The Effect of Transfusion of Two Units of Fresh Frozen Plasma on the Perioperative Fibrinogen Levels and the Outcome of Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether the transfusion of 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) immediately post aneurysm exclusion has any effect on the perioperative fibrinogen levels and the outcome of patients undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Consecutive infrarenal AAA patients undergoing elective EVAR with the bifurcated Endurant-II stent-graft (Medtronic) were recruited from 2 vascular units. The first unit has a routine policy of administering 2 units of FFP immediately upon aneurysm exclusion (FFP group), whereas the second unit has no such policy (control group). Serum fibrinogen levels were measured on admission and 24 hr post-EVAR and the perioperative change in fibrinogen (Δfib) was calculated (24-hr postoperative minus preoperative fibrinogen). The 2 groups were compared with regards to the perioperative fibrinogen levels (preoperative, 24-hr postoperative, and Δfib) and the outcome (endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, death) during follow up. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (41 in the FFP group, 29 controls) were examined. There were 68 men, the mean age was 70 ± 7 years and the maximum AAA diameter was 63.3 ± 13.8 mm. During the follow up (34 ± 19 months), a total of 6 endoleaks were recorded (2 type Ia, 2 type Ib and 1 type II). Mean preoperative fibrinogen, 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen and Δfib was 391.1 ± 92.8 mg/dL, 367.7 ± 97.8 mg/dL and -23.5 ± 51.02 mg/dL, respectively. There was a trend for the fibrinogen to fall 24 hr postprocedure, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). There was a weak negative association between Δfib and endoleaks (P = 0.007, r = -0.29). Compared to controls, the FFP group had a higher 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen (401.8 ± 112.9 mg/dL vs. 319.3 ± 34.9 mg/dL, P < 0.0001) and a lower Δfib (-3.00 ± 56.01 mg/dL vs. -52.48 ± 21.15 mg/dL, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups with regards to endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion of 2 units of FFP postaneurysm exclusion prevents a significant drop in plasma fibrinogen 24 hr post-EVAR, but the impact on clinical outcome has yet to be defined.

Routine Stent Flushing with Heparinized Saline during Distal Filter-Protected Carotid Artery Stenting: A Technical Modification to Reduce Delayed Embolization.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed embolization after filter-protected carotid artery stenting (CAS) may occur because of the protrusion and release of loose atherosclerotic plaque fragments through the stent cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe a technical modification to the standard filter-protected CAS by introducing an extra step, that of washing away the luminal stent surface debris with heparinized saline while the filter is still in place. Aided by the guiding catheter, flushing heparinized saline under manual pressure against the stent will force all loose fragments distally in the internal carotid artery to be captured by the overlying filter. CONCLUSIONS: Stent washout with heparinized saline before filter retrieval during filter-protected CAS may potentially increase debris capture and reduce delayed embolization.

Endovascular Treatment of a Chronically Thrombosed Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Technical Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Chronic thrombosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a rare entity and the ideal management is debatable. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 74-year-old man presented with an enlarging chronically thrombosed AAA and incapacitating bilateral claudication, worse on the left side. We opted for an endovascular approach. Under local anesthesia and via a left axillary and left femoral cutdown, an aorto-uni-iliac stent graft (Endurant, Medtronic) was implanted down the left common iliac artery. A femorofemoral crossover bypass was not necessary because the right leg circulation was considered adequate on completion of the endovascular procedure. He had an uneventful recovery. His left leg symptoms were completely resolved and he was able to walk with only moderate right leg claudication after 300-400m. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of a chronically thrombosed AAA can be performed under local anesthesia and is a safe alternative to open surgery in high-risk patients. The long-term results need further investigation.

Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Masquerading as an Impending Rupture of Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: We present a unique case scenario of a periaortic liposarcoma masquerading as an impending rupture of an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS AND RESULTS: A 57-year-old man was referred to our unit for an emergency endovascular repair of "an inflammatory AAA with computed tomography (CT) features of impending rupture." He underwent an uneventful endovascular repair with a bifurcated endograft (C3; Gore, Flagstaff, AZ). Seven weeks later, CT showed that the periaortic "mass" grew larger and asymmetric, and a CT-guided needle biopsy suggested the presence of a high-grade malignant mesenchymal tumor. He underwent laparotomy and excision of the retroperitoneal tumor en bloc with the anterior wall of the infrarenal aorta. The endograft acted as an excellent "safety net" providing adequate hemostatic control and obviating the need for aortic cross-clamping and repair of the aortic defect with a patch or tube graft. CONCLUSIONS: The learning point from the present case is that when faced with an inflammatory AAA and/or retroperitoneal fibrosis, the rare possibility of a retroperitoneal neoplasm should be kept in mind.

Association Between Perioperative Fibrinogen Levels and the Midterm Outcome in Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the potential association between perioperative fibrinogen levels and outcome in patients undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS: Consecutive patients with an intact AAA undergoing elective EVAR with a specific bifurcated endograft (Endurant, Medtronic) were recruited between December 2012 and October 2016. Preoperative and 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen levels were recorded, and potential associations with outcome were tested. Primary outcome measures included endoleaks, lower limb ischemic complications, including endograft limb occlusion, and aneurysm-related reinterventions. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients (91 male, mean age 71.8 ± 8.0 years) with an intact AAA were enrolled in the study. The technical success was 98% (2 failures: 1 type Ia endoleak on completion angiography, 1 lower limb ischemia immediately postoperatively requiring femoral endarterectomy). There was 1 death during the first 30 days due to myocardial infarction (1%). Another patient died 15 months after the procedure from cardiac causes. During the existing follow-up (mean 14.8 ± 14.3 months), 14 patients (15%) developed an endoleak (4, type Ia endoleak and 10, type II endoleak), 6 patients (6.3%) had lower limb ischemia/endograft limb occlusion, and 10 patients (10.6%) required reintervention. Compared with the preoperative values, no significant change occurred with regard to the fibrinogen levels 24 hr after procedure (mean preoperative fibrinogen 360 ± 101 mg/dl vs 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen 349 ± 105 mg/dl, P = 0.1). Neither preoperative nor 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen levels were significantly associated with the development of endoleaks, lower limb ischemia, or reinterventions. However, the difference in fibrinogen levels (baseline to 24 hr after procedure) was significantly higher in patients with endoleaks (median -65 mg/dl vs. 15 mg/dl, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative fibrinogen levels may play a role in predicting midterm outcomes in patients undergoing elective EVAR and appears to be associated, directly or indirectly, with the development of endoleaks. Further studies are needed to investigate these findings and explore future therapeutic implications.

Endovascular Management of a Distally Migrated Bifurcated Endograft with a New Bifurcated Endograft.

A 75-year-old man presented with abdominal and lumbar pain 6 years after previous endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. At the time of the initial operation, the aneurysm measured 6.0 cm in maximum diameter and a bifurcated Anaconda (Vascutek) endograft had been implanted. This time, computed tomography showed a distally migrated endograft which had been folded within the sac and the aneurysm measured 8.4 cm in maximum diameter. We opted to treat this by endovascular means deploying a new bifurcated endograft with suprarenal fixation within the old one. We consider the different management options and discuss the associated technical difficulties.

Arterial Stiffness in a Toddler with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Refractory Hypertension.

Arterial hypertension is a common finding in patients with neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1. Renovascular hypertension due to renal artery stenosis or midaortic syndrome could be the underlying cause. We report the case of a 4-year-old girl with NF type 1 and midaortic syndrome whose changes in blood pressure and pulse wave velocity suggested the evolution of vasculopathy, diagnosis of renovascular hypertension, and provided insights of response to treatment. Hypertension persisted after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the abdominal aorta, requiring escalation of antihypertensive treatment, while arterial stiffness demonstrated a mild decrease. Regular assessment of blood pressure using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and noninvasive assessment of arterial stiffness may enhance the medical care of patients with NF type 1.

Changes in circulating markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis after EVAR.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with increased thrombin formation, fibrin turnover and fibrinolysis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The aim of this study was to review the relevant literature and summarize the evidence regarding the impact of endovascular repair on the circulating markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis postprocedure. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The main findings are that the increased thrombin activation, and formation, as well as fibrinolysis, in patients with AAA is exacerbated after endovascular repair in the short-term and the mid-term, implying that this may be a period associated with an increased likelihood for adverse cardiovascular events. It is estimated that this prothrombotic state is normalized within a year of the endovascular procedure. Furthermore, elevated levels of specific markers of fibrinolysis are associated with the presence of an endoleak during the follow-up imaging and the clinical implications of these findings merit investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Further and larger studies are needed to explore the impact of these changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis on the outcome of endovascular repair in patients with AAA.

Traumatic Knee Dislocation and Popliteal Artery Injury: A Case Series.

Popliteal artery injury is a potentially limb-threatening complication of traumatic knee dislocation. We describe 2 such cases that had been treated in our unit over the last decade. The first one was a 23-year-old woman who injured her right knee during a long jump competition, and the second was a 27-year-old man who had a motorbike accident. Both suffered traumatic knee dislocation along with significant ligament and neurovascular injuries. In the first patient, the popliteal artery was found thrombosed due to intimal rupture and required thrombectomy and vein patch repair, whereas in the second patient, the artery was completely transected and required end-to-end anastomosis. Both limbs were successfully revascularized and required subsequent orthopedic procedures to stabilize the knee joint. Traumatic knee dislocations are rare injuries that may be associated with potentially devastating vascular complications. A prompt diagnosis and timely arterial repair is of paramount importance if limb salvage is to be achieved.

Rupture after Previous Endovascular Aneurysm Repair due to Type IA Endoleak: Complete Endograft Preservation Is Feasible with Proximal Suturing, Aortic Neck Banding, and Sac Plication.

Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) after previous endovascular repair (EVAR) may require endograft explantation and replacement with a prosthetic surgical graft. Recent reports have suggested that total endograft removal during late surgical conversion in the nonruptured setting may not be necessary and that preserving functional parts of the endograft may improve results. Similar techniques may be used for ruptured cases diminishing the magnitude of an already difficult and complex procedure. We describe the successful treatment of a ruptured AAA after previous EVAR with complete endograft preservation by combining transmural endograft fixation with sutures, proximal aortic neck banding, and sac plication.

Management of Postfasciotomy Wounds and Skin Defects Following Complex Vascular Trauma to the Extremities Using the External Tissue Extender System.

Management of large postfasciotomy wounds and/or skin and soft tissue defects after major vascular trauma to the extremities can be challenging. The External Tissue Extender (Blomqvist; ETE), a skin-stretching device, which consists of silicone tapes and plastic stoppers, approximates wound margins and facilitates delayed primary closure. We describe our experience with the use of ETE in 5 patients (4 males) with a total of 8 wounds (7 postfasciotomy, 1 soft tissue defect) over the past 12 years. The mean patient age was 32 (range 17-61) years. The wounds involved the lower limb in 3 patients and the upper limb in 2, whereas the injured arteries were the popliteal in 3, the axillary in 1, and the brachial in 1. The mean wound length was 24 cm (range 9-37 cm), and the mean number of ETE silicone tapes used per wound was 13 (range 5-19). The median duration of ETE therapy was 7 days (range 4-7). ETE therapy resulted in sufficient wound approximation to allow complete closure with conventional suturing in 7 out of the 8 wounds. Of these, one developed infection that required drainage, debridement, and resuturing. All wounds achieved satisfactory healing status and all limbs had been salvaged. In conclusion, the ETE is a useful, easy-to-use, and simple adjunct that may facilitate delayed primary closure of large postfasciotomy wounds or extensive skin and soft tissue defects following complex vascular trauma to the extremities.

The Profile of Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinases in Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Endovascular Interventions for Peripheral Arterial Disease.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a significant role in the development and progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease. We aimed to document the profile of circulating MMPs in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients undergoing lower limb endovascular revascularization. METHODS: A total of 46 patients (37 male; mean age 66 ± 11 years) undergoing elective lower limb percutaneous revascularization (angioplasty/stent) for symptomatic PAD were recruited from 2 vascular centers. Exclusion criteria were: acute limb ischemia, active infection and/or wet gangrene, liver disease, end-stage renal disease, and cancer. Patients having open revascularization or hybrid (open combined with endovascular) procedures were also excluded. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken on admission and 24 hrs after the procedure. Levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, and MMP-9 were measured along with tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) 1 and 2. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, there was a significant elevation in serum MMP-3 (P = 0.014) and MMP-7 (P = 0.008) levels, whereas serum MMP-9 showed a nonsignificant trend to increase (P = 0.169). On the other hand, no significant alterations were found 24 hrs after angioplasty/stenting with regard to the MMP-2 level and TIMP-1 and 2 levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study documented the periprocedural profile of circulating MMPs in patients undergoing angioplasty/stenting for PAD. The implications of increased MMP-3 and MMP-7 activity after peripheral endovascular interventions and their potential clinical relevance require further investigation.

Outcome after Endovascular Repair of Subacute Type B Aortic Dissection: A Combined Series from Two Greek Centers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to document the outcome following endovascular treatment of subacute type B aortic dissection (AD). METHODS: Between October 2000 and June 2014, 40 patients (33 men, mean age 65 [range 35-87] years) with type B AD underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) during the subacute phase (defined as 15-90 days from the onset of symptoms). Indications for intervention were acute aortic enlargement, resistant hypertension, and/or intractable pain. The primary outcome was survival. Secondary outcome measures included reinterventions and aortic remodeling (i.e., the fate of the false lumen [FL] post-TEVAR, which was classified as complete, partial, or no thrombosis of the FL). RESULTS: The intraprocedural technical success was 95% (2 proximal endoleaks). Three patients died within 30 days (7.5%), all 3 from dissection-related causes (retrograde type A AD in 2, ruptured thoracic aorta in 1). Another 11 deaths occurred during follow-up (median 64 months, range 1-167), 3 of which were dissection-related. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival probability was 87.5%, 79%, and 71.5%, respectively. With regard to the aortic remodeling, there was complete FL thrombosis in 10 (25%) patients, partial thrombosis in 22 (55%), and patent FL with no thrombosis in 8 (20%) patients. There was no statistically significant association between FL status and survival, or between FL status and initial extent of dissection. However, there was a statistically significant association between FL status and reinterventions, the latter being more frequent in patients with no FL thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR for subacute type B AD appears to be associated with acceptable perioperative and long-term results. In contrast to previous reports, there is still a risk for postoperative retrograde type A AD even when patients are treated in the subacute phase when the aorta is less fragile. Aortic remodeling occurs in the majority of patients, but requires frequent aortic reinterventions, an observation that underlines the need for life-long surveillance.