Cardiac risk after elective endovascular repair for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm: Results from the Italian Collaborators for EVAR multicenter registry.

OBJECTIVE: Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were common complications after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) causing significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cardiac risk after elective EVAR for uncomplicated noninfected infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in a large multicenter cohort. METHODS: This is a multicenter, retrospective, financially unsupported physician-initiated observational cohort study conducted by four academic tertiary referral hospitals from January 2018 to March 2021. Baseline, perioperative, and postoperative information of elective EVARs was evaluated. The primary outcome was the incidence of MACEs after EVAR, which was defined as acute coronary syndrome, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, de novo atrial fibrillation, hospitalization for heart failure, and revascularization as well as cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes were 1-year overall survival (all-cause mortality) and freedom from aorta-related mortality. Comparative analysis was conducted between MACE and overall population, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze factors associated with the risk of the MACE occurrence and early 1-year mortality. RESULTS: The study has enrolled 497 patients (35 females, 7%) with a mean age of 75.3 ± 7.8 years. The MACE rate was 6.4% (32/497, events/patients), and the majority of the events were recorded in the postoperative period (24/32, 75%; overall 24/497, 4.8%). One-year survival from all-cause mortality was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91-96), and the MACE population showed a significantly lower survival estimation rate (Overall - MACEs, 95.8% [95% CI: 93-97] - 67.9% [95% CI: 47-82], log-rank 41.950, P = .0001). Freedom from aorta-related mortality was 99.3% (95% CI: 98-100). The perioperative need for red blood cell transfusions was strongly related to the MACE occurrence (odds ratio: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.52-4.68, P = .001) and 1-year mortality (hazard ratio: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.48-3.09, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: MACEs represent a common complication in the postoperative and early period after elective EVAR. Blood loss requiring red blood cell transfusions is associated with increased postoperative MACEs and early mortality, suggesting that all the efforts should be carried out to reduce the bleeding during and after elective interventions.

Results of the Italian Collaborators for Evar Registry on Acute Kidney Injury After Elective Endovascular Aortic Repair of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the incidence and predictive factors of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) after elective standard endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in a large recent, multicenter cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicenter, retrospective, financially unsupported physician-initiated observational cohort study. Between January 2018 and March 2021, only patients treated with elective standard EVAR for infrarenal non-infected abdominal aortic aneurysm were analyzed. Patients already on hemodialysis (HD) were excluded. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (sCr) ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours or an increase in sCr to ≥1.5 times baseline known or presumed to have occurred within 7 days, or a urine volume of <0.5 mL/kg/h for 6 hours. Primary outcomes of interest were AKI incidence at 30 days and freedom from HD at 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes were freedom from severe postoperative complication, and freedom from aorta-related mortality (ARM) at 1 year. RESULTS: The final cohort analyzed 526 (29.8%). There were 489 (93%) males and 37 (7%) females: the median age was 76 years (interquartile range [IQR], 71-81). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was present in 86 (16.3%) patients. Early mortality was observed in 8 (1.5%) patients, none was aorta-related. Complication rate was 17.1% (n=89). AKI was observed in 17 (3.2%). Renal replacement therapy was needed in 4 (0.8%). HD was transitory in 2 cases and definitive in 1. Binary logistic regression analysis identified CKD (odds ratio [OR]: 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.10-10.45, p<0.001), and the presence of renal artery stenosis (OR: 3.80, 95% CI: 1.35-10.66, p=0.011) to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative AKI. Estimated freedom from ARM was 94.9% at 1 year. Estimated freedom from HD rate at 1 year was 94%: This was significantly different between patients with preoperative CKD and those who did not have preoperative CKD (log-rank, p=0.042). CONCLUSION: AKI after elective standard EVAR still occurs but with an acceptably low incidence rate. Preoperative CKD is the most important predictor for postoperative AKI, which was not associated with the need for HD at 1-year follow-up but with a higher propensity of mortality. CLINICAL IMPACT: This "real world" experience confirm that EVAR performed with standard contrats agent protocol remains safe for acute kidney injury development. Therefore, only patients presenting with preoperative borderline or ascertained chronic kidney disease will take the most advantage from the use of carbon dioxide contrast.

Endovascular Aortic Repair With the E-Tegra Device: Preliminary Outcomes From a Multicenter National Registry.

PURPOSE: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is currently expanding its feasibility thanks to design innovations, but hostile proximal necks and narrow iliac arteries are still a constraint, as expressed by the Instructions for Use (IFU) of most devices. Our aim is to report the preliminary results of the E-Tegra endograft in infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) performed in 15 high-volume centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The e-Tegra Italian endoGraft REgistry (TIGRE) is a prospectively maintained database of consecutive EVAR with the E-Tegra stent-graft across 15 participating centers between March 2021 and March 2023. The registry records baseline clinical data, anatomic measurements of the abdominal aorta, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, with a scheduled follow-up period of 3 years for all patients. This is a preliminary analysis of the first results updated to January 2024. The primary endpoints are technical and clinical success, perioperative mortality, freedom from endograft rupture, and aortic-related mortality. The secondary endpoints are freedom from reintervention, and any type of endoleak (EL). The results were analyzed in relation with the anatomic characteristics of the AAAs, namely, iliac axes tortuosity and proximal neck hostility. RESULTS: The registry included 147 consecutive EVAR (138 elective and 9 in emergent setting), 7 of which were associated with an iliac branch implantation. Ninety patients had at least 1 criterion of anatomical hostility, and 25 were treated outside the device IFU. Primary technical success was achieved in 146 cases (99.3%) and assisted success in 147 (100%), with no perioperative mortality. After a median follow-up period of 20 months, no aneurysm-related mortality occurred. Reinterventions were 5: 2 for type IB EL and 3 for type II ELs with aneurysm sac increase. Five more type II ELs with aneurysm sac stability are under observation. No differences in terms of reinterventions were noted between aneurysms with standard and hostile anatomy. CONCLUSION: The E-Tegra endograft is safe and effective in treating AAAs with standard and hostile anatomy, with a low rate of complications and reinterventions, although longer-term outcomes and larger numbers are needed to compare its performances related to specific anatomic criteria. CLINICAL IMPACT: This multi-center nationwide Registry reports a real-world experience of EVAR performed with the E-Tegra abdominal endograft across 15 high-volume Centers, providing early- and mid-term device-specific results, which will help vascular surgeons in endograft selection. In particular, this study focuses on clinical results obtained in treating aneurysms with hostile anatomy, analyzing the performances of the E-Tegra endograft in cases of hostile proximal necks and narrow or tortuous iliac axes.

Endovascular repair using parallel grafts to treat a suprarenal pancreatitis-related abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm.

Arterial pseudoaneurysms represent an uncommon complication of acute pancreatic inflammation or chronic pancreatitis. We describe a contained rupture of a suprarenal abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm. An aorto-uni-iliac stent-graft was adopted as the aortic main body and was combined with two chimneys and two periscope stents for celiac/superior mesenteric artery and renal arteries, respectively. The procedure was complicated by the entrapment of the celiac sheath into the barbs of the aortic stent-graft and the attempts to remove the sheath resulted in an upward migration of the stent-grafts. A bail-out endovascular procedure was used to reline the stent-grafts and the pseudoaneurysmal sac was embolized with coils.

Sex-Related Outcomes in Asymptomatic Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting.

PURPOSE: Aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of sex in asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2006 to December 2020. A total of 438 consecutive patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis >70% underwent transfemoral CAS and were stratified in males (M) and females (F). Periprocedural 30-day outcomes were: stroke, death, and myocardial infarction (MI). Follow-up outcomes were: death and stroke rates (primary) and freedom from restenosis (FFR) and reintervention rates (secondary). Follow-up data were analyzed at 1, 5, and 10 years. Data were analyzed with χ2 test and Fisher's exact test and follow-up outcomes with Kaplan-Meier curves. The log-rank test was used to determine differences between the groups and univariate analysis to identify the association between risk factors and intraoperative details with mortality and restenosis rates. RESULTS: A total of 462 procedures were performed (M: n=321, 69.4%), in which 24 CAS were bilateral (5.5%). Mean age was 71.9±7.6 years (M: 72.1±7.8; F: 71.7±7.3). Periprocedural outcomes were: stroke rate 2.2% (n=10; M: n=5, 1.6%; F: n=5, 3.5%; p=0.176), mortality rate 0.6% (M: n=3, p=0.334), and stroke/death rate 2.8% (n=13; M: n=8, 2.5%; F: n=5, 3.5%; p=0.528); no cardiac events (MI) were recorded. A not-disabling (minor) stroke was detected in 3 males (0.9%), while a disabling (major) stroke was reported in 7 patients (1.7%) of whom 5 were ischemic events (M: n=2, 0.6%; F: n=3, 2.2%) and 2 were cerebral hemorrhages (F: 1.3%, p=0.046). Mean follow-up was 73.66±40.83 months (M: 72.66; F: 76.01; p=0.246). Overall survival rate was 96.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93-98), 81.8% (95% CI: 77-86), and 45.5% (95% CI: 38-53) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively (p=0.236). The overall stroke rate was 0.3% (freedom from stroke [FFS]: 99.7%; 95% CI: 98-100), 0.9% (FFS: 99%; 95% CI: 98-100), and 4.3% (FFS: 95.7%; 95% CI: 89-98; M: n=6; F: n=2; p=0.774). Stroke-related mortality rate was 0.7% (FFS: 99.3%; 95% CI: 97-100) and 2.9% (FFS: 97.1%; 95% CI: 91-99) at 5 and 10 years, respectively, without differences between the groups (M: n=4; F: n=2; p=0.763). Overall FFR rate was 97.4% (95% CI: 95-99), 93.4% (95% CI: 90-96), and 89.5% (95% CI: 84-93; p=0.322). Two severe symptomatic restenosis (>70%, M) required a new endovascular revascularization. CONCLUSION: The sex variable does not influence outcomes of CAS in asymptomatic patients at short- and long-term follow-up, although females show a worst incidence of periprocedural major strokes. Carotid artery stenting may be safely proposed when a careful patient selection is applied. CLINICAL IMPACT: The sex variable has been advocated as a considerable factor that could influence the outcomes of transfemoral carotid artery stenting (CAS). Literature data are contrasting, even if different papers mainly reported that CAS is associated to worst outcomes in female patients. Our study shows that the sex-variable does not influence outcomes of CAS in asymptomatic patients at short and long-term follow-up, although females had a worst incidence of periprocedural major strokes. CAS may be safely proposed when a careful patient selection is applied.

Penumbra Indigo Percutaneous Aspiration Thrombectomy System in the treatment of Aortic Endograft Iliac Limb Occlusion: Results from an Italian Multicentre Registry.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Penumbra Indigo percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy (PAT) system in the clinical presentation of iliac limb occlusion (ILO) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). METHODS: A retrospective, observational, multicentre study conducted in eight Italian vascular centres. Consecutive patients presenting with ILO after EVAR were eligible. To assess vessel revascularisation, Thrombo-aspiration In Peripheral Ischaemia (TIPI) classification (score 0-3) was used at presentation (t1), after PAT (t2), and after adjunctive procedures (t3). Successful revascularisation was considered TIPI 2-3 (near complete or complete). Primary intra-operative outcomes were technical success (TS) of Indigo PAT and combined TS of PAT associated with adjunctive procedures when needed. Primary follow up outcomes were safety and effectiveness at one, six, and 12 months. RESULTS: From September 2019 to December 2021, there were 48 ILO and 17 patients (35%) [median age 75 years, IQR 71, 83 years; male, 14 (82%); urgent, 8 (47%)] were treated and enrolled. The median time after primary EVAR was 24 months (IQR 0, 42 months). The median clot age from ILO diagnosis to PAT was three days (IQR 1, 12 days). Ten patients (59%) presented with limb threatening ischaemia. At t1, TIPI 0 and 1 was present in 13 (76%) and four (24%) cases, respectively. At t2, primary TS (TIPI 2-3) was achieved in 14 cases (82%) after Indigo PAT (p < .001). Fifteen patients (88%) required adjunctive procedures (14 re-linings, one surgical patch angioplasty). At t3, combined TS was achieved in 16 cases (94%). Intra-operative complication included one (6%) distal embolisation, treated successfully. The 30 day mortality was one case (6%) due to pneumonia. At one, six, and 12 months, clinical success was 100% without ILO recurrence. The median follow up was 23 months (IQR 11, 41 months): at 18 months, survival and freedom from re-intervention were 91 ± 8% and 90 ± 9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study reports for the first time the efficacy and safety of Penumbra Indigo PAT for ILO after EVAR, with promising technical and clinical success up to one year.

Outcomes of Endovascular Reconstructive Techniques in Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C-D Aortoiliac Lesions.

BACKGROUND: To describe the outcomes of the endovascular reconstruction of TASC C/D lesions involving the infrarenal aorta and aortic bifurcation with different techniques. METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective, single-center study. In a 5-year period, we selected all the patients treated with an endovascular procedure for an aorto-iliac TASC C/D lesion involving the infrarenal aorta and/or the aortic bifurcation. Early (<30 days) outcomes were mortality, major amputation, and thrombosis. Late mid-term (1 and 3 years) outcomes were primary, assisted primary and secondary patency, limb salvage rate, and freedom from reintervention. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were treated during the index period. Kissing covered stent (cKS), covered reconstruction of aortic bifurcation (CERAB), and unimodular bifurcated AFX Unibody stent-graft (Bif-SG) implantation were performed in 35 (40.4%), 26 (29.8%), and 26 (29.8%) cases, respectively. Bif-SG group included 11 (11/26, 42.3%) patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with the obstruction of the aortic bifurcation. Technical success was achieved in all cases and no ruptures or conversions to open surgery were recoded. Median follow-up age was 18 months (interquartile range [IQR], 8-34). Overall primary patency rate was 91.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.3-95.9) at 1 year and 83.5% (95% CI: 69.6-91.4) at 3 years. Assisted primary patency was 96.9% (95% CI: 87.8-99.2) at 1 and 3 years. Secondary patency was 97.8% (95% CI: 85.5-99.6) at 3 years. Limb salvage rate was 98.6% (95% CI: 90.1-99.7) at 1 and 3 years and, freedom from reintervention was 98.4% (95% CI: 88.9-99.7) at 1 year and 87% (95% CI: 66.1-95.4) at 3 years. Univariate analysis did not identify any factor affecting primary patency rate. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular reconstruction in severe aorto-iliac obstructions using advanced techniques offered promising mid-term patency rates and profiles of safety. The variety of reconstructive configurations allows surgeons to customize on patients' anatomies the type of revascularization.

Preliminary results from a multicenter Italian registry on the use of a new branched device for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to present early outcomes of patients treated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms or complex abdominal aortic diseases using endovascular repair with a new branched endograft. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study included all patients treated with a new branched endograft. All elective patients were treated with a staged operative strategy and spinal drainage Primary outcomes of interest were technical success, early (≤30 days) mortality, and late (≥30 days) survival, and freedom from adverse aortic events. RESULTS: A total of 16 consecutive patients were treated for Crawford's extent type I (n = 1), type II (n = 7), type III (n = 1), and type IV (n = 5) endoleaks, with an additional two complex pararenal abdominal aortic lesions (enlarging type Ia endoleak, n = 1; anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, n = 1). There were 13 male (81%) and 3 female (19%) patients with a median age of 72.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 69-78 years). The median diameter of the aortic aneurysm was 65 mm (IQR, 58-81 mm) and the median EuroSCORE prediction for mortality was 18% (IQR, 12%-36%). Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was secondary to a previous dissection in four patients. A total of 62 of the 64 visceral vessels (96.9%) were stented. Technical success was achieved in 14 (87.5 %) and the cumulative aorta-related mortality rate was 19%. Spinal cord ischemia did not occur. The mean follow-up was 8 ± 4 months (range, 2-15 months). No type I or type III endoleaks were detected. Primary bridging stent patency was 98% (one asymptomatic thrombotic occlusion of a celiac trunk branch). No aortic reintervention was required. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms with this new branched endograft can be performed with high technical success and acceptable morbidity. A 19% mortality is quite high; however, it is tolerable in such a high-risk cohort. The survival rate was acceptable, and graft-related outcomes at early follow-up included an absence of threatening endoleaks and a high target visceral vessel patency.

Acute Distress Respiratory Syndrome and Cardiac Shock after AngioJet Thrombectomy for Acute Occlusion of an Aortic Endograft.

Partial thrombosis or total occlusion of aortic or limb graft are possible complications after endovascular aneurysm repair. Different strategies for therapeutic management are available; these include open surgical techniques or endovascular treatments. The choice of the treatment depends on the patient's clinical conditions and on the timing of the thrombosis. Bypass still remains the first choice in case of chronic occlusion but in the last 10 years, the use of percutaneous mechanical/rheolytic thrombectomy systems is increasing. These devices can be used in case of acute or subacute onset of native arterial and venous thrombosis or embolism and in case of graft occlusion. AngioJet is a percutaneous rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy system. Through a pressurized saline solution jet, a low-pressure zone is made up and the thrombus is fragmented and aspirated by the device. Different transient adverse effects caused by lysis of the thrombus are described such as hemoglobinuria but in some cases the release of high doses of the thrombus degradation products such as heme and adenosine diphosphate can lead to fatal consequences for the patient. We reported a case of an acute onset of acute distress respiratory syndrome, pulmonary edema, cardiac shock, and renal failure following AngioJet thrombectomy in an 81-year-old man with an acute occlusion of an aortic endograft.

Hypogastric Artery Salvage Using an Unibody Bifurcated Aorto-Iliac Graft Associated to Double-Barrel Technique in Spontaneous Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection.

A 54-year-old male patient was admitted with acute left lower limb ischemia (ALI). Computed tomography (CT) angiogram showed an isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) with a single entry tear just proximal to the aortic bifurcation and an intramural hematoma (IMH) extending to the descending thoracic aorta. The IAAD involved the left iliac bifurcation, with a flow limiting dissection flap into the internal iliac artery (IIA) and external iliac artery (EIA) thrombosis with femoro-popliteal embolization. A surgical thrombectomy of the femoral arteries was performed. An unibody bifurcated endograft was deployed into the true lumen to cover the entry tear, and a double-barrel technique was employed to restore the flow into the EIA and to preserve the IIA patency. The postoperative period was complicated by a compartment syndrome of the calf, requiring a fasciotomy. Follow-up imaging after 12 months showed complete resolution of the IAAD and patency of the stented vessels.

Endovascular Treatment of Multiple Ruptures of Postdissecting Thoraco Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with a Custom Branched Device Used as an Off-the-shelf Device.

Endovascular treatment of postdissection aortic aneurysms (PDAAs) is fascinating and challenging. The Colt branched graft (Jotec/Cryolife, Kennesaw, Georgia), because of its characteristics, can be used as an off-the-shelf device especially in urgent/emergency settings. In this report, we describe the first case of a PDAA successfully treated with a Colt device.

Endovascular and Hybrid Management of Patients Affected by Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Occlusion of the Iliac Arteries.

The presence of a concomitant aortoiliac occlusive disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is rare and limits the implant of a bifurcated endograft. BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate early and midterm results of an endovascular or a hybrid approach in patients undergoing iliac revascularization and AAA exclusion. METHODS: We reviewed our clinical series of patients from January 2016 to February 2018. Inclusion criterion was an iliac occlusion with concomitant aortic aneurysm. RESULTS: We treated 8 male patients: 8 common iliac arteries (CIAs) and 5 external iliac arteries (EIAs). We implanted 8 bifurcated devices and 13 covered stents, 8 in CIA and 5 in EIA. In 5 cases, when the EIA was involved, we also performed a common femoral artery endarterectomy with a patch. During a mean follow-up of 10 months, the primary patency of the recanalized iliac arteries was 100%, no endoleaks, sac growth, or rupture were also recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular or hybrid treatment of the iliac occlusion combined with infrarenal aortic aneurysm is feasible with favorable early and midterm results.

Fatal Rupture of Brachial Pseudoaneurysm in a Drug Abuser: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

The injection of drugs of abuse causes many millions of deaths each year; deaths are mostly due to fatal overdose and the trauma and infection caused by repeated injections. The scientific literature widely reports cases of infected pseudoaneurysm in injecting drug abusers; however, most of these autopsy cases deal with the rupture of pseudoaneurysm of the femoral artery. We present fatal hemorrhagic shock in a heroin-cocaine abuser subsequent to rupture of pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery; the man collapsed just before injecting himself with a dose of heroin-cocaine (speedball).

Carotid stenting versus endarterectomy in the same patient: A "direct" comparison.

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes and feasibility of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy, both procedures performed in the same patient. Forty-five subjects (33 males, 70 ± 7 years) underwent carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting, the counter procedure on the contralateral carotid performed after a variable period. We evaluated the post-procedural percentage of carotid stenosis at 30, 180 days and one-year follow-up, and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, New York Heart Association class progression, stroke, death, cardiovascular death, angina, transient ischemic attack and renal failure. Carotid artery stenting treatment reduced the degree of re-stenosis after 180 days equally to carotid endarterectomy procedure (difference: 0.033%, P = 0.285). No statistically significant differences were observed according to the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction and New York Heart Association class progression, revealing odds ratio (OR) equal to 0.182 ( P = 0.361) for acute myocardial infarction and 0.303 ( P = 0.434) for New York Heart Association class progression. Carotid endarterectomy confirms its efficacy in carotid revascularization, but carotid artery stenting constitutes a good alternative when the procedures are selected based on patient-specific risk factors.

Early and Intermediate Results of Elective Endovascular Treatment of True Visceral Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively analyze early and follow-up results of endovascular management of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) in a single-center experience. METHODS: From 2007 to June 2013, 26 consecutive elective endovascular interventions for VAAs were performed in 26 patients; preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were prospectively collected in a dedicated database. Early (<30 days) and follow-up results were evaluated. RESULTS: The site of aneurysm was splenic artery in 17 patients, common hepatic artery in 3 patients, renal artery and pancreaticoduodenal artery in 2 cases each, and gastroduodenal artery and celiac trunk in one case each. All the lesions were asymptomatic, and the mean diameter was 22.8 mm. Interventions consisted in coiling in 19 cases; in 4 patients a covered stent was placed, whereas the remaining 3 patients had a multilayer stent. Technical success was 89%. There were no perioperative deaths; 1 patient with splenic artery aneurysm had coils migration with symptomatic splenic infarction and underwent successful redo coils packing. Median duration of follow-up was 18 months. During follow-up, 1 aneurysm-unrelated death occurred. One asymptomatic thrombosis of a treated vessel was recorded, with a 2-year estimated patency rate of 91%. Mean aneurysmal diameter at the latest follow-up was 20.2 mm (P = 0.001 in comparison with preoperative values; 95% confidence interval 1.9-5.2). Complete exclusion of the aneurysm occurred in all but 1 patient, who had a limited increasing in the diameter of its splenic aneurysmal sac after coiling. Another patient developed a more distal aneurysm of the splenic artery after 24 months. No reinterventions were required. Freedom from aneurysm-related complications at 2 years was 72.9% (Standard Error, 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, endovascular treatment of VAA, when feasible, provided excellent perioperative results with low rates of complications and reinterventions. Even if the risk of developing aneurysm-related complications during follow-up is substantial, most of them can be watched without the need for repeated interventions.

Endovascular treatment of multiple aneurysms complicating Cogan syndrome.

To report the use of endografts to manage multiple aneurysms due to Cogan syndrome (CS). A 38-year-old woman with descending thoracic aorta and right common carotid artery aneurysms due to CS was treated with endovascular grafts. After 4 years, angio computed tomography scan demonstrated complete exclusion of the aneurysms with no signs of endoleak, whereas echo color Doppler showed patency of the carotid graft, no signs of restenosis, no progression of the disease in the landing zones, and complete aneurysm exclusion. Endovascular repair seems to have favorable long-term outcomes and should be considered a viable alternative to surgery in unfit for open surgery patients, even if they are young, and when the aneurysm size and location would pose a higher risk of perioperative and postoperative complications after an open surgical procedure.

Early and midterm results of kissing stent technique in the management of aortoiliac obstructive disease.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively analyze the early and the midterm results of endovascular management of aortoiliac obstructive disease with the kissing stent technique. METHODS: From January 2005 to September 2012, 229 consecutive endovascular interventions for aortoiliac obstructive disease were performed; data from all the interventions were prospectively collected in a dedicated database. In 41 patients, the kissing stent technique at the level of aortic bifurcation was performed (group 1), whereas in the remaining 188 it was not (group 2). Perioperative results were compared with chi-squared test. Follow-up results were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves and compared with log-rank test. RESULTS: Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C and D lesions were present in 66% of patients in group 1 and in 28.5% in group 2 (P < 0.001), whereas iliac occlusion rather than stenosis was detected in 78% of patients in group 1 and in 50% in group 2 (P = 0.001). The mean number of placed stents was 2.5 in group 1 and 1.4 in group 2 (P < 0.001). Technical success was 100% in group 1 and 98% in group 2 (P = 0.3). The rate of perioperative complications was 7.3% in group 1 and 4.2% in group 2 (P = 0.4). At 30 days, neither deaths nor major cardiovascular complications occurred. There was no thrombosis or significant restenosis at the early postoperative follow-up visit. Mean duration of follow-up was 22 months. Primary patency rates at 4 years were 70.5% (standard error [SE], 0.09) in group 1 and 75.5% (SE, 0.06) in group 2 (P = 0.7). At the same interval, assisted primary and secondary patency and survival rates were also similar; reintervention rates were 15.5% in group 1 (SE, 0.1) and 19.5% in group 2 (SE, 0.06; P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: The kissing stent technique provided satisfactory results in patients with obstructive aortoiliac diseases, without an increase in immediate and midterm complications, representing an effective solution in complex anatomies.

Surgical and endovascular treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms: early and long-term results of a single center.

PURPOSE: To evaluate early and long-term results of surgical and endovascular therapy of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 26 aneurysms in 25 patients (19 men and 6 women) who underwent surgery between 1993 and 2010: 18 were atherosclerotic, 3 were from arteritis, 1 was a relapsing mycotic aneurysm from previous carotid surgery, and 4 were posttraumatic. A neurologic event was the presenting symptom in 10 cases (7 transient ischemic attacks, 3 strokes); 13 patients were asymptomatic and a cranial nerve dysfunction (hoarseness) was present in 2; fever was present in 1. A total of 15 aneurysms, located on the carotid bifurcation (CB), were resected and an end-to-end carotid anastomosis was performed. In 6 patients with CB aneurysms, a vein graft was applied in 5, and a polytetrafluoroethylene graft in the other. Aneurysmorrhaphy and a vein patch was the procedure in 2 patients with an aneurysm of the CB. One of these 2 patients had a relapsing mycotic pseudoaneurysm and was treated initially with a vein patch, subsequently with a vein graft, and lastly with a carotid artery ligation. Three common carotid artery aneurysms from arteritis were treated under local anesthesia through implantation of a Viabahn endoprosthesis. RESULTS: A perioperative minor stroke occurred in 1 patient (3.8%) because of intentional ligation of the internal carotid artery from a relapsing mycotic aneurysm, already treated with a vein patch and subsequently with a vein bypass. No permanent cranial nerve injuries were recorded; transient cranial nerve injuries were observed in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment is feasible, with an acceptable rate of stroke and cranial nerve injuries, especially when the aneurysm is located on the common carotid artery and carotid bulb. Endovascular therapy is a fascinating option, with satisfactory early and long-term results, and should always be considered when treating aneurysms located in the distal internal carotid artery and when the patient is not a good candidate for open surgery.

Endovascular management of type Ib endoleak complicating a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm previously treated with a multilayer stent.

BACKGROUND: To report the use of an endograft to manage a type Ib endoleak in a patient with a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm previously treated with a multilayer stent. METHODS: Under compassionate use, a 68-year-old patient with a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm and multiple comorbidities was treated with a multilayer flow modulating stent. Twelve months later a new computed tomography (CT) scan identified a type Ib endoleak with an increase in the aortic aneurysm size because of the extension of the aneurysmal disease to the aortic carrefour. A new endovascular procedure was then performed, deploying an aorto-biiliac endoprosthesis. After 18 months, serial echocolor duplex and CT scans have shown normal visceral arteries patency, no signs of endoleak, and sac shrinkage of 5 mm. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this case, the Multilayer Aneurysm Repair System failed to treat the abdominal aortic aneurysm and required a reoperation with conventional-covered stent graft for distal sealing, which may be considered a feasible solution to manage potential endoleaks.

Combined use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for risk stratification of vascular surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: We sought to assess whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) improve risk prediction when added to an established predictive tool and develop a point-based risk score. METHODS: Four hundred eleven vascular surgery patients were enrolled. The primary outcome was a composite of death, acute coronary syndromes, pulmonary edema within 30 days of surgery, and postoperative troponin-I elevation. The risk score was developed from a logistic regression model by using an integer-based scoring system. RESULTS: The rate of the primary outcome was 18%. Adding both hs-CRP and NT-proBNP to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index led to an increase in C statistic from 0.670 to 0.774. The net reclassification improvement was 0.210 (P = 0.004) and the integrated discrimination improvement was 0.112 (P = 0.0001). In the multivariable regression analysis used to develop the risk score, insulin therapy for diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 2.8; P = 0.003), open surgery (OR: 1.95; P = 0.027), fibrinogen >377 mg/dL (OR: 2.83; P = 0.001), hs-CRP >3.2 mg/L (OR: 3.85; P < 0.0001), and NT-proBNP >221 ng/L (OR: 4.05; P < 0.0001) were associated with the primary outcome. There was no statistical evidence of overfit. The C index was 0.82 and the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic was 1.61 (P = 0.0447). The observed and predicted rates of the primary outcome across quartiles of risk score were highly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Hs-CRP and NT-proBNP substantially improve risk prediction when added to an established predictive tool. The biochemical marker-based risk score may be useful for accurately risk-stratifying vascular surgery patients; nonetheless, further validation studies on external datasets are needed before it can be used in clinical practice.