscopy, no fusion imaging, and 200 mg iodine/mL contrast were used. All patients were reviewed for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables, with emphasis on intraoperative radiation (dose area product) and iodine exposure, fluoroscopy, and operation times, as well as technical success. Values are presented as median and interquartile range (IQR) when not stated otherwise. RESULTS: Group A included 22 infrarenal EVARs, 17 iliac branch devices, 10 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs, 21 fenestrated EVARs, and 33 thoracoabdominal branched/fenestrated EVARs. Groups A and B were similar in types of procedure, body mass index (P > .05), and intraoperative technical success (92% and 92%, respectively; P > .05). Operation time (230 [IQR, 138-331] minutes vs 235 [IQR, 158-364] minutes) and fluoroscopy time (66 [IQR, 33-101] minutes vs 72 [IQR, 42-102] minutes) were similar in both groups (P > .05), but radiation exposure (19,934 [IQR, 11,340-30,615] µGym(2) vs 32,856 [IQR, 19,562-55,677] µGym(2); P < .0001), contrast volume usage (63 [IQR, 103-145] mL vs 215 [IQR, 166-280] mL; P < .0001), and iodine dose (14.5 [IQR, 8.8-20.4] g iodine vs 43.0 [IQR, 32.2-56.0] g iodine; P < .0001) were lower in group A than in group B. The differences were uniform throughout the different procedure types, with the exception of fenestrated grafts, where radiation exposure was similar between group A and B; however, group A had a much higher involvement of the superior mesenteric artery in the repairs (81% vs 17%; P < .0001) explaining this finding. Fluoroscopic frame rate reduction contributed to a median reduction of the dose area product by 22%. Only four of the group A patients (3.9%) showed a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate ≥30% after EVAR, although 32% of the entire group had at least moderately impaired renal function preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Combining low-frequency pulsed fluoroscopy, fusion imaging, low-concentration, and iodine contrast medium during EVAR reduces the exposure to radiation and iodine.

Morphology of Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Should be Considered before Continued Ultrasound Surveillance.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) morphology in a cohort of patients presenting with ruptured AAA (rAAA) and to explore if aneurysms with diameters below the recommended threshold for elective repair (<55 mm) have some distinctive morphological characteristics. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with rAAA using computed tomography (CT) scans between January 2006 and June 2013 were eligible for this study. Where CT scans of acceptable quality were available, images were reconstructed in a dedicated three-dimensional vascular workstation for evaluation of aneurysm diameters and morphology. All morphological characteristics were defined according to the reporting standards for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Additionally, fusiform AAAs were defined as aneurysms involving the whole circumference of the aortic wall and saccular AAAs as spherical aneurysms involving only a portion of the aortic circumference. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients were identified. Of those, 83% (n = 206) had high-quality CT scans available and were included in the study. Patients were on average 75 years old and 85% were men. Mean aneurysm diameter was 76 ± 14 mm and 95% (n = 197) had fusiform morphology. Six percent (n = 12) were <55 mm and those included all saccular aneurysms in women (n = 3) and 22% of saccular aneurysms in men (n = 2). The remaining saccular aneurysms (n = 4) were small with a maximal diameter of 56 mm. Aneurysms <55 mm had less angulated proximal necks than their larger counterparts (P < 0.01). No other morphological differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ruptured aneurysms are often large and the ≥55 mm threshold for elective repair is probably appropriate. However, approximately 6% of rAAAs are <55 mm, with a significant portion being saccular, especially in women. Morphological assessment of AAAs with CT scans should be considered in small aneurysms (40-55 mm), particularly in women, to exclude saccular morphology before continued ultrasound surveillance.

Transurethral bladder tumor resection can cause seeding of cancer cells into the bloodstream.

PURPOSE: Transurethral bladder tumor resection is the initial diagnostic procedure for bladder cancer. Hypothetically tumor resection could induce seeding of cancer cells into the circulation and subsequent metastatic disease. In this study we ascertain whether transurethral bladder tumor resection induces measurable seeding of cancer cells into the vascular system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed with suspected invasive bladder cancer and planned for transurethral resection of bladder tumor in 2012 to 2013 were enrolled in the study. Before transurethral bladder tumor resection a vascular surgeon placed a venous catheter in the inferior vena cava via the femoral vein. Blood samples were drawn before and during the resection from the inferior vena cava and a peripheral vein, and analyzed for circulating cancer cells using the CellSearch® system. The number of circulating tumor cells identified was compared in preoperative and intraoperative blood samples. RESULTS: The circulating tumor cell data on 16 eligible patients were analyzed. In 6 of 7 positive inferior vena cava samples (86%) the number of circulating tumor cells was increased intraoperatively (28 vs 9, 28 vs 0, 28 vs 5, 3 vs 0, 4 vs 0, 1 vs 0), and results were similar, although less conclusive, for the corresponding peripheral vein samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that tumor cells can be released into the circulation during transurethral bladder tumor resection. It is currently unknown whether this will increase the risk of metastatic disease.

Early versus late experience in fenestrated endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate operative results and 1-year outcomes in early vs late experience after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair. METHODS: All patients treated in Malmö, Sweden, and in Lille, France, with fenestrated endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm were prospectively enrolled in a computerized database. Early experience was defined as the first 50 patients treated at each center. Data from early and late experience were retrospectively analyzed and compared for differences in operative results and 1-year outcomes. RESULTS: Early experience covered 4.7 years in Malmö and 4.5 years in Lille; late experience covered 5.6 years in Malmö and 3.7 years in Lille. A total of 288 patients were included. In the later phase, stent graft configuration was more complex because of increased number of fenestrations/scallops incorporated in the graft design (2.7 ± 0.8 vs 3.2 ± 0.7; P < .001). Despite this, volume of contrast material and radiation time decreased by 27% and 20%, respectively, whereas procedure time remained unchanged. At 1 year, a trend toward decreasing abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was observed in the late group, but no differences were found in mortality, endoleaks, or target vessel patency between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: With increasing experience, fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair design has become more complicated, with more visceral vessels targeted for better proximal seal, while operative risk still remains low. Simultaneously, radiation time and volume of contrast material have been reduced, with possible long-term benefits for the patient.

Suitability of the Zenith p-Branch Standard Fenestrated Endovascular Graft for Treatment of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomic suitability of the Zenith pivot branch (p-branch) fenestrated device in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA). METHODS: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images of 206 patients (mean age 75±8 years; 175 men) with rAAA were evaluated in a dedicated 3-dimensional vascular workstation. All aneurysms found unsuitable for standard infrarenal repair were evaluated for Zenith p-branch suitability according to the Investigational Device Exemption protocol for both device configurations (A, pivot fenestrations at the same level; B, right renal fenestration located more cranially). RESULTS: The suitability of the p-branch (A or B configuration) for short neck aneurysms (<15 mm; n=89) was 49%; of the 26 different combinations of exclusion criteria, a mismatch between a renal artery takeoff and the positioning of the corresponding fenestration was the most common. For juxta- and pararenal aneurysms (neck length <10 mm; n=66), suitability was 48%. Suitability assessed by target vessel positioning only (excluding all other limiting factors) was 58% for short neck aneurysms (n=52) and 55% for juxta- and pararenal aneurysms (n=36). CONCLUSION: Approximately half of patients with short neck rAAAs would be suitable for the Zenith p-branch fenestrated device according to the instructions for use. In almost 60%, the pivot fenestrations can accommodate the corresponding target vessels. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Impact of renal chimney grafts on anatomical suitability for endovascular repair in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of renal chimney grafts on anatomical suitability for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). METHODS: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography images of 206 patients with rAAA [175 men (mean age 75 ± 7.8 years) and 31 women (mean age of 76 ± 7.5 years)] were evaluated in a dedicated 3-dimensional vascular workstation. Assessment of infrarenal EVAR suitability was based on predefined anatomical variables reflecting the Instructions for Use of commercially available stent-grafts. In patients where aneurysm neck length was the only limiting factor for suitability, reevaluation of the proximal sealing zone was done, accounting for chimney grafts in one or both renal arteries. RESULTS: Seventy (34%) rAAA patients were anatomically suitable for EVAR: 65 (37%) of 175 men and 5 (16%) of 31 women (p < 0.01). Eighty-nine (65%) of the 136 unsuitable patients had aneurysm necks < 15 mm long; short neck was the only exclusion criterion in 33 (24%) cases. In the 33 short-necked aneurysms without other limiting factors, a proximal sealing zone > 15 mm could potentially be achieved with one or two renal chimney grafts in 12 (36%) and 25 (76%) patients, respectively, increasing overall suitability to 40% and 46%. If access issues could also be solved and a similar strategy with chimneys for the renal arteries was applied, the EVAR suitability would increase further to 58%. CONCLUSION: Roughly one third of patients with rAAA are anatomically suitable for EVAR; short aneurysm neck is the most common exclusion criteria. In appropriate cases, chimney grafts in one or both renal arteries may increase overall suitability by 12%. Suitability increases to ~ 60% when iliac access issues are additionally overcome.

Outcomes of fenestrated endovascular repair of juxtarenal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate late outcomes after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (f-EVAR) in a tertiary European referral center. METHODS: In 2009, we published short- and midterm results after f-EVAR in the first 54 patients treated with this technique at our center between September 2002 and June 2007. In this paper, we provide long-term follow-up of the same patient cohort with the main focus on target vessel (TV) patency, renal function, reinterventions, and survival. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included in this study. Median age was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR], 68-76 years) at primary operation, and 85% were men. Median preoperative aneurysm diameter was 60 mm (IQR, 53-66 mm). One hundred thirty-four vessels were targeted (mean, 2.5 per patient), and 96 TV stents were placed. The median clinical follow-up was 67 months (IQR, 37-90 months), and computed tomography follow-up was 60 months (IQR, 35-72 months). Aneurysm diameter decreased ≥ 5 mm in 39% ± 7% at 12 months, 64% ± 8% at 36 months, and 71% ± 8% at 60 months. Primary TV patency was 94% ± 2% at 12 months, 91% ± 3% at 36 months, and 90% ± 3% at 60 months. Glomerular filtration rate decreased by 17% at 59 months (IQR, 26-73 months) follow-up (60 [IQR, 46-79] vs 50 [IQR, 38-72] mL/min/1.73 m(2); P < .001), and one patient became dialysis-dependent secondary to a renal stent occlusion. Reintervention-free survival was 88% ± 5% at 12 months, 69% ± 7% at 36 months, and 56% ± 5% at 60 months. At least one reintervention was done in 37% of patients, of which 29% were endoleak-related, 26% TV-related, 13% graft-limb-related, and 32% due to other causes. The majority of reinterventions (68%) were based on complications detected on routine follow-up. Estimated overall survival was 93% ± 4% at 12 months, 76% ± 6% at 36 months, and 60% ± 7% at 60 months. In total, 54% of the patients died during the 10-year study period, where 9% died of aneurysm-related causes. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term mortality after f-EVAR is high, but most patients die from nonaneurysmal causes. Aneurysm-related mortality is associated with technical complications that can be reduced with increased experience. Reinterventions are common, and most complications are detected on routine follow-up.

Results of F-EVAR in octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (F-EVAR) in octogenarians. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2012, all data from patients treated with custom-made fenestrated endografts for elective juxtarenal or pararenal aortic aneurysms in 2 high-volume centers (Malmö, Sweden & Lille, France) were prospectively entered in a computer database. Demographics and perioperative and follow-up results of patients aged ≥80 years (group 1) and patients aged <80 (group 2) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 288 patients (33 in group 1 and 255 in group 2) were treated with fenestrated endografts during the study period. Except for median age, tobacco use, and maximal transaortic diameter (P = 0.001), both groups were comparable. The number of fenestrations, procedure duration, contrast media volume, length of stay, and number of secondary interventions were comparable. The 30-day mortality rate was higher in the octogenarian group (9% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.041). Median follow-up was 25 months. Two-year survival rate according to Kaplan-Meier method was 77.8% in group 1 (95% confidence interval, 61.8-93.9) and 89.0% in group 2 (P = 0.121). Overall mortality during the follow-up period was significantly higher in octogenarians (P < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: F-EVAR in octogenarians is associated with a higher 30-day mortality rate but has similar midterm outcomes compared with younger patients and should be considered as an acceptable therapeutic option in patients with satisfactory life expectancy.

Association between the SVS/AAVS anatomical severity grading score and operative outcomes in fenestrated endovascular repair of juxtarenal aortic aneurysm.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between the Society for Vascular Surgery/American Association for Vascular Surgery (SVS/AAVS) anatomical severity grading (ASG) score and operative outcomes in fenestrated endovascular repair (f-EVAR) for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: A review was conducted of all patients treated at our clinic with commercially available, custom-made f-EVAR devices between June 2007 and December 2011. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed in a dedicated vascular 3-dimensional workstation for calculation of the ASG score. Of the 100 patients treated with f-EVAR during the study period, 88 (69 men; mean age 70 years, range 50-82) had high quality CT scans available for generating semiautomatic centerline-of-flow reconstructions needed to calculate the ASG score. The mean score was used to divide the patients into high and low score groups for comparison of operative outcomes. RESULTS: A total ASG score ≥24 was associated with longer procedure time (357±121 vs. 298±131 minutes, p=0.03) and more frequent intraoperative adjunctive maneuvers (48% vs. 29% of patients, p=0.05). An ASG neck score ≥7 was associated with longer procedure time (365±126 vs. 288±119 minutes, p<0.01), more operative adverse events (31% vs. 14% of patients, p=0.05), higher radiation exposure (53828±37341 vs. 38788±25846 µGym(2), p=0.04), and more frequent postoperative complications (46% vs. 18% of patients, p<0.01). An ASG aneurysm score ≥5 was associated with operative adverse events (44% vs. 19% of patients, p=0.04). No relationship was found between the ASG score and blood loss, contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, or hospital stays. CONCLUSION: The ASG score is associated with operative adverse events, intraoperative adjunctive maneuvers, radiation exposure, and postoperative complications in patients treated with f-EVAR for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm.

A novel method to estimate iliac tortuosity in evaluating EVAR access.

PURPOSE: To subjectively and objectively evaluate the methods used for preoperative assessment of iliac artery tortuosity in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: Iliac artery tortuosity was assessed retrospectively in 188 patients (160 men; mean age 73 years) diagnosed with AAA at our clinic in 2006 and 2007. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) with predominantly thin-slice acquisitions. CT data were analyzed in a dedicated 3-dimensional workstation to perform centerline-of-flow measurements on 376 iliac arteries. Iliac tortuosity was evaluated using the following methods: (1) subjective grading (none, mild, moderate, severe) by 2 experienced observers, (2) calculating the modified iliac tortuosity index based on the published reporting standards for endovascular aneurysm repair, and (3) using the shortest distance between the aortic bifurcation and the common femoral artery (CFA) on axial CT scans as a surrogate for the tortuosity index. Correlation between the objective methods was assessed, and all 3 methods were evaluated for intra- and interobserver agreement. RESULTS: (1) The intra- and interobserver agreement was substantial (κ = 0.71 and κ = 0.65, respectively) for subjective grading, but few variations were found in the calculated tortuosity indexes between the subjective groups. (2) Intra- and interobserver correlations when measuring the iliac tortuosity index were strong (r = 0.94 and r = 0.79, respectively), with good intra- and interobserver agreement. (3) The new method had a strong correlation with iliac tortuosity index (r = 0.78); segregating the iliac arteries into 3 length categories (<10 cm, 10-15 cm, >15 cm), the mean iliac tortuosity indexes were 2.0 ± 0.37, 1.6 ± 0.21, and 1.1 ± 0.27, respectively (p<0.001). This strong correlation was not seen when measuring the iliac artery length in CLF reconstruction (r = 0.31), proving little variation in CLF length among patients. CONCLUSION: Subjective grading of iliac artery tortuosity had substantial agreement between investigators but cannot be recommended as a surrogate for the tortuosity index in access evaluation. The iliac artery tortuosity index is most accurate, but complex and time-consuming. As the CLF length varies only slightly among patients, the new method using the shortest aortic bifurcation-CFA distance on an axial CT scan is a good substitute for the iliac tortuosity index and can often replace it clinically.

Impact of intrasac thrombus and a patent inferior mesenteric artery on EVAR outcome.

PURPOSE: To assess the significance of a patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and presence of intrasac thrombus on the outcome of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Between June 2004 and June 2007, 114 AAA patients (100 men; mean age 75 years, range 56-87) treated electively with a bifurcated stent-graft were assessed with computed tomography pre- and postoperatively. Incidences of type II endoleaks and reinterventions were compared with preoperative intrasac thrombus and IMA patency. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 19 months (range 6-38), there was no aneurysm rupture. Eleven (11%) of 101 patients with and 7 (54%) of 13 patients without preoperative intrasac thrombus presented with a type II endoleak (p<0.01). The postoperative change in aneurysm diameter was 0 mm (-20 to 16) in 18 patients with type II endoleak and -9 mm (-30 to 18) in sealed aneurysms (p<0.001). Fourteen (78%) type II endoleaks originated from lumbar arteries and 4 (22%) from the IMA in spite of the fact that most patients (69%) had a patent IMA. There were 5 reinterventions for type II endoleak with expansion of the sac. The reinterventions did not seem related to intrasac thrombus or a patent IMA. Prophylactic embolization of the IMA was unsuccessful in 4 (33%) cases. CONCLUSION: In this series, type II endoleaks inhibited sac shrinkage and occurred more frequently in aneurysms without intrasac thrombus. Most type II endoleaks originated from lumbar arteries and not from the IMA. Prophylactic embolization of the IMA does not seem justified and is not always technically successful.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter: a comparison of ultrasound measurements with those from standard and three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic aneurysm size is a critical determinant of the need for intervention, yet the maximal diameter will often vary depending on the modality and method of measurement. We aimed to define the relationship between commonly used computed tomography (CT) measurement techniques and those based on current reporting standards and to compare the values obtained with diameter measured using ultrasound (US). METHODS: CT scans from patients with US-detected aneurysms were analyzed using three-dimensional reconstruction software. Maximal aortic diameter was recorded in the anteroposterior (CT-AP) plane, along the maximal ellipse (CT-ME), perpendicular to the maximal ellipse (CT-PME), or perpendicular to the centerline of flow (CT-PCLF). Diameter measurements were compared with each other and with maximal AP diameter according to US (US-AP). Analysis was performed according to the principles of Bland and Altman. Results are expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: CT and US scans from 109 patients (92 men, 17 women), with a mean age of 72 +/- 8 years, were included. The mean of each series of readings on CT was significantly larger than the mean US-AP measurement (P < .001), and they also differed significantly from each other (P < .001). The CT-PCLF diameter was larger than CT-AP and CT-PME by mean values of 3.0 +/- 6.6 and 5.9 +/- 6.0 mm, respectively. The CT-ME diameter was larger than CT-PCLF by a mean of 2.4 +/- 5 mm. The US-AP diameter was smaller than CT-AP diameter by 4.2 +/- 4.9 mm, CT-ME by 9.6 +/- 8.0 mm, CT-PME by 1.3 +/- 5 mm, and smaller than CT-PCLF by 7.3 +/- 7.0 mm. Aneurysm size did not significantly affect these differences. Seventy-eight percent of 120 pairs of intraobserver CT measurements and 65% of interobserver CT measurements differed by <2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: CT-based measurements of aneurysm size tend to be larger than the US-AP measurement. CT-PCLF diameters are consistently larger than CT-PME as well as CT-AP measurements. These differences should be considered when applying evidence from previous trials to clinical decisions.

Fenestrated endovascular repair for juxtarenal aortic pathology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (f-EVAR) in a tertiary European referral center. METHODS: All patients treated with commercially available custom-made f-EVAR between September 2002 and June 2007 were prospectively enrolled in a computerized database including co-morbidities and aneurysm morphology. Patients were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up consisted of clinical examinations and computed tomography (CT) scanning. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included in this study. Median age was 72 (interquartile range [IQR] 68-76) years and 85% were men. Median preoperative aneurysm diameter was 60 (53-66) mm. One hundred thirty-four vessels were targeted (43 scallops, 91 fenestrations) and 96 stents were placed (69 bare, 27 covered). Target vessel catheterization was achieved in 98% of cases. Two patients (3.7%) died within 30 days, 1 from trash embolization and multiorgan failure and 1 from retroperitoneal bleeding caused by a renal artery perforation. Three type I endoleaks occurred intraoperatively, two sealed pre-discharge and one was treated with a Palmaz stent (Cordis, Miami Lakes, Fla) on postoperative day 4. Thirteen patients had type II endoleaks, and 2 required treatment. The median clinical follow-up was 25 (12-32) months with median CT follow-up of 22 (4-26) months. Aneurysm diameter decreased >or=5 mm in 47%, was unchanged in 50%, and increased >or=5 mm in 3% of patients at 1 year. There were three type II endoleaks at 1-year follow-up, one of which was successfully treated after 19 months due to aneurysm growth. Ninety-six percent of target vessels remained patent during the study period and all occlusions occurred within the first year of follow-up. Five target vessels occluded (2 renal arteries [RAs] and 3 superior mesenteric arteries [SMAs]) without symptoms during follow-up and successful reinterventions were done on 2 stenosed RAs. Three patients suffered creatinine increase but none needed dialysis. One late aneurysm-related death occurred due to massive bleeding during redo surgery for infection. CONCLUSION: Despite complex anatomy or severe comorbidities in these patients f-EVAR has acceptable short- and midterm results in this series which includes a learning curve and offers a valid treatment alternative to patients unsuitable for standard EVAR or open repair.

Anatomic suitability for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms and possible benefits of low profile delivery systems.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomic suitability for endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) according to instructions for use (IFUs) of three commercially available bifurcated stent graft devices and explore the possible benefits of low-profile delivery systems. Computed tomography scans of 241 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were evaluated for suitability of Zenith Flex(®), Gore Excluder(®) and Endurant(®) bifurcated stent graft systems according to their IFUs. The most common exclusion criteria and possible benefits of smaller diameter delivery systems were analyzed. When choosing the most suitable graft model for each patient, the overall suitability was 49.4%. By brand, the suitability was 28.6% for Zenith(®), 25.7% for Gore Excluder(®) and 48.1% for Endurant(®). By step wise accepting iliac diameters of ≥6 mm, ≥5 mm and ≥4 mm the overall suitability increased to 56.7, 58.9 and 60.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). Diameters below 4 mm had no additional effect on suitability as combinations of other anatomical features, with or without narrow iliacs, accounted for the remaining excluding factors. In conclusion, Less than half of patients with AAAs are suitable for EVAR according to current IFUs. Low-profile delivery systems may allow for endovascular treatment in up to 60% of patients.

Is Repeat PTA of a Failing Hemodialysis Fistula Durable?

Purpose. Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and particularly rePTA in a failing arteriovenous fistula (AV-fistula). Are multiple redilations worthwhile? Patients and Methods. All 159 stenoses of AV fistulas that were treated with PTA, with or without stenting, during 2008 and 2009, were included. Occluded fistulas that were dilated after successful thrombolysis were also included. Median age was 68 (interquartile range 61.5-78.5) years and 75% were male. Results. Seventy-nine (50%) of the primary PTAs required no further reintervention. The primary patency was 61% at 6 months and 42% at 12 months. Eighty (50%) of the stenoses needed at least one reintervention. Primary assisted patency (defined as patency after subsequent reinterventions) was 89% at 6 months and 85% at 12 months. The durability of repeated PTAs was similar to the durability of the primary PTA. However, an early primary PTA carried a higher risk for subsequent reinterventions. Successful dialysis was achieved after 98% of treatments. Nine percent of the stenoses eventually required surgical revision and 13% of the fistulas failed permanently. Conclusion. The present study suggests that most failing AV-fistulas can be salvaged endovascularly. Repeated PTA seems similarly durable as the primary PTA.