Outcomes and Predictors of Morbidity after Carotid Body Tumor Resection.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are uncommon neuroendocrine tumors at the carotid bifurcation treated with resection. The goal of this study was to examine patient outcomes after CBT resection and establish predictors of morbidity. METHODS: Patients undergoing CBT resection were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database over 11 years. Demographics, past medical history, preoperative labs, procedural details, morbidity and mortality were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of morbidity. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2020, 668 CBT resections were identified. The majority of patients were female (65%) and White (72%) with a mean age of 56 (standard deviation [SD] ± 16). Average body mass index (BMI) was 29.9 (SD ± 7.1). Arterial resection occurred in 81 patients (12%). 6% of patients experienced morbidity, most commonly re-operation (2.4%). Morbidity was more common in patients with higher BMI (33.1 vs. 29.7, P = 0.005), chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (10% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.012), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (P = 0.005), and lower albumin (3.7 vs. 4, P = 0.016). Morbidity was not increased with arterial resection (P = 1) or based on length of operation (P = 0.169). Morbidity did not impact mortality (P = 0.06) though led to longer length of stay [LOS] (8 days vs. 2.4, P < 0.001). On MLR, preoperative BMI was the only risk factor for morbidity (odds ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.1, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: CBT resection is very well tolerated with low stroke rates, morbidity, and mortality. Arterial resection leads to increased transfusion requirements and LOS but did not increase stroke rates, mortality, or overall morbidity. Within the NSQIP database, preoperative BMI was the only predictor of postoperative morbidity, which leads to significantly longer LOS.

Nasal Intubation is not Associated with "Smoother" Emergence from General Anesthesia for Carotid Endarterectomy: A Case-Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative hematoma after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a devastating complication and may be more likely in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and coughing on emergence from anesthesia. We sought to determine if intubation with a nasal endotracheal tube (ETT)-instead of an oral ETT-is associated with "smoother" (i.e., less hemodynamic instability) emergence from general anesthesia for CEA. METHODS: Patients receiving CEA between December 2015 and September 2021 at a single tertiary academic medical center were included. We examined the electronic anesthesia records for 323 patients who underwent CEA during the 6-year study period and recorded consecutive systolic blood pressure (SBP) values during the 10 minutes before extubation as a surrogate for "smoothness" of the emergence. RESULTS: Intubation with a nasal ETT, when compared with intubation with an oral ETT, was not associated with any difference in maximum, minimum, average, median, or standard deviation of serial SBP values in the 10 minutes before extubation. The average SBP on emergence for patients with an oral ETT was 141 mm Hg and with a nasal ETT was 144 mm Hg (P = 0.562). The maximum SBP for patients with oral and nasal ETTs were 170 mm Hg and 174 mm Hg, respectively (P = 0.491). There were also no differences in the qualitative "smoothness" of emergence or in the percentage of patients who required an intravenous dose of 1 or more antihypertensive medications. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: When SBP is used as a surrogate for smoothness of emergence from general anesthesia for CEA, intubation with a nasal ETT was not associated with better hemodynamic stability compared to intubation with an oral ETT.

Can remote endarterectomy expand access to kidney transplantation in patients with severe iliac calcification?

Severe iliac artery calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease is a common barrier to listing for kidney transplant. While few surgical solutions to iliac calcification have been reported, improving treatment may thus improve access to transplant care. Here we present two cases of a novel application of remote endarterectomy of the external iliac artery to facilitate listing for renal transplant. Both patients were listed following remote endarterectomy, followed by successful renal transplants using the treated vessels.

Evaluating the Safety of Transcarotid Artery Revascularization under Local Anesthesia Prior to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the timing of intervention for patients with critical coronary artery disease (CAD) awaiting coronary artery bypass and severe carotid artery stenosis (CAS). Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a minimally invasive revascularization alternative through direct transcervical carotid access that minimizes the chance of arch manipulation and consequent antegrade embolic stroke rate. While the TCAR procedure can be performed under local anesthesia (monitored anesthesia care [MAC]) versus general anesthesia, the hemodynamic benefits of local anesthesia in patients with severe CAD are significant. Patients receiving staged TCAR-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have high-risk cardiovascular disease and require accurate perioperative neurological and hemodynamic evaluation that can be safely provided with local anesthesia. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, 14 patients were systematically identified to have undergone staged TCAR prior to CABG surgery from December 2018 to October 2021. All patients underwent TCAR with local anesthesia and minimal sedation. Relevant patient demographics, medical and surgical history, preoperative covariates, and type of anesthesia administered were obtained from patients' charts. CAD was confirmed by either carotid duplex imaging or computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the head/neck. RESULTS: Staged TCAR-CABG interventions were performed on 14 patients (64% male; mean age 65.0 years). No major adverse cardiac events were reported including transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or TCAR-related death in the interval between their TCAR and CABG as well as in a 12-month follow-up period. One patient required to return to the operating room (OR) for evacuation of a neck hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated high success rate of TCAR under local anesthesia prior to CABG (100%) with no incidence of perioperative stroke, MI, or death at 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up intervals. The authors support the use of staged TCAR-CABG with local anesthesia as a safe and promising treatment option for patients with high-grade cardiac disease, high risk of stroke, or multiple comorbidities that preclude a carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Transferred for Treatment of Acute Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Patients requiring emergent vascular surgery often undergo transfer from one facility to another for definitive surgical care. In this study, we analyzed morbidity and mortality in patients presenting for emergent lower extremity thrombectomy and embolectomy in the transferred and nontransferred populations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for all nonelective, emergent lower extremity embolectomy or thrombectomy (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] 34,201 and 34,203) performed between 2011 and 2014. Demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day complications, and outcomes were compared among patients presenting from home versus those presenting from another hospital, emergency department, or nursing home. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the association between mode of presentation, major complications, and death. RESULTS: We identified 1,954 patients who underwent emergent lower extremity embolectomy or thrombectomy. 40.7% (795 patients) were identified as transfer patients. Odds of transfer were significantly increased if a patient was functionally dependent (odds ratio OR 1.95, P < 0.001) or had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 1.348, P = 0.05). Odds of transfer were decreased if a patient was of a nonWhite race (OR 0.511, P < 0.001). 11.7% (229) patients in the described cohort died within 30 days of surgery. Those who died were more likely to present to the treating hospital as a transfer (56.3% vs. 38.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, transfer status was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (OR 1.9: 95% confidence interval CI 1.40-2.64; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients transferred from an outside hospital or nursing home who present for emergent vascular procedures demonstrated increased mortality compared to those who present from home direct to the emergency department despite similar comorbid conditions. In addition, race was identified as an independent factor for transfer. Further studies are needed to understand the complex interactions between inter-hospital transfer patterns, emergency vascular surgery presentations, and racial biases to improve outcomes for this population.

Spontaneous Thrombosis of an Isolated Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAAs) are uncommon but potentially morbid lesions that are a challenge to monitor and treat. However, given the small numbers of reported cases and high rates of incidentally discovered lesions, the natural history of isolated IIAAs is not well characterized. This case describes an atypical and previously unreported spontaneous thrombosis of an isolated IIAA, a lesion typically thought to progressively enlarge and rupture. METHODS: Medical records and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed with the approval of our Institutional Review Board. A single patient underwent fluoroscopic angiography followed by computed tomography (CT) angiography, with no subsequent operative intervention. RESULTS: An isolated 5.5 cm left IIAA was discovered incidentally on CT scan and subsequently seen with fluoroscopic pelvic angiography. Three weeks following initial angiography, repeat pelvic angiography and CT scan demonstrated spontaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated IIAAs are conditions for which the natural history remains uncertain despite their potential risk for rupture and mortality. Spontaneous thrombosis of these lesions is possible, suggesting that the natural history as previously described warrants further consideration.

Ultrasound-assisted catheter directed thrombolysis for pulmonary embolus during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death. For patients who are hemodynamically unstable, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support has been shown to provide hemodynamic stability, and allow time for definitive treatment and recovery. Ultrasound-assisted catheter directed thrombolysis (USAT) has the potential to be a safe adjunct and expedite right ventricular (RV) recovery for patients requiring VA-ECMO for PE. METHODS: A review of all VA-ECMO patients from January 2017 to September 2019 was performed. A total of 49 of these patients were cannulated due to a PE. USAT therapy was used as an adjunct in 6 (12%) of these patients. These 6 patients were given standardized USAT therapy with EKOs catheters at 1 mg/h of tissue plasminogen activator with an unfractionated heparin infusion for additional systemic anticoagulation. Outcomes, including in-hospital death, 90-day survival, RV recovery, and complications, were examined in the cohort of patients that received USAT as an adjunct to ECMO. RESULTS: Median age was 54 years old. Five of the six patients presented with a massive PE and had a PE severity score of Class V. One patient presented with a submassive PE with a Bova score of 2, but was cannulated to VA-ECMO in the setting of worsening RV function. All patients demonstrated recovery of RV function, were free from in-hospital death, and were alive at 90-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: Ekosonic endovascular system therapy may be a safe and feasible adjunct for patients on VA-ECMO for PE, and allow for survival with RV recovery with minimal complications.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of predilation and postdilation in transfemoral carotid artery stenting.

OBJECTIVE: In this review, we evaluate the short-term impact of different ballooning combinations on hemodynamic instability neurologic events, and mortality associated with carotid artery stenting. METHODS: We used a search strategy to identify studies in the Cochrane Library trials register, PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the US National Library of Medicine clinical trial databases up to May 2019. Studies reporting either hemodynamic instability, neurologic events, or mortality were included according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis. Fixed and random models were used to summarize the effects. RESULTS: Of seven included cohort studies for qualitative review, six were selected for meta-analysis. Patients without postdilation had significantly less hemodynamic instability in the random effects model (risk ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.77; P = .001). Regardless of the dilation type, the overall summary effect in the fixed model showed a significant decrease in the risk of developing short-term neurologic events (risk ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.97; P = .03). Last, the exclusion of either of the two dilation techniques had no significant effect on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Avoiding postdilation reduces perioperative hemodynamic instability and this benefit lasts at least up to 30 days. Regardless of the type, fewer dilations during carotid artery stenting possibly decreases the neurologic events during and 30 days after the procedure. The data also suggest that the residual stenoses above current practiced standard may provide a safer threshold to prompt postdilation. Statements about the long-term effects of dilation techniques requires more study.

Autogenous Femoral Vein for Secondary Repair of Subclavian Arteries: A Salvage Solution for Complex Clinical Scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular stent and prosthetic graft placement are commonplace techniques for correction of subclavian artery (SCA) lesions. However, when initial surgical repair of the SCA becomes complicated by subsequent infection or thrombosis of the repair site, stents and prosthetic grafts are no longer suitable for secondary repair due to the risk of recurrent failure and limited longevity. Autogenous tissue is more resistant to infection and has improved long-term patency, and thus may be a better option for secondary reconstruction in these complex clinical scenarios. The most commonly used autogenous conduit for SCA reconstruction is the great saphenous vein; however, the significant size mismatch makes this unsuitable in many circumstances. The autogenous femoral vein is a promising alternative conduit for SCA repair. Here we present 3 successful cases of its use as a salvage technique following iatrogenic complications of prior surgical repair. METHODS: From 2015 to 2019, 3 patients underwent harvest of the femoral vein for use in SCA repair, with 2 carotid-axillary bypasses and 1 carotid-subclavian bypass. Indications included a mycotic pseudoaneurysm secondary to an infected SCA stent, an SCA avulsion secondary to an infected carotid-subclavian bypass graft, and an occluded SCA stent in a young patient. Postoperative graft patency was monitored via clinical resolution of symptoms and maintenance of perfusion, intact pulses, and arterial duplex or computed tomography (CT) scan. RESULTS: All these patients had a good outcome following their procedures. Each had intact radial pulses immediately postoperatively and maintained normal perfusion to the upper extremity for the duration of follow-up, with bypass patency confirmed via CT scan or arterial duplex. The SCA repair also allowed for salvage of the upper extremity and symptomatic relief in all patients. None of the patients developed deep vein thrombosis in the donor extremity, and neither of the infected patients developed recurrent infection of the repair site. CONCLUSIONS: The success of these cases demonstrates that the autogenous femoral vein is an effective and safe option for SCA reconstruction. It is particularly useful for secondary salvage when prior surgical repair via standard techniques is complicated by infection or thrombosis, and when target vessel size precludes the use of the great saphenous vein. This is an excellent choice of conduit that vascular surgeons should consider for use in complex SCA repairs.

Endovascular Vertebral Artery Transposition Using Flow Reversal Technique for Left Subclavian Artery Stump Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cerebellar strokes are a rare complication related to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This can manifest in an indolent manner or as a neurological catastrophe. Often it is unclear when a surgical intervention would be needed. Patients at risk for this relatively rare complication are not easily identified. CASE: We describe an endovascular option with flow reversal for left vertebral artery transposition using stent grafts for relocating arterial inflow and excluding a floating thrombus at the proximal subclavian artery (SCA) related to a previous TEVAR. CONCLUSIONS: Ligation of the subclavian artery proximal to the vertebral artery should be considered when performing a carotid subclavian bypass for elective TEVAR. This case details a unique, less invasive approach for vertebral artery transposition and thrombus exclusion in a high-risk patient with previous neck dissection.

Transcarotid Endovascular Repair of Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms Using Flow Reversal for Distal Embolic Protection.

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) have a low incidence between 0.4% and 4% of all peripheral artery aneurysms and involving 0.1-2% of all carotid artery procedures. Some form of repair is generally warranted as nonoperative management has shown mortality as high as 71%. However, to date a standard method for ECAA repair has not been suggested. Generally, open surgical repair is the preferred technique; however, it has its own limitations and risks. Recently, endovascular approach is increasingly being used not only for the elective repair of unruptured ECAA but also for the management of ruptured ECAA. Herein we present 3 cases of distal extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with placement of stent grafts.

Type B Aortic Dissection Complicated by Intimo-Intimal Intussusception and Extensive Intimal Denuding: Case Report with Long-term Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic dissection rarely results in circumferential dissections of the aortic intima that may lead to intimo-intimal intussusception (IIS) with complete separation from the aortic wall. Circumferential dissection may then result in distal embolization of the involved intima and media, adding considerable complexity to the management of such cases. Despite the severity of this complication, the natural history of aortic disease following extensive intimal denuding and IIS is not well documented in the literature. Here we present a case with long-term follow-up of type B aortic dissection (TBAD) complicated by IIS and embolization of the intima into the distal aorta following thoracic endovascular aortic repair. METHODS: Medical records and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed with the approval of the Institutional Review Board. A single patient underwent repair of a TBAD that was complicated by IIS, with follow-up for 6 years. Aortic recovery was monitored with serial computerized tomography scans. RESULTS: During endovascular stent deployment, the patient's dissection progressed circumferentially, leading to distal embolization of the intima and aortic occlusion. An open transabdominal aortic exploration was performed to extract the embolized intima. Despite this severe aortic structural disruption, the patient recovered well postoperatively and exhibited favorable aortic remodeling over long-term follow-up. The denuded aorta did not rupture or develop progressive worsening aneurysmal dilation and the diameter of the involved aortic segment remained stable during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Acute TBADs can progress to circumferential intimal separation and IIS when managed with endovascular stenting and balloon dilation. Continued endovascular management once IIS has occurred may lead to further intimal damage, resulting in distal embolization of the intima and aortic occlusion. Thus, IIS may require conversion to open repair. However, in the event that loss of the aortic intima does occur following IIS, it is possible for the denuded aorta to recover well and remain stable with favorable remodeling over long-term follow-up.

An Alternative Approach to Carotid Endarterectomy in the High Carotid Bifurcation.

BACKGROUND: Surgical exposure of a high carotid bifurcation (HCB) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can be technically challenging due to the presence of bony structures in the most cranial portion of the neck and is associated with significant morbidity making carotid artery stenting (CAS) a common alternative. However, a high transverse neck incision with subplatysmal flaps facilitates CEA in these patients without additional exposure techniques. We present a high transverse neck incision with subplatysmal flaps as an alternative to the standard surgical exposure of the carotid bifurcation to facilitate CEA in patients with HCB. METHODS: Four patients with carotid bifurcations located cranial to the C3-4 vertebral interspace (identified on preoperative imaging) requiring intervention underwent CEA using a high transverse neck incision through an existing skin crease with subplatysmal flap elevation. CEA was performed in a standard fashion with bovine pericardial patch. RESULTS: Two male and 2 female patients with an average age of 65 years successfully underwent CEA using this incision. One patient underwent concurrent carotid body tumor excision. None of the patients required mandibulotomy or hyoid bone resection. Two patients required division of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. There were no perioperative complications. Primary patency was 100% in the 4 patients with surveillance studies, and mean follow-up of 160 days (range 54-369 days). There were no significant cranial nerve injuries. No patient required conversion to an endovascular procedure due to inaccessibility of the lesion or subsequent interventions for incomplete endarterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: A high transverse incision with subplatysmal flaps is a safe, effective, and cosmetically preferable surgical approach in patients with HCB requiring carotid artery intervention and may be an alternative to CAS.

Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device After Descending Aortic Stent Graft for Mural Thrombus.

In patients with intraluminal thrombus, commonly applied temporary circulatory support modalities are contraindicated secondary to concern regarding distal or proximal (specifically veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) embolization of the thrombus. Therefore, in patients with cardiogenic shock and synchronous intraluminal descending aortic thrombus, support options are quite limited. We report a case of a 66-year-old man in cardiogenic shock, due to an ischemic cardiomyopathy, who also had intramural thrombus with an intraluminal component in the descending thoracic aorta. An endovascular stent graft was inserted inside the aorta over the location of the mural thrombus. This allowed for the placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) for pre-operative optimization. After 3 days, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted via left anterolateral thoracotomy with hemi-sternotomy, and the IABP was removed. Post-operatively, he had a relatively uncomplicated course without signs of embolic phenomena and ultimately was discharged home. Surveillance computed tomography imaging at 6 months showed no endovascular leak or migration of the stent. This case demonstrates the feasibility of aortic stent graft placement to allow safe insertion of an IABP in the setting of aortic mural thrombus.  Furthermore, it demonstrates the safety and feasibility of LVAD implantation after recent aortic stent graft placement.

Considerations beyond Stenosis for Carotid Endarterectomy in Treating Free-Floating Thrombus of the Carotid Artery.

BACKGROUND: Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the carotid artery is an uncommon condition that can present with neurologic symptoms, often in the setting of ischemic stroke. The literature pertaining to the incidence and optimal treatment of this condition is limited. Herein, we report our contemporary experience with FFT across a range of degrees of carotid stenosis. METHODS: Medical records and imaging studies from a single academic medical center from January 2016 to July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, presentation, treatment, and follow-up were abstracted. RESULTS: Six cases of FFT of the carotid artery with and without hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic disease were identified. All cases presented with ischemic stroke; one case had a hemorrhagic conversion. In each case, the FFT was visualized by at least one imaging modality including computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and duplex ultrasound. Three patients had >50% carotid stenosis and three had <50%. All cases were treated with endarterectomy. Four of the six patients received preoperative anticoagulation. There were no postoperative complications. Median follow-up was 252 days, with one case lost to follow-up. Four of the six patients have been without restenosis, recurrence of the thrombus, nor worsening or recurrent stroke on follow-up. The fifth patient developed restenosis but remained clinically stable. CONCLUSIONS: Although current society guidelines do not recommend carotid endarterectomy as first-line treatment for symptomatic patients with <50% stenosis, it may be indicated in the context of FFT.

Endovascular Reconstruction of the Hepatic Arterial System for the Management of Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm in a Liver Transplant Patient.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but very morbid complication after liver transplant. Treatment options include ligation or endovascular embolization, followed by revascularization. We describe a new endovascular approach by stent exclusion in a high-risk patient. RESULTS: A 62-year-old male who received a second liver transplant after failed allograft presented with hemobilia and was diagnosed with a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm in the setting of infection. Given his hostile abdomen, an endovascular approach was sought. We excluded the mycotic pseudoaneurysm with multiple covered stent grafts extending from the common hepatic artery to the right and left hepatic arteries. He was discharged with long-term antibiotics. On his 6-month follow-up visit, his stent was patent and hepatic function was stable. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular stent-graft placement for management of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplant should be considered as a lower morbidity alternative to surgical repair, even in the setting of infection.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) Not Yet Applicable for Widespread Out-of-Hospital Use: A Case of Nonsurvivable Complication from Prolonged REBOA Inflation.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is being considered for temporizing catastrophic hemorrhage before arriving at a specialty center for definitive surgical management. CASE: We describe the clinical case of a 72-year-old male with a ruptured infrarenal aortic abdominal aneurysm initially stabilized with REBOA at an outside facility and transferred to our care. Transport time was >100 minutes. Despite successful surgical repair of the ruptured aneurysm, the patient expired from multiple-organ failure likely related to ischemia-reperfusion injuries from prolonged balloon occlusion of the aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia-mitigating techniques and therapies need to improve drastically before the clinical application of REBOA can be effectively extended to outside the vicinity of specialty centers.

A Unique Bailout Method for the Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurism with a Narrow Iliac Bifurcation.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) became the procedure of first choice for the repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in the last decades. However, narrow distal aorta remains to be the main limiting factor for the use of EVAR. A limited number of bail-out procedures have been described in the literature to overcome this problem. METHODS: A 69-year-old male was transferred to our institution for the repair of a ruptured AAA. His initial presentation mimicked an acute coronary syndrome, provoking a cardiac catheterization that documented a ruptured AAA. RESULTS: The patient was brought to the operating room for EVAR, but his distal aorta was severely narrowed, preventing the use of a bifurcated graft. We had to convert the bifurcated graft to a unigraft and place two additional grafts extending into the iliac arteries to fix the type I endoleak that we encountered at the distal end of the unigraft. He recovered well postoperatively, and his repair was found to be stable at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The surgical technique that we are presenting here is a unique bail-out procedure that can be used as an alternative solution to the narrow distal aortas.

Surgical Scarring after Arterial Bypass, an Etiology of Venous Hypertension.

Venous ulcers can be a chronic debilitating condition with a high rate of recurrence. Herein, we describe a case of a patient who successfully underwent an arterial bypass for rest pain but returned with lower extremity swelling and venous ulcers. Venography demonstrated a focal common femoral vein stenosis due to scarring from the surgical exposure. This was treated with endovenous stenting and resulted in resolution of the swelling and ulceration.

Transcervical Carotid Artery Stenting Using a Prosthetic Arterial Conduit: Case Series of a Novel Surgical Technique.

We present a series of 4 patients with carotid restenosis following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) who underwent transcervical carotid artery stenting (CAS) using a novel prosthetic conduit technique. The patients were high risk for repeat CEA (short and obese necks) and had contraindications to transfemoral CAS (bovine arch, prior dissection). CAS was thus performed via a transcervical approach with a polytetrafluoroethylene conduit anastomosed to the proximal common carotid artery. The addition of a conduit allowed stent placement via a secure, stable platform. All patients recovered from their procedure without incident and are free from restenosis at follow-up.