Laparoscopic Treatment of a Symptomatic Young Woman With Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), also known as Dunbar syndrome, celiac axis syndrome, or celiac artery compression syndrome, is caused by a band of tissue called the median arcuate ligament that compresses the celiac artery and sometimes the celiac plexus too. MALS does not always cause symptoms, but when symptoms occur, surgery is the treatment of choice. This case report focuses on the case of a 27-year-old woman presenting with postprandial episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting accompanied by loss of weight, which was found to be MALS.

Five-Year Results for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair with the GORE® EXCLUDER® Device: Insights from the Gore Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT).

BACKGROUND: The early postoperative benefits of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) have been well established but questions remain regarding its durability at mid-term and long-term time points. Long-term results in real-world use of EVAR outside of randomized trial data are limited. This study used the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment registry to explore the 5-year outcomes with the GORE EXCLUDER device in real-world clinical circumstances. METHODS: All patients within the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment registry who underwent an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with the GORE EXCLUDER device were included in this study. Baseline characteristics and demographic information of the cohort were collected. End points included mortality (all-cause and aneurysm-related), serious endoleaks, aneurysm sac diameter, endograft integrity (fracture, compression, migration), post-EVAR aortic rupture, device-related reintervention, conversion to open repair, graft explantation, and major adverse cardiovascular events. RESULTS: A total of 3,216 patients were included in this analysis. The cohort reflected a significantly comorbid population with 46% of patients reaching a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of ≥5. Follow-up at 5 years was 60% of eligible participants. The freedom from aortic-related mortality was at 98.8% and overall survival was 71.2%. Postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 49 (1.5%) patients. Device-related intervention through 5 years was 7.2% and the overall serious endoleak rate was 6.8%. Less than 1% of patients required an open conversion/revision and aortic rupture following device placement occurred in 15 (0.5%) patients. Aneurysm sac regression was achieved in 58.1% of patients at 5 years, and stability/absence of growth was observed in 83.6% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the durability of the GORE EXCLUDER device through 5 years with negligible incidence of graft integrity compromise and low aortic/device-related reintervention rates. Furthermore, the efficacy of the device is highlighted with low aortic-related mortality and high sac regression/stability diameter through 5 years.

Editor's Choice - Long Term Outcomes of the Advanta V12 Covered Bridging Stent for Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in 1 675 Target Vessels.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes of the Advanta V12 as a covered bridging stent in fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR). METHODS: Patients treated with F/BEVAR and followed in a single centre receiving the Advanta V12 as a covered bridging stent between January 2010 and May 2020 were included. RESULTS: A total of 636 patients (543 men) were analysed. A total of 1 675 target vessels (TVs) were bridged with the Advanta V12. Estimated TV patency at one, five, and eight years was 99.1% ± 0.2%, 96.9% ± 0.5% and 96.2% ± 0.7%, respectively. Estimated patency at eight years was 98.1% ± 0.5% for fenestrations and 87.3% ± 2.9% for branches (p < .001). Estimated patency of renal arteries was statistically significantly lower for those targeted with branches compared with fenestrations (p = .001). Multivariable analysis showed that targeting a TV with a branch compared with a fenestration was the only independent risk factor for occlusion during follow up (hazard ratio 6.41, 95% CI 3.4 - 11.9; p < .001). Estimated freedom from endoleak at one, five, and eight years was 99.4% ± 0.2%, 96.4% ± 0.6%, and 95.4% ± 0.8%, respectively. Estimated freedom from target vessel instability (TVI) at one, five, and eight years was 98.5% ± 0.3%, 93.0% ± 0.8%, and 91.3% ± 1%, respectively. Estimated freedom from TVI at eight years was 93.2% ± 0.9% for fenestrations and 82.7% ± 3.5% for branches (p < .001). Estimated freedom from TVI was statistically significantly lower for renal arteries targeted with branches compared with those targeted with fenestrations (p < .001) CONCLUSION: The Advanta V12 shows excellent technical success rates as a covered bridging stent in F/ΒEVAR. Late outcomes remain good with low rates of TV occlusion, endoleak, and re-intervention. Renal arteries targeted with branches demonstrated a higher risk of occlusion and instability compared with those targeted with fenestrations.

Editor's Choice - Single Centre Midterm Experience with Primary Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair for Short Neck, Juxtarenal, and Suprarenal Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The use of fenestrated stent grafts to treat short neck, juxta- and suprarenal aortic aneurysms is increasing worldwide, but midterm outcome reports are scarce. This study aimed to report peri-operative results and midterm outcomes after five years from a single centre. METHODS: Patients treated with primary fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) for short neck, juxta- or suprarenal aortic aneurysms within the period January 2010 to May 2020 with follow up in the centre were included. Early (technical success, operative mortality, spinal cord ischaemia) and five year outcomes (cumulative survival, freedom from aortic related death, target vessel patency, target vessel instability [TVI], re-interventions) were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 349 patients (313 male, mean age 72.3 ± 7.7 years) were included in the study. Technical success was 98% (342/349). The thirty day mortality rate was 0.9% (3/349). Estimated survival at five years was 69.3 ± 3.1%. Freedom from aneurysm related death at five years was 98.8% ± 0.7%. Estimated target vessel patency at five years was 98.7 ± 0.4%. Estimated freedom from TVI at five years was 97.2 ± 0.6%. Estimated freedom from re-intervention at five years was 86.5 ± 2.3%. Survival did not differ significantly between patients with and without re-interventions (p = .088). CONCLUSION: Midterm results of FEVAR remain good as indicated by sustained target vessel patency and low aortic related mortality rates. An important proportion of patients require re-interventions, which do not have a negative impact on midterm survival.

Mid-Term Results of Fenestrated Endovascular Repair after Prior Open Aortic Reconstruction.

This study aims to assess the mid-term results of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) for the treatment of proximal aortic pathology after previous open surgical repair (OSR). All patients with a previous history of OSR of an abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing a FEVAR procedure between October 2010 and November 2021 were included. The endpoints of the study were technical success, mortality, target vessel patency and reinterventions during follow-up. Thirty-five patients (34 male, mean age 72.9 ± 7 years) were included. The median interval from the primary surgery to the FEVAR procedure was 136 months (range 47-261). The indication for treatment was a para-anastomotic aneurysm in 18 (51%) patients and a true aneurysm due to progression of disease in 17 (49%) patients. Technical success was achieved in 33 (94%) patients. There was one (3%) early death due to postoperative bleeding from a renal artery. Estimated survival at 12, 24 and 36 months was 89.1% ± 6%, 84.4% ± 7.3% and 84.4% ± 7.3%, respectively. There was no aneurysm-related mortality. One (3%) target vessel occluded during follow-up and three (9%) patients underwent late reinterventions. In conclusion, FEVAR is a safe and effective alternative for the endovascular treatment of para-anastomotic aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms after OSR showing high technical success, low mortality and morbidity, and good mid-term outcomes.

Fenestrated and branched stent grafts for the treatment of post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

The present study aims to analyze fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) in the treatment of post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs). Focus is given on indication, anatomic suitability, device planning, and clinical outcomes. PD-TAAAs present with additional challenges in F/BEVAR. These include true lumen compression and visceral arteries originating from the false lumen. These technical challenges limited the use of F/BEVAR in PD-TAAAs to a few institutions in the beginning, but the good results reported with this approach have led to an increase in its use in a growing number of centers. Our current single-center experience includes 75 patients treated with F/BEVAR for a PD-TAAA between October 2010 and October 2021. Technical success was achieved in 74 cases (98.7%). Two patients (2.6%) died in the first 30 postoperative days. Ten patients (13.3%) had postoperative symptoms of spinal cord ischemia: 9 (12%) with transient limb weakness and 1 (1.3%) with permanent paraplegia. There was only 1 death (1.3%) related to the aneurysm during follow-up. Mean ± SD estimated primary patency rates of the target vessels at 12, 24, and 36 months were 97.9% ± 1%, 96.1% ± 1.6%, and 95.2% ± 1.9%, respectively. The estimated freedom from re-intervention rates at these time points were 81.4% ± 5.3%, 56.9% ± 7.3%, and 53.9% ± 7.5%, respectively. In conclusion, F/BEVAR can be performed in PD-TAAAs with high rates of technical success and good mid-term results with regard to mortality and morbidity. The additional technical challenges posed by PD-TAAAs need to be considered to prevent complications and decrease the high rate of re-interventions.

The influence of narrow aortic bifurcation on limb graft patency: a two-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Narrow aortic bifurcation (NAB) has been considered as a potential risk factor for graft limb thrombosis after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to compare mid- and long-term outcome of EVAR in patients with NAB and standard aortic bifurcation (SAB). METHODS: Data from patients receiving EVAR were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. In case of angiographic limb stenosis (>50%), additional stenting was performed. Patients with a NAB (≤20mm) were included in the NAB group, the remaining patients in the SAB group. Primary endpoints were limb thrombosis rate and technical success. RESULTS: A total of 902 patients were included; 18.3% (N.=165/902) in the NAB and 81.7% (N.=737/902) in the SAB group. Mean follow-up time was 43 months (range 0-198 months). Bilateral stenting of the aortic bifurcation was performed in 2.7% (N.=27/902), 8.5% (N.=14/165) in the NAB and 1.4% (N.=10/737) in the SAB group (P=0.001). Limb thrombosis was found in 2.8% (N.=25/902), 3.6% (N.=6/165) in the NAB and 2.6% (N.=19/737) in the SAB group (P=0.55). Technical success was 97.8%, 98.8% in the NAB and 97.6% in the SAB group (P=0.33). Device related reintervention rate was 16% (N.=144/902), 15.2% in the NAB and 16.1% in the SAB group (P=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Standard EVAR could safely be performed in patients with NAB (≤20mm) when a low threshold for additional stenting was applied. This resulted in no significant higher incidence of limb thrombosis. Additional stent deployment did not increase the complication rate.

Outcomes of Upper Extremity Access with Surgical Exposure of the Axillary Artery in Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the safety of upper extremity access with surgical exposure of the axillary artery in fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR), evaluating neurological and local complications as well as re-interventions associated with the technique. METHODS: All patients undergoing an F/B-EVAR procedure with surgical exposure of the axillary artery between January 2010 and March 2020 were included in this retrospective single centre study. Endpoints were neurological and access related complications and re-interventions related to the upper extremity access. Complications related to the technique included stroke/transient ischaemic attack, wound infection, peripheral nerve injury, and arterial complications. RESULTS: 264 patients (192 male, mean age 70 ± 7 years) were included. Upper extremity access was performed over the left axillary artery in 257 (97%) of the cases, and over the right axillary artery in the remaining seven cases. Six (2.2%) patients had early complications related to the arterial access: four with post-operative bleeding and two with acute arm ischaemia. Two patients with post-operative bleeding and both patients with ischaemic complications required re-intervention. One of these patients with arm ischaemia died five weeks after the re-intervention due to sepsis complications related to patch infection. Sixteen (6%) patients presented with transient arm paraesthesia or sensory neurological deficit post-operatively. The symptoms completely recovered in all cases with no residual deficits. Peri-operative ischaemic stroke occurred in three (1%) patients (two minor, one major). No other access related complications were recorded during follow up in any of the patients with no cases of late stenosis/occlusion. CONCLUSION: Upper extremity access with surgical exposure of the axillary artery is a safe method for antegrade catheterisation of fenestrations and branches in complex endovascular aneurysm repair.

Dataset of the vascular e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic (EL-COVID) survey.

This dataset supports the findings of the vascular e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic survey (the EL-COVID survey). The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union was taken into consideration in all steps of data handling. The survey was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Primary Investigator and an online English survey consisting of 18 questions was developed ad-hoc. A bilingual English-Mandarin version of the questionnaire was developed according to the instructions of the Chinese Medical Association in order to be used in mainland People's Republic of China. Differences between the two questionnaires were minor and did affect the process of data collection. Both questionnaires were hosted online. The EL-COVID survey was advertised through major social media. All national and regional contributors contacted their respective colleagues through direct messaging on social media or by email. Eight national societies or groups supported the dissemination of the EL-COVID survey. The data provided demographics information of the EL-COVID participants and an insight on the level of difficulty in accessing or citing previously attended online activities and whether participants were keen on citing these activities in their Curricula Vitae. A categorization of additional comments made by the participants are also based on the data. The survey responses were filtered, anonymized and submitted to descriptive analysis of percentage.

Vascular e-Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The EL-COVID Survey.

BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has radically changed the possibilities for vascular surgeons and trainees to exchange knowledge and experience. The aim of the present survey is to inventorize the e-learning needs of vascular surgeons and trainees as well as the strengths and weaknesses of vascular e-Learning. METHODS: An online survey consisting of 18 questions was created in English, with a separate bilingual English-Mandarin version. The survey was dispersed to vascular surgeons and trainees worldwide through social media and via direct messaging from June 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-six records from 84 different countries could be included. Most participants attended several online activities (>4: n = 461, 54%; 2-4: n = 300, 35%; 1: n = 95, 11%) and evaluated online activities as positive or very positive (84.7%). In deciding upon participation, the topic of the activity was most important (n = 440, 51.4%), followed by the reputation of the presenter or the panel (n = 178, 20.8%), but not necessarily receiving accreditation or certification (n = 52, 6.1%). The survey identified several shortcomings in vascular e-Learning during the pandemic: limited possibility to attend due to lack of time and increased workload (n = 432, 50.5%), no protected/allocated time (n = 488, 57%) and no accreditation or certification, while technical shortcomings were only a minor problem (n = 25, 2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic vascular e-Learning has been used frequently and was appreciated by vascular professionals from around the globe. The survey identified strengths and weaknesses in current e-Learning that can be used to further improve online learning in vascular surgery.

Limb Occlusion Rate after EVAR With Individualized Graft Limb Selection and a Liberal Protocol of Primary Relining.

BACKGROUND: This study analyses limb occlusion rates after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with a strategy including stent-graft limb selection and liberal primary stenting (relining) in anatomies at higher risk for occlusion with uncovered self-expandable or balloon-expandable stents. METHODS: All patients undergoing elective EVAR with a bifurcated stent-graft between January 2010-August 2018 were included. A protocol involving personalized stent-graft selection and liberal primary relining based on preoperative imaging was followed during the whole period. Primary endpoints were technical success and primary limb patency during follow-up. Secondary endpoints included mortality and limb reintervention rates. Risk factors associated to limb patency and reintervention rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Six hundred and fifteen patients (548 males; mean age 72.9 ± 9 years) were included. Overall technical success was 98.5% (606/615). One (0.16%) patient died during the first 30 days. Of the 1230 limbs, 96 (8%) were deemed at risk for occlusion in view of the anatomy, and primarily relined in 62 patients. Estimated primary limb patency at 6 months, 1 year and 3 years was 99.5 ± 0.2%, 99.2 ± 0.3% and 98.5 ± 0.5%, respectively. Freedom from limb-related reintervention at 6 months, 1 year and 3 years was 98.1 ± 0.4%, 97.4 ± 0.5% and 95.6 ± 0.7%, respectively. Only one (1%) of the 96 relined limbs occluded during follow-up. No differences were found in terms of patency or freedom from reintervention between limbs at risk that were primary stented and limbs without adjunctive stents. Gore Excluder stent-grafts presented better patency (Breslow P = 0.005) and lower reintervention rates (Breslow P = 0.001) than other devices during follow-up. Peripheral artery disease was also a risk factor for reintervention (Breslow P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Liberal use of primary limb relining in patients with iliac anatomy at higher risk for occlusion appears to be a safe and effective strategy to preserve limb patency after EVAR. Gore Excluder graft limbs present better patency and lower reintervention rates than other stent-graft types.

Reasons for and Outcomes of Open Abdominal Aortic Repair in the Endovascular Era.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the treatment of choice for most patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Open aneurysm repair (OAR) is still being used in a number of patients for specific reasons. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reasons and perioperative outcomes of OAR in a high-volume endovascular center. METHODS: All patients who underwent OAR in a single center institution during the period April 2010 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 222 patients underwent OAR. One hundred and forty-one (63.5%) patients underwent elective surgery, and eighty-one (36.5%) patients were treated acutely. The reasons for the decision to perform OAR instead of EVAR were as follows: anatomical in 89 (40.1%) cases, rupture in unstable patient in 57 (25.7%) cases, AAA with concomitant iliac arterial occlusive disease in 44 (19.8%) cases, previous EVAR with complications in 14 (6.3%) cases, large pararenal aneurysm considered risky to wait for a customized fenestrated stent graft in 7 (3.2%) cases, young patient age in 4 (1.8%) cases, the patient's preference in 3 (1.4%) cases, infected/mycotic AAA in 2 (0.9%) cases, and simultaneous OAR with colon cancer resection (n = 1, 0.5%) and renal transplantation (n = 1, n = 0.5). Thirty-day mortality in elective cases was 5% (7/141) and in acute cases 34.6% (28/81). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that OAR is still used for selected patients despite improvements in EVAR technology. The most common reason for OAR was an unsuitable anatomy for EVAR. Perioperative mortality of OAR both for acute and elective cases as observed in this study is in line with published outcomes of other centers.

Editor's Choice - Fenestrated or Branched Endovascular versus Open Repair for Complex Aortic Aneurysms: Meta-Analysis of Time to Event Propensity Score Matched Data.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to investigate comparative outcomes of fenestrated or branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) with open repair for juxta/para/suprarenal or thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: Electronic bibliographic sources (MEDLINE and Embase) were interrogated using the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search interface. Eligible studies compared F/BEVAR with open repair for complex aortic aneurysms using propensity score or Cox regression modelling/multivariable logistic regression analysis. Pooled estimates of peri-operative outcomes were calculated using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The result of time to event analysis was reported as summary hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI. Random effects models and the inverse variance method were applied. The quality of evidence was graded using the system developed by the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. RESULTS: Eleven studies published between 2014 and 2019 were selected for inclusion in qualitative and quantitative synthesis reporting a total of at least 7 061 patients. The odds of peri-operative mortality after F/BEVAR were lower, although not significantly, than after open repair (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.28-1.12), whereas the hazard of overall mortality during follow up was higher following F/BEVAR, but, again, without reaching statistical significance (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.93-1.67). The hazard of re-intervention was significantly higher after endovascular therapy (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.39-3.18). The certainty for the body of evidence for peri-operative and overall mortality during follow up was judged to be very low and moderate, respectively, and for re-intervention it was judged to be high. CONCLUSION: The evidence is uncertain about the effect of F/BEVAR on peri-operative mortality when compared with open repair. There is probably no difference in overall survival, but F/BEVAR results in an increased re-intervention hazard. There is a need for high level evidence to inform decision making and vascular/aortic service provision.

Revascularization of occluded renal artery stent grafts after complex endovascular aortic repair and its impact on renal function.

BACKGROUND: Acute occlusion of renal bridging stent grafts after fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) is an acknowledged complication with high morbidity that often results in chronic dialysis dependence. The feasibility and effect of timely or late (≥6 hours of ischemia) renal artery revascularization has not been adequately reported. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, multicenter study across 11 tertiary institutions of all consecutive patients who had undergone revascularization of renal artery stent graft occlusions after complex EVAR. The end points were technical success, association between ischemia time and renal function salvage, interventional complications, mortality, and mid-term outcomes. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2019, 38 patients with 46 target vessels (TVs; eight bilateral occlusions) were treated for renal artery occlusions after complex EVAR (mean age, 63.5 ± 10 years; 63.2% male). Six patients had a solitary kidney (15.8%). Of the 38 patients, 16 (42.1%) had undergone FEVAR and 22 (57.9%) had undergone BEVAR. The technical success rate was 95.7% (44 of 46 TVs). The recanalization technique used was sole aspiration thrombectomy in 5.3%, aspiration thrombectomy and stent graft relining in 52.6%, and sole stent graft relining in 36.8%. The median renal ischemia time was 27.5 hours (range, 4-720 hours; interquartile range, 4-36 hours). Most patients (94.4%) had been treated after ≥6 hours of renal ischemia time, and 55.6% had been treated after 24 hours. In 14 patients (36.8%), renal function had improved after intervention (mean glomerular filtration rate improvement, 14.2 ± 9 mL/min/1.73 m2). However, 24 patients (63.2%) showed no improvement. Improvement of renal function did not correlate with the length of renal ischemia time. Of the 14 patients with bilateral renal artery occlusion or a solitary kidney, 9 experienced partial recovery of renal function and no longer required hemodialysis. In-hospital mortality was 2.6%. The cause of renal stent graft occlusion could not be identified in 50% of the TVs (23 of 46). However, in 19 (41.3%), significant stenosis or a kink of the renal stent graft was found. The median follow-up was 11 months (interquartile range, 0-28 months). The estimated 1-year patient survival and patency rate of the renal stent grafts was 97.4% and 83.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization of occluded renal bridging stent grafts after F/B-EVAR is a safe and feasible technique and can lead to significant improvement of renal function, even after long ischemia times (>24 hours) of the renal parenchyma or bilateral occlusion, as long as residual perfusion of the renal parenchyma has been preserved. Also, the long-term patency rates justify aggressive management of renal artery occlusion after F/B-EVAR.

Outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair for chronic post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal degeneration after acute dissection occurs in a significant proportion of patients. Fenestrated and branched stent-grafting (F/BEVAR) has been increasingly used to treat these post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAA). The aim of this study was to report early and mid-term outcomes of F/BEVAR in PD-TAAA. METHODS: Retrospective single center analysis of a prospectively maintained database including all patients undergoing F/BEVAR for PD-TAAA between October 2010-February 2020. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (45 males, mean age 66±10 years) were included. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Thirty-day mortality was two (3.6%) patients. Major perioperative complications were noted in nine (16.4%) patients including five (9.1%) with transient spinal cord ischemia (SCI) and one (1.8%) with permanent paraplegia. Mean follow-up was 24 months (1-76 months). Cumulative survival rates at 12, 24 and 36 months were 87±5.5%, 83.5±6.3% and 72.2±8.1%, respectively. Estimated freedom from reintervention at 12, 24 and 36 months was 82.2±6.7%, 60.1±9.2% and 55.9±9.5%, respectively. Main reasons for reintervention were endoleaks from target vessels and common iliac arteries. Estimated target vessel patency at 12, 24 and 36 months was 97.8±1.2%, 95.4±2.1%, and 94.1±2.4%, respectively. Mean aneurysm sac regression during follow-up was 7.9±7.1 mm, with complete false lumen thrombosis in 80% of patients. No ruptures occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: F/BEVAR for PD-TAAA is associated with low perioperative mortality and morbidity in a large volume endovascular center. Mid-term results demonstrate a high rate of aneurysm sac regression. Extended sealing with longer bridging stents for target vessels is recommended.

Aneurysm Rupture and Mortality During the Waiting Time for a Customised Fenestrated/Branched Stent Graft in Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of complex aortic pathologies with customised fenestrated/branched stent grafts (F/BEVAR) is associated with a longer waiting time to the procedure. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of aneurysm rupture and mortality during the waiting time for a fenestrated/branched stent graft in a single centre. METHODS: All patients with a pararenal (PAA), thoraco-abdominal (TAAA), or aortic arch aneurysm planned to be treated with a customised F/BEVAR between January 2010 and December 2018 were included. Patients planned for F/BEVAR who in the end did not undergo the procedure were analysed. RESULTS: 906 patients were planned to undergo F/BEVAR during the study period. Of those, 862 (95.1%) underwent the procedure as planned (FEVAR for PAA; n = 494, F/BEVAR for TAAA; n = 348, F/BEVAR for arch aneurysm; n = 20). In 44 (4.9%) patients, the procedure was cancelled. Thirty-seven (4.1%) patients died before the procedure, four (0.4%) patients turned down the procedure, two (0.2%) were cancelled because of worsened general condition, and one (0.1%) ruptured but underwent emergency open repair in another institution. Causes of death during the waiting time were: aneurysm rupture, n = 15 (1.7%); cardiac, n = 7 (0.8%); stroke, n = 3 (0.3%); gastrointestinal, n = 3 (0.3%); death after complete arch debranching, n = 2 (0.2%); infection, n = 2 (0.2%); death after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, n = 1 (0.1%); death after urological surgery, n = 1 (0.1%); unknown, n = 3 (0.3%). Aneurysm diameter was larger in patients who died of aneurysm rupture compared with patients who died as a result of other causes (79.2 ± 13 mm vs. 66.7 ± 12 mm, respectively, p = .005). CONCLUSION: Aneurysm rupture during the waiting time for F/BEVAR can occur but is rare. Patients with a larger aneurysm diameter may be at higher risk of rupture. Measures to reduce the risk of rupture during the waiting time might include the use of off the shelf devices for larger aneurysms, quicker measurement and graft plan order processes, and quicker graft construction and delivery.

A systematic review of outcomes of upper extremity access for fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Upper extremity access (UEA) is an important component of complex fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR). Open and percutaneous UEA approaches have been reported during these procedures. The aim of this review was to assess the outcomes of UEA done to facilitate F/BEVAR. METHODS: A systematic review of studies focusing on upper extremity arterial access during F/BEVAR was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. Three databases including PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were queried. Outcomes of interest included UEA-related and other unrelated early and late morbidity and mortality, such as arterial occlusion, neurologic deficit, bleeding complications, and stroke, in patients undergoing UEA during F/BEVAR. RESULTS: Five full-text manuscripts and one abstract met criteria to be included, accounting for a total of 495 patients. The median age of patients who underwent UEA during F/BEVAR was 73.4 years. Predominantly male patients (371 [74.9%]) were treated. Indications for F/BEVAR were thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in 325 (65.6%), pararenal aneurysms in 96 (19.4%), juxtarenal aneurysms in 44 (8.9%), and suprarenal aortic aneurysms in 30 (6.1%). Axillary conduits were created in 29 (5.8%) patients. A total of 41 (8.2%) UEA-related complications were reported. Of those 41 complications, 17 (41.5%) were access bleeding, 10 (24.4%) were ischemic strokes, 7 (17.1%) were arterial occlusions, 4 (9.7%) were upper extremity neurologic deficits, 2 (4.9%) were arterial stenoses, and 1 (2.4%) was pseudoaneurysm. UEA-related complications were reported in 15 of 56 (26.8%) patients undergoing percutaneous UEA and 26 of 439 (5.9%) undergoing open UEA (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate associated with UEA during F/BEVAR is low, with 2% stroke rate reported. The percutaneous approach showed a higher UEA-related complication rate compared with open UEA. More studies on percutaneous UEA and randomized studies comparing open vs percutaneous UEA during F/BEVAR are warranted to determine the safest and most efficient UEA approach strategy during complex aortic procedures.