Treatment of Aorto-iliac and Infrainguinal Vascular Infections with a Prefabricated Bovine Pericardial Graft.

BACKGROUND: The use of biological grafts provides acceptable mid- and long-term results in native or prosthetic vascular infections. Several reports describe the successful use of bovine pericardium in case of vascular infections, mainly as a large patch to be sutured as a tubular graft. Recently, a novel prefabricated bovine pericardium graft (Biointegral Surgical No-React® Inc, Mississauga, ON, Canada) has been introduced in clinical practice with promising results. In this study, we report our preliminary experience utilizing Biointegral Surgical graft in case of native and or prosthetic aorto-iliac and infrainguinal infection. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 20 patients with native or prosthetic aorto-iliac and infrainguinal infection who underwent in situ reconstruction (ISR) with a Biointegral Surgical No-React bovine pericardium prosthesis between October 2020 and February 2023 at the Vascular Surgery Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli - IRCCS in Rome, Italy. All patients followed a standardized protocol including postoperative anticoagulation and long-term intravenous antibiotics. RESULTS: The indication for surgery was: mycotic aortic aneurysm in 4 patients (20%), graft infection after abdominal aortic repair in 11 patients (55%), peripheral graft infection in 5 patients (25%). Complete excision of the infected aorta or prosthetic graft, surgical debridement and ISR were performed in all patients. Hospital mortality rate was 5% (n = 1) and graft-related mortality of 0%. During follow-up (median 13 months, range 6-34 months), reinfection was 5.2% and primary graft patency 94.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prefabricated bovine pericardial grafts represents a promising option for the treatment of native and prosthetic aorto-iliac and infrainguinal infections. The application of this biological graft with a standardized postoperative protocol has been associated with a satisfactory patency and reinfection rate without increased bleeding complications.

The sac evolution imaging follow-up after endovascular aortic repair: An international expert opinion-based Delphi consensus study.

OBJECTIVE: management of follow-up protocols after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) varies significantly between centers and is not standardized according to sac regression. By designing an international expert-based Delphi consensus, the study aimed to create recommendations on follow-up after EVAR according to sac evolution. METHODS: Eight facilitators created appropriate statements regarding the study topic that were voted, using a 4-point Likert scale, by a selected panel of international experts using a three-round modified Delphi consensus process. Based on the experts' responses, only those statements reaching a grade A (full agreement ≥75%) or B (overall agreement ≥80% and full disagreement <5%) were included in the final document. RESULTS: One-hundred and seventy-four participants were included in the final analysis, and each voted the initial 29 statements related to the definition of sac regression (Q1-Q9), EVAR follow-up (Q10-Q14), and the assessment and role of sac regression during follow-up (Q15-Q29). At the end of the process, 2 statements (6.9%) were rejected, 9 statements (31%) received a grade B consensus strength, and 18 (62.1%) reached a grade A consensus strength. Of 27 final statements, 15 (55.6%) were classified as grade I, whereas 12 (44.4%) were classified as grade II. Experts agreed that sac regression should be considered an important indicator of EVAR success and always be assessed during follow-up after EVAR. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the elevated strength and high consistency of this international expert-based Delphi consensus, most of the statements might guide the current clinical management of follow-up after EVAR according to the sac regression. Future studies are needed to clarify debated issues.

Preoperative Direct Puncture Embolization Using a Nonadhesive Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) Liquid Embolic Agent for Head and Neck Paragangliomas.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to assess the safety and technical efficacy of preoperative direct puncture embolization using a nonadhesive ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer-based liquid embolic agent (LEA) combined with balloon occlusion at the origin of the external carotid artery for head and neck paragangliomas (HNP). METHODS: We conducted a review of all consecutive cases of HNPs treated with direct puncture embolization using EVOH-based LEAs between 2017 and 2022 in 2 tertiary high-volume hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 25 cases of HNPs in 24 patients underwent direct puncture embolization (12 males, 12 females, mean age 50.9 ± 15.6 years). The average lesion volume was 299.95 mm3. The mean procedure time was 139.11 min, and the mean volume of EVOHs used per case was 19.38 mL. Successful complete devascularization was achieved in all cases, with a homogeneous and deep penetration of the embolic agent into the tumor vessel bed regardless of the LEA type. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization of HNPs using a direct puncture technique and EVOHs is a safe, efficient, and feasible treatment option with a low risk of complications. This procedure facilitates surgery by transforming tumors into avascular masses that are well-delineated against the surrounding normal tissue.

Intraoperative immunomodulation during left heart bypass in open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Despite the technical innovations introduced in the previous decades, open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair still represents an enormous challenge for patients and surgeons. Logically, the systemic inflammatory response resulting from these massive operations appears considerable; however, the response has never been thoroughly investigated. In addition, intraoperative adjuncts to modulate the postoperative activation of the immune system have not yet been introduced into clinical practice. We report a case of intraoperative hemadsorption during open repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm through the introduction of a CytoSorb device (CytoSorbents Corp) in the left heart bypass circuit. The technique appeared feasible and safe and probably contributed to the good clinical outcomes.

Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells in Patients With Critical Limb Ischaemia not Eligible for Revascularization: A Single Centre Experience.

We evaluated the use of autologus bone marrow stem cells transplantation in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) not eligible for revascularization. Eighty consecutive patients candidate to amputation were enrolled in a single-centre retrospective study. The primary endpoint was defined as the amputation-free rate from stem cells transplantation. Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of transcutaneous oximetry and its predictive potential for probability of amputation and the evaluation of rest pain. Ankle brachial index, transcutaneous oxygen (TcpO2) and radiological imaging were performed at the enrolment and during the follow-up times. All patients were treated with auto transplant of bone marrow stem cells. Two patients died due to acute renal and acute respiratory failures. 19 patients were amputated from the thigh or leg. In total, 59 of 80 patients intended to thigh amputation saved the limb, preserving the plantar support. TcpO2 was found a predictive metric with an AUC equal to .763, and a threshold for a risk of amputation of 10% and 5% at the values ≤22.7 and ≤26.9 mmHg, respectively. Auto transplant of bone marrow stem cells seems to be a safe and an efficient option for CLI not eligible to revascularizzation.

Chimney endovascular aneurysm repair-induced mesenteric ischemia: a report of an extremely rare complication.

The chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (Ch-EVAR) technique has progressively increased in popularity in the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms. However, the long-term results of this technique still must be assessed, especially in comparison to custom-made solutions. The patency of chimney grafts has always been one of the important issues with the Ch-EVAR technique. However, interactions between nonstented aortic side branches and chimney stent grafts have rarely been discussed. In the present case report, we describe a rare case of mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric artery ostium coverage by the misalignment of a renal stent graft in a Ch-EVAR.

Severe local wound infections after vascular exposure in the groin and other body areas: Prevention, treatment and prognosis.

Severe surgical site infections (SSIs) are a frequent nosocomial complication after vascular interventions, an important cause of postoperative morbidity, and a substantial burden to the health care system. Patients undergoing arterial interventions are at elevated risk of SSIs, possibly because of the presence of several risk factors in this patient population. In this review, we examined the available clinical evidence for the prevention, treatment, and prognostication of postoperative severe SSIs after vascular exposure in the groin and other body areas. Results from studies evaluating preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative preventive strategies and several treatment options are reviewed. In addition, risk factors for surgical wound infections are analyzed in detail and related evidence from the literature is highlighted. Although several measures have been implemented over the time to prevent them, SSIs continue to pose a substantial health care and socioeconomic challenge. Therefore, strategies to decrease the risk and improve the treatment of SSIs for the high-risk vascular patient population should be the focus of continuing improvement and critical review. This review aimed at identifying and reviewing the current evidence for preventing, treating, and performing stratification according to the prognosis of postoperative severe SSIs after vascular exposure in the groin and other body areas.

International Multi-Institutional Experience with Presentation and Management of Aortic Arch Laterality in Aberrant Subclavian Artery and Kommerell's Diverticulum.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) with or without Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a rare anatomic aortic arch anomaly that can cause dysphagia and/or life-threatening rupture. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of ASA/KD repair in patients with a left versus right aortic arch. METHODS: Using the Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium methodology, a retrospective review was performed of patients ≥18 years old with surgical treatment of ASA/KD from 2000 to 2020 at 20 institutions. RESULTS: 288 patients with ASA with or without KD were identified; 222 left-sided aortic arch (LAA), and 66 right-sided aortic arch (RAA). Mean age at repair was younger in LAA 54 vs. 58 years (P = 0.06). Patients in RAA were more likely to undergo repair due to symptoms (72.7% vs. 55.9%, P = 0.01), and more likely to present with dysphagia (57.6% vs. 39.1%, P < 0.01). The hybrid open/endovascular approach was the most common repair type in both groups. Rates of intraoperative complications, death within 30 days, return to the operating room, symptom relief and endoleaks were not significantly different. For patients with symptom status follow-up data, in LAA, 61.7% had complete relief, 34.0% had partial relief and 4.3% had no change. In RAA, 60.7% had complete relief, 34.4% had partial relief and 4.9% had no change. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ASA/KD, RAA patients were less common than LAA, presented more frequently with dysphagia, had symptoms as an indication for intervention, and underwent treatment at a younger age. Open, endovascular and hybrid repair approaches appear equally effective, regardless of arch laterality.

Hybrid treatment of large extracranial carotid artery aneurysm.

An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm (ECAA) is a rare condition. The major complications are rupture and thromboembolism. Therefore, treatment is generally recommended. We report the case of a young woman affected by an ECAA, with a cervical pulsatile mass. A multidisciplinary evaluation was performed to ensure the best treatment in terms of safety and efficacy, and the patient underwent hybrid treatment. The 6-month computed tomography angiogram revealed patency of the carotid artery stents and the venous graft, in the absence of any relevant complications. An ECAA is a serious clinical condition. The treatment is challenging, and a multidisciplinary evaluation and precise planning are recommended.

Editor's Choice - Early Outcomes of a Novel Off the Shelf Preloaded Inner Branch Endograft for the Treatment of Complex Aortic Pathologies in the ItaliaN Branched Registry of E-nside EnDograft (INBREED).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the early outcomes of a novel off the shelf pre-loaded inner branched thoraco-abdominal endograft (E-nside) in the treatment of aortic pathologies. METHODS: Data from a physician initiated national multicentre registry on patients treated with the E-nside endograft, were prospectively collected and analysed. Pre-operative clinical and anatomical characteristics, procedural data, and early outcomes (90 days) were recorded in a dedicated electronic data capture system. The primary endpoint was technical success. Secondary endpoints were early mortality (90 days), procedural metrics, target vessel patency, endoleak rate, and major adverse events (MAEs) at 90 days. RESULTS: In total, 116 patients from 31 Italian centres were included. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) patient age was 73 ± 8 years and 76 (65.5%) were male. Aortic pathologies included degenerative aneurysm in 98 (84.5%), post-dissection aneurysm in five (4.3%), pseudoaneurysm in six (5.2%), penetrating aortic ulcer or intramural haematoma in four (3.4%), and subacute dissection in three (2.6%). Mean ± SD aneurysm diameter was 66 ± 17 mm; aneurysm extent was Crawford I - III in 55 (50.4%), IV in 21 (19.2%), pararenal in 29 (26.7%), and juxtarenal in four (3.7%). The procedure setting was urgent in 25 (21.5%) patients. Median procedural time was 240 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 195, 303), with a median contrast volume of 175 mL (IQR 120, 235). The endograft's technical success rate was 98.2% and the 90 day mortality rate was 5.2% (n = 6; 2.1% for elective repair and 16% for urgent repair). The 90-days cumulative MAE rate was 24.1% (n = 28). At 90 days, there were 10 (2.3%) target vessel related events (nine occlusions and one type IC endoleak) and one type 1A endoleak requiring re-intervention. CONCLUSION: In this real life, non-sponsored registry, the E-nside endograft was used for the treatment of a broad spectrum of aortic pathologies, including urgent cases and different anatomies. The results showed excellent technical implantation safety and efficacy, as well as early outcomes. Longer term follow up is needed to better define the clinical role of this novel endograft.

Role of pre-operative embolization in carotid body tumor surgery according to Shamblin classification: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative embolization prior to surgical resection of carotid body tumors was meant to decrease intraoperative blood loss and operative time. Yet, potential confounders such as different Shamblin classes have never been analyzed. Aim of our meta-analysis was to investigate effectiveness of a pre-operative embolization according to different Shamblin classes. METHODS: Five studies comprising 245 patients were included. A random effects model meta-analysis was conducted, and the I2 statistic was used to assessment for heterogeneity. RESULTS: Pre-operative embolization was associated with a significant reduction in blood loss (WM: 276.4 mL; 95% CI, 201.9-378.3, p < 0.01); an absolute mean reduction, though not statistically significant, was observed in both Shamblin 2 and 3 classes. No difference in operative time was found between the two strategies (WM: 192.0 min; 95% CI, 157.7-234.1, p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Embolization proved an overall significant reduction in perioperative bleeding, which did not reach threshold for statistical significance when Shamblin classes were singularly considered.

"Redo" 2D-3D Fusion Technique during Endovascular Redo Aortic Repair.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to describe a new 2D-3D fusion registration method in the case of endovascular redo aortic repair and compare the accuracy of the registration using the previously implanted devices vs. bones as landmarks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center study prospectively analyzed all the patients that underwent elective endovascular re-interventions using the Redo Fusion technique between January 2016 and December 2021 at the Vascular Surgery Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli (FPUG)-IRCCS in Rome, Italy. The fusion overlay was performed twice, first using bone landmarks (bone fusion) and the second using radiopaque markers of a previous endovascular device (redo fusion). The pre-operative 3D model was fused with live fluoroscopy to create a roadmap. Longitudinal distances between the inferior margin of the target vessel in live fluoroscopy and the inferior margin of the target vessel in bone fusion and redo fusion were measured. RESULTS: This single-center study prospectively analyzed 20 patients. There were 15 men and five women, with a median age of 69.7 (IQR 42) years. The median distance between the inferior margin of the target vessel ostium in digital subtraction angiography and the inferior margin of the target vessel ostium in bone fusion and redo fusion was 5.35 mm and 1.35 mm, respectively (p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The redo fusion technique is accurate and allows the optimization of X-ray working views, supporting the endovascular navigation and vessel catheterization in case of endovascular redo aortic repair.

Contemporary outcomes after treatment of aberrant subclavian artery and Kommerell's diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE: Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) and Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) are rare vascular anomalies that may be associated with lifestyle-limiting and life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to report contemporary outcomes after invasive treatment of ASA/KD using a large international dataset. METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment for ASA/KD (2000-2020) were identified through the Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium, a multi-institutional collaboration to investigate uncommon vascular disorders. We report the early and mid-term clinical outcomes including stroke and mortality, technical success, and other operative outcomes including reintervention rates, patency, and endoleak. RESULTS: Overall, 285 patients were identified during the study period. The mean patient age was 57 years; 47% were female and 68% presented with symptoms. A right-sided arch was present in 23%. The mean KD diameter was 47.4 mm (range, 13.0-108.0 mm). The most common indication for treatment was symptoms (59%), followed by aneurysm size (38%). The most common symptom reported was dysphagia (44%). A ruptured KD was treated in 4.2% of cases, with a mean diameter of 43.9 mm (range, 18.0-100.0 mm). An open procedure was performed in 101 cases (36%); the most common approach was ASA ligation with subclavian transposition. An endovascular or hybrid approach was performed in 184 patients (64%); the most common approach was thoracic endograft and carotid-subclavian bypass. A staged operative strategy was employed more often than single setting repair (55% vs 45%). Compared with endovascular or hybrid approach, those in the open procedure group were more likely to be younger (49 years vs 61 years; P < .0001), female (64% vs 36%; P < .0001), and symptomatic (85% vs 59%; P < .0001). Complete or partial symptomatic relief at 1 year after intervention was 82.6%. There was no association between modality of treatment and symptom relief (open 87.2% vs endovascular or hybrid approach 78.9%; P = .13). After the intervention, 11 subclavian occlusions (4.5%) occurred; 3 were successfully thrombectomized resulting in a primary and secondary patency of 95% and 96%, respectively, at a median follow-up of 39 months. Among the 33 reinterventions (12%), the majority were performed for endoleak (36%), and more reinterventions occurred in the endovascular or hybrid approach than open procedure group (15% vs 6%; P = .02). The overall survival rate was 87.3% at a median follow-up of 41 months. The 30-day stroke and death rates were 4.2% and 4.9%, respectively. Urgent or emergent presentation was independently associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 19.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-116.6), overall mortality (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2-11.2) and intraoperative complications (OR, 8.3; 95% CI, 2.8-25.1). Females had a higher risk of reintervention (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.5). At an aneurysm size of 44.4 mm, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that 60% of patients would have symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of ASA/KD can be performed safely with low rates of mortality, stroke and reintervention and high rates of symptomatic relief, regardless of the repair strategy. Symptomatic and urgent operations were associated with worse outcomes in general, and female gender was associated with a higher likelihood of reintervention. Given the worse overall outcomes when symptomatic and the inherent risk of rupture, consideration of repair at 40 mm is reasonable in most patients. ASA/KD can be repaired in asymptomatic patients with excellent outcomes and young healthy patients may be considered better candidates for open approaches versus endovascular or hybrid modalities, given the lower likelihood of reintervention and lower early mortality rate.

Renal perfusion with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate compared with Ringer's solution in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic open repair.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of renal perfusion with Custodiol (Dr Franz-Kohler Chemie GmbH, Bensheim, Germany) versus enriched Ringer's solution for renal protection in patients undergoing open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients scheduled for elective open TAAA repair were enrolled between 2015 and 2017 in a single-center, phase IV, prospective, parallel, randomized, double-blind trial (the CUstodiol versus RInger: whaT Is the Best Agent [CURITIBA] trial), and randomized to renal arteries perfusion with 4°C Custodiol (Dr Franz-Kohler Chemie GmbH, Bensheim, Germany; n = 45) or 4°C lactated Ringer's solution (n = 45). The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing TAAA open surgery using Custodiol renal perfusion versus an enriched Ringer's solution was the primary end point. RESULTS: Ninety patients completed the study (45 patients in each group). The incidence of postoperative AKI was significantly lower in the Custodiol group (48.9% vs 75.6%; P = .02). In the multivariable model, only the use of Custodiol solution resulted as protective from the occurrence of any AKI (odds ratio, 0.230; 95% confidence interval, 0.086-0.614; P = .003), whereas TAAA type II extent was associated with the development of severe AKI (odds ratio, 4.277; 95% confidence interval, 1.239-14.762; P = .02). At 1-year follow-up, serum creatinine was not significantly different from the preoperative values in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Custodiol during open TAAA repair was safe and resulted in significantly lower rates of postoperative AKI compared with Ringer's solution. These findings support safety and efficacy of Custodiol in this specific setting, which is currently off-label.

Surgical treatment of a chronic thoracoabdominal dissection with false lumen thrombosis and true lumen compression determining multivisceral ischemia.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of a chronic type B aortic dissection can be challenging and need a precise and multidisciplinary planning. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: A 62-year-old man presented to our hospital with acute aortic thrombosis on chronic thoracoabdominal dissection with bowel and kidney ischemia. He was submitted to urgent open surgical treatment with replacement of thoracoabdominal aorta and reimplantation of celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery and right renal artery. During the intervention the visceral perfusion was provided with a modified Gott shunt; while the lower limb perfusion was provided by an existing right axillo-femoral and femoro-femoral bypass. The patient had a favorable course and did not report any complications. CONCLUSION: The ideal management strategy of complex post-dissection conditions has to be tailored on the single patient's features to provide the maximal efficacy and safety. If the endovascular treatment is not viable, open surgery represents a valid option.

Long-Term Results of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Open Repair.

This study investigated the long-term outcomes of patients treated with open surgical repair for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (c-AAAs). A total of 119 patients with c-AAAs undergoing repair between January 2010 and June 2016 in a high-volume aortic center were included. The long-term imaging follow-up consisted of yearly abdominal ultrasound examinations and 5-year computed tomography angiography. At a median follow-up of 76 months (IQR 38 months), forty-three deaths (37%) and three (2.5%) aortic-related deaths were observed. Long-term chronic renal decline was observed in fifty (43.8%) patients, significantly correlated with post-operative acute kidney injury. During the follow-up, five reinterventions (4.3%) were performed. The present study suggests that open c-AAA repair can be performed with acceptable operative risk with durable results. To achieve the best possible long-term outcome, the open surgery repair of complex AAA should be performed in high-volume aortic centers and tailored to the patient.

A New Mini-Invasive Approach for a Catastrophic Disease: Staged Endovascular and Endoscopic Treatment of Aorto-Esophageal Fistulas.

Aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) is an uncommon but usually fatal disorder. Surgery with resection of an aneurysm and esophagus, in situ reconstruction of the descending aorta and omental flap installation offers the gold standard for the reduction of infections, but it is burdened by high intraoperative and perioperative mortality rates. We report our experience with a combined minimally invasive approach for the multi-stage treatment of three cases of aorto-esophageal fistula caused by thoracic aneurysm rupture. In all of the patients, the aneurysm was treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair and the esophageal lesion was treated with esophageal endoprosthesis placement. According to our experience, the combined strategy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and esophageal less invasive endoscopic treatments represents an alternative solution in frail patients with high surgical risk.