Clinical impact of proximal fixation augmentation using the Najuta thoracic fenestrated stent graft during endovascular treatment for distal aortic arch aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention of late type Ia endoleaks is the main concern in thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysm. Since 2017, we have performed zone 0 TEVAR with proximal fixation augmentation using a Najuta thoracic fenestrated stent graft in addition to zone 2 TEVAR for distal arch aneurysms. We report the early and midterm outcomes of TEVAR performed using this strategy. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study enrolled 386 cases of TEVAR for thoracic aortic disease between January 2013 and December 2020. Patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm treated by TEVAR landing at zone 2 was referred to as the standard group, whereas those treated by TEVAR landing at zone 0 using a Najuta fenestrated stent graft in addition to zone 2 TEVAR was referred to as the augmentation group. We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes between the two groups. The primary end point was secondary intervention for postoperative type Ia endoleaks. Secondary end points were technical success, aneurysm-related death, and major adverse events (MAEs), including stroke, paraplegia, endoleaks, and secondary interventions. RESULTS: We performed TEVAR in 41 and 30 cases in the standard and augmentation groups, respectively. The mean aneurysm sizes in the standard and augmentation groups were 54.5 and 57.3 mm (P = .23), and the proximal neck lengths were 16.8 and 17.4 mm (P = .65), respectively. The anatomical characteristics seemed to be similar in both groups. The technical success rate in both groups was 100%. Three cases in the standard group had MAEs, including two stroke and one brachial artery pseudoaneurysm; whereas two cases had MAEs in the augmentation group, including one stroke and one paraplegia. There was no 30-day mortality or retrograde type A dissection in both groups. The mean observation periods in the standard and augmentation groups were 46 months (range, 1-123 months) and 35 months (range, 1-73 months), respectively. At 36 and 60 months after the procedure, the freedom from aneurysm-related death was 97.6% and 97.6% in the standard group, 100.0% and 100.0% in the augmentation group (P = .39); and the freedom from reintervention for type Ia endoleaks was 79.2% and 65.2% in the standard group, 100.0% and 100.0% in the augmentation group (P = .0087). A statistically significant decrease in reinterventions for type Ia endoleaks was observed in the augmentation group. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal fixation augmentation using the Najuta fenestrated stent graft during TEVAR for distal arch aneurysm is effective in preventing the postoperative late type Ia endoleaks.

Ten-year single-center outcomes following endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm using the INCRAFT device.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes beyond 10 years of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms using the low-profile INCRAFT device. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing EVAR using the INCRAFT device as part of the regulatory trial between 2012 and 2013. Primary endpoint was aneurysm-related death. Secondary endpoints were all-cause death, reintervention, late open conversion, and aneurysm status (shrinkage, stable, and growth). RESULTS: Thirty patients with a mean age of 71.8 ± 7.7 years were included in this study. The median aneurysm diameter at EVAR was 54.5 mm (interquartile range, 53-56.8 mm). All abdominal aortic aneurysms in this study were treated following the device's instructions for use. At index EVAR, the INCRAFT device was successfully implanted in all patients using a percutaneous approach under local anesthesia. No patients experienced major adverse events or procedure-related complications 30 days after EVAR. During the median follow-up of 125 months (interquartile range, 98-131 months) with follow-up rates of 100% at 5 years and 96.7% at 10 years, aneurysm-related mortality was 0%, and freedom from all-cause mortality was 82.9% at 5 years and 75.3% at 10 years. Reintervention was required in 10 patients with 15 procedures. Sac growth was observed in 11 patients (36.7%), six of whom eventually required late open conversion; five of these patients underwent open aneurysmorrhaphy with stent graft preservation, and one underwent open surgical repair with endograft explantation. Late rupture was identified in one case, where type Ia endoleak led to rupture at 69 months, and open repair was successfully performed. Freedom from reintervention was 89.0% at 5 years but declined to 60.9% at 10 years; freedom from late open conversion was 100% at 5 years but declined to 70.8% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcomes of the INCRAFT stent graft showed no aneurysm-related deaths. However, sac growth occurred persistently throughout the follow-up period, resulting in a relatively high rate of reinterventions in the later periods, which highlights the importance of lifelong postoperative surveillance and appropriate reinterventions when indicated.

Midterm outcomes of endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm using the cuff-first technique to prevent type II endoleaks.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial and midterm outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using the cuff-first technique (CFT) to prevent type II endoleak (T2EL). METHODS: CFT involves deploying an aortic cuff inside the AAA to cover the ostium of the aortic side branch vessels before deploying the main body. We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing EVAR with CFT or side branch embolization (SBE) for AAAs at The Jikei University Hospital between 2016 and 2022. Primary endpoint was the rate of aneurysm sac shrinkage. Secondary endpoints were procedure time, radiation exposure, technical and clinical success rates, occurrence of T2EL, and freedom from reintervention or aneurysm-related death. RESULTS: Of 406 patients who underwent EVAR for AAAs, CFT was utilized in 56 (CFT group) and SBE in 35 (SBE group); all 91 patients were included in this study. There were no differences in patient demographics between groups, but there were differences in patency rate of the inferior mesenteric artery and absent intraluminal thrombus. The technical success rate per target vessel in the CFT and SBE group was 97.8% and 91.8%, and the clinical success rate was 91.0% and 100%, respectively. The median procedure time was shorter for CFT than for SBE: CFT, 10 (interquartile range [IQR], 6-14) minutes vs SBE, 25 (IQR, 18.5-45) minutes; P < .05), and median radiation exposure was lower for CFT than for SBE (CFT, 1455 (IQR, 840-2634) mGy vs SBE, 2353 (IQR, 1552-3586) mGy; P < .05). During the median follow-up of 25 months (IQR, 12.5-47 months), sac shrinkage occurred at similar rates in both groups (CFT, 37.5% vs SBE, 40.0%; P = .812), and there were no differences in freedom from reintervention (CFT, 96.2% and 91.4% at 12 and 36 months vs SBE, 100% and 89.5% at 12 and 36 months; log-rank P = .761) and freedom from aneurysm-related death (100% at 36 months in both groups; log-rank P = .440). The odds ratio of CFT vs SBE for sac regression was calculated by adjusting for inferior mesenteric artery patency and absent intraluminal thrombus, resulting in no statistical significance (odds ratio, 1.231; 95% confidence interval, 0.486-3.122). CONCLUSIONS: CFT is feasible with a shorter procedure time and lower radiation exposure than SBE and comparable mid-term outcomes, including sac shrinkage rate, compared with SBE. We believe that CFT, if anatomically suitable, is an alternative to SBE for the prevention of T2EL during EVAR.

Impact of osteoporosis on overall survival following endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of osteoporosis on overall survival following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study on 172 patients who had undergone primary EVAR for AAA between 2016 and 2018. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by measuring the Hounsfield units (HUs) of the 11th thoracic vertebra on preoperative computed tomography; a BMD value of <110 HU was considered osteoporosis. All patients were divided into those with osteoporosis and those without osteoporosis, and long-term outcomes were compared. In addition, hazard ratios of each variable for all-cause mortality were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: All 172 patients were divided into two groups: 72 patients (41.9%) with osteoporosis and 100 patients (58.1%) without osteoporosis. The mean age was older and the mean BMD was lower in patients with osteoporosis than patients without osteoporosis (mean, 79.2 ± 7.2 years vs 75.0 ± 8.7 years, respectively; P < .05; 78.1 ± 26.7 HU vs 155.1 ± 36.3 HU, respectively; P < .05). During the median follow-up period of 68 months, overall survival was significantly lower in patients with osteoporosis than patients without osteoporosis (osteoporosis: 63.9% and 36.7% at 5 years and 7 years; nonosteoporosis: 83.8% and 74.6% at 5 years and 7 years, respectively; log-rank P < .05); freedom from aneurysm-related mortality did not differ significantly between groups (osteoporosis: 94.3% and 89.0% at 5 years and 7 years; nonosteoporosis: 100.0% and 96.7% at 5 years and 7 years, respectively; log-rank P = .078). In a multivariate analysis for overall survival after EVAR, coexistence of osteoporosis was found to be an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.06; P < .05), as well as variables including age, statin use, sarcopenia, and aneurysm diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with osteoporosis showed a higher all-cause mortality after EVAR than patients without osteoporosis. We believe that comorbidity of osteoporosis may be useful in estimating the life expectancy of patients with AAA.

Sarcopenia Aneurysm Scoring System Predicts Early and Midterm Mortality After Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to develop a better model of prediction after EVAR using the psoas muscle index (PMI). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS), the modified Leiden Score (mLS), the Comorbidity Severity Score (CSS), and the Euro Score (ES) are known prognostic scoring after EVAR. Similarly, sarcopenia measured by PMI has been reported to be an important predictor. This study investigated a new scoring system using PMI predicting short and midterm overall mortality after EVAR. METHODS: Three hundred ten patients were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. One hundred three patients were assigned to the derivation cohort and 207 patients to the validation cohort. RESULTS: The all-cause mortality rates were 8.8% at 1 year, 23.5% at 3 years, and 32.8% at 5 years. In a multivariate analysis, age, aneurysm diameter, eGFR, and PMI were associated with all-cause mortality in the derivation cohort. The SAS system was defined as the sum of the following factors: elderly (75 years), large aneurysm (65 mm), low eGFR (30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ), and low PMI (males: 48.2 cm 2 /m 2 , females: 36.8 cm 2 /m 2 ). We compared the SAS with the other prognostic scoring for 5-year mortality evaluating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves in the validation cohort (GAS: 0.731, mLS: 0. 718, CSS: 0. 646, ES: 0.661, and SAS: 0.785, P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: We developed the SAS to predict all-cause mortality after elective EVAR and this scoring showed excellent predictive performance.

Mid-Term Results of Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with Intentional Celiac Artery Coverage for Crawford Type I Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms with the TX2 Distal Component Endograft.

BACKGROUND: Anatomically suitable Crawford type I (C-I) thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) can be treated by thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) with intentional celiac artery (CA) coverage to ensure distal seal. We report on mid-term results of TEVAR with intentional CA coverage for C-I TAAA. METHODS: Between August 2010 and July 2017, we treated 16 cases of C-I TAAA by TEVAR with intentional CA coverage using the Zenith TX2 Thoracic Distal Component Endograft. The primary end point was aneurysm shrinkage. Secondary end points were technical success, aneurysm-related death (ARD), and major adverse events (MAEs) including stroke, paraplegia, visceral ischemia, endoleak, and secondary intervention. RESULTS: The preoperative mean aneurysm size was 57.7 ± 8.0 mm. The technical success rate was 100%. There was no aneurysm-related mortality; however, one patient suffered from superior mesenteric artery embolization, which required an open laparotomy. The mean observational period was 40.5 months, and aneurysm shrinkage of >5 mm was observed in 10 cases (62.5%). At 12, 36, and 60 months after the procedure, freedom from ARD was 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, whereas freedom from MAE including secondary intervention was 86.7%, 86.7%, and 77.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term results of TEVAR with intentional CA coverage for C-I TAAA were acceptable.

Aortic Wall Enhancement Detected by Contrast Computed Tomography Scan Predicts Aortic Remodeling after Conservative Therapy for Acute Uncomplicated Type B Dissection.

BACKGROUND: The Investigation of Stent Grafts in Aortic Dissection with extended length of follow-up trial showed that pre-emptive thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for the uncomplicated type B dissection (TBAD) in the subacute phase promotes aortic remodeling and avoids aortic-related death 5 years after onset. However, there are some patients with complete aortic remodeling (CAR) with optimal medical treatment (OMT) and severe complications after TEVAR such as retrograde type A dissection. Therefore, which patients should undergo pre-emptive TEVAR and optimal surgical timing are still under debate. We reported that aortic wall enhancement (AWE) after endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm was associated with sac shrinkage. However, there is no report about the relationship between AWE and aortic dissection. Herein, we evaluated the relationship between AWE and acute TBAD. METHODS: From March 2012 to May 2018, consecutive patients with acute TBAD were retrospectively collected. We retrospectively analyzed 35 patients with acute TBAD who were treated with OMT and without pre-emptive TEVAR in the subacute phase. AWE was defined as an increase of more than 20 Hounsfield units in mean computed tomography (CT) values, comparing images in delayed contrast-enhanced scans with those in plain scans evaluated within 3 months from onset. The measurement points were all slices including the wall of the false lumen. The patients with traumatic dissection, type A dissection, acute complicated type B dissection, chronic (>12 weeks) dissection, and those lost to follow-up within 3 months from onset were excluded. The primary end point was spontaneous CAR under OMT, as determined by the latest contrast-enhanced CT scan. RESULTS: The median follow-up period from onset was 86 weeks and there were 25 cases (71.4%) with AWE. Under OMT, CAR was observed in 20 patients (57.1%); this was significantly associated with abdominal branch dissection (6/15 [40%] vs. 2/20 [10%], P = 0.050), number of tears more than 2 at onset (11/15 [73%] vs. 4/20 [20%], P = 0.003), multiple tears at 1 month after onset (9/15 [60%] vs. 4/20 [20%], P = 0.020), maximal false lumen diameter at 1 month after onset (14 vs. 8 mm, P = 0.025), and AWE within 3 months of onset (7/15 [47%] vs. 18/20 [90%], P = 0.010). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference with multiple tears at onset (P = 0.014) and AWE within 3 months of onset (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: AWE was associated with CAR under OMT for acute TBAD which is out of indication of pre-emptive TEVAR. Presence of AWE may be useful in predicting prognosis of TBAD.

Initial results of thoracic endovascular repair for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection involving the arch vessels using a semicustom-made thoracic fenestrated stent graft.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for selected type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a standard treatment; however, TBAD involving the aortic arch is difficult to treat because of the need for arch vessel reconstruction. We report our initial results of TEVAR for uncomplicated TBAD involving the arch vessels using a semicustom-made fenestrated stent graft. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 24 patients treated by fenestrated (F group) or debranching (D group) TEVAR from August 2011 to July 2017. The patients in the F group received the Najuta semicustom-made fenestrated stent graft (Kawasumi Laboratories, Tokyo, Japan). The fenestrated graft ensures sufficient sealing at the proximal healthy aorta without the need for arch vessel reconstruction. The primary end point was aorta-related mortality; the secondary end points were technical success and major adverse events (stroke, type IA endoleak, retrograde type A aortic dissection, and secondary intervention). RESULTS: During the study period, we treated 65 TBAD cases by TEVAR, including 17 complicated cases. Of the 48 uncomplicated cases, 24 underwent TEVAR with arch vessel involvement (13 in the F group and 11 in the D group). The technical success rates in the F and D groups were 92.3% and 100.0%, respectively (P > .99, NS). The mean operation time was significantly shorter in the F group (158 minutes) than in the D group (202 minutes; P = .0426), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was also significantly shorter in the F group (7 days) than in the D group (22 days; P = .0168). The primary patency rate of the reconstructed branch vessel was 100%, and there were no aorta-related deaths or retrograde type A aortic dissection in either group. One patient had a type IA endoleak in the F group. In the D group, one patient had a postoperative stroke and two patients required secondary interventions for stent graft-induced new entry at the descending aorta. The median follow-up period was 14.1 months (range, 1-37 months). The rate of freedom from aorta-related death was 100% in both groups (P > .99, NS); the rate of freedom from major adverse events at 24 months was 92.3% in the F group and 72.7% in the D group (P = .749, NS). CONCLUSIONS: The initial results of TEVAR with aortic arch vessel reconstruction for uncomplicated TBAD were acceptable. The fenestrated graft may be a less invasive option for the treatment of TBAD involving the aortic arch.

Aneurysm Wall Enhancement Detected by Contrast Computed Tomography Scan Is Associated With Aneurysm Shrinkage After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysm expansion, and consequent endoleaks, after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a major problem. Accurate prediction of aneurysm expansion is demanding for surgeons and remains difficult.Methods and Results:We retrospectively analyzed 157 cases of EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using a bifurcated main-body stent-graft. There were 62 cases of aneurysm shrinkage after EVAR, 63 cases of stable aneurysm, and 32 cases of aneurysm expansion. Type I endoleaks were significantly increased in the aneurysm expansion group (EXP) compared with the stable (STB) and shrinkage (SHR) groups (EXP: 15.6% vs. STB: 4.8% vs. SHR: 0%, P=0.005). Type II endoleaks were also significantly increased in EXP (EXP: 65.6% vs. STB: 36.5% vs. SHR: 6.5%, P<0.001). Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) on imaging, however, was significantly decreased in the EXP group (EXP: 18.8% vs. STB: 23.8% vs. SHR: 53.2%, P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of type II endoleaks significantly decreased (P<0.001) and that of AWE significantly increased the likelihood of aneurysm shrinkage (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: AWE following EVAR may be associated with aneurysm shrinkage.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair-First Strategy for Ruptured Aneurysm Focuses on Fitzgerald Classification and Vein Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Recent study have demonstrated the good results of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs). We report on the results of our EVAR-first strategy for RAAAs focuses on Fitzgerald (F) classification and vein thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2011 to 2017, 31 patients with RAAA underwent EVAR at our hospital. We compared F-1 patients (group A) with F-2 to F-4 patients with obvious retroperitoneal hematoma (group B). RESULTS: The baseline characteristics in group A (n = 9) and group B (n = 22) were similar. In group B, there were 8 cases of F-2, 10 cases of F-3, and 4 cases of F-4. Of the 22 cases in group B, 16 (73%) cases involved preoperative shock. Operation time was not significantly different (group A: 147 min and group B: 131 min, P = 0.48). The total mortality rate of group A and group B combined was 77.4%. The 30-day mortality was 0% for group A and 23.8% for group B, in which there were 2 F-4 cases and 3 F-3 cases. In group B, hematoma-related complications developed in 6 cases (deep vein thrombosis: 4 cases, abdominal compartment syndrome: 1 case, and hematoma infection: 1 case), and 1 case with deep vein thrombosis developed a pulmonary embolism that resulted in cardiac arrest. The 3-year survival rate was significantly higher for group A (100% vs. 52.3%, P = 0.016), but the freedom from aortic death rate was not significantly different (100% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: Using EVAR for RAAA is a valid strategy. Certain complications that are associated with peritoneal hematoma, especially venous thrombosis, should receive particular attention.

Clinical Outcomes of Total Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Aortic Aneurysms Involving the Proximal Anastomotic Aneurysm following Initial Open Repair for Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate initial and midterm clinical outcomes of aortic aneurysms involving the proximal anastomotic aneurysm (AAPAAs) following initial open repair for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: Between July 2006 and August 2015, 24 patients underwent elective endovascular repair for the treatment of AAPAAs at our institution. AAPAA classification has been categorized as 3 types. Type I AAPAA is the most extensive, extending from the descending aorta to the prior proximal anastomosis as similar to Crawford type II or III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Type II AAPAA is limited to the aortic aneurysm below the diaphragm including the abdominal visceral arteries. Finally, similar to pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, type III AAPAA involves the renal origins, but does not extend to the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries. Total endovascular aneurysm repair (t-EVAR) consisted of fenestrated EVAR (f-EVAR), multibranched EVAR (t-Branch), and snorkel EVAR (s-EVAR) were performed for patients with high-risk open surgical repair. We retrospectively analyzed 24 cases, which were categorized with 3 types of AAPAA. RESULTS: F-EVAR, t-Branch, and s-EVAR for AAPAAs were performed in 15 patients (62.5%), 5 patients (20.8%), and 4 patients (16.7%), respectively. Type I and type II AAPAA were identified in 13 patients (54.2%) and 7 patients (29.2%), and type III AAPAA was identified in 4 patients (16.7%). Technical success was 95.8%, and clinical success was 79.2% with t-EVAR. Spinal cord ischemia was identified in 2 patients (8.3%) of type I AAPAA, the 30-day mortality rate was 4.2% (n = 1, type I AAPAA). Type II and III endoleaks occurred in 1 (4.2%, type III AAPAA) and 3 patients (12.5%, each case of type I, II, and III AAPAA), respectively. There was no open conversion or aneurysm rupture in the late follow-up period. The estimated overall survival rates of t-EVAR after 1 and 3 years were 95.6% and 76.2%, respectively. Rates of freedom from aneurysm-related death and secondary intervention of t-EVAR at 3 years were 90.1% and 89.7%, respectively. Finally, rates of target vessel patency at 1 and 3 years were 95.3% and 88.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial to midterm results of t-EVAR for the treatment of AAPAA were generally good with low rates of perioperative mortality and aneurysm-related death. However, more attentions should be paid for the treatment of type I AAPAA with high incidence of major adverse events.

Utility of the Ginza forceps for superficial phlebectomy during endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of using the Ginza forceps (DVx, Tokyo, Japan), which have a long shaft and strong grip, for superficial phlebectomy with the stab avulsion technique, during simultaneous endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV). METHODS: The subjects were patients treated with EVLA performed by a single operator at one institution. All patients had a GSV diameter of 4-10 mm and an EVLA length of the GSV of >20 cm. We compared 59 limbs treated only with the Varady hook (Group A) with 46 limbs treated with the Ginza forceps (Group G). RESULTS: The mean operative times for Groups A and G were 55.4 ± 17.1 vs. 48.5 ± 13.5 min, respectively (P = 0.002), and the number of stab incisions was 5.9 ± 2.9 (1-13) vs. 3.5 ± 2.3 (1-11), respectively (P < 0.001). The rates of nerve injury and thrombophlebitis were 1.7 vs. 0 and 3.4 vs. 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Performing superficial phlebectomy with the Ginza forceps reduced the operation time and the number of stab wounds. These initial results suggest that using the Ginza forceps for the procedure is safe and efficient.

Risk factors for early renal dysfunction following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and its effect on the postoperative outcome.

PURPOSE: Renal insufficiency is associated with increased morbidity and death after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, the effect of postoperative acute kidney dysfunction on patient outcome has not been fully determined. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of early postoperative renal function decline using chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging and its effect on the clinical outcome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospectively maintained EVAR database. Pre- and postoperative CKD stages were determined for all patients according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate values. RESULTS: We identified 135 patients who were treated with elective EVAR. CKD stage decline was observed in 25 (19 %) of the patients. Freedom from aneurysm-related death was significantly lower in patients with postoperative CKD progression compared with those with unchanged CKD stage. A shaggy aorta without oral beta-blocker administration and higher preoperative serum creatinine levels (>1.4 mg/dL) were found to be independent predictors of an early postoperative CKD stage decline. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with postoperative CKD progression have an increased frequency of aneurysm-related death. The presence of a shaggy aorta, absence of oral beta-blocker administration and an increased preoperative creatinine level are independent predictors of early postoperative CKD progression.

Preemptive fenestrated endovascular repair aimed at perfusion of cervical branches in acute type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Most of the entry tears of uncomplicated type B aortic dissection are located in the distal arch and extends in a retrograde manner to the level of the left subclavian artery. Our objective was to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness using fenestrated sent graft with complete neck vessel preservation to treat uncomplicated type B aortic dissection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the record of patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection who underwent fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair in subacute phase (15-90 days) between August 2016 and April 2020. The Najuta fenestrated stent graft was placed proximally beyond he left subclavian artery (zone 0-2) in an attempt to seal the entry while preserving the neck vessels. RESULTS: We evaluated 9 cases (male: 7, female: 2; median age 70 years). The median distance from the LSA to the proximal entry was 37 mm. The landing zones of the proximal end of the Najuta were zone 0: 3, zone 1: 2, and zone 2: 4 cases. Technical success was 100% with no 30-day death. None of the patients had a stroke, paraplegia or retrograde dissection, and no endoleak was observed. Complete aortic remodeling with false lumen resolution was obtained in all cases while each fenestrated vessels remained patent during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Preemptive thoracic endovascular aortic repair aimed at perfusion of cervical branches using the Najuta fenestrated stent is safe and effective and may be considered as a reasonable treatment option for the treatment is a safe and an effective treatment.

A reproducible swine model of a surgically created saccular thoracic aortic aneurysm.

A reproducible swine thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) model is useful for investigating new therapeutic interventions. We report a surgical method for creating a reproducible swine saccular TAA model. We used eight female swine weighing 20-25 kg (LWD; ternary species). All procedures were performed under general anesthesia and involved left thoracotomy. Following aortic cross-clamping, the thoracic aorta was surgically dissected and the media and intima were resected, and the dissection plane was extended by spreading the outer layer for aneurysmal space. Subsequently, only the adventitial layer of the aorta was sutured. At 2 weeks after these procedures, angiography and computed tomography were performed. After follow-up imaging, the model animals were euthanized. Macroscopic, histological, and immunohistological examinations were performed. All model animals survived, and a saccular TAA was confirmed by follow-up imaging in all cases. The mean length of the shorter and the longer aortic diameter after the procedure were 14.01 ± 1.0 mm and 18.35 ± 1.4 mm, respectively (P<0.001). The rate of increase in the aortic diameter was 131.7 ± 13.8%, and the mean length of aneurysmal change at thoracic aorta was 22.4 ± 1.9 mm. Histological examination revealed intimal tears and defects of elastic fibers in the media. Immunostaining revealed MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions at the aneurysm site. We report our surgical method for creating a swine saccular TAA model. Our model animal may be useful to investigate new therapeutic interventions for aortic disease.

Covered Stent of the Left Common Carotid and Subclavian Arteries Assist the Invasive Tumor Resection.

BACKGROUND: Some recent reports have described the usefulness of thoracic aortic stent grafts to facilitate en bloc resection of tumors invading the aortic wall. We report on malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor resection in the left superior mediastinum of a 16-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1. The pathological margin was positive at the time of the first tumor resection, and radiation therapy was added to the same site. After that, a local recurrence occurred. The tumor was in wide contact with the left common carotid and subclavian arteries and was suspected of infiltration. After stent graft placement of these arteries to avoid fatal bleeding and cerebral ischemia by clamping these arteries and bypass procedure, we successfully resected the tumor without any complications. CONCLUSION: s. Here, we report the usefulness of the prior covered stent placement to aortic branch vessels for the resection of invasive tumor.

Two cases of asymptomatic axillary artery occlusion difficult to diagnose preoperatively: pitfalls and its solution in endovascular therapy when approaching from the upper extremity.

BACKGROUND: Approaching from the left brachial artery is an important access route in endovascular therapy for complicated aortic and peripheral artery cases. Here, we report two cases of a poor access route from the left brachial artery because of asymptomatic axillary artery occlusion (AAO), despite no preoperative upper arm blood pressure laterality, a normal ankle brachial pressure index, and absence of occlusion of the subclavian artery on CT scan. CASE 1: Seventy-six-year-old female. We planned endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for para-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm using the snorkel technique in the renal artery, but we failed to pass through the left subclavian artery when approaching from the left brachial artery because of AAO. CASE 2: Seventy-three-year-old female. We planned zone 2 thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysm and embolization of the left subclavian artery via the left brachial artery, but we failed to pass through the left subclavian artery because of AAO, and therefore, we simply covered the orifice of the left subclavian artery using a stent graft without embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of an asymptomatic AAO may alter the treatment plan but may be difficult to diagnose preoperatively. In those cases in which a brachial or radial artery access is planned, contrast medium should be injected from the contralateral upper extremity during preoperative enhanced CT since the absence of halation of the ipsilateral subclavian/axillary vein provides improved visualization of the AAO which may lead to a better preoperative strategy including the choice of the side of upper extremity access.

Polyester Grafts Are a Risk Factor for Postimplantation Syndrome after Abdominal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Retrospective Analysis for Polyester Graft, Excluder®, and Endologix Powerlink®/AFX®.

Objective: Postimplantation syndrome (PIS) is a postoperative syndrome that occurs after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), accompanied by high fever, leukocytosis, and high serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Its pathogenesis and clinical meaning are still under discussion. Here, we evaluate the relationship between postoperative fever after EVAR and graft fabric focusing on Endologix Powerlink® and AFX® (EPL/AFX). Materials and Methods: From January 2015 to July 2017, data on elective EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using mainbody were retrospectively collected. The primary endpoint was maximal postoperative fever. Results: We identified 128 patients who underwent elective EVAR for AAA (105 males, 82%; aged 57-90, median: 74 years). The median maximal postoperative fever was 37.8°C (36.6-39.7°C): polyester graft, 38.2°C (37.1-39.7°C); Excluder®, 37.8°C (36.6-39.2°C); and EPL/AFX, 37.7°C (37-38.7°C). The maximal postoperative fever with a polyester graft was significantly higher than that with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between Excluder® and EPL/AFX (p=0.214). Conclusion: In this study, it was found that polyester grafts are significantly associated with PIS after elective EVAR for AAA. If patient anatomy is permitted, it may be better to choose the ePTFE graft, especially for patients with a poor general condition.

Fenestrated endovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysm in patients with bovine arch using the Najuta stent graft.

We describe the case of a 74-year-old man with a thoracic aortic aneurysm with a bovine arch who underwent fenestrated endovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysm using the Najuta stent graft (Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc, Tokyo, Japan). He has had a previous endovascular aneurysm repair and femoropopliteal bypass for abdominal aortic aneurysm combined with peripheral arterial disease. The Najuta stent graft was inserted and deployed at zone 0 with delicate positional adjustment of the fenestration of the stent graft to the brachiocephalic trunk. There was no endoleak or complication. His postoperative course was uneventful. At 7-month follow-up, complete exclusion of the aneurysm was noted. The Najuta stent graft repair of aortic arch aneurysms is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with a bovine arch.