The Fate of Hemodialysis Vascular Access After Kidney Transplantation: Why Ligation Should Not Be Systematically Performed?

BACKGROUND: After renal transplant, the haemodialysis (HD) vascular access (VA) is often maintained in the event of graft failure but evidence to recommend the systematic ligation/maintenance are lacking. We investigate the effects of VA preservation/ligation in successfully transplanted patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing successful renal transplantation after HD were conducted. Patients with a functioning VA, those undergoing ligation or presenting with post-transplantation spontaneous thrombosis were included. Demographics, comorbidities, reasons for ligation, need for secondary interventions, complications and return in dialysis were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 542 HD patients, 114 (76, 66.7% male, median age 50 years, range 20-70) were included. Eight (7%) accesses thrombosed in a mean of 1.4 days (range 1-3) after transplant; 42 (36.8%) fistulas were ligated and 64 (56.1%) preserved. The reasons for ligation were patient's request (35, 83.3%), steal syndrome (5, 11.9%), heart failure (1, 2.4%) and aneurysmal degeneration (1, 2.4%).During a mean follow-up of 724.9 days (range 80-1082) 25 patients developed complications over the maintained access (40% of stenosis; 32% high flow and 28% thrombosis); 18 (15.8%) needed reoperation; 17 (15%) required further HD. Multivariate analysis showed that coronary artery disease (OR= 12.566 [2.056-76.805], P < 0.06) or age >60 years (OR=0.181 [0.044-0.735], P = 0.017) were risk factor for complications over unused VA. CONCLUSIONS: The ligation of a functioning VA after renal transplant should evaluated on an individualized basis. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or aged >60 years should be monitored closely up as they are at higher risk of complications.

Late onset infection of covered and bare metal arterial stents.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to present the case of a late covered iliac stent late infection and report a comprehensive literature review on diagnosis and outcomes in this setting. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed through MedLine by two independent reviewers from 1990 to 2020 on reported cases of arterial stent late onset infection over arterial stents. The data about on the risk factors, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were selected as pertinent for the analysis, totalling 24 patients including the indexed case. Infection occurred at a median of 22 months postoperatively (range 2-120 months) over a bare metal stent in 66.7% (n 16) of cases versus 33.3% (n 8) over a covered stent. Clinical presentation included local symptoms (local pain, oedema, petechiae or skin rash) in 21 (87.5%) cases and non-specific systemic symptoms (fever, sepsis, chills and leucocytosis) in 8 cases (33.3%). In 4 cases (16.7%), patients presented with haemorrhagic shock upon arterial rupture. The bacteria most frequently encountered were S. aureus (54.2% of cases). Several factors were supposed to be responsible for the infection including among which procedure-related (non-aseptic technique, lack of prophylactic antibiotics and repetitive punctures at the access site) or related to pre-existing patient's clinical conditions (immunosuppression, diabetes and concurrent infection) have been considered responsible for the infection. Treatment consisted in antibiotics alone (2 patients, 8.3%) or in association with surgical explant, both with or and without revascularization (n 21, 87.5%). In one case, an endovascular coiling was performed. Complications occurred in 29.2% (n 7) of cases and included the need for amputation, bowel resection, endocarditis, pulmonary failure or pneumonia. Overall, three patients (12.5%) died from a septic shock or multi-organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular stent infection is a rare but fearsome condition associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Puncture Site Necrosis Over Hemodialysis Native and Prosthetic Vascular Accesses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to detail our experience in the management of skin necrosis/ulceration over hemodialysis vascular accesses. METHODS: We collected demographics and operative data about patients undergoing surgery for skin necrosis over native or prosthetic vascular accesses. The different procedural techniques used and outcomes achieved were analyzed. RESULTS: Over a six-year period (2013-2019), 593 hemodialysis accesses were created and 16 patients (50%, 8 male; median age 63.6 years, range 42-87; 12 native and 4 prosthetic accesses) were emergently/urgently treated for skin necrosis with danger of rupture (n 9), minor active bleeding (n 4) or life-threatening hemorrhage (n 3). Underlying causes were local infection, aneurysm/pseudo-aneurysm formation and venous stenosis. Most accesses were preserved. Rescue procedures consisted in excision of skin necrosis in association with aneurysmorrhaphy (n 1, 6.3%), simple closure of the venous breach (n 2, 12.5%) or resection and direct re-anastomosis (n 7, 43.8%). Concomitant endoluminal dilatation of venous outflow was needed in 7 (43.8%) cases. No intraoperative complications were observed. At a median of 13 months (range 1-39), 90% of rescued accesses were still functional. CONCLUSIONS: Skin necrosis/ulceration over vascular access requires prompt surgical intervention ahead the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage. The rescue of a functional access is possible in most patients and provides an efficient dialysis in postoperative period.

True Aneurysm of Ovarian and Uterine Arteries:a Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND: Gonadal artery aneurysm represents an extremely rare condition often unrecognized until rupture. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken on Pubmed from 1990 to 2020 to identify reported cases of ovarian and uterine artery aneurysms, including the index case presented here. Data about the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles reporting on data about 22 patients, including the index case, were included. The patients's median age was 46.7 years (range 30-80) and aneurysm maximal diameter 2.6 cm (range 0.75-5 cm). Except for one asymptomatic patient, the aneurysm's clinical presentation was abdominal/back pain in the majority of cases (n = 20, 90.9%). Rupture with retroperitoneal hematoma occurred in 16 cases (72.7%) and hemorrhagic shock in one case (4.5%). No history of vaginal bleeding was reported in any case. The majority of the aneurysms were diagnosed in women of childbearing age: in 50% (n = 11) of cases during the peripartum period and in 22.7% (n = 5) of cases during the postmenstruation period. The remaining cases (n = 6, 27.3%) were detected during the postmenopausal period. The majority of patients (n = 15, 68.2%) were emergently treated with an endovascular approach by embolization, achieving the total exclusion of the aneurysm in 86.7% of cases (13 patients). In 7 cases (31.8%), surgical ligation was performed, of which 2 (9.1%) were for the failure of a primarily attempted coils embolization. The spontaneous thrombosis of the uterine aneurysm was noted 3 months after the initial diagnosis in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The Gonadal artery aneurysms are unrecognized entities until an acute rupture occurs. Endovascular treatment by embolization is progressively becoming the first-line treatment with satisfactory results.

Surgical Treatment of Carotid Webs in Symptomatic Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Carotid webs are possibly responsible for ischemic stroke in young adults. We aim to report a case series study about surgical treatment of this uncommon condition. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis on clinical, imaging, pathological, operative data, and outcomes about consecutive patients affected with carotid ischemic stroke due to carotid webs in a single institution. RESULTS: During a three-year period, a total of 123 patients were treated for carotid stroke, in five cases (4%) (median age 48.4 years, range 44-53, 2 men and 3 women, median NIHSS score 8.4, range 4-17) due to a carotid web. Patients were all Caucasian excepting for one. No severe comorbidities were detected. Preoperatively thrombectomy of middle cerebral artery was needed in three cases. Surgical treatment consisted in web resection and carotid end-to-end anastomosis (3 cases) or web excision and patch angioplasty (2 cases). In-hospital NIHSS score improved postoperatively of more than 2 points (median 3.6, range 2-7) in all cases. No major complications were detected. One patient experienced a local hematoma treated conservatively. At a mean follow-up of 18 months (range 1-35 months), no recurrent stroke nor myocardial infarction nor death were remarked. CONCLUSIONS: In young patients presenting with ischemic stroke without neither conventional stroke risk factors nor other possible sources of embolism, a carotid web should be suspected. Surgery guarantees excellent results in prevention of recurrences.

Tailoring Hemodialysis Vascular Access in Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to investigate which kind of native arterious-venous fistula guaranteed the best results in diabetic patients. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study with prospective follow-up was conducted on all consecutive patients undergoing creation of the first native vascular access (VA) at our Institution between January 2011 and December 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups: diabetics (group A) and nondiabetics (group B), and results were evaluated in accordance with site chosen for VA creation. Primary outcomes were maturation and primary patency rate. Secondary outcomes were complications, rate of functional fistulas, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients (n 155, 37.8% female; n 255, 62.2% male; mean age 64.21 ± 14.85 years, range 58-78) were divided into 2 nonstatistically different groups (group A: n 170, 41.5% and group B: n 240, 58.5%). Maturation and primary patency were statistically different for antebrachial (P = 0,038 and P = 0.044, respectively), but not for brachial access (P = 1 and P = 0.080, respectively) at 3 years. Hyperflow and steal syndrome rate did not differ between the 2 sites and groups. At a mean follow-up of 42.86 months (range 1-72), 5 patients died. Diabetics demonstrated the higher rate of overall complications at the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus plays a detrimental role in maturation and primary patency of antebrachial fistula; however, brachial fistula results do not differ between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. More robust data and longer-term results from randomized studies are needed to affirm brachial fistula as preferential access in diabetic patients.

Symptomatic Aortic Mural Thrombus Treatment and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To report results achieved in treatment of symptomatic aortic mural thrombus in a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data about 97 patients presenting with acute onset lower limb ischemia (Rutherford stage II-III), upper limb ischemia, and mesenteric ischemia surgically treated between January 2011 and December 2018 in the Vascular and Endovascular Unit of Foch Hospital (Suresnes, France) was conducted. Only patients affected with primary aortic mural thrombus (PAMT) as source of embolism were included. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients (mean age 51 years, range 28-69; 55.5%, n 5 men and 44.5% n 4 women) were affected with PAMT. Three (33.3%) patients presented a concomitant renal embolism (22.2% of acute renal failure). Thrombus was located at the level of thoracic aorta (4 patients), visceral aorta (2 patients), or infrarenal aorta (3 patients). PAMT was sessile or pedunculated in 5 (55.5%) and 4 (44.4%) patients, respectively. Treatment consisted of anticoagulation in all patients in association with surgical exclusion of the PAMT, distal thrombectomy alone, or in addition to distal bypass. At a median follow-up of 22 months (range 1-57 months) no patients died, 4 patients (44.4%) recovered well, and 5 patients (55.5%) experienced recurrence/thrombus persistency and needed secondary interventions. The best results and absence of recurrences were achieved in patients undergoing immediate exclusion of the PAMT. CONCLUSIONS: PAMT is an uncommon source of embolism, and no guidelines are at disposal in its management. An aggressive approach with anticoagulation and exclusion of thrombus seems to be efficacious in preventing recurrences limiting complications and optimizing outcomes.

Early Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Stenosis of Internal Carotid Artery in Patients Affected by Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor-to-Moderate Ischemic Acute Stroke: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of carotid transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor/moderate ischemic stroke, early surgical endarterectomy (CEA) seems to decrease the number of recurrences. The aim of the present study was to report a single-center experience with early surgical carotid revascularization in patients affected by TIA and minor/moderate ischemic acute stroke. METHODS: A retrospective data collection was carried out on all consecutive patients surgically treated for an extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) hemodynamic NASCET stenosis in the Vascular Unit of Foch Hospital, in Suresnes (France) between January 2011 and July 2016. All patients undergoing ICA endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS) within 48 hours and 14 days after the acute neurologic onset were included in the present study. Outcomes were evaluated by a prospective follow-up. Primary outcomes were the rate of postoperative ipsilateral stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) and the death/stroke/MI at 30-day and at the long-term follow-up. Secondary outcomes were local and systemic complications' rate. Outcomes were stratified according to NIHSS score and comorbidities, and a univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to define any correlation between preoperative data and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 249 consecutive patients (45.4%, 113 symptomatic vs. 54.6%, 136 asymptomatic) underwent CEA for hemodynamically significant ICA stenosis at our institution. According to inclusion criteria, 72 patients affected by SCS (27.7% women vs. 72.3% men; median age 71.9 years, range: 42-89; median preoperative NIHSS score 3, range 1-17) were enrolled in the present study. Median delay for surgery was 4 days (range: 2-14). No in-hospital stroke, nor myocardial infarction nor death were detected during in-hospital post-operative period. The combined death/stroke/MI rate was 0% and 5.5 % at 30-days at 6 years follow-up respectively. In-hospital NIHSS score improved post-operatively of more than 2 points (range 0-15) in 47.2% of cases. A total of 10 patients (13.8%) experienced a local complication (hematoma, permanent or regressive nerve injury). No systemic complications (renal/respiratory failure, urinary tract infection, pneumoniae) were registered. At long-term follow-up a total of four patients (5.5%) died and six patients (8.3%) were lost. The stratification of outcomes according to NIHSS status, sex, comorbidities and preoperative surgical procedure did not show any statistical relation neither at 30 days nor at the long term-follow up. Diabetes was statistically correlated to a higher rate of complication at the long-term follow-up (P 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: In properly selected patients affected by minor/moderate ischemic acute stroke and TIA early carotid endarterectomy can be performed without any worsening of neurological status.

Laparoscopy versus EVAR for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in the octogenarian.

BACKGROUND: Octogenarians are considered at high surgical risk for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The laparoscopic aortic surgery (LAS) and the endovascular treatment (EVAR) are 2 minimum invasive techniques whose objective is to limit the operative traumatism. The objective of this study was to compare our results with short- and medium-term results with these 2 techniques in the octogenarians. METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2012, the data of 674 operated consecutive AAA (315 LAS, 172 EVAR, and 187 open surgeries) were collected prospectively. Eighty-seven patients aged ≥80 years presenting a favorable anatomy were treated by LAS or EVAR. Twenty-five patients aged ≥85 years with a favorable anatomy were excluded because we generally did not propose LAS to them. Statistical analysis compared the demographic data and the results of the 2 groups. The principal criterion of judgment (PCJ) was the combined rate of mortality and severe systemic complications (MSSC) at 30 days. An uni/multivariate model was used to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of the PCJ. The data were expressed as means and standard deviations. A P value ≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (90% men, age 81.8 ± 1.4 years) were included. There were 31 EVAR and 31 LAS. The 2 groups were comparable concerning the demographic data, the comorbidities, and the aneurysmal anatomies. There was a nonsignificant tendency to higher rates of mortality (9.7 vs. 3.2%, P = 0.3) and MSSC at 30 days (16.1 vs. 3.2%, P = 0.09) in the LAS group. During the operation, LAS was associated with a longer operative time (289 ± 85 vs. 152 ± 57 min, P < 0.0001), more blood losses (1,073 ± 763 vs. 148 ± 194 mL, P < 0.0001), and more transfusions (2.0 ± 3.0 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1 units, P = 0.048). In the postoperative period, the patients operated by LAS had longer reanimation and hospitalization stays (12.9 ± 13.1 vs. 7.0 ± 2.5 days, P = 0.02; and 3.3 ± 4.4 vs. 0.6 ± 0.7 days, P = 0.002; respectively). However, in multivariate analysis, an operative duration >300 min was the only variable associated with the PCJ (P = 0.05). With a follow-up of 9.0 ± 10.7 month, there were 2 reinterventions in the EVAR group, whereas with a follow-up of 38.0 ± 23.9 month, no reintervention was observed in the LAS group. CONCLUSIONS: In the short run, EVAR significantly reduces the operative traumatism in comparison with LAS in the octogenarian presenting an AAA with a favorable anatomy. However, the choice of the technique is not independently predictive of MSSC at 30 days. When a durable repair is desirable, LAS remains a possible option in the octogenarian with a good general condition presenting a favorable aneurysmal anatomy.

Re-hospital admission, morbidity and mortality rate in patients undergoing tunnelled catheter implantation for haemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the effort to increase the proportion of patients starting dialysis on native accesses, many of them are still dialyzed on tunnelled catheter. Catheter-related complications are often serious and responsible for re-hospital admission, high morbidity and mortality. Several multicenter trials have reported results in the use of tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC). However, few single-center studies have been published to verify the outcome from real-world experience. This study presents our center's experience in managing such patients in the context of relevant literature. METHODS: Demographics and operative data were retrospectively collected from medical charts. A prospective follow-up was performed to investigate complications, number of re-hospitalizations and mortality. Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to evaluate catheter primary patency and patients' overall survival. RESULTS: Among a total 298 haemodialysis accesses interventions, 105 patients (56 men, 53.3% and 49 women, 46.7%) with a median age of 65 years (range 32-88 years) were included in the study. All insertions were successful with an optimal blood flow achieved during the first session of dialysis in all cases. A catheter-related complication was detected in 33.3% (n=35) patients (48.6% infections; 28.6% TDC dysfunction; 14.3% local complications; 5.7% accidental catheter retractions; 2.8% catheter migrations). At a median follow-up of 10.5±8.5 months, a total of 85 patients (80.9%) was re-hospitalized, in 28 cases (26.7%) for a catheter-related cause. The median catheter patency rate was 122 days. At the last follow-up, 39 patients (37.1%) were still dialyzed on catheter, 30(28.6%) were dialyzed on an arteriovenous fistula and 7(6.7%) received a kidney transplantation. Two patients (2%) were transferred to peritoneal dialysis and two patients (2%) recover from renal insufficiency. Mortality rate was 23.8% (25 patients). Causes of death were myocardial infarction (n=13, 52%), sepsis (n=9, 36%); one patient (4%) died from pneumonia, one (4%) from uremic encephalopathy and one (4%) from massive hematemesis. CONCLUSION: TDCs may represent the only possible access in some patients, however they are burned with a high rate of complications, re-hospital admission and mortality. Results from this institutional experience are in line with previously published literature data in terms of morbidity and mortality. The present results reiterate once more that TDC must be regarded as a temporary solution while permanent access creation should be prioritized. Strict surveillance should be held in patients having TDC for the early identification of complications allowing the prompt treatment and modifying the catheter insertion site whenever needed.

Results of laparoscopic surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with standard surgical risk and anatomic criteria compatible with EVAR.

BACKGROUND: The recent Anévrisme de l'aorte abdominale: Chirurgie versus Endoprothèse (ACE) study showed that open surgery of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) provided very good results in patients with standard surgical risk, with good anatomic results for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The goal of the current study was to show that aortic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery while avoiding the complications associated with laparotomy. METHODS: From February 2002 to August 2010, the authors performed 239 laparoscopic AAA repairs. A subgroup of 99 patients with standard surgical risk presented with AAAs compatible with EVAR. The evaluation criteria of surgical risk and anatomic criteria compatible with EVAR corresponded to those edicted by the Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé and the Haute Autorité de Santé. The patients' database was prospective and the file analysis was retrospective. Digital data were given in median and extremes. RESULTS: The patient age was 68 years (range, 53-79 years). The aneurysmal diameter was 51 mm (range, 45-69 mm). Surgery and clamping times were 210 min (range, 180-520 min) and 81 min (range, 35-140 min), respectively. There were 60 aortic tubes and 39 bifurcated prostheses. Five patients (5%) required conversion. No hospital mortality occurred. Three patients presented with severe systemic complications (3%): 1 perioperative cardiac arrest on atrioventricular block grade 3, 1 case of febrile hypoxic atelectasis, and 1 colonic ischemia with transient renal failure with transient dialysis. Ten patients had a moderate systemic complication (10%): 7 transitory elevations of creatinemia, 1 pneumonia, 1 prostatitis, 1 sigmoiditis, and 1 cardiac arrhythmia/atrial fibrillation (CA/AF). Intensive care stay and hospitalization durations were 24 hours (range, 12-768 hours) and 6 days (range, 4-39 days), respectively. Four local complications occurred: 1 limb thrombosis, 1 compartment syndrome, 1 spleen rupture, and 1 parietal hematoma. On multivariate analysis, the overall procedure time was a predictive factor of severe systemic complications (P=0.02). Follow-up was 42 months (range, 1-97 months). Two patients required late surgery (2%): 1 for limb thrombosis after neuroendovascular procedure and 1 for iliac thrombosis. Morphologic tests did not show any defects at the aortic prosthesis level. The only abdominal complication was a rupture at the level of a laparotomy conversion. The 6 late deaths (6%) were not related to the AAA. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that AAA laparoscopic surgery is a safe, long-lasting, minimally invasive technique in patients with standard surgical risk when EVAR can be considered.

A comparison of total laparoscopic and open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of total laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has been well established. In a previous case-control study, we showed that the postoperative courses of total laparoscopic and open AAA repairs were similar. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term results of these techniques in the same cohort of patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with AAAs treated by total laparoscopic repair between July 2003 and December 2004 (group I) were matched in a case-control fashion by morphology and American Society of Anesthesiologists class with 30 patients who underwent open AAA repair between April 1997 and May 2004 (group II). Patients who survived the intervention were followed up during 5 years. Follow-up consisted of physical examination and duplex ultrasonography at 1 month and yearly thereafter. Group I patients had an additional control computed tomography scan within the first 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Five-year cumulative survival rates were similar (group I: 83% ± 7% vs group II: 79% ± 7%; log-rank test, P = .69). No late aneurysm-related death occurred during the follow-up period. Incisional hernias were more likely to occur in group II patients (group I: 0% vs group II: 15.4%; P = .047). Incidence of postoperative sexual dysfunction was similar in both groups (group I: 22.2% vs group II: 25.0%; P = not significant [NS]). No late reintervention was recorded in group I, whereas 2 patients in group II had incisional hernia repair. At 5 years, no graft sepsis or anastomotic pseudoaneurysm was reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that total laparoscopic AAA repair provides good long-term results, comparable to those of open repair in terms of aneurysm-related mortality and morbidity. It may reduce the incidence of laparotomy-related complications.

Treatment outlines for the management of primary leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava.

Primary venous Leiomyosarcoma (LMSs) are extremely rare tumours with poor survival rates. Surgery is currently the only potentially curative therapy in non-metastatic disease, but it consists in challenging interventions. The authors report the experience of one single centre in the treatment of LMS and a literature overview focusing on the diverse methods of vessels repair. Outcomes achieved are also outlined.

Aortic valve repair versus mechanical valve replacement for root aneurysm: the CAVIAAR multicentric study.

OBJECTIVES: Despite growing evidence that aortic valve repair improves long-term patient outcomes and quality of life, aortic valves are mostly replaced. We evaluate the effect of aortic valve repair versus replacement in patients with dystrophic aortic root aneurysm up to 4 years. METHODS: The multicentric CAVIAAR (Conservation Aortique Valvulaire dans les Insuffisances Aortiques et les Anévrismes de la Racine aortique) prospective cohort study enrolled 261 patients: 130 underwent standardized aortic valve repair (REPAIR) consisting of remodelling root repair with expansible aortic ring annuloplasty, and 131 received mechanical composite valve and graft replacement (REPLACE). Primary outcome was a composite criterion of mortality, reoperation, thromboembolic or major bleeding events, endocarditis or operating site infections, pacemaker implantation and heart failure, analysed with propensity score-weighted Cox model analysis. Secondary outcomes included major adverse valve-related events and components of primary outcome. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.1 years, and valve was bicuspid in 115 patients (44.7%). Up to 4 years, REPAIR did not significantly differ from REPLACE in terms of primary outcome [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.66 (0.39; 1.12)] but showed significantly less valve-related deaths (HR 0.09 [0.02; 0.34]) and major bleeding events (HR 0.37 [0.16; 0.85]) without an increased risk of valve-related reoperation (HR 2.10 [0.64; 6.96]). When accounting for the occurrence of multiple events in a single patient, the REPAIR group had half the occurrence of major adverse valve-related events (HR 0.51 [0.31; 0.86]). CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary outcome did not significantly differ between the REPAIR and REPLACE groups, the trend is in favour of REPAIR by a significant reduction of valve-related deaths and major bleeding events. Long-term follow-up beyond 4 years is needed to confirm these findings.

Isolated aortic insufficiency valve repair with external ring annuloplasty: a standardized approach.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic valve (AV) insufficiency with normal root and ascending aorta is most frequently treated by valve replacement with significant prosthetic-related complications and reduced life expectancy. We compared the outcomes of a new standardized isolated AV repair approach using an external aortic annuloplasty ring at the subvalvular level (single ring annuloplasty) and the role of an additional supravalvular ring at the sinotubular junction (double ring annuloplasty). METHODS: Single centre data were collected from the Aortic Valve Insufficiency and ascending aorta Aneurysm InternATiOnal Registry (AVIATOR) between 2003 and 2017. A total of 93 patients (56 single ring and 37 double ring) underwent isolated AV repair. RESULTS: The overall 30-day mortality rate and the need for a permanent pacemaker were 1% and 2%, respectively. The overall survival rate at 6 years was similar for sex- and age-matched members of the general population (89% vs 95%; P = 0.1) and did not differ between the double and single ring groups (82% vs 93%; P = 0.4) at 6 years. There were no thromboembolic or bleeding events in the entire cohort. However, at 6 years, the cumulative incidence of valve-related reintervention was 26% in the single ring annuloplasty group compared to 3% in the double ring annuloplasty (P = 0.02) group. Similarly, at 6 years, the cumulative incidence of moderate-to-severe (>2) aortic insufficiency was 30% in the single ring annuloplasty group compared to 0% in the double ring annuloplasty group (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Standardized AV repair with external ring annuloplasty has a survival rate similar to that of the general population. The additional stabilization of the sinotubular junction with a second supravalvular ring (double ring annuloplasty) is associated with better outcomes compared to single subvalvular annuloplasty. It can be considered as a first line intervention for patients with isolated aortic insufficiency and pliable leaflets.

Laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians.

OBJECTIVE: Open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in octogenarians is considered to have higher risks of mortality and systemic complications compared with younger patients. The purpose of our work is to present our experience with total laparoscopic repair for AAA in this subset of patients. METHODS: From February 2002 to February 2008, 29 octogenarian patients underwent total laparoscopic AAA repair. Median age was 82 years (range, 80-85 years). Median aneurysm size was 52 mm (range, 40-85 mm). Disease was classified as American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class II in 12 patients and class III in 17 patients. Ten patients presented with past medical history of myocardial infarct (34.5%). RESULTS: We implanted 12 tube grafts and 17 bifurcated grafts. Twenty-six procedures were totally laparoscopic (89.6 %). Median operative time and aortic clamping time were 280 min (range, 160-480 min) and 75 min (range, 22-125 min), respectively. Two patients with juxtarenal AAA underwent suprarenal clamping. Median blood loss was 1100 cc (range, 600-3000 cc). Four patients (13.8%) needed adjunctive vascular procedures because of intraoperative complications. Two patients died in the postoperative course (6.9%). Four patients developed severe systemic non-lethal complications (14.8%, pneumopathies). Mild or moderate systemic complications were observed in 14 patients (51.8%) including transient renal insufficiencies without dialysis (13) and cardiac arrhythmia (1). Postoperative creatinine levels returned to baseline before discharge in all patients. Liquid diet was reintroduced after a median duration of 2 days (range, 1-10 days) and most patients were ambulatory by day four (range, 3-30 days). Median stays in intensive care unit and hospital were 72 hours (range, 12-1368 hours) and 11 days (range, 6-74 days), respectively. Sixteen patients (59.2%) were discharged directly to home with complete recovery. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 2-48 months), 23 patients are still alive and regained their baseline status. Four patients died after hospital discharge of non-vascular etiologies. CONCLUSION: Total laparoscopic AAA repair is a worthwhile but challenging procedure in octogenarians. Laparoscopy is complementary to open surgery and EVAR in this subset. These results encourage us to offer laparoscopic AAA repair in good surgical risk octogenarians.

Laparoscopic aortic surgery in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in obese patients and to confirm advantages observed with laparoscopic techniques in other surgical specialties regarding pulmonary and parietal complications in this population. METHODS: Between November 2000 and December 2007 we performed 37 laparoscopic aortic reconstructions in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m(2)). Median BMI was 31.9 kg/m(2) (range 30.1-40). Twenty-seven patients (73%) were operated for AAA and 10 (27%) for TASC C or D aortoiliac occlusive disease. Data were gathered prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Aortic exposure was totally laparoscopic in 36 patients (97.3%). Median operative time was 290 min (range 160-480). Median duration of clamping was 77.5 min (range 40-105). Orotracheal extubation was possible before H24 for 35 patients (95%). Median lengths of intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were, respectively, 48 hr (range 12-624) and 8 days (range 4-35). One patient (2.7%) died postoperatively because of colonic ischemia. Five systemic postoperative complications were observed in 36 patients who survived (13.5%) including major nonlethal postoperative complications in two patients (pneumopathy and acute hemodynamic lung edema). All other patients had a fast recovery, with minimal wound discomfort and rapid return to general diet and ambulation, with a median follow-up of 21.5 months (range 1-78). One patient was lost. Complete recovery was observed in 35 other patients, and all grafts were patent at last follow-up. No graft infection was observed, and none of our patients presented incisional hernia. CONCLUSION: Obesity is not an operative risk factor for laparoscopic aortic surgery. Our results confirm its feasibility and durability for this high-risk population. Laparoscopy should be considered as the technique of choice whenever direct AAA repair is planned in obese patients.

Total laparoscopic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with short proximal necks.

With the development of endovascular aneurysm repair, abdominal aortic aneurysms with short infrarenal necks (< or =10 mm, AAASN) are considered juxtarenal aneurysms. Minimally invasive treatment consists of hybrid procedures or fenestrated endografts. We present our experience with direct aortic repair for AAASN performed via a total laparoscopic approach. Data are expressed as median values with extremes. From February 2002 to December 2007, 32 patients had total laparoscopic AAASN repair. Length of the infrarenal aortic neck was 5 mm (0-10). Median age of the 29 men and three women was 70 years (range 50-84). Nine patients presented with preoperative grade 1 renal insufficiency (28.1%). The procedure was totally laparoscopic in 30 patients (93.7%). Aortic approaches included left retrorenal (n = 24) and transperitoneal left retrocolic (n = 8) exposures. Median operative and clamping times were 270 (range 215-410) and 83 (range 36-147) min, respectively. Aortic clamping was suprarenal in 14 cases (43.7%), with suprarenal clamping time of 24 min (range 9-37). Median blood loss was 850 mL (range 215-2,400). Thirty-day mortality was 3.1% (one patient died from myocardial infarction). Two patients presented with severe systemic complications (6.4%, postoperative coagulopathy with hemorrhagic syndrome, pneumopathy). Seventeen patients developed mild or moderate systemic nonlethal complications (53.1%): transient renal insufficiencies (n = 12), grade 1 ischemic colitis (n = 1), surrenal insufficiency (n = 1), myocardial ischemia (n = 1), and cardiac arythmia (n = 2). One patient was reoperated for an intestinal obstruction. Liquid diet was reintroduced after 1 day (range 1-13). Most patients were ambulatory by day 3 (range 2-17). Median lengths of stay were 48 hr (range 12-552) in the intensive care unit and 10 days (range 4-37) in the hospital. With a median follow-up of 27 months (range 1-50), 28 patients are alive, with complete recovery without graft anomalies. Three patients died, from pneumopathy (n = 1) and carcinoma (n = 2), respectively, at 29, 19, and 44 months' follow-up. Two patients presented stable juxta-renal aortic dilation <35 mm. Total laparoscopic juxtarenal AAA repair is feasible and worthwhile for patients with AAASN. Short- and midterm results match well with those of open surgery. Total laparoscopic repair in AAASN reduces the trauma of extensive surgical approaches. Based on these encouraging early results, we elected to perform laparoscopy whenever possible in good surgical risk patients with AASN.

Aortic valve opening and closure: the clover dynamics.

BACKGROUND: Systolic aortic root expansion is reported to facilitate valve opening, but the precise dynamics remain unknown. A sonometric study with a high data sampling rate (200 to 800 Hz) was conducted in an acute ovine model to better understand the timing, mechanisms, and shape of aortic valve opening and closure. METHODS: Eighteen piezoelectric crystals were implanted in 8 sheep at each annular base, commissures, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, nodulus of Arantius, and ascending aorta (AA). Geometric changes were time related to pressures and flows. RESULTS: The aortic root was hemodynamically divided into left ventricular (LV) and aortic compartments situated, respectively, below and above the leaflets. During isovolumetric contraction (IVC), aortic root expansion started in the LV compartment, most likely due to volume redistribution in the LV outflow tract below the leaflets. This expansion initiated leaflet separation prior to ejection (2.1%±0.5% of total opening area). Aortic compartment expansion was delayed toward the end of IVC, likely related to volume redistribution above the leaflets due to accelerating aortic backflow toward the aortic valve and coronary flow reduction due to myocardial contraction. Maximum valve opening during the first third of ejection acquired a truncated cone shape [leaflet free edge area smaller than annular base area (-41.5%±5.5%)]. The distal orifice became clover shaped because the leaflet free edge area is larger than the commissural area by 16.3%±2.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve opening is initiated prior to ejection related to delicate balance between LV, aortic root, and coronary dynamics. It is clover shaped at maximum opening in systole. A better understanding of these mechanisms should stimulate more physiological surgical approaches of valve repair and replacement.

A lesional classification to standardize surgical management of aortic insufficiency towards valve repair.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve repair is an alternative to valve replacement for treatment of chronic aortic insufficiency (AI). In order to standardize surgical management, we suggest a classification based on echocardiographic and operative analysis of valvular lesions. METHODS: Classification was based on the retrospective analysis of chronic AI mechanisms of 781 adults operated on electively between 1997 and 2003. RESULTS: AI was isolated (406 patients (52%)), associated with supra-coronary aneurysm (97 cases (12.4%)), or with aortic root aneurysm (278 patients (35.6%)). Etiologies of valvular or aortic lesions were respectively rheumatic, dystrophic and atheromatous in 17%, 73.6% and 9.4% of cases. Lesional classification is based on the analysis of chronic AI mechanisms defining type I with central jet (354 cases, 45.3%) and type II with eccentric jet (54.7%). Type Ia is defined as isolated dilation of sino-tubular junction (47 supra-coronary aneurysms), and type Ib as dilation of both sino-tubular junction and aortic annular base (233 root aneurysms, 74 isolated AI). The type II associates dilation of sino-tubular junction and annular base to a valvular lesion: IIa cusp prolapse (95 aneurysms, 200 isolated AI); IIb cusp retraction (132 rheumatic AI), IIc cusp tear (endocarditis, traumatic). CONCLUSION: A lesional classification aims to standardize the surgical management of aortic valve repair: type Ia, by supra-coronary graft; type Ib, by subvalvular aortic annuloplasty associated with the aortic root replacement with a remodelling technique (root aneurysm) or double sub- and supravalvular annuloplasty (isolated AI). For chronic AI type II, aortic annuloplasty associated a remodelling technique or double sub- and supravalvular annuloplasty is combined with the treatment of the cusp lesion (cusp resuspension, cusp reconstruction with autologous pericardium).