Lessons learned over 2 decades of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair.

Fenestrated-branched endovascular repair has been disseminated worldwide from a technique used to treat high-risk patients to a valid alternative in almost any patient who is anatomically suitable and has complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. As with any new procedure, there is a steep learning curve that goes beyond proficiency with deployment. Ultimately, patient selection, team performance, surgeon's ability to adapt to unexpected events, and the constant evolution of improvements in technical aspects all affect the early outcomes and durability of the repair. This article reviews the importance of the learning curve, evolution of complex endovascular techniques, and factors affecting outcomes of complex endovascular aneurysm repair.

Endovascular repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: current status and future challenges.

Open surgical repair has been the gold standard for treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Currently, open surgical repair has been reserved mostly for young and fit patients with connective tissue disorders, using separate branch vessel reconstructions instead of 'island' patches, and distal perfusion instead of a 'clamp and go' technique. Endovascular repair has gained widespread acceptance because of its potential to significantly decrease morbidity and mortality. Several large aortic centers have developed dedicated clinical programs to advance techniques of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) using patient-specific and off-the-shelf devices, which offers a less-invasive alternative to open repair. Although FB-EVAR was initially considered an option for older and frail patients, many centers have expanded its indications to any patient with suitable anatomy and no evidence of connective tissue disorders, independent of their clinical risk. In this article, we review current techniques and outcomes of endovascular TAAA repair.

Midterm Outcomes of a Prospective, Nonrandomized Study to Evaluate Endovascular Repair of Complex Aortic Aneurysms Using Fenestrated-Branched Endografts.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the midterm outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of pararenal (PRA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: FB-EVAR has been associated with decreased morbidity compared to open repair, but there is limited midterm data. METHODS: A total of 430 patients (302 males, mean age 74 ±â€Š8 years) treated by FB-EVAR were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized investigational device exemption study. Endpoints included 30-day mortality and major adverse events (MAEs), freedom from all cause and aortic-related mortality, target vessel patency, and freedom from secondary intervention and target vessel instability. RESULTS: There were 133 PRAs and 297 TAAAs with 1673 renal-mesenteric arteries incorporated by fenestrations or directional branches (3.9 ±â€Š0.5 vessels/patient). At 30 days or within the hospital stay if longer than 30 days, there were 4 (0.9%) deaths. MAEs included new-onset dialysis in 8 patients (2%), permanent paraplegia or stroke in 10 patients each (2%), and respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy in 2 patients (0.5%). After a mean follow-up of 26 ±â€Š20 months, there were 3 (0.7%) aortic-related deaths from SMA stent occlusion, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or complications of open arch repair. At 5 years, freedom from all-cause and aortic-related mortality were 57% ±â€Š5% and 98% ±â€Š1%, respectively. Freedom from secondary intervention was 64% ±â€Š4%, primary target vessel patency was 94% ±â€Š1%, and freedom from target vessel instability was 89% ±â€Š2% at same interval. One patient (0.2%) had nonfatal aneurysm treated using endovascular repair. CONCLUSION: FB-EVAR is safe and effective for treatment of PRA and TAAAs with low rate of aortic-related mortality and aneurysm rupture on midterm follow-up.

Outcome of 1470nm laser diode ablation for superficial venous insufficiency / Resultado do tratamento da insuficiência venosa superficial com Laser Diodo 1470 nm

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat superficial venous insufficiency. We believe that using a longer wavelength will reduce the frequency of the most common adverse effects associated with the use of shorter wavelengths. OBJECTIVES: To report the results of an initial series of patients with chronic superficial venous insufficiency treated using a 1470 nanometer diode laser and to compare results using linear and radial laser fibers.METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study. Seventy-four patients, for whom at least two postoperative Doppler ultrasonography scans were available, were recruited with a total of 121 saphenous veins treated (92 great and 29 small saphenous veins). There were 57 patients in Group A (treated with the linear fiber) and 17 in Group B (radial fiber). Follow-up ideally comprised clinical consultation and Doppler ultrasonography at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after the procedure. Success was defined as total occlusion of the venous segment that had been treated.RESULTS: Success rates at mean follow-up of 13.4 months (range 7 - 27) were 83% for great saphenous veins and 89% for small saphenous veins. Patients treated with the radial fiber required less energy to achieve occlusion of the small saphenous vein and exhibited fewer adverse reactions, with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of great and small saphenous vein insufficiency using the 1470 nm diode laser is safe and effective. The radial fiber was associated with fewer intercurrent conditions than the linear fiber, although success rates were similar.

CONTEXTO: A ablação endovenosa com laser consiste em um procedimento minimamente invasivo e é aplicada no tratamento da insuficiência venosa superficial. Acreditamos que o uso de uma onda de maior comprimento irá propiciar a diminuição dos principais efeitos adversos, relacionados com ondas de menor comprimento. OBJETIVOS: Demonstrar o resultado de uma série inicial de pacientes com insuficiência venosa crônica superficial, tratados com o uso do Laser Diodo 1470 nanômetros, e comparar as fibras linear e radial.MÉTODOS: Conduzimos um estudo observacional do tipo coorte histórico. Setenta e quatro pacientes, com no mínimo dois eco-Doppler pós-operatórios, foram incluídos, totalizando 121 veias safenas tratadas (92 magnas e 29 parvas). Tivemos 57 pacientes pertencentes ao Grupo A (fibra linear) e 17 ao Grupo B (fibra radial). O follow-up foi idealmente realizado com uma consulta clínica e eco-Doppler em um mês, seis meses e 12 meses, após o procedimento. O sucesso foi definido como a oclusão total do segmento venoso tratado.RESULTADOS: O sucesso no follow-up médio de 13,4 meses (7 - 27) foi de 83% para veias safenas magnas e 89% para veias safenas parvas. Pacientes submetidos ao uso de fibra radial necessitaram de menos energia para oclusão da veia safena parva e apresentaram menos reações adversas, com significância estatística.CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento da insuficiência de veias safenas magna e parva com o Laser Diodo 1470 nm é seguro e eficaz. A utilização da fibra radial foi associada a menos intercorrências em relação à fibra linear, apesar de sucesso semelhante.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with aortocaval fistula based on aortic and inferior vena cava stent-graft placement.

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA), complicated by an aortocaval fistula (ACF), is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality during open operative repair. We report a case of endovascular treatment of an RAAA with ACF. After accessing both common femoral arteries, a bifurcated aortic stent graft was placed. Subsequently, we accessed the fistula from the right femoral vein and a cava vein angiography showed a persistent massive flow from the cava to the excluded aneurysm sac. We proceeded by covering the fistula with an Excluder aortic stent-graft cuff to prevent pressurization of the aneurysm sac and secondary endoleaks. This procedure is feasible and may reduce the chances of posterior endoleaks.