Dilated Internal Iliac Artery Confers a Higher Risk of Endoleak in Iliac Branch Devices in a Single Centre Retrospective Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Iliac branch devices (IBDs) have shown good results but there is little evidence for the risk of internal iliac artery (IIA) endoleak, so there are no clear recommendations on the maximum diameter it should be. Based on limited evidence, it was hypothesised that an IIA of ≥ 11 mm in diameter presents an increased risk of type Ic endoleak. METHODS: This was a single centre, retrospective case control study. Patients undergoing an IBD with the main trunk of the IIA as the target vessel, between 2015 and 2021, were identified. Two groups were created: those with a main trunk diameter of < 11 mm; and those with a diameter of ≥ 11 mm. Technical success, freedom from type Ic endoleak, and re-intervention rates were compared. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to show a cutoff IIA diameter value for risk of type Ic endoleak. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the risk of type Ic endoleak and the presence of calcification, stenosis, and landing zone length in the IIA. RESULTS: There were 182 IBDs identified. The dilated IIA group (54 IBDs) had significantly lower technical success (91% vs. 98.4%; p = .002), lower freedom from type Ic endoleak (77% vs. 97.1% at 24 months; p = .001), and lower freedom from re-interventions (70% vs. 92.4% at 24 months; p = .002). The ROC curve showed that 10.5 mm was the cutoff diameter for type Ic endoleak. Moderate or severe calcification as well as landing zone length < 5 mm also correlated with type Ic endoleak. CONCLUSION: IBDs have a statistically significantly higher rate of technical failure, lower freedom from type Ic endoleak, and lower freedom from re-intervention when the IIA is ≥ 11 mm in diameter.

LONG-TERM SURVIVAL AND REINTERVENTION FOLLOWING THORACIC ENDOVASCULAR AORTIC REPAIR IN BLUNT TRAUMATIC THORACIC AORTIC INJURY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

INTRODUCTION: Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) represents one of the most devastating scenarios of vascular trauma. Different management strategies are available with varying clinical outcomes. However, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the first-line option for most BTAI patients, mainly owing to its minimally invasive nature, yielding improved immediate results. This meta-analysis aims to investigate mortality, long-term survival, and reintervention following TEVAR in BTAI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review conducted a comprehensive literature search on multiple electronic databases using strict search terms. Twenty-seven studies met the set inclusion/exclusion criteria. A proportional meta-analysis of extracted data was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software v.4. RESULTS: 1498 BTAI patients who underwent TEVAR were included. Using the SVS grading system, 2.6% of the population had Grade 1 injuries, 13.6% Grade 2, 62.2% Grade, 19.6% Grade 4, and 1.9% unspecific. All-cause mortality did not exceed 20% in all studies except one outlier with a 37% mortality rate. Using the random-effects model, the pooled estimate of overall mortality was 12% (95%CI 5.35-8.55%; I2 = 70.6%). This was 91% (95%CI, 88.6-93.2; I2 = 30.2%) at 6 months, 90.1% (95%CI, 86.7-92.3; I2 = 53.6%) at 1-year, 89.2% (95%CI, 85.2-91.8; I2= 62.3%) at 2 years, and 88.1% (95%CI, 83.3-90.9; I2 = 69.6%) at 5 years. Moreover, the pooled estimate of reintervention was 6.4% (95%CI, 0.1-0.49%; I2 = 81.7%). CONCLUSION: Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with BTAI, TEVAR has proven to be a safe and effective management strategy with favourable long-term survival and minimal need for reintervention. Nevertheless, diagnosis of BTAI requires a high index of suspicion with appropriate grading and prompt transfer to trauma centres with appropriate TEVAR facilities.

Current expert-based opinions on endovascular treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury: A state-of-the-art narrative review on indications, techniques, results, and challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) represents one of the most devastating scenarios of vascular trauma which warrants prompt recognition with expedited management. Clinical manifestations of BTAI may not be straightforward to detect and may be misdiagnosed. Therefore, diagnosis of BTAI requires a high index of suspicion based on the mechanism of injury along with urgent transfer to centers with appropriate expertise and facilities. METHODS: We provide an expert-based narrative review on endovascular treatment of BTAI highlighting indications, techniques, results, and challenges. RESULTS: Multiple imaging modalities can be used including computed tomography angiography, transesophageal echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and intravascular ultrasound. Whilst conservative pharmacological management can be a safe option in low-grade BTAI, thoracic endovascular aortic repair has become the gold-standard strategy in most cases, replacing open surgical repair. Nevertheless, it is important to account for patient demographics particularly age, severity of injury, choice of endograft including its type and size, and endovascular technique including landing zone and left subclavian artery revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, TEVAR in BTAI has been shown to be an efficacious strategy with favorable early outcomes. In contrast, less is known on the long-term clinical outcomes of TEVAR in BTAI. Hence, despite the optimal early technical and clinical success rates, concerns remain about the need for long-term surveillance. The exact timing of follow-up and the integration of different modalities that can also investigate potential downstream cardiovascular effects remain hot topics for future research. Finally, industry should focus on developing more compliant endografts to improve the stiffness mismatch between the endograft and the aorta to optimize results.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term reintervention following thoracic endovascular repair for blunt traumatic aortic injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term reinterventions of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) after blunt traumatic aortic injury. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were interrogated until June 2021. Inclusion criteria were blunt traumatic aortic injury treated with TEVAR and mean follow-up of more than 60 months. A systematic review was conducted and data were pooled using a random effects model of proportions applying the Freeman-Tukey transformation. Late reintervention was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were procedure-related complications (endoleak, in-stent thrombosis, occlusion, infolding/collapse, bird-beak, migration, and left arm claudication), overall and aortic-related mortality, and aortic diameter changes. RESULTS: Eleven studies with a low quality assessment were included. Four hundred eight patients were collected and the 389 surviving more than 30 days were included. The mean follow-up was 8.2 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7-10.8; I2 = 40.2%). Late reintervention was 2.1% (95% CI, 0.6-3.9; I2 = 0.0%; 11/389 cases) with 0.1% (95% CI, 0.0-1.2; I2 = 0.0%; 3/389) occurring after 5 years. Bird-beak was identified in 38.7% (95% CI, 16.4-63.6; I2 = 86.6%). Left arm claudication occurring after 30 days was 3.1% (95% CI, 0.1-8.6; I2 = 26.9%; 11/140 cases). In-stent thrombosis was 1.9% (95% CI, 0.1-5.2; I2 = 51.8%; 11/389 cases). Endoleak was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.0-1.9; I2 = 0.0%; 5/389 cases). Infolding, occlusion, and migration were reported in 2 of 389, 1 of 389, and 0 of 389 patients, respectively. Overall late survival was 95.6% (95% CI, 88.1-99.8; I2 = 84.7%; 358/389 patients) and only one patient accounted for aortic related mortality. The increase in proximal and distal aortic diameters was estimated at 2.7 mm (95% CI, 1.2-4.3; I2 = 0.0%) and 2.5 mm (95% CI, 1.1-3.9; I2 = 0.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR demonstrates remarkably good long-term results and reinterventions are rarely required. Aortic reinterventions tend to occur within the first and after the fifth year.

Comprehensive Learning Curve Analysis of a Long-Term Experience With Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: To analyze the learning curve for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a single center over a period of 25 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 390 consecutive standard TEVAR procedures undertaken between 1996 and 2021 were included in a retrospective, observational, single-center study. Cumulative sum charts were elaborated for the entire center experience (primary outcome) as well as for the first and second implanting physicians. Data on procedural variables (contrast volume, operative and fluoroscopy time), 30-day major adverse events (MAEs) and clinical success, and endoleak and reintervention rates were secondary outcomes and subdivided into 4 quartiles of experience (Q1-Q4) or presented as first 2 versus latest 2 quartiles (Q1-Q2 vs Q3-Q4). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 4.3±4.0 years. The center's learning curve was achieved after 75 procedures, and it was similar for the first implanting physician. The surgeon coming thereafter had a significantly shorter curve (10 TEVARs). Comparing Q1-Q2 with Q3-Q4, 30-day MAEs (16.1 vs 11.3%, p=0.164), 30-day mortality (11.4% vs 3.6%, p=0.003), and intraoperative additional maneuvers (21.5% vs 13.3%, p=0.033) were reduced along with an improvement in clinical success (85.9% vs 90.3%, p=0.190). From Q1 to Q4, operative time (139.8±65.5 to 76.7±43.7 min, p=0.001), fluoroscopy time (15.1±8.8 to 7.1±5.1 min, p<0.001), and contrast volume (244.0±112.1 to 104.3±46.1 mL, p<0.001) showed a considerable reduction. Late endoleak and aortic-related mortality declined significantly from Q1-Q2 to Q3-Q4 (24.1% to 15.5%, p=0.033 and 18.6% vs 8.2%, p=0.006, respectively). Operative time (p=0.021), contrast volume (p=0.016), and fluoroscopy time (p=0.004) were independent risk factors for endoleak, causing a 1.3-fold risk increase for both each 60 minutes of additional operative time (p=0.021) and every 100 mL of additional contrast medium (p=0.016). Each 10-minute increase in fluoroscopy time determined a 1.4-fold risk increment (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The learning curve shortened significantly over time with non-negligible clinical outcome improvements, suggesting that specific endovascular training is mandatory to become an effective TEVAR performer. CLINICAL IMPACT: For the first time in literature, the standard TEVAR's learning curve has been evaluated at a single vascular surgery center over a period of 25 years. The learning curve for the center and the first physician historically undertaking TEVAR was achieved at the 75th treated patient. The learning curve of the surgeons coming thereafter was significantly shorter (10 cases). This quarter-century demonstrated that intraoperative learning-related variables were associated with long-term clinical outcomes and all have improved over time. Centers approaching TEVAR for the first time and training program providers could use these data to aim to offer better clinical outcomes.

Editor's Choice - Long Term Outcomes After Invasive Treatment of Carotid Artery Stenosis: a Longitudinal Study of German Health Insurance Claims.

OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of observational data including long term outcomes after invasive treatment for carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: This retrospective study used nationwide insurance claims from the third largest provider in Germany, DAK-Gesundheit. Patients who underwent inpatient carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) between 1 January 2008 and 31 May 2017 were included. The Elixhauser comorbidity scores from longitudinally linked hospital episodes were used. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log rank test were used to determine long term stroke free survival. Multivariable regression models were developed to adjust for confounding. RESULTS: A total of 22 637 individual patients (41.6% female, median age 72.5 years) were included, of whom 15 005 (66.3%) were asymptomatic and 17 955 (79.3%) underwent CEA. After a median of 48 months, 5 504 any stroke or death events were registered. The mortality rate varied between 0.4% (CEA for asymptomatic stenosis) and 2.1% (urgent CAS for acute stroke patients) at 30 days, and between 4.1% and 8.4% at one year, respectively. The rate for any stroke varied between 0.6% (CEA for asymptomatic stenosis) and 2.5% (CAS for symptomatic patients) at 30 days, and between 2.5% and 6.4% at one year, respectively. The combined rate for any stroke and mortality at one year was 6.3% (CEA for asymptomatic stenosis), 8.7% (CAS for asymptomatic stenosis), and 12.5% (urgent CAS for acute stroke patients). After five years, the overall stroke rate was 7.4% after CEA and 9.0% after CAS. In adjusted analyses, both older age and van Walraven comorbidity score were associated with events, while treatment of asymptomatic stenosis was associated with lower event rates. CONCLUSION: The current study revealed striking differences between previous landmark trials and real world practice. It further suggested excess deaths among invasively treated asymptomatic patients.

Differences between Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusion vs. Stenosis and Predictors of Successful Endovascular Interventions.

Background and Objectives: In patients with peripheral artery disease, there is insufficient understanding of characteristics that predict successful revascularization of the lower extremity (LE) chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and baseline differences in demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics in patients with LE CTO vs. non-CTO. We aim to explore these differences and predictors of successful revascularization among CTO patients. Materials and Methods: Two vascular centers enrolled LE-CTO patients who underwent endovascular revascularization. Data on demographics, clinical, angiographic, and interventional characteristics were collected. LE non-CTO arterial stenosis patients were compared. A total of 256 patients with LE revascularization procedures were studied; among them, 120 had CTOs and 136 had LE stenosis but no CTOs. Results: Aspirin use (Odds ratio, OR: 3.43; CI 1.32-8.88; p = 0.011) was a positive predictor whereas a history of malignancy (OR: 0.27; CI 0.09-0.80; p = 0.018) was a negative predictor of successful crossing in the CTO group. The CTO group had a higher history of myocardial infarction (29.2 vs. 18.3%, p = 0.05), end-stage renal disease (19.2 vs. 9.6%, p = 0.03), and chronic limb-threatening ischemia as the reason for revascularization (64.2 vs. 22.8%, p < 0.001). They were more likely to have advanced TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) stages, multi-vessel revascularization procedures, longer lesions, and urgent treatment. Conclusions: The use of aspirin is a positive predictor whereas a history of malignancy is a negative predictor for successful crossing in CTO lesions. Additionally, LE-CTO patients have a higher incidence of comorbidities, which is expected given their higher disease burden. Successful endovascular re-vascularization can be associated with baseline clinical variables.

Learning Curve and Long-Term Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Repair With the Relay Stent-Graft.

PURPOSE: To define the learning curve of a widely employed stent-graft for thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) by analyzing procedural variables and their impact on long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard TEVARs for each major aortic thoracic disease were included excluding procedures using thoracoabdominal, arch fenestrated/branched devices and/or chimneys. The primary outcome was the learning curve analysis using the cumulative sum chart method. The secondary outcomes, presented as early (Q1-Q2) versus latest (Q3-Q4) quartiles of experience, were 30-day major adverse events (MAEs); procedural details (additional maneuvers, operative and fluoroscopy time, and contrast volume); 30-day clinical success; endoleak; aorta-related reintervention; and overall and aorta-related survival. RESULTS: Between November 2005 and September 2021, 220 consecutive TEVAR procedures involving the Relay endograft (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, FL, USA) were performed and included in the present analysis. The mean follow-up was 4.5 ± 3.9 years. The learning curve was reached after 10 patients. Secondary outcomes improved significantly over experience. Thirty-day MAE occurrence was 14.5% versus 11.8% (p=0.550). Additional maneuvers (p=0.009), access-vessel additional maneuvers (p=0.010), operative time (p=0.004), Relay Plus (p=0.001), and implantation of multiple stent-grafts (p=0.034) were independent risk markers for MAEs. Operative time (125.9 ± 66.7 vs 86.7 ± 48.5 minutes, p<0.001), contrast volume (185.4 ± 112.8 vs 140.5 ± 88.2 mL, p=0.003), and fluoroscopy time (12.4 ± 12.7 vs 8.8 ± 7.5 minutes, p=0.017) decreased significantly. Late endoleak occurrence was 19.5% with a nonsignificant reduction (21.8% vs 17.3%, p=0.395). Fluoroscopy time (hazard ratio [HR]=1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.0-1.1; p=0.008), contrast volume (HR=1.0; 95% CI=1.0-1.1; p=0.018), and type III aortic arch (HR=3.3; 95% CI=1.7-6.4; p<0.001) were independent risk markers for endoleak. Fluoroscopy time (HR=1.0; 95% CI=1.0-1.1; p=0.032) and type III aortic arch (HR=3.6; 95% CI=1.7-7.4; p=0.001) confirmed their significant association in a multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: In a high-volume center with a consistent previous endovascular experience, the Relay graft presented satisfactory long-term results with a short learning curve supporting its reliability. CLINICAL IMPACT: The manuscript addresses the understanding of how many TEVAR procedures with a currently implanted device have been required to reach the learning curve for an endovascular skilled center. Our TEVAR experience with the Relay stent-graft (Terumo Aortic) demonstrated that ten implantations were required to achieve the device-related learning curve. The fifteen-year analyzed period showed that intraoperative learning-related variables were associated with long-term clinical outcomes and both improved over time. The Relay stent-graft presented satisfactory long-term results along with a short learning curve in a high-volume endovascular center supporting its ongoing implantation.

Modular Endo-Bentall Procedure Using a "Rendez-Vous Access".

PURPOSE: The concept of a single endovascular valve-carrying conduit device was designated endo-Bentall, but published experience is limited to a single case. This technical note describes an alternative modular endo-Bentall technique and a novel access technique to implant it. TECHNIQUE: A 82-year-old woman with chest pain referred for a 10 cm symptomatic aneurysm of the distal arch and descending aorta. An ascending aortic aneurysm of 5.5 cm prevented endovascular aortic arch repair due to lack of a proximal landing zone. The technique is a modular approach combining a physician-modified endograft (PMEG) with 3 large fenestrations for coronary artery perfusion and a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A "rendez-vous access" with a transapical and transfemoral through-and-through wire offered rapid sequential deployment in a modular fashion of both components. The PMEG was deployed first, landing 5 mm deep in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and the transcatheter aortic valve was implanted few millimeters below. The endo-Bentall procedure was combined with endovascular aortic arch repair. CONCLUSION: A modular endo-Bentall procedure combining a PMEG and TAVI is feasible and adaptable to emergent setting using the "rendez-vous access."

Early and Mid-Term Outcomes of the Inverted Limb Configuration Below Fenestrated and Branched Endografts: Experience from Two European Centers.

PURPOSE: To report a European experience on the use of the Inverted Limb (IL) below fenestrated and branched endografts (FB-EVAR) for the treatment of juxta/pararenal (JP-AAAs), thoracoabdominal (TAAAs), and para-anastomotic aortic aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2016 and 2020, all FB-EVAR with distal IL due to previous open (OSR) or endovascular repair (EVAR) or infrarenal aortic length <76 mm at two European university centers were retrospectively analyzed. Technical success, early and mid-term iliac complications (occlusion; type Ib endoleak [EL]), IL-related complications (type III EL), and reinterventions were assessed as primary endpoints; 30-day mortality, survival and freedom from (FF) overall complications/reinterventions were assessed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-one high-risk patients (male 30%-73%; mean age 71±10 years; ASA 3-4, 41%-100%) underwent FB-EVAR with distal IL for 8 (19.5%) J/P-AAAs and 33 (80.5%) TAAAs. Sixteen (39%) patients with previous aortic treatment (8 OR, 8 EVAR) were included. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography showed infrarenal aortic length <76 mm in all cases. Custom-made endografts were configured as 31 (75.6%) fenestrated-only, 6 (14.6%) branched-only, and 4 (9.8%) fenestrated+branched for an overall of 158 target visceral vessels (TVVs; 3.8±0.7 TVVs/case). The IL main body was planned with 1-stent, 2-stents, and 3-stents in 6 (14.6%), 23 (56.1%), and 12 (29.3%) cases, respectively. Technical success and 30-day mortality were 97.6% (40/41) and 0%. Thirty-day complications occurred in 2 (4.9%) patients: 1 limb occlusion, requiring reintervention, 1 type III EL, spontaneously resolved. Mean follow-up was 21±16 months. Three After 30-day, 3 (7.3%) iliac complications (2 occlusions; 1 type Ib EL) were successfully managed by endovascular reinterventions; no IL-related complications were observed. The patency of TVVs was 96.8%. No correlation between anatomical characteristics, endograft configuration, and primary outcomes was observed, except for 1-stent IL and type III EL (log rank p=0.01). At 1- and 2-year follow-up survival, FF overall iliac/IL-related complications and FF reinterventions were 90% and 80%, 90% and 84%, and 92% and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The IL configuration allows a safe endovascular treatment of challenging aortic lesions in high-risk patients although needing a number of adjunctive procedures. A short main body of IL could be associated with intraoperative and perioperative type III EL. CLINICAL IMPACT: Bifurcated endograft with inverted limb configuration increases the feasibility of a total endovascular approach in patients with challenging anatomy. The use of inverted limb overcomes the anatomical limitations of short-body initial grafts and short distance between lowest target artery and the aortic bifurcation, leading the fixation inside the endograft. Although technically demanding, this advanced technology could avoid surgical reinterventions in previous open or endovascular repair that are burdened with higher rates of morbidities and complications.

Endoleak outcomes with different stent-graft generations in a 25-years thoracic endovascular aortic repair experience.

INTRODUCTION: To compare endoleak outcomes after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) with different stent-graft generations into long-term follow-up. DESIGN: retrospective, observational, and single-center cohort study. METHODS: TEVAR procedures performed between November 1995 and December 2020 were analyzed. The primary endpoint of this study was the freedom from endoleak (type I/III) in four stent-graft generations during the follow-up period. The first generation (GEN1) included: Vanguard; AneuRx and Talent; Stentor; Excluder; Endologix; EndoFit. The second generation (GEN2) included: TAG and TX. The third (GEN3) included: Relay Plus; Valiant Captivia; Zenith Alpha and custom-made. The fourth (GEN4) included: Relay Pro; Conformable C-TAG; Navion; E-Vita; Najuta; Nexus; standard and custom-made thoraco-abdominal devices. Nonaortic and aorta-related survival was considered as secondary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 509 TEVAR were included with a 44.3 ± 42.5 months mean follow-up. Freedom from endoleak at 5 years was 65.6%, 61.4%, 76.2%, and 69.1% for GEN1, GEN2, GEN3, and GEN4, respectively (p = 0.368). The first two generations demonstrated a higher endoleak rate when compared with the two most recent ones (27.2 vs 18.2%, respectively; p = 0.043). GEN1 was an independent risk factor (p = 0.014) and GEN4 was an independent protective factor (p = 0.001) for endoleak. GEN1 was found to be a risk factor for type-Ia endoleak (p = 0.059). GEN4 demonstrated a protective association regarding type-Ib endoleak (p = 0.012). Overall survival was 75.3%, 44.4%, 27.2%, and 17.6% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Survival distinguished as non-related versus aortic-related was 86.7% vs 23.5%, 52.7% vs 9.8%, 32.9% vs 2.0%, 21.2% vs 0% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively (p< 0.000). CONCLUSION: Endoleak occurred in a non-negligible percentage of TEVAR patients. A significant reduction of endoleak incidence over evolving stent-grafts generations was registered. Newer stent-graft generations demonstrated better long-term endoleak. Data about long-term outcomes require ongoing updates to prove both the reliability and the durability of newer stent-graft generations.

Endografts with mini-cuff-augmented fenestrations for endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic and common iliac artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique of creating mini-cuff-augmented fenestrations in endografts for use in endovascular aneurysm repair. METHODS: Circular fenestrations are made in Dacron thoracic (Valiant Captivia, Medtronic) or tapered iliac limb (Endurant, Medtronic) endografts using thermal cautery and the edges are strengthened with radio-opaque wire sutured on with 6-0 polypropylene. Straight thin-wall expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft of the same diameter as the fenestration is affixed to its edge with nonlocking 5-0 polypropylene suture, everted, trimmed, balloon-dilated to its nominal diameter and prevented from invaginating by relaxed external stay sutures. Mini-cuff-augmented fenestrations are often pre-cannulated with looped or externalized nitinol guidewires to facilitate catheter crossing. Successful use of mini-cuff-augmented fenestrations is illustrated in a symptomatic patient with Crawford extent-3 thoracoabdominal aortic and bilateral common iliac artery aneurysm undergoing endovascular repair. Seven mini-cuff-augmented fenestrations were created to preserve flow into five visceral arteries (celiac, superior mesenteric, left and dual right renal; all arising from the aneurysm) and both internal iliac arteries (arising at the aneurysm edge). RESULTS: Effective sealing was achieved immediately at all mini-cuff-augmented fenestrations. At 6-month follow-up there were no endoleaks, all fenestration stents were patent and undistorted, and the aneurysm sac size had decreased. CONCLUSION: Mini-cuff-augmented fenestrations accomplish effective fenestration sealing, despite being in aneurysmal zones, while preserving the advantages of fenestrations over cuffed branches.

Contained rupture of an aortic arch aneurysm in a patient with syphilitic aortitis. A case report.

Syphilitic aortitis is a rare complication of tertiary syphilis, which can lead to aortic aneurysm formation, aortic valvular insufficiency, and ostial coronary stenosis. Syphilis has re-emerged worldwide over recent decades and vascular surgeons should be aware of its cardiovascular manifestations. Atypical clinical presentation, such as hemoptysis and a computed tomography angiography pattern of a thicker aneurysmal wall with ulcer-like aneurysm projections, should raise suspicion of syphilitic aortic aneurysm. An early diagnosis and appropriate surgical and medical therapies significantly contribute to successful treatment and favorable prognosis. Herein is reported the case of an 82-year-old male patient, positive for syphilis infection, with impending aortic arch aneurysm rupture treated with a hybrid arch repair. After 7 months, the patient was brought to the emergency room in cardiac arrest. Unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers were performed, and an autopsy showed cardiac tamponade due to rupture of the ascending aorta.

A aortite sifilítica é uma complicação rara da sífilis terciária, que pode levar a formação de aneurisma aórtico, insuficiência valvar aórtica e estenose ostial coronariana. Ao longo das últimas décadas, a sífilis ressurgiu ao redor do mundo, e os cirurgiões vasculares devem estar atentos às suas manifestações cardiovasculares. Apresentações clínicas atípicas, como a hemoptise, e um padrão na angiotomografia computadorizada de parede aneurismática mais grossa com projeções de aneurisma com aparência de úlcera devem levantar a suspeita de aneurisma sifilítico da aorta. O diagnóstico precoce e terapias cirúrgica e clínica adequadas contribuem significativamente para um tratamento bem-sucedido e prognóstico favorável. Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, de 82 anos, que apresentou infecção por sífilis com ruptura iminente de aneurisma do arco aórtico. Ele foi tratado com reparo híbrido do arco. Após 7 meses, o paciente deu entrada na emergência com parada cardiorrespiratória. As manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar foram realizadas, mas não obtiveram sucesso, e a autópsia mostrou tamponamento cardíaco devido à ruptura da aorta ascendente.

Outcomes of endovascular salvage of clotted arteriovenous access and predictors of patency after thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the outcomes of endovascular salvage of clotted arteriovenous (AV) accesses and to determine potential predictors of poor patency rates after thrombectomy. METHODS: Records of hemodialysis patients who underwent endovascular salvage of clotted AV access were reviewed retrospectively. Technical and clinical success rates, complication rates, and 3- and 6-month patency rates were determined. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of patency after thrombectomy. RESULTS: A total of 294 patients underwent endovascular salvage of clotted AV access during the study period; 156 patients had arteriovenous fistula, whereas the remaining 138 were arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). The technical and clinical success rates were 96.3% and 93.2%; the major and minor complication rates were 0.7% and 9.9%. Post-thrombectomy primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 62.9%, 76.2%, and 77.6% at 3 months and 43.9%, 59.5%, and 61.6% at 6 months. The patency rates were significantly better for arteriovenous fistula than for AVG except for 6-month assisted primary and secondary patency. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that prior thrombosis within 90 days was significantly associated with loss of primary patency (hazard ratio [HR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.98; P < .01), assisted primary patency (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.42-4.13; P < .01), and secondary patency (HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.40-4.53; P < .01). Having an AVG was also negatively associated with primary patency. CONCLUSIONS: Most clotted AV accesses can be salvaged by endovascular technique. Recurrent thrombosis within 90 days is associated with poor short- and long-term patency even after successful endovascular reinterventions.

Incidence, predictors, and outcomes of spinal cord ischemia in elective complex endovascular aortic repair: An analysis of health insurance claims.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine predictors and outcomes associated with spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after elective fenestrated or branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or aortic dissection. METHODS: Health insurance claims data of Germany's third largest insurance provider, DAK-Gesundheit, were used to investigate SCI in elective F/BEVAR performed between 2008 and 2017. The International Classification of Diseases and German Operation and Procedure Classification System were used. We stratified the results into F/BEVAR with one or two (AAA) vs three or more (TAAA) fenestrations or branches. RESULTS: A total of 877 patients (18.9% female; 5.8% with SCI) matching the inclusion criteria were identified during the study period. SCI occurred more often after F/BEVAR of TAAA vs AAA (10.7% vs 3.0%; P < .001). SCI was associated with female sex in the AAA group (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-11.15; P = .014) and with cardiac arrhythmias in the TAAA group (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.24-7.06; P = .013). Compared with patients without SCI, SCI patients were more likely to suffer from drug use disorders (eg, opioids, cannabinoids, sedatives) in the TAAA group (17.6% vs 2.1%; P < .05). After F/BEVAR of TAAA, the occurrence of SCI was associated with higher 90-day mortality (14.7% vs 1.1%; P < .05), longer postoperative hospital stay (22 vs 9 days; P < .05), and severe adverse events, such as acute respiratory insufficiency (44.1% vs 12.7%), acute renal failure (35.3% vs 11.3%), and pneumonia (29.4% vs 4.9%; all P < .05). In adjusted analyses, SCI was associated with worse long-term survival after F/BEVAR for TAAA (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.37-4.73; P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: Female AAA patients and TAAA patients with cardiac arrhythmias are at highest risk for development of SCI after F/BEVAR. The occurrence of this event was strongly associated with higher major complication rates and worse short-term and long-term survival. This emphasizes a need to further illuminate the value of spinal cord protection protocols in F/BEVAR.

Cerebral Protection Using Percutaneous Normothermic Bilateral Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion During Total Arch TEVAR in a Patient With Shaggy Aorta.

Purpose: To report a technique of global cerebral embolic protection (CEP) designed for use during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Technique: Arterial cannulas are inserted percutaneously in the right axillary artery (12-F) and left common carotid artery (LCCA; 10-F) to provide normothermic antegrade cerebral perfusion during TEVAR with neuromonitoring. Inferior vena cava blood is drawn using a 19-F femoral cannula, filtered, oxygenated, and delivered through independent roller pumps to the arterial cannulas. Static CEP is obtained by balloon occlusion of the 3 aortic arch branches proximally, resulting in complete separation of aortic and cerebral blood flow; static CEP is used during aortic endograft delivery and deployment. Dynamic CEP, obtained by creating flow reversal in the innominate artery and proximal LCCA, is used at all other times. Successful use of this CEP technique is illustrated in a patient with shaggy aorta undergoing fenestrated total arch TEVAR. Conclusion: Percutaneous normothermic bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion provides effective CEP during TEVAR.

Midterm Outcomes of Percutaneous Deep Venous Arterialization With a Dedicated System for Patients With No-Option Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: The ALPS Multicenter Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the midterm results of patients suffering from no-option chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) treated with a dedicated system for percutaneous deep venous arterialization (pDVA). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two consecutive CLTI patients (mean age 67±14 years; 20 men) treated with pDVA using the Limflow device at 4 centers between 11 July 2014 and 11 June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Of all patients, 21 (66%) had diabetes, 8 (25%) were on immunosuppression, 4 (16%) had dialysis-dependent renal failure, 9 (28%) had Rutherford category 6 ischemia, and 25 (78%) were deemed at high risk of amputation. The primary outcome was amputation-free survival (AFS) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were wound healing, limb salvage, and survival at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results: Technical success was achieved in 31 patients (96.9%). The median follow-up was 34 months (range 16-63). At 6, 12, and 24 months, estimates were 83.9%, 71.0%, and 67.2% for AFS, 86.8%, 79.8% and 79.8% for limb salvage, and 36.6%, 68.2%, and 72.7% for complete wound healing, respectively. Median time to complete wound healing was 4.9 months (range 0.5-15). The DVA circuit occluded during follow-up in 21 patients; the median time to occlusion was 2.6 months. Reintervention for occlusion was performed in 17 patients: 16 because of unhealed wounds and 1 for a newly developed ulcer. Conclusion: This study represents the largest population of patients with no-option CLTI treated with pDVA using the LimFlow device with midterm results. In this complex group of patients, pDVA using the LimFlow device has been shown to be feasible, with a high technical success rate and AFS at 6 up to 24 months coupled with wound healing. In selected patients with no-option CLTI, pDVA could be a recommended treatment to prevent amputation and heal wounds.

Influence of Thoracic Endovascular Repair on Aortic Morphology in Patients Treated for Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injuries: Long Term Outcomes in a Multicentre Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate aortic remodelling and associated complications in patients treated by thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for blunt traumatic aortic injuries (BTAI). METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational, multicentre study. Remodelling was considered as aortic diameter variations of >2 mm and distal graft and aortic axis angle modification measured by computed tomography angiography (CTA). The predefined levels of measurement were the proximal end of the graft (D1: landing in zone [LZ] 2; D2: LZ 3); distal end (D3); and control measurement (D4) 15 mm beyond D3. Survival, procedure, graft, and/or radiation exposure related complications were registered. CTA was required within three months and at one, six, and 10 years post-operatively. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2017 52 patients were treated; 47 were included for remodelling analysis (five immediate deaths were excluded); median age was 47 years (range 20-80 years). Mean TEVAR oversizing was 19.6% ± 9.7% (range 5%-35%). Following a median follow up of 67.4 ± 56.1 months (range 14-153 months) survival at one, three, six, and 10 years was 90.4% (standard error [SE] 4.1%), 88.3% (SE 4.5%) 84.8% (SE 5.5%), and 84.8% (SE 5.5%), respectively. There were no procedure/graft related complications except for one late intramural haematoma that required re-intervention. Freedom from aortic remodelling at one, six, and 10 years was 85.1% (SE 5.2%), 30.9% (SE 8.6%), and 24.7% (SE 8.8%), respectively. The increase in D1/D2 and D3 diameters were influenced by time from intervention (both p < .001), age (p < .001 and p = .002, respectively) and sealing in zone 2 (p = .027 and p = .042, respectively). For every 10% increase in oversizing, proximal neck diameter remodelling was 3.4% (p = .05). The distal axis decreased over time (p < .001; significant between three and six years). CONCLUSION: TEVAR is safe for BTAI in the mid to long term. This study reports a correlation between time, oversizing, and remodelling, but the level of adverse events was low.

Endovascular balloon occlusion during reconstruction of portal vein injury.

PURPOSE: Repair of portal vein injury in a hostile abdomen can be very challenging, complicated by massive hemorrhage or stenosis. It can seldom be successfully carried out, even by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons. The ideal venous clamping technique is often not feasible and increases the risk of lethal portal vein laceration. The common mistake being the forceful use of clamps around the vein in the attempt to obtain vascular control, resulting in additional injuries. METHODS: We provide a descriptive report of two cases detailing a careful step-by-step technique for the management of portal vein injury by inserting an endovascular balloon inflated with serum to control bleeding and repair the vein. RESULTS: In patients who required this technique, no bleeding recurrence, nor portal vein thrombosis or stenosis was detected by CT-scan during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The endovascular balloon occlusion technique for the reconstruction of portal vein injuries in hostile abdomen is a safe and life-saving procedure that should be part of the armamentarium of visceral surgeons.

National Trends in the Treatment of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in Korea Using an Age-adjusted Method.

BACKGROUND: Two primary treatment methods are used for ruptured cerebral aneurysms, surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. In recent decades, endovascular coiling has shown remarkable progress compared to surgical clipping, along with technological developments. The aim of this study was to investigate the recent trends in treatments for ruptured cerebral aneurysms in Korea. METHODS: The data were obtained from the National Health Insurance database. We evaluated the trends in endovascular coiling and surgical clipping for ruptured aneurysms for the period 2000-2017. We obtained the number of prescriptions with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, clinical modification codes related to nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and prescription codes S4641/4642 for surgical clipping and M1661/1662 for endovascular coiling. The medical expenses for each prescription were also obtained. The primary outcomes included the cumulative number of patients, patient rates per 100,000 people, and the correlation between patient rates and the percentage of the population in each age group. RESULTS: In the case of surgical clipping, there were no increasing or decreasing trends in the cumulative number of patients when the population/age group was ignored. When examining the trends in patient rates per 100,000 population at each year in male, there was no increasing or decreasing trend in the number of surgical clippings between the age groups, in spite of a decreasing tendency in the number of surgical clipping in male in their 40s and older than 60. In females, the surgical clipping rates tended to decrease only in patients older than 60 years, but there was no tendency to increase or decrease in the other ages. In contrast, the cumulative number of patients who underwent endovascular coiling for ruptured cerebral aneurysms increased year by year regardless of the population/age group. In both male and female, there was no increasing or decreasing trend only in the group aged 40 or younger and there was an increasing tendency in the rest of the age groups. In the trend of medical expenses, both the cost of surgical clipping and endovascular coiling showed increases. Specifically, the medical expense trend in endovascular coiling increased more rapidly than that for surgical clipping. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients with ruptured aneurysms undergoing endovascular coiling between 2010 and 2017, whereas the use of surgical clipping decreased. The endovascular coiling was significantly increased in all age groups and surgical clipping was decreased in all age groups, especially in patients under 50 years of age.