Identification of Risk Factors and Development of Predictive Risk Score Model for Mortality after Open Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background and Objectives: Despite the relatively large number of publications concerning the validation of these models, there is currently no solid evidence that they can be used with absolute precision to predict survival. The goal of this study is to identify preoperative factors that influenced 30-day mortality and to create a predictive model after open ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) repair. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective single-center cohort study derived from a prospective collected database, between 1 January 2009 and 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify all significant predictive factors. Variables that were identified in the multivariate analysis were dichotomized at standard levels, and logistic regression was used for the analysis. To ensure that dichotomized variables were not overly simplistic, the C statistic was evaluated for both dichotomized and continuous models. Results: There were 500 patients with complete medical data included in the analysis during the study period. Of them, 37.6% were older than 74 years, and 83.8% were males. Multivariable logistic regression showed five variables that were predictive of mortality: age > 74 years (OR = 4.01, 95%CI 2.43−6.26), loss of consciousness (OR = 2.21, 95%CI 1.11−4.40), previous myocardial infarction (OR = 2.35, 95%CI 1.19−4.63), development of ventricular arrhythmia (OR = 4.54, 95%CI 1.75−11.78), and DAP < 60 mmHg (OR = 2.32, 95%CI 1.17−4.62). Assigning 1 point for each variable, patients were stratified according to the preoperative RAAA mortality risk score (range 0−5). Patients with 1 point suffered 15.3% mortality and 3 points 68.2% mortality, while all patients with 5 points died. Conclusions: This preoperative RAAA score identified risk factors readily assessed at the bedside and provides an accurate prediction of 30-day mortality after open repair of RAAA.

Measurement of Axial Strain of Geogrid by Optical Sensors.

In recent years, the technology of optical fibers has rapidly gained ground in many areas of science and industry, including the construction industry. In this article, the technology of optical fibers based on a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) was used to determine tensile forces acting in a basal reinforcement of a scaled down physical model, which included piled embankment and basal reinforcement. Installing FBG sensors on the geogrid made monitoring of axial strains possible, thus allowing determination of the behavior of the basal reinforcement of the piled embankment. On the basis of three tests performed on the physical model, numerical model calibration with the physical model was carried out using the software PLAXIS 3D Tunnel 2.4. The results showed accurate predictions, especially for the low and middle part of the measured deformations where the numerical analysis proposed a solution that can be considered as safe. Installing FBG sensors on biaxial geogrids was a bold idea that was not easy to implement. However, other possibilities have been successfully tested, such as high-frequency measurements of the response of reinforced soil structure under dynamic loading.

Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of proteolytic enzyme concentrations and biologic properties of intraluminal thrombus in abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used in assessment of biologic activity of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) and proteolytic processes of the abdominal aortic aneurysm wall. METHODS: Using MRI, 50 patients with asymptomatic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm were analyzed at the maximum aneurysm diameter on T1-weighted images in the arterial phase after administration of contrast material. Relative ILT signal intensity (SI) was determined as the ratio between ILT SI and psoas muscle SI. During surgery, the full thickness of the ILT and the adjacent part of the aneurysm wall were harvested at the maximal diameter for biochemical analysis. The concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and neutrophil elastase (NE/ELA) were analyzed in harvested thrombi, and the concentrations of collagen type III, elastin, and proteoglycans were analyzed in harvested aneurysm walls. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the NE/ELA concentration of the ILT and the relative SI (ρ = 0.309; P = .029). Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between the elastin content of the aneurysm wall and the relative SI (ρ = -0.300; P = .034). No correlations were found between relative SI and concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 9, NE/ELA, collagen type III, or proteoglycan 4 in the aneurysm wall. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a potential novel use of MRI in prediction of thrombus proteolytic enzyme concentrations and the extracellular matrix content of the aneurysm wall, thus providing additional information for the risk of potential aneurysm rupture.

Effect of Intra-operative Intra-arterial Thrombolysis on Long Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI) as a result of popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) thrombosis represents a significant problem. The aim of this study was to investigate outcome of intra-operative intra-arterial thrombolysis in the treatment of acute ischaemia due to PAA thrombosis in terms of major adverse limb events (MALE), overall survival, and intrahospital complications, especially those associated with bleeding. METHODS: A total of 156 patients with Rutherford grade IIa and IIb acute ischaemia resulting from PAA thrombosis were admitted between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2017. The patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent additional treatment with intra-operative intra-arterial thrombolysis (20 patients), and those who did not (136 patients). By using covariables from baseline and angiographic characteristics, a propensity score was calculated for each patient. Each patient who underwent intra-operative thrombolysis was matched to four patients from the non-thrombolysis group. Thus, comparable patient cohorts (20 in the thrombolysis and 80 in the non-thrombolysis group) were identified for further analysis. The primary end point was MALE and the secondary endpoint all cause mortality. RESULTS: After a median follow up of 55 months, the estimated MALE rate was significantly lower in the thrombolysis group (30% vs. 65%, chi square = 10.86, p < .001, log rank test). Also, patients in the thrombolysis group had a significantly lower mortality rate (20% vs. 42.65%, chi square = 3.65, p = .05, log rank test). The thrombolysis group had wound/haematoma related interventions performed more commonly (25% in thrombolysis vs 8%, in non-thrombolysis group), but the difference was not significant (p=.013). There were no cases of major (intracranial and gastrointestinal) bleeding in either group. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that intra-operative thrombolysis in the treatment of selected patients with ALI due to PAA thrombosis has long term MALE and overall survival benefits, without a significant risk of major, life threatening bleeding complications.

Vascular Injuries in Intravenous Drug Addicts-A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Infected false aneurysms (IFA) caused by intravenous drug abuse are uncommon but challenging lesions. The best approach for the surgical management of this condition is still unknown. The aim is to present a single-center 14-year experience in the IFA treatment in intravenous drug abusers, thus providing additional data regarding the treatment options and outcome in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive patients with vascular injuries secondary to intravenous drug abuse, during the period from January 2004 to April 2018, was performed. Data of interest were extracted from patients' medical history records, anesthesia charts, and database implemented in daily practice, or were obtained by personal contact. The diagnosis was set based on history, physical examination and/or color Doppler sonography, multidetector computed tomographic angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. The outcome included graft patency, limb amputation, and mortality. RESULTS: During study period, 32 heroin abusers, predominantly males (81%), were surgically treated due to vascular injuries, with mean age of 35.2 years. The vast majority of patients have had an injury of the lower extremity blood vessels (84.3%) and the common femoral artery was the most common site of injury (59.4%). Three-quarters of patients underwent resection of the false aneurysm and ligation of the artery without reconstruction of the blood vessel. In 7 cases (21.9%), arterial reconstruction was performed with overall failure rate of 42.86%. The overall mortality rate was 6.25% and the rate of extremity salvage was 96.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The best treatment option is yet to be found, but based on the results of the present study, ligation of affected artery without revascularization seems to be an efficient, safe, and optimal treatment method, with minor risk of the extremity loss.

Vehicle Classification Based on FBG Sensor Arrays Using Neural Networks.

This article is focused on the automatic classification of passing vehicles through an experimental platform using optical sensor arrays. The amount of data generated from various sensor systems is growing proportionally every year. Therefore, it is necessary to look for more progressive solutions to these problems. Methods of implementing artificial intelligence are becoming a new trend in this area. At first, an experimental platform with two separate groups of fiber Bragg grating sensor arrays (horizontally and vertically oriented) installed into the top pavement layers was created. Interrogators were connected to sensor arrays to measure pavement deformation caused by vehicles passing over the pavement. Next, neural networks for visual classification with a closed-circuit television camera to separate vehicles into different classes were used. This classification was used for the verification of measured and analyzed data from sensor arrays. The newly proposed neural network for vehicle classification from the sensor array dataset was created. From the obtained experimental results, it is evident that our proposed neural network was capable of separating trucks from other vehicles, with an accuracy of 94.9%, and classifying vehicles into three different classes, with an accuracy of 70.8%. Based on the experimental results, extending sensor arrays as described in the last part of the paper is recommended.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on early outcome of carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of ischaemic stroke in the general population but its impact on early outcome after the carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is controversial with conflicting results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study includes 902 consecutive CEAs. Patients were divided into non-diabetic and diabetic groups and subsequently analysed. Early outcomes in terms of 30-day stroke and death rates were then analysed and compared. RESULTS: There were 606 non-diabetic patients. Among 296 diabetic patients, 83 were insulin-dependent. The cumulative TIA/stroke rate was statistically higher in the diabetic group (2.6 vs. 5.7 %, P = 0.02). Stroke was more frequent in the diabetic group (2.0 vs. 4.4 %, P = 0.04) comparedto TIA (0.7 vs. 1.4 %, P = 0.45). Mortality was statistically more frequent in diabetic patients (0.2 vs. 1.7 %, P = 0.01). The 30-day stroke/death rate (2.6 vs. 5.7 %, P = 0.02) was also statistically higher in the diabetic group. Factors that were identified to increase risk of death and stroke in multivariate analysis were: use of insulin for blood glucose control (OR = 2.47, 95 % CI 1.61-4.68, P = 0.01), higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol value (OR = 1.52, 95 % CI 1.15-2.22, P < 0.01), presence of coronary disease (OR = 2.04, 95 % CI 1.40-3.31, P = 0.03), peripheral artery disease (OR = 2.14, 95 % CI 1.34-3.65, P = 0.02), complicated plaque (OR = 1.77, 95 % CI 1.11-3.68, P = 0.03), contralateral carotid artery occlusion (OR = 2.37, 95 % CI 1.25-4.74, P = 0.02), shunt use (OR = 3.46, 95 % CI 1.18-7.10, P < 0.01), and among diabetic patients higher HbA1c levels (OR = 1.28, 95 % CI 1.05-1.66, P = 0.03). Clamp toleration was associated with lower risk of death and stroke rates (OR = 0.43, 95 % CI 0.23-0.76, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, perioperative neurological complications and mortality were statistically higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients during CEA. Further research will have to show whether other treatment modalities of carotid artery stenosis and better glycaemia and dyslipidaemia controlling in diabetics can reduce this risk.

Late Complication after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: What Is the Role of an Open Surgical Conversion?

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the causes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) failure and conversion to open surgery (COS) in a vascular center with high-volume open surgery and low-volume TEVAR procedures. METHODS: A total of 8 patients (6 men; mean age, 55.14 years) underwent COS after TEVAR. The indications for COS, intraoperative strategy, and early postoperative and mid-follow-up results were analyzed. RESULTS: The indications for COS were persistent proximal type I endoleak with progressive aneurysm enlargement in 2 patients, type III endoleak in 1 patient, progressive aneurysm enlargement with no endoleak in 1 patient, stent-graft migration in 2 patients, secondary aortoesophageal fistula in 1 patient, secondary aortoesophageal and aortobronchial fistula in 1 patient, and distal progression of the aneurysmal disease in 2 patients. In all but one patient, thoracic stent grafts were explanted, and replacement with a Dacron graft was performed using left partial cardiopulmonary bypass. In the remaining patients with disconnection of the distal component and unfavorable anatomy, the proximal stent graft was recycled, and the Dacron prosthesis was sewn to it. Patients with secondary aortobronchial and aortoesophageal fistulas required additional bronchial and esophageal repair. The in-hospital mortality rate was 50% (4 patients). Four (50%) patients were followed up between 7 and 24 months (mean, 16.75 months) without mortality. CONCLUSIONS: COS after TEVAR has a high mortality rate, and endovascular techniques should be considered as the first line of treatment. Those procedures should be performed by surgeons experienced in open repair which one might expect to be a challenging problem in the era of endovascular therapy.

Evaluation of the renal function using serum Cystatin C following open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Objectives Controversies regarding renal function impairment after open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair still exist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the renal function following open repair and endovascular aneurysm repair using Cystatin C. Methods This prospective, observational case-control study was conducted in tertiary referral centre over 3 years, starting from 2012. In total, 60 patients operated due to infrarenal AAA either by means of open repair (30 patients) or endovascular aneurysm repair (30 patients) were included in the study. Biochemical markers of renal function (sCr, urea, potassium) were recorded pre-operatively and at these specific time points, immediately after the operation and at discharge, home (third postoperative day, endovascular aneurysm repair group) or from intensive care unit (third postoperative day, open repair group). Multivariate and propensity score adjustments were used to control for the baseline differences between the groups. Results Creatinine levels in serum remained unchanged during the hospital stay in both groups without significant differences at any time point. Cystatin C levels in endovascular aneurysm repair patients significantly increased postoperatively and restored to values comparable to baseline at the discharge (0.865 ± 0.319 vs. *0.962 ± 0.353 vs. 0.921 ± 0.322, * p < 0.001). Cystatin C levels in patients treated with the open surgery was decreasing over time but not statistically significant comparing to Cystatin C values at the admission. However, decrease in Cystatin C serum levels in patients treated with conventional surgery resulted in statistically significant lower values compared to endovascular aneurysm repair patients both postoperatively and at the time of discharge (0.760 ± 0.225 vs. 0.962 ± 0.353, p < 0.05; 0.750 vs. 0.156, p < 0.05). Both multivariate linear regression models and propensity score adjustment confirm that, even after correction for previously observed intergroup differences, type of surgery, i.e. endovascular aneurysm repair is independently associated with the higher levels of Cystatin C both postoperatively and at the discharge. Conclusions Dynamics of Cystatin C levels have been proven as a more vulnerable marker of renal dysfunction. Endovascular aneurysm repair is associated with higher levels of kidney injury markers.

Open Repair of AAA in a High Volume Center.

OBJECTIVE: To assess results of open repair (OR) of AAA in a single high volume center. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data of 450 patients who underwent elective OR of AAA at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of the Serbian Clinical Centre in the period between January 2013 and September 2014. RESULTS: Postoperative death occurred in seven patients (1. 55%) during the first 30 postoperative days. The mortality was caused by: uncontrolled bleeding-1, acute myocardial infarction-1, ischemic colitis-2, MOFS-2, sepsis due to infection and dehiscence of laparotomy wound-1. Coronary artery disease (OR 3.89; CI 0.85-17.7; p = 0.0058), postoperative acute myocardial infarction (OR 29.9; CI 2.56-334.95; p = 0.0053), chronic renal failure (OR 7.5; CI 1.35-8.5; p = 0.0073), colonic necrosis (OR 88.2; CI 4.77-1629.69; p = 0.0026), occlusion of the both hypogastric arteries and the inability to preserve at least one hypogastric artery (OR 17.4; CI 1.99-178.33; p = 0.0230), aortobifemoral reconstruction (OR 9.06; CI 1.76-46.49; p = 0.016), significant perioperative bleeding (>2 L) (OR 7.32; CI 1.31-10.79; p = 0.0001), hostile abdomen (OR 5.25; CI 1.3-21.1; p = 0.0055), inflammatory aneurysm (OR 13.99; CI 2.88-65.09; p = 0.0002), supraceliac aortic cross-clamping (OR 18.7; CI 3.8-90.6; p = 0.0003), prolonged aortic cross-clamping (>60 min) (OR 14.25; CI 2.75-64.5; p = 0.0003), the intraoperative hypotension (OR 6.61; CI 0.71-61.07; p = 0.0545), the prolonged operation (>240 min) (OR 8.66; CI 0.91-81.56; p = 0.0585) and complete dehiscence of the laparotomy (OR 44.1; CI 3.39-572.78; p = 0.0396) increased the 30-day mortality in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Early mortality after open repair of AAA in high volume center might be very low due to experienced multidisciplinary team. Centralized open aortic surgery might be solution for effective treatment of patients with unsuitable anatomy or for young patients with long life expectancy.

Abdominal Aortic Surgery in the Presence of Inferior Vena Cava Anomalies: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Left-sided inferior vena cava (LIVC) and duplicated inferior vena cava (DIVC) are rare asymptomatic congenital abnormalities. Unrecognized, these anomalies can be the source of major injuries and cause serious life-threatening bleeding complications especially during abdominal aortic surgery. METHODS: Retrospective data for patients with 2 major inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies that underwent aortic surgery over a 13-year period were collected. Patient demographics, type of aortic disease and caval anomaly, surgical approach, type of aortic reconstruction associated with procedure on caval vein, postoperative complications, and in-hospital mortality were recorded. RESULTS: There were 9 patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies who underwent aortic surgery. All of them were men, with a median age of 66.2 years. Seven had an LIVC and 2 had DIVC. Five patients were operated on due to abdominal aortic aneurysm and 4 due to aortoiliac occlusive disease. In all patients, a midline transperitoneal aortic approach was performed. In 5 cases, the left IVC had to be temporarily resected and later reconstructed, and in the other 4 it was just mobilized. There were no postoperative complications except in one patient who developed deep vein thrombosis in the left calf; this was successfully treated with anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSION: Due to favorable results and low incidence of perioperative complications and in the absence of other associated abdominal pathology, we propose the midline transperitoneal approach with mobilization or temporary resection of LIVC.

Transient Acute Leg Ischemia in a Professional Athlete Caused by Isolated Popliteal Artery Dissection Mimicking Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome.

Exertional leg pain includes a broad range of conditions induced by different vascular, musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders. We report a case with isolated popliteal artery dissection as a cause of a transient acute lower limb ischemia. We report a patient with popliteal artery dissection which occurred during squatting exercise. After initial signs of transient acute limb ischemia, physical and ultrasound examination pointed to entrampment syndrome as a likely cause. However, digital subtraction angiography showed possible dissection of popliteal artery, which was confirmed intraoperatively. Popliteal artery was resected and reversed saphenous vein bypass was performed. Isolated popliteal artery dissection in professional athletes is a rare entity, which can be manifested with exertional leg pain. Clinical findings can sometimes be similar to those of popliteal entrapment syndrome. Clinical suspicion and timely patient referral to a vascular specialist are crucial for optimal treatment of this limb-threatening condition.

Treatment of a Patient with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The surgical tactics in cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and intra-abdominal malignancy are not uniform in the literature and are still a matter of debate. In this case report, we present a patient with coexisting AAA and primary liver cancer managed by simultaneous open AAA repair and liver resection After laparotomy and intraoperative liver ultrasonography that confirmed resectability of the tumor, aneurysm repair was performed with aorto-aortic tube grafting after interrenal cross-clamping Radiofrequency-assisted liver transection was performed to complete an anterior anatomic resection of liver segments VI and VII. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on a postoperative day 10. METHODS: This was prospective follow up of one patient. RESULTS: The patient is free from disease at 18-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The best treatment strategy for patients with AAA and malignant disease is still not clearly defined. Strategy selection is made individually according to the risk of rupture of AAA, general condition of the patient, experience of the teams that should perform the procedure and estimated life expectancy after resection of malignant disease.

Open Surgical Treatment of Secondary Aortoesophageal and Aortobronchial Fistula after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair and Esophagocoloplasty in a Second Procedure.

Aortoesophageal (AEF) and aortobronchial fistula (ABF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are rare complications with catastrophic consequences without treatment. In this case report, we presented a patient with AEF and ABF after TEVAR successfully treated with endograft explantation and replaced by Dacron graft followed by esophagectomy and left principal bronchus repairing. We report a patient with AEF and ABF after TEVAR who was evaluated due to dysphagia and chest pain followed by hematemesis and hemoptysis. Endoscopic examination revealed lesion of the esophageal wall with chronic abscess formation and stent-graft protrusion into the cavity. Patient was operated on with extracorporeal circulation. AEF and ABF were confirmed intraoperatively. Endograft was explanted and in situ reconstruction of thoracic aorta was carried out with tubular Dacron 22-mm prosthesis wrapped with omental flap. After aortic reconstruction, esophageal mucosal stripping was performed with cervical esophagostomy, pyloromyotomy, and Stamm-Kader gastrostomy for nutrition. In addition, omentoplasty of the defect in the left principal bronchus was performed. To re-establish peroral food intake esophagocoloplasty was carried out 8 months after previous surgery utilizing transversosplenic segment of the colon and retrosternal route. In very selective cases, stent-graft explantation and in situ reconstruction with Dacron graft covered by omental flap followed by esophagectomy and bronchus repairing permit adequate debridement reducing the risk of mediastinitis and graft infection and allow a safe esophageal reconstruction in a second procedure.

Morphological and Biomechanical Features in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Long and Short Neck-Case-Control Study in 64 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Both, open and endovascular, procedures are related to higher complication rate in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with shorter neck. Previous study showed that long-neck AAA might have lower risk of rupture. Estimation of biomechanical forces in AAA improves rupture risk assessment. The aim of this study was to compare morphological features and biomechanical forces in the short- and long-neck AAA with threshold of 15 mm. METHODS: Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine images of 64 aneurysms were prospectively collected and analyzed in a case-control study. Using commercially available software, Peak wall Stress (PWS) and Rupture Risk Equivalent Diameter (RRED) were determined. Difference between the maximal aneurysm diameter (MAD) and RRED was calculated and expressed as an absolute and relative (percentage of the MAD) value. In addition, volume of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) was calculated and expressed relative to AAA volume. RESULTS: Study included 64 AAA divided in group with long (36, 56.25%), and short (28, 43.75%) neck. There was no correlation between neck length and MAD, PWS, and RRED (P = 0.646, P = 0.421, and P = 0.405, respectively). Relative ILT volume was greater in the short-neck aneurysms (P = 0.033). Relative difference between RRED and MAD was -4% and -14.8% in short- and long-neck aneurysms, respectively (P = 0.029). The difference between RRED and MAD was positive in 14/28 patients (50%) with short neck and in 6/35 patients (17.14%) with long neck (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our biomechanical analysis, in AAA with neck longer than 15 mm rupture risk might be lower than the risk estimated by its diameter. It might be explained with lower relative volume of ILT.

Open Treatment of Blunt Injuries of Supra-Aortic Branches: Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Blunt injuries of the supra-aortic branches are rare entity, and majority of patients die before arrival at the hospital. Those who arrive alive require complex and fast procedure that requires sternotomy. We report 3 successfully managed cases. CASE REPORTS: We report 3 patients with injury of supra-aortic branches. One was treated urgently due to longitudinal rupture on the posterior wall of innominate artery after car accident, and another 2 had chronic false aneurysm located at the very orifice of the right subclavian and left common carotid artery. In first and second patient bypass grafting with a hand-made, Y-shaped, 8-mm Dacron graft from the ascending aorta to the right common carotid and proximal right subclavian artery were performed, whereas in last 1 bypass grafting from the ascending aorta to the cervical part of the left common carotid artery was performed. In our facility, there were no possibilities for any endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: When endovascular technology is not available, open surgical repair of blunt injuries of supra-aortic vessels can be performed without complications. No matter to that, endovascular and hybrid procedures should be considered whenever possible.

The Rationale for Continuing Open Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Mortality after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) remains high. The purpose of this study is to present the results of open RAAA treatment observing 2 different 10-year periods in a single high-volume center and to consider the possibilities of result improvement in the future. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 729 RAAA patients who were treated through 1991-2001 (229 patients, Group A) and 2002-2011 (500 patients, Group B) was performed. Variables significantly associated with mortality were defined and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall 30-day mortality in Group A was 53.7% (123/229 patients) with intraoperative mortality of 13.5% (31/229 patients), while in Group B it was 37.4% (187/500 patients) with intraoperative mortality of 12.4% (62/500 patients). Overall 30-day mortality was significantly lower in Group B (P = 0.012). There was no difference regarding intraoperative mortality (P = 0.797). Preoperative severe hemodynamic instability (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), cardiac arrest (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), consciousness deterioration (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), renal malfunction (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), and significant anemia (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality in both A and B groups, respectively. Aortic cross-clamping level in Group A was predominantly infrarenal (68%) while in Group B it was mostly supraceliac (53%) (P < 0.001). Cross-clamping time, duration of surgery, and type of aortic reconstruction had no influence on survival in Group B (P > 0.05). Intraoperative hemodynamic instability (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), significant bleeding (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and low urine output (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) remained parameters that favored lethal outcome in both A and B groups, respectively. Cell saving was used only in Group B. The multivariate logistic regression applied on the complete sample of patients presented several significant predictors of lethal outcome: congestive heart failure on admission (odds ratio [OR] 1.954, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.103-3.460), intraperitoneal rupture (OR 3.009, 95% CI 1.771-5.423), aortofemoral reconstruction (OR 1.928, 95% CI 1.044-3.563), and total operative time (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.010). Postoperative multisystem organ failure (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), respiratory (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) and renal (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) failure, postoperative bleeding (P < 0.05), and cerebrovascular incidents (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) significantly increased mortality in both A and B groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although unselective, aggressive surgical approach in RAAA performed by teams experienced in open repair can improve patient's survival. Short admission/surgery time, supraceliac aortic cross-clamping, and the use of intraoperative cell saving are recommended.

The role of kinesitherapy and electrotherapeutic procedures in non-operative management of patients with intermittent claudications.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of physical therapy (kinesitherapy and electrotherapeutic procedures) on the course of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by monitoring the changes in values of claudication distance and ankle-brachial indexes. METHODS: Prospective randomized study included 47 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease manifested by intermittent claudications associated with ankle-brachial indexes values ranging from 0.5 to 0.9. Patients from the first group (25 pts) were treated with medicamentous therapy, walking exercises beyond the pain threshold, dynamic low-burden kinesi exercises and electrotherapeutic ageneses (interference therapy, diadynamic therapy, and electromagnetic field), while the second group of patients (22 pts) was treated with "conventional" non-operative treatment - medicamentous therapy and walking exercises. The values of newly established absolute claudication distance and ankle-brachial indexes were measured. FINDINGS: Significant increase of absolute claudication distance in both groups of patients was registered, independently of therapeutic protocol applied (p < 0.001), as well as the increase in the claudication distance interval in the physical therapy group. There was no significant increase in ankle-brachial indexes values in both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Methods of physical therapy presented valuable supplement in non-operative treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease patients, improving their functional ability and thus postponing surgical treatment. However, further investigations including larger number of patients are needed.

Giant Posttraumatic Cervical Hematoma: Acute Presentation of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in an Adolescent.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare case of acute presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 19-year-old male presented with an expanding cervical mass following blunt trauma. A computed tomography scan revealed a mass suspected to be hematoma that was compressing the vessels and thereby deviating the trachea. Immediate surgery was performed. Neither vascular injury nor active bleeding was seen; instead, a solid, hematoma-like tumefaction in the right thyroid lobe was revealed. A total thyroid lobectomy was performed. A histologic paraffin section confirmed a PTC that was permeated by hematoma. CONCLUSION: This was a unique case of an acute, life-threatening presentation of previously asymptomatic PTC in an adolescent.

Female and obese patients might have higher risk from surgical repair of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the results after carotid endarterectomy performed for asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) in a single high-volume center and define the factors that increase perioperative stroke and mortality rate. METHODS: This observational study that analyzes prospectively collected data includes 1,567 patients with ACS operated in the period between 2007 and 2012. RESULTS: Most patients were male, 1,037 (66.18%), with mean age of 63.6 years. Perioperative death rate was 0.38%. The most frequent causes of death were stroke and myocardial infarction. The total perioperative stroke/transient ischemic attack rate was 2.81%. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that females (P = 0.028) and obese (P = 0.060) patients have higher risk of perioperative stroke after surgical repair of ACS with odds ratio (OR) of 2.008 and 2.342. The early mortality was significantly higher in candidates for coroanary artery bypass grafting (P = 0.018). Stroke and mortality are related to obesity and ischemic heart disease with OR of 2.407 and 2.097, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, female and obese patients are prone to stroke after carotid endarterectomy. Further study of the effects of female gender and obesity on surgical outcomes is warranted before medical therapy is considered the preferred treatment for these patients.