The influence of hospital volume on long-term oncological outcome after rectal cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: The association between hospital volume and outcome in rectal cancer surgery is still subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of hospital volume on outcomes of rectal cancer surgery in the Netherlands in 2011. METHODS: In this collaborative research with a cross-sectional study design, patients who underwent rectal cancer resection in 71 Dutch hospitals in 2011 were included. Annual hospital volume was stratified as low (< 20), medium (20-50), and high (≥ 50). RESULTS: Of 2095 patients, 258 patients (12.3%) were treated in 23 low-volume hospitals, 1329 (63.4%) in 40 medium-volume hospitals, and 508 (24.2%) in 8 high-volume hospitals. Median length of follow-up was 41 months. Clinical tumor stage, neoadjuvant therapy, extended resections, circumferential resection margin (CRM) positivity, and 30-day or in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between volume groups. Significantly, more laparoscopic procedures were performed in low-volume hospitals, and more diverting stomas in high-volume hospitals. Three-year disease-free survival for low-, medium-, and high-volume hospitals was 75.0, 74.8, and 76.8% (p = 0.682). Corresponding 3-year overall survival rates were 75.9, 79.1, and 80.3% (p = 0.344). In multivariate analysis, hospital volume was not associated with long-term risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: No significant impact of hospital volume on rectal cancer surgery outcome could be observed among 71 Dutch hospitals after implementation of a national audit, with the majority of patients being treated at medium-volume hospitals.

Predictors of Stable Aortic Dimensions in Medically Managed Acute Aortic Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify predictors of stable aortic dimensions in medically managed type B aortic dissections (TBAD). METHODS: Medically managed TBAD patients from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection with available aortic measurements at up to 24 months were included. Growth rate was calculated by dividing the largest descending diameter at the latest end point not influenced by intervention minus initial descending diameter, by the recorded time interval. Patients were split into 2 groups: without aortic growth (<0.0 mm/year, group I) and with aortic growth (>0.0 mm/year, group II). RESULTS: 219 patients had available data for our inclusion criteria and comprised group I (n = 89, 40.6%) and group II (n = 130, 59.4%). Mean expansion rate of the total cohort was 0.19 ± 0.81 cm, mean expansion rate in group I was -0.47 ± 0.54 cm, and in group II, it was +0.63 ± 0.64 cm. Patients in group I were more frequently of Asian descent (15.9% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.001), showed more often intramural hematoma on imaging (57.3% vs. 30.0%, P < 0.001) and demonstrated complete false lumen thrombosis more frequently (25.0% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.009). Group II patients were more Caucasian (77.3% vs. 92.2%, P = 0.002), presented more with posterior chest pain (57.8% vs. 74.7%, P = 0.025), back pain (68.2% vs. 80.2%, P = 0.046), a visible double lumen (50.6% vs. 63.8%, P = 0.050), dissection originating from the left subclavian artery (51.2% vs. 68.5%, P = 0.011), and a completely patent false lumen (37.5% vs. 62.4%, P = 0.002). Mortality rates between groups were similar (2.2% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.708). Complete false lumen thrombosis was an independent predictor of no growth (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.640, P = 0.011), while a larger sinotubular junction (STJ) (HR: 0.304, P = 0.004) and female gender (HR: 0.325, P = 0.030) were negative predictors of no growth. CONCLUSIONS: Complete false lumen thrombosis was a predictor of no growth, while a large STJ and female gender were predictors of aortic growth. This study might help predict which medically treated TBAD patients might show a stable clinical course during follow-up.

Aneurysm Sac Enlargement after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

The aim of this study is to give an overview of current knowledge regarding abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) that could potentially lead to aortic rupture. A search on Pubmed was performed. A total of 705 articles were found after initial search, of which 49 were included in the final selection. Reports on the incidence of aneurysm enlargement after EVAR vary between 0.2% and 41%. Continuous growth could lead to rupture of the aneurysm sac. There are several supposed risk factors for growth after EVAR. Endoleaks remain a hot topic as these could lead to persistent pressurization of the aneurysm sac causing growth. Various types of endoleak exist, of which each kind requires an individual treatment approach, other risk factors for aneurysm growth include endotension and the use of EVAR outside instructions for use (IFU). Reinterventions after EVAR are common; however, it is unclear how frequently these are required because of aneurysm enlargement. Aneurysm enlargement after EVAR remains a subject of debate, as this could lead to aortic rupture. This emphasizes the need for life-long radiologic surveillance during follow-up. Aortic growth after EVAR is often a result of endoleak; however, in some cases, no endoleak is detectable. Endoleak in combination with aortic growth >5 mm generally requires reintervention. A cause of concern is the liberal use of endovascular devices outside the IFU that may result in increased risk of AAA growth after EVAR.

A review of follow-up outcomes after elective endovascular repair of degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Long-term outcomes of elective thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are not well defined. A review of the literature on the follow-up outcomes of elective TEVAR for degenerative TAA resulted in 22 relevant articles. Two- and five-year freedom from aneurysm-related death varied between 93.0% and 100.0%, and 82.4% to 92.7%, respectively. Two-year and five-year all-cause survival ranged between 68.0% and 97.2% and 47.0% to 78.0%, respectively. Follow-up ranged between 17.3 and 66.0 months. Most common endograft-related complication was endoleak, with reported rate between 1.4% and 14.8% during six months up to five years of follow-up. Endovascular reinterventions were reported in 0.0-32.3%, secondary open surgery was needed in 0.0% to 4.7% during follow-up. Aneurysm-related survival rates after elective TEVAR for degenerative TAA are acceptable. However, reported incidences of endograft-related complications vary considerably in the literature, but the majority can be managed with conservative treatment or additional endovascular procedures.

Predicting in-hospital mortality in acute type B aortic dissection: evidence from International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of patients with acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) is strongly related to their clinical presentation. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors for mortality among patients presenting with ABAD and to create a predictive model to estimate individual risk of in-hospital mortality using the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients with ABAD enrolled in IRAD between 1996 and 2013 were included for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate predictors of in-hospital mortality. Significant risk factors for in-hospital death were used to develop a prediction model. A total of 1034 patients with ABAD were included for analysis (673 men; mean age, 63.5±14.0 years), with an overall in-hospital mortality of 10.6%. In multivariable analysis, the following variables at admission were independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality: increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.06; P=0.044), hypotension/shock (OR, 6.43; 95% CI, 2.88-18.98; P=0.001), periaortic hematoma (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.38-6.78; P=0.006), descending diameter ≥5.5 cm (OR, 6.04; 95% CI, 2.87-12.73; P<0.001), mesenteric ischemia (OR, 9.03; 95% CI, 3.49-23.38; P<0.001), acute renal failure (OR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.68-7.75; P=0.001), and limb ischemia (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.05-8.68; P=0.040). Based on these multivariable results, a reliable and simple bedside risk prediction tool was developed. CONCLUSIONS: We present a simple prediction model using variables that are independently associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with ABAD. Although it needs to be validated in an independent population, this model could be used to assist physicians in their choice of management and for informing patients and their families.

Impact of Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy on Complications After Hartmann Procedure for Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The effects of neoadjuvant radiotherapy on healing of the rectal stump after a Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of radiotherapy on postoperative complications after a Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer at a population level. DESIGN: This was a population-based observational study. Postoperative outcomes were compared between Hartmann procedures with and without radiotherapy. Risk factors for postoperative intra-abdominal abscess requiring reintervention, any reintervention, and 30-day or in-hospital mortality were analyzed using a multivariable model. SETTINGS: The study included in-hospital registration for the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. PATIENTS: Patients with rectal cancer who underwent a Hartmann procedure (total or partial mesorectal excision with end colostomy) between 2009 and 2013 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Abdominal abscess requiring reintervention, any reintervention, and 30-day or in-hospital mortality were measured. RESULTS: Of 1728 patients who underwent a Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer, 90.5% (n = 1563) received preoperative radiotherapy. Intra-abdominal abscess formation was significantly increased after radiotherapy (7.0% vs 3.0%; p = 0.049). Overall reinterventions (15.2% vs 15.4%; p = 0.90) and 30-day mortality (2.4% vs 3.5%; p = 0.48) were not associated with radiotherapy in univariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, radiotherapy was an independent predictor of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess requiring reintervention (OR, 2.81 (95% CI, 1.01-7.78)) but was not associated with overall reinterventions or mortality. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the data being self-reported. Case-mix adjustment was limited to information available in the data set, and no long-term outcome data were available. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these population-based data, radiotherapy is independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess requiring reintervention after Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer. This finding is relevant for patient-tailored postoperative care but should probably not influence indication for radiotherapy, because it did not affect overall reinterventions and mortality (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A193).

Predictors of aortic growth in uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Patients with uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) generally can be treated with conservative medical management. However, these patients may develop aortic enlargement during follow-up, with the risk for rupture, which necessitates intervention. Several predictors have been studied in recent years to identify ABAD patients at high risk for aortic enlargement who may benefit from early surgical or endovascular intervention. This study systematically reviewed and summarized the current available literature on prognostic variables related to aortic enlargement during follow-up in uncomplicated ABAD patients. METHODS: Studies were included if they reported predictors of aortic growth in uncomplicated ABAD patients. Studies about type A aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, intramural hematoma, or ABAD that required acute intervention were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 18 full-text articles were selected. The following predictors of aortic growth in ABAD patients were identified: age <60 years, white race, Marfan syndrome, high fibrinogen-fibrin degradation product level (≥20 µg/mL) at admission, aortic diameter ≥40 mm on initial imaging, proximal descending thoracic aorta false lumen (FL) diameter ≥22 mm, elliptic formation of the true lumen, patent FL, partially thrombosed FL, saccular formation of the FL, presence of one entry tear, large entry tear (≥10 mm) located in the proximal part of the dissection, FL located at the inner aortic curvature, fusiform dilated proximal descending aorta, and areas with ulcer-like projections. Tight heart rate control (<60 beats/min), use of calcium-channel blockers, thrombosed FL, two or more entry tears, FL located at the outer aortic curvature, and circular configuration of the true lumen were associated with negative or limited aortic growth. CONCLUSIONS: Several predictors might be used to identify those ABAD patients at high risk for aortic growth. Although conservative management remains indicated in uncomplicated ABAD, these patients might benefit from closer follow-up or early endovascular intervention.

Morphologic predictors of aortic dilatation in type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Conservative management of acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) is often associated with aortic dilatation during follow-up increasing the risk of aortic rupture. The goal of this study was to investigate whether morphologic characteristics of the dissection can predict aortic growth. METHODS: All conservatively managed ABAD patients from four referral centers were included (2000 to 2010). Aortic diameters were measured at five levels at baseline and at the last follow-up computed tomography angiography, and annual aortic growth rates were calculated for all segments. Linear regression was used to study the influence of aortic morphologic characteristics for aortic dilatation. RESULTS: Included were 62 patients (41 men) with a mean age of 60.3 ± 10.7 years. Among the 310 analyzed aortic segments, 248 (80.0%) were dissected, of which 211 (85.1%) showed aortic growth. Overall, the mean diameter increased from 36.1 ± 9.4 to 40.2 ± 11.1 mm (P < .01), which corresponds with a mean aortic growth rate of 3.1 ± 6.3 mm/y. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that male sex (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-4.04; P = .005) and a saccular false lumen (95% CI, 2.07-7.81: P = .001) were associated with a significantly increased aortic growth rate. Increasing age (95% CI, -0.23 to -0.04; P = .005), increased number of entry tears (95% CI, -2.40 to -0.43; P = .005), false lumen located on the aortic outer curvature (95% CI, -4.30 to -0.38; P = .019), and a circular configuration of the true lumen (95% CI, -5.35 to -0.32; P = .027) were associated with a decreased aortic growth rate. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple morphologic characteristics appear to predict aortic dilatation in ABAD patients treated medically. Early assessment of these morphologic signs may be useful in the selection of ABAD patients who might benefit from closer radiologic surveillance or prophylactic intervention.

Influence of oversizing on outcome in thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of stent-graft oversizing on device-related complications after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). METHODS: The study cohort was composed of patients enrolled in 4 clinical trials of the TAG thoracic stent-graft. A total of 337 TAA patients (222 men; mean age 72 years) treated in these trials had sufficient data for analysis of oversizing and post-procedure mortality and complications, such as endoleak, migration, rupture, and reinterventions. Mean oversizing at the proximal landing zone was 14.6% (range -3.4% to 39.7%). Patients were stratified based on the percentage of oversizing: <10% (n=85, group 1), 10%-20% (n=188, group 2), and >20% (n=64, group 3). RESULTS: Patients in group 1 had significantly larger preoperative proximal aortic diameters (32.6 vs. 31.3 vs. 28.2 mm, respectively; p<0.001) and neck lengths (6.9 vs. 5.8 vs. 5.2 cm (p=0.035). Overall, type I endoleak was the most frequent complication during the first 30 days of follow-up (35, 10.4%), but the incidences did not differ among the 3 groups (10.6% vs. 11.2% vs. 7.8%, respectively; p=0.809). Over a mean follow-up of 41.8±20.7 months, there were no significant differences in the occurrence of device-related complications among the groups, though the incidence of type I endoleaks was lower in group 2 (9.4% vs. 3.2% vs. 7.8%, respectively; p=0.073). Cox proportional hazards modeling showed no difference in the time to type I endoleak among oversizing groups [group 1 vs. 2: HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.36 (p=0.509) and group 3 vs. 2: HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.60 (p=0.562)]. CONCLUSION: The percentage of oversizing did not significantly affect the incidence of device-related complications after TEVAR for TAA. Although oversizing may enhance the radial force and help maintain a good proximal seal, additional oversizing seemed not to improve the overall outcome in this analysis. The current guidelines regarding stent-graft oversizing for TAA seem appropriate, though the correct percentage remains to be determined.

The Impact of Reoperations Following Bariatric Surgery on Mid-term Outcomes.

PURPOSE: With the obesity epidemic, the number of bariatric procedures is increasing, and although considered relatively safe, major postoperative complications still occur. In cancer surgery, major complications such as reoperations have been associated with deteriorated mid/long-term outcomes. In obesity surgery, the effects of reoperations on postoperative weight loss and associated comorbidities remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess mid-term weight loss and comorbidities following early reoperations in obesity surgery. METHODS: A population-based cohort study was performed within the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity (DATO), including all patients that underwent a primary gastric bypass procedure or sleeve gastrectomy. Follow-up data was collected up until 5 years postoperatively on percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 40,640 patients underwent a gastric bypass procedure or sleeve gastrectomy between 2015 and 2018. Within this cohort, 709 patients (1.7%) suffered a major complication requiring reoperation within 30 days. %TWL at 24 months was 33.1 ± 9.2 in the overall population, versus 32.9 ± 8.7 in the patients who underwent a reoperation (p=0.813). Both analysis per year and Cox regression techniques revealed no differences in long-term follow-up regarding percentage TLW, and weight loss success rates (%TWL>20%) in patients who underwent a reoperation compared to patients without reoperation. At 5 years, the availability of follow-up data was low. No differences were observed in the remission of comorbidities. DISCUSSION: Major complications requiring reoperation within 30 days of gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy did not affect long-term outcomes with regard to weight loss or remission of comorbidities.

Acute type B aortic dissection in the absence of aortic dilatation.

BACKGROUND: Increasing aortic diameter is thought to be an important risk factor for acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD). However, some patients develop ABAD in the absence of aortic dilatation. In this report, we sought to characterize ABAD patients who presented with a descending thoracic aortic diameter <3.5 cm. METHODS: We categorized 613 ABAD patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection from 1996 to 2009 according to the aortic diameter <3.5 cm (group 1) and ≥3.5 cm (group 2). Demographics, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 21.2% (n = 130) had an aortic diameter <3.5 cm. Patients in group 1 were younger (60.5 vs 64.0 years; P = .015) and more frequently female (50.8% vs 28.6%; P < .001). They presented more often with diabetes (10.9% vs 5.9%; P = .050), history of catheterization (17.0% vs 6.7%; P = .001), and coronary artery bypass grafting (9.7% vs 3.4%; P = .004). Marfan syndrome was equally distributed in the two groups. The overall in-hospital mortality did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (7.6% vs 10.1%; P = .39). CONCLUSIONS: About one-fifth of patients with ABAD do not present with any aortic dilatation. These patients are more frequently females and younger, when compared with patients with aortic dilatation. This report is an initial investigation to clinically characterize this cohort, and further research is needed to identify risk factors for aortic dissection in the absence of aortic dilatation.

Risk factors for postoperative bleeding in bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative bleeding remains a relatively common complication following bariatric surgery and may lead to morbidity and even mortality. OBJECTIVE: To develop a prediction model to identify patients at risk for postoperative bleeding. SETTING: Rode Kruis Ziekenhuis, Beverwijk, the Netherlands. Based on Dutch nationwide obesity audit data. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery were selected from January 2015 to December 2020 from the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity. The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding within 30 days. Assessed predictors included patient factors and operative data. A prediction model was developed using backward stepwise logistic regression. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping techniques. RESULTS: A total of 59,055 patients were included; 13,399 underwent a sleeve gastrectomy, and 45,656 underwent a gastric bypass procedure. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 1.5%. The following predictors were identified: male patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-1.63), patients >45 years of age (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.29-1.76), body mass index <40 kg/m2 (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.41), cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17-1.57), and sleeve gastrectomy (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.24-1.67). Area under the curve for the model was .612. Following bootstrapping for internal validation, a correction of .9817 was applied. CONCLUSION: A clinical decision rule was designed to assess the risk of postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. If 3 or more risk factors are present, there is an increased risk for postoperative bleeding. The model can aid in clinical decision-making: implementing extra preventative measures in high-risk patients. External validation is needed to further develop the model.

Outcomes of endovascular repair of ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair offers a less invasive approach for the treatment of ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (rDTAA). Due to the low incidence of this life-threatening condition, little is known about the outcomes of endovascular repair of rDTAA and the factors that affect these outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively investigated the outcomes of 87 patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for rDTAA at 7 referral centers between 2002 and 2009. The mean age was 69.8+/-12 years and 69.0% of the patients were men. Hypovolemic shock was present in 21.8% of patients, and 40.2% were hemodynamically unstable. The 30-day mortality rate was 18.4%, and hypovolemic shock (odds ratio 4.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.37 to 16.5; P=0.014) and hemothorax at admission (odds ratio 6.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.64 to 27.1; P=0.008) were associated with increased 30-day mortality after adjusting for age. Stroke and paraplegia occurred each in 8.0%, and endoleak was diagnosed in 18.4% of patients within the first 30 days after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Four additional patients died as a result of procedure-related complications during a median follow-up of 13 months; the estimated aneurysm-related mortality at 4 years was 25.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of rDTAA is associated with encouraging results. The endovascular approach was associated with considerable rates of neurological complications and procedure-related complications such as endoleak.

Importance of refractory pain and hypertension in acute type B aortic dissection: insights from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD).

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute type B aortic dissection, presence of recurrent or refractory pain and/or refractory hypertension on medical therapy is sometimes used as an indication for invasive treatment. The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) was used to investigate the impact of refractory pain and/or refractory hypertension on the outcomes of acute type B aortic dissection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-five patients affected by uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection, enrolled in IRAD from 1996 to 2004, were categorized according to risk profile into 2 groups. Patients with recurrent and/or refractory pain or refractory hypertension (group I; n=69) and patients without clinical complications at presentation (group II; n=296) were compared. "High-risk" patients with classic complications were excluded from this analysis. The overall in-hospital mortality was 6.5% and was increased in group I compared with group II (17.4% versus 4.0%; P=0.0003). The in-hospital mortality after medical management was significantly increased in group I compared with group II (35.6% versus 1.5%; P=0.0003). Mortality rates after surgical (20% versus 28%; P=0.74) or endovascular management (3.7% versus 9.1%; P=0.50) did not differ significantly between group I and group II, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model confirmed that recurrent and/or refractory pain or refractory hypertension was a predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 10.45; P=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent pain and refractory hypertension appeared as clinical signs associated with increased in-hospital mortality, particularly when managed medically. These observations suggest that aortic intervention, such as via an endovascular approach, may be indicated in this intermediate-risk group.

Open surgery versus endovascular repair of ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (rDTAA) is a cardiovascular catastrophe, associated with high morbidity and mortality, which can be managed either by open surgery or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The purpose of this study is to retrospectively compare the mortality, stroke, and paraplegia rates after open surgery and TEVAR for the management of rDTAA. METHODS: Patients with rDTAA treated with TEVAR or open surgery between 1995 and 2010 at seven institutions were identified and included for analysis. The outcomes between both treatment groups were compared; the primary end point of the study was a composite end point of death, permanent paraplegia, and/or stroke within 30 days after the intervention. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for the primary end point. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients with rDTAA were included, of which 92 were treated with TEVAR and 69 with open surgery. The composite outcome of death, stroke, or permanent paraplegia occurred in 36.2% of the open repair group, compared with 21.7% of the TEVAR group (odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], .24-.97; P = .044). The 30-day mortality was 24.6% after open surgery compared with 17.4% after TEVAR (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, .30-1.39; P = .260). Risk factors for the composite end point of death, permanent paraplegia, and/or stroke in multivariate analysis were increasing age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; P = .036) and hypovolemic shock (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.09-5.60; P = .030), while TEVAR was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite end point (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, .20-.95; P = .039). The aneurysm-related survival of patients treated with open repair was 64.3% at 4 years, compared with 75.2% for patients treated with TEVAR (P = .191). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of rDTAA is associated with a lower risk of a composite of death, stroke, and paraplegia, compared with traditional open surgery. In rDTAA patients, endovascular management appears the preferred treatment when this method is feasible.

Thoracic aortic pulsatility decreases during hypovolemic shock: implications for stent-graft sizing.

PURPOSE: To investigate the thoracic aortic pulsatility during hypovolemic shock in an experimental porcine model. METHODS: The circulating blood volume of 7 healthy Yorkshire pigs was gradually lowered until the subjects had lost 40% of their normal blood volume. Intravascular ultrasound was used to assess the aortic pulsatility in normovolemic and hypovolemic state at the level of the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. RESULTS: The mean aortic pulsatility at the level of the ascending aorta decreased from 15.9% ± 7.2% (range 6.3%-25.7%) in normovolemia to 6.2% ± 2.8% (range 2.9%-10.7%, p = 0.018) in hypovolemia. At the level of the descending thoracic aorta, the mean aortic pulsatility decreased from 8.7% ± 2.8% (range 4.4%-12.2%) at baseline to 5.6% ± 2.5% (range 1.5%-9.5%, p = 0.028) in hypovolemia. The maximum mean aortic diameter, obtained in cardiac systole, was significantly smaller as well at both evaluated levels during hypovolemic shock compared with the mean diameter in normovolemia. CONCLUSION: The thoracic aortic diameter and pulsatility decreased significantly during hypovolemic shock in this porcine model, most impressively at the level of the ascending aorta. Electrocardiographically-gated imaging may not be necessary for hypovolemic patients with acute aortic disease requiring endovascular repair because of the minimal aortic pulsatility.

Endovascular repair of ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms: predictors of procedure-related stroke.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a valuable tool in the treatment of ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (rDTAA). A major complication of this procedure is stroke. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for stroke after TEVAR for rDTAA. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of all patients who were treated with TEVAR for rDTAA at seven institutions between 2002 and 2009. A total of 92 patients were identified, with a mean age of 69.4 ± 11 years and 67% were men. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors for stroke, including demographics, comorbidities, aneurysm, and procedural details. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 17.4% (n = 16), and 7.6% (n = 7) suffered from procedure-related stroke. Four of seven patients with stroke (57.1%) expired within 30 days, compared with 12 (14.1%) of the patients without stroke (OR, 8.11; p = .004). In multivariable regression analysis, increasing age was associated with an increased risk of stroke (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.08-1.76; p = .010), whereas more recent procedures were associated with a reduced risk of stroke (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.97; p = .039). The aneurysm-related survival at 1 year after TEVAR was 42.9% for patients who suffered from stroke, and 77.6% for those without stroke (p = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of rDTAA is associated with a considerable risk of stroke, and stroke is an important cause of 30-day mortality in this patient group. Particularly older patients are at risk for developing stroke after endovascular repair of rDTAA. The risk of stroke decreased significantly over time in this evaluation.

Long-term outcomes of surgical aortic fenestration for complicated acute type B aortic dissections.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical aortic fenestration has been used for treating ischemic complications of acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD). In the current endovascular era, surgical aortic fenestration may serve as an alternative for these patients after percutaneous failure. The purpose of this study is to describe our surgical suprarenal and infrarenal aortic fenestration technique, and to report the long-term outcomes of this approach in the management of complicated ABAD. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the in-hospital and long-term outcomes of 18 patients treated with either suprarenal (n = 10) or infrarenal surgical fenestration (n = 8) for complicated ABAD between 1988 and 2002. Suprarenal fenestration was performed through a thoracoabdominal incision in the 10th intercostal space, whereas patients treated with infrarenal fenestration underwent a midline laparotomy. A longitudinal aortotomy was performed and the true and false lumens were identified, followed by a wide resection of the intimal membrane. RESULTS: Median age was 60 years (range, 48-82 years) and 89% (n = 16) were male. The in-hospital mortality was 22% (n = 4), which included two deaths after suprarenal fenestration and two deaths after infrarenal fenestration. In the remaining patients, full visceral, renal, and lower extremity function was recovered, except for 1 patient with paraplegia at admission in which the neurologic deficit was permanent. Median follow-up of the surviving patients was 10.0 years (interquartile range, 12.5; range, 0.5-20 years). During follow-up, none of the patients developed renal or visceral ischemia, or ischemic complications to the lower extremities, and no significant dilatations of the treated aortic segments were noted. Three of 14 patients with ABAD who were discharged alive expired during the follow-up period due to causes unrelated to the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Surgical aortic fenestration represents an effective and durable option for treating ischemic complications of ABAD. Actually, this conservative surgical technique may serve as the alternative treatment in case of contraindications or failure of endovascular management of complicated ABAD.

Aortic endograft sizing in trauma patients with hemodynamic instability.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate changes in aortic diameter in hemodynamically unstable trauma patients and the implications for sizing of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with traumatic thoracic aortic injury (TTAI). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all trauma patients that were admitted with hemodynamic instability (mean arterial pressure <95 mm Hg and a pulse >or=100 beats/min) and underwent computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and abdomen both at admission and at another moment (control CT scan), at the Yale New Haven Hospital between 2002 and 2009. The CT examinations were reviewed in a blinded fashion and the aortic diameter was measured at six different levels by a cardiovascular radiologist. Differences in aortic diameter between the initial CTs obtained in the trauma bay and the control CTs were compared using the paired Student t test. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were identified, including 32 males. Mean age was 37 +/- 16 years, mean injury severity score was 26 +/- 15, the mean pulse and blood pressure were 122 beats/min and 103/63 mm Hg, respectively. Overall, the mean aortic diameter was significantly larger at the control CT examinations compared with the initial CT examinations while hemodynamically unstable, at all evaluated levels. Among patients with a pulse >or=130/min, the mean increase in aortic diameter was most consistent at the level of the mid descending thoracic aorta (DTA, +12.6%, P = .003) and at the level of the infrarenal aorta (+12.6%, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The aortic diameter decreases dramatically in trauma patients with hemodynamic instability. This decrease in aortic diameter could theoretically lead to inaccurate aortic measurements and undersizing of the endograft in hemodynamically unstable TTAI patients requiring TEVAR. Further research is needed to better predict the actual aortic diameters in individual hemodynamically unstable patients requiring endovascular aortic repair.

Meta-analysis of open versus endovascular repair for ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: Ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (rDTAA) is associated with high mortality rates. Data supporting endovascular thoracic aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) to reduce mortality compared with open repair are limited to small series. We investigated published reports for contemporary outcomes of open and endovascular repair of rDTAA. METHODS: We systematically reviewed all studies describing the outcomes of rDTAA treated with open repair or TEVAR since 1995 using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library CENTRAL, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) databases. Case reports or studies published before 1995 were excluded. All articles were critically appraised for relevance, validity, and availability of data regarding treatment outcomes. All data were systematically pooled, and meta-analyses were performed to investigate 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and paraplegia rates after both types of repair. RESULTS: Original data of 224 patients (70% male) with rDTAA were identified: 143 (64%) were treated with TEVAR and 81 (36%) with open repair. Mean age was 70 +/- 5.6 years. The 30-day mortality was 19% for patients treated with TEVAR for rDTAA compared 33% for patients treated with open repair, which was significant (odds ratio [OR], 2.15, P = .016). The 30-day occurrence rates of myocardial infarction (11.1% vs 3.5%; OR, 3.70, P < .05), stroke (10.2% vs 4.1%; OR, 2.67; P = .117), and paraplegia (5.5% vs 3.1%; OR, 1.83; P = .405) were increased after open repair vs TEVAR, but this failed to reach statistical significance for stroke and paraplegia. Five additional patients in the TEVAR group died of aneurysm-related causes after 30 days, during a median follow-up of 17 +/- 10 months. Follow-up data after open repair were insufficient. The estimated aneurysm-related survival at 3 years after TEVAR was 70.6%. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair of rDTAA is associated with a significantly lower 30-day mortality rate compared with open surgical repair. TEVAR was associated with a considerable number of aneurysm-related deaths during follow-up.