Assessment of fitness for open repair in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) was originally designed as a treatment modality for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) deemed unfit for open repair. However, the definition of "unfit for open repair" is largely subjective and heterogenous. The purpose of this study was to compare patients deemed unfit for open repair who underwent EVAR to a matched cohort who underwent open repair for infrarenal AAAs. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative of the Society for Vascular Surgery was queried for patients who underwent EVAR and open infrarenal AAA repair from 2003 to 2022. Patients that underwent EVAR were included if they were deemed unfit for open repair by the operating surgeon. EVAR patients deemed unfit because of a hostile abdomen were excluded. Patients in both the open and EVAR datasets were excluded if their repair was deemed non-elective or if they had prior aortic surgery. EVAR patients were matched to a cohort of open patients. The primary outcome for this study was 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, major adverse cardiac events, pulmonary complications, non-home discharge, reinterventions, and 5-year survival. RESULTS: A total of 5310 EVAR patients were identified who were deemed unfit for open repair. Of those, 3028 EVAR patients (57.0%) were able to be matched 1:1 to a cohort of open patients. Open patients had higher rates of major adverse cardiac events (20.2% vs 4.4%; P < .001), pulmonary complications (12.8% vs 1.6%; P < .001), non-home discharges (28.5% vs 7.9%; P < .001), and 30-day mortality (4.5% vs 1.4%; P < .001). There were no differences in early survival, but open repair had better middle and late survival compared with EVAR over the course of 5 years. A total of 74 EVAR patients (2.4%) had reinterventions during the study period. EVAR patients that required interventions had higher 1-year (40.5% vs 7.3%; P < .001) and 5-year mortality (43.2% vs 14.1%; P < .001) compared with those that did not require reinterventions. EVAR patients who had reinterventions had higher 1-year (40.5% vs 6.3%; P < .001) and 5-year (43.2% vs 20.3%; P = .006) mortality compared with their matched open cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing EVAR for AAAs who are deemed unfit for open repair have better perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with open repair. However, patients who had an open repair had better middle and late survival over the course of 5 years. The categorization of unfitness for open surgery may be inaccurate and re-evaluation of this terminology/concept should be undertaken.

Outcomes utilizing inverted iliac limb bifurcate components in fenestrated/branched endografting.

INTRODUCTION: Utilization of standard bifurcate pieces in fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) requires adequate length from the lowest branch or fenestration to the aortic bifurcation. In patients with prior aortic surgery, the aortic bifurcation is often artificially established in a more proximal position, compromising the infrarenal length, which hinders the placement of a standard bifurcate component below the fenestrated/branched component. Short bifurcate bodies utilizing an inverted contralateral limb have been purpose-built to address this challenge. However, reported outcomes for this device remain limited, with specific concerns about the durability of the inverted iliac limb sealing region. We sought to evaluate outcomes of F/BEVAR utilizing an investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate, manufactured by Cook Medical. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively maintained data from the US-Aortic Research Consortium (US-ARC) from 2005-2022. Patients were included if they underwent F/BEVAR for thoracoabdominal or complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Patients were excluded if they did not have a bifurcate device placed. Patients were then compared based on the utilization of an inverted iliac limb or standard bifurcate component. The primary outcome for this study was technical success. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, freedom from ischemic leg complications, freedom from type 1 endoleaks (T1ELs), freedom from type 2 endoleaks (T2ELs), freedom from type 3 endoleaks (T3ELs), and graft component separations. RESULTS: A total of 1,944 patients met study criteria with 442 (22.8%) inverted iliac limb bifurcates and 1,502 (77.2%) standard bifurcates. Patients who received inverted iliac limbs were more likely to have had prior aortic surgery (63.8% versus 28.5%, P<.001). Patients receiving inverted iliac limbs had longer procedure times (265 minutes [IQR 201-342 minutes] versus 241 minutes [IQR 186-313 minutes], P<.001), more contrast usage (89 mL [IQR 55-135] versus 109 mL [IQR 75-156 mL], P<.001), and higher estimated blood loss (250 mL [IQR 150-500 mL] versus 250 mL [IQR 110-400 mL], P=.042). There were no differences in rates of technical success (97.3% versus 96.1%, P=.310), rates of endoleaks upon completion of the case (18.0% versus 21.4%, P=.123) or 30-day mortality (1.8% versus 2.5%, P=.466) between patients receiving inverted bifurcates and standard bifurcated components. There were no differences in cumulative survival, freedom from limb ischemia, freedom from aneurysm rupture, and freedom from T3ELs over the course of 5 years between patients receiving inverted bifurcates and standard bifurcated components. Patients with inverted iliac limb bifurcate components had decreased freedom from reinterventions, T1ELs, and T2ELs. After adjustment of potential confounders, the use of an inverted iliac limb was not associated with reinterventions (HR 1.044, 95 % CI 0.849-1.285, P=.682). There was a total of 2 (0.1%) component separations of the bifurcate component from the fenestrated/branched component over the study period, both of which occurred in the standard bifurcate components. CONCLUSION: The use of investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate components is a safe option with favorable mid-term outcomes in patients who are not anatomic candidates for standard bifurcate components. Patients undergoing investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate component implantation had decreased freedom from reinterventions which likely corresponds to the complexity of repair associated with them.

Identifying risk factors for postoperative ileus following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication following major abdominal surgery. The majority of the data available regarding POI following abdominal surgery is from the gastrointestinal and urologic literature. These data have been extrapolated to vascular surgery, especially with regards to enhanced recovery programs for open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery. However, vascular patients are a unique patient population and extrapolation of gastrointestinal and urological data may not necessarily be appropriate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to delineate the prevalence and risk factors of POI in patients undergoing open AAA surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-institution study of patients who underwent open AAA surgery from January 2016 to July 2023. Patients were excluded if they had undergone non-elective repairs or had expired within 72 hours of their index operation. The primary outcome was rates of POI, which was defined as the presence of two or more of the following after the third postoperative day: nausea and/or vomiting, inability to tolerate oral food intake, absence of flatus, abdominal distension, or radiological evidence of ileus. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients met study criteria with an overall POI rate of 8.9% (n=11). Patients who developed a POI had significantly lower BMIs (24.3 kg/m2 versus 27.1 kg/m2, P=.003), were more likely to undergo a transperitoneal approach (81.8% versus 42.0%, P=.022), midline laparotomy (81.8% versus 37.5%, P=.008), longer total clamp times (151.6 minutes versus 97.7 minutes, P=.018), larger amounts of intraoperative crystalloid infusion (3495 mL versus 2628 mL, P=.029), and were more likely to return to the operating room (27.3% versus 3.6%, P=.016). Proximal clamp site was not associated with POI (P=.463). POI patients also had higher rates of post-operative vasopressor use (100% versus 61.1%, P=.014) and larger amounts of oral morphine equivalents in the first 3 post-operative days (488.0 mg + 216.0 versus 203.8 mg + 29.6 P=.016). Patients who developed POI had longer lengths of stay (12.5 days versus 7.6 days, P<.001), longer duration of NGT decompression (5.9 days versus 2.2 days, P<.001), and a longer period of time before diet tolerance (9.1 days versus 3.7 days, P<.001). Of those that developed a POI (n=11), 4 (36.4%) required total parental nutrition during the admission. CONCLUSION: POI is a morbid complication amongst patients undergoing elective open AAA surgery that significantly prolongs hospital stay. Patients at risk for developing a POI are those with lower BMIs, had an operative repair via a transperitoneal approach, midline laparotomy, longer clamp times, larger amounts of intraoperative crystalloid infusion, a return to the operating room, post-operative vasopressor use, and higher amounts of oral morphine equivalents. These data highlight important peri-operative opportunities to reduce the prevalence of POI.

Safety-Net Hospital Status Is Associated With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Outcomes at an Urban Academic Medical Center.

INTRODUCTION: Socioeconomic disparities impact outcomes after cardiac surgery. At our institution, cardiac surgery cases from the safety-net, county funded hospital (CH), which primarily provides care for underserved patients, are performed at the affiliated university hospital. We aimed to investigate the association of socioeconomic factors and CH referral status with outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The institutional Adult Cardiac Surgery database was queried for perioperative and demographic data from patients who underwent isolated CABG between January 2014 and June 2020. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), a composite of postoperative myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. Secondary outcomes included individual complications. Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and logistic regression analyses were used to compare differences between CH and non-CH cohorts. RESULTS: We included 836 patients with 472 (56.5%) from CH. Compared to the non-CH cohort, CH patients were younger, more likely to be Hispanic, non-English speaking, and be completely uninsured or require state-specific financial assistance. CH patients were more likely to have a history of tobacco and drug use, liver disease, diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, and greater degrees of left main coronary and left anterior descending artery stenosis. CH cases were less likely to be elective. The incidence of MACE was significantly higher in the CH cohort (16.3% versus 8.2%, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in 30-d mortality, home discharge, prolonged mechanical ventilation, bleeding, sepsis, pneumonia, new dialysis requirement, cardiac arrest, or multiorgan system failure between cohorts. CH patients were more likely to develop renal failure and less likely to develop atrial fibrillation. On multivariable analysis, CH status (odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.25-4.55, P = 0.008) was independently associated with MACE. CONCLUSIONS: CH patients undergoing CABG presented with greater comorbidity burden, more frequently required nonelective surgery, and are at significantly higher risk of postoperative MACE.

Selection criterion for endovascular aortic repair in those with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is the preferred method of repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a high-risk group, and it is unknown which patients with CKD benefit from EVAR vs continued surveillance. The purpose of this study was to identify which patients with advanced CKD may benefit from EVAR. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative Database was utilized to identify elective EVARs for AAAs. Patients were excluded if they underwent urgent or emergent repairs. CKD stages were categorized based on preoperative estimated glomular filtration rate (eGFR) and dialysis status. Predicted 1-year mortality of untreated AAAs was calculated by modifying a validated comorbidity score that predicts 1-year mortality (Gagne Index) without repair. The primary outcome was actual 1-year mortality, which was compared with the predicted 1-year mortality without repair. RESULTS: A total of 34,926 patient met study criteria. There were differences in Gagne Indices among the varying classes of CKD. Patients with CKD 4 and CKD 5 had the highest 1-year mortality rates, followed by CKD 3b, which was significantly higher than those with CKD 1 and CKD 2. Patients with CKD 4 had no differences between actual 1-year mortality with EVAR and predicted 1-year survival without EVAR across all AAA sizes. Those with CKD 5 had worse actual 1-year survival with EVAR than predicted 1-year survival without EVAR for AAAs <5.5 cm. Patients with CKD 5 only experienced an actual mortality benefit with EVAR compared with predicted 1-year mortality without EVAR for AAAs ≥7.0 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The current data suggest that patients with CKD 3b, 4, and 5 represent a high-risk group who may not benefit from elective EVAR utilizing traditional size criteria. Patients with CKD 4 and 5 with AAAs <5.5 cm do not benefit from elective EVAR. In patients with CKD 5, elective EVAR may need to be reserved for AAAs ≥7.0 cm unless there are other concerning anatomic characteristics.

Outcomes of symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer and intramural hematoma in the endovascular era.

BACKGROUND: Although endovascular technology has resulted in a paradigm shift in treatment, medical management remains the standard of care for penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) and intramural hematoma (IMH). This study aimed to detail the short- and long-term outcomes of symptomatic PAU/IMH. METHODS: Institutional data on symptomatic PAU/IMH were gathered (2005-2020). The primary outcome was the composite of recurrent symptoms, radiographic progression, intervention, rupture, and death from related or unknown cause. Factors associated with the primary outcome were determined using a Fine-Gray model with death from an unrelated cause as a competing risk. RESULTS: A total of 83 symptomatic patients treated with medical management aside from ruptures and type A dissections: 21 isolated PAU, 30 isolated IMH, and 32 IMH and PAU. Adverse outcomes included symptom recurrence in 14 (16.9%), radiographic progression to dissection or saccular aneurysm in 17 (20.5%), surgery in 20 (24.1%) (17 thoracic endovascular aortic repair, 1 endovascular aortic repair, 1 frozen elephant trunk, and 1 open repair), and rupture in 4 (4.8%). Twenty-seven patients (32.5%) died during follow-up: 6 from IMH treatment complications, 8 from an unknown cause, and 13 from other causes. The 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year cumulative incidences of the primary outcome was 26.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.9%-37.0%), 44.9% (95% CI, 32.8%-56.2%), and 57.5% (95% CI, 42.4%-69.9%), respectively. IMH with PAU was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary outcome compared with isolated IMH (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.09-4.50; P = .027) and isolated PAU (subdistribution hazard ratio, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.44-8.88; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Complications from symptomatic PAU and IMH are frequent, with intervention, recurrent symptoms, radiographic progression, rupture, or death affecting 25% of patients at 30 days after diagnosis and almost one-half of patients 1 year after diagnosis. Given the high rate of adverse events in this population, investigation into a more aggressive interventional strategy may warranted, especially in patients with a combined IMH and PAU.

Women of Childbearing Age Have Higher Mortality Rates Following Inpatient Interventions for Splenic Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are the most common type of splanchnic aneurysms. Current guidelines recommend repair of SAAs in women of childbearing age because maternal mortality is high. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment modalities and outcomes following inpatient SAA repair in women. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample database from 2012 to 2018 was queried. Patients with SAAs were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 and 10 codes. Childbearing age was defined as 14-49 years. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 561 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of SAA between the years of 2012 and 2018. There were 267 (47.6%) female patients and of these 103 (38.6%) were of childbearing age. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.7% (n = 15). There were no differences in rates of elective admissions or type of repair (open versus endovascular) between women of childbearing age and the remainder of the cohort. However, women of childbearing age were significantly more likely to undergo a splenectomy compared to the remainder of the cohort (32.0% vs. 21.4%, P = 0.028). Women of childbearing age had higher rates of in-hospital mortality compared to the remainder of the cohort (5.8% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.040). Subset analysis of the women of childbearing age revealed that those undergoing a splenectomy versus no splenectomy (14.8% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.039) and those treated in the nonelective versus elective setting (10.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.032) had higher rates of in-hospital mortality. There was 1 patient with an ICD code associated with pregnancy and they survived. CONCLUSIONS: Women of childbearing age had higher in-hospital mortality following inpatient interventions for SAAs with all of the deaths occurring in the nonelective setting. These data support the pursuit of aggressive elective treatment of SAAs in women of childbearing age.

Increased anti-thrombotic therapy is associated with decreased major adverse limb events in patients with low wound and foot infection scores.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal anti-thrombotic management of patients after lower extremity bypass has yet to be fully elucidated, in part due to significant heterogeneity in patient presentation and practice patterns. The Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) score is a validated scoring system to assist in the management of patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). We hypothesized that performing a restriction analysis based on WIFI scores would assist in the postoperative anti-thrombotic management of patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of infrainguinal bypass procedures completed at a single hospital system between January 2018 and January 2021 was selected, and preoperative WIfI scores were extracted for each patient. Patients with either Wound scores of 2 and 3, or Ischemia Scores of 0 and 1, or Foot Infection Scores of 3 were excluded. Based on the type of anti-thrombotic regimen on discharge, demographics, comorbidities, type of bypass, 30-day rates of graft occlusion, major amputation, mortality, and major adverse limb events (MALE) were analyzed. Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi square tests, and time-to-event survival analysis. RESULTS: 230 procedures were included in the study. 69 (30.0%) patients were discharged on single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), compared to 161 (70.0%) who were discharged on either dual antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation (DAPT/AC). There was a higher prevalence of bypasses using prosthetic conduit in the DAPT/AC group (45.9 vs 31.8%, p = .047); no other demographic or procedural variable analyzed had any significant differences. At 30-days postoperatively, there was no significant difference in postoperative reintervention rates, however, the DAPT/AC group had significantly lower rates of mortality (1.2 vs 7.2%, p = .01), major amputation (1.2% vs 5.8%, p = .04), and MALE (3.7 vs 13.0%, p < .01). There were no significant differences in bleeding complications. Survival analysis demonstrated that MALE-free survival was higher in the DAPT/AC group compared to the SAPT group (p < .01). On Cox regression analysis, DAPT/AC was associated with significantly decreased rates of MALE + mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.20 [0.06 - 0.66]). CONCLUSION: Lower extremity bypasses patients with low Wound and low foot Infection scores who are discharged on DAPT/AC postoperatively have a significantly higher 30-day MALE-free survival rate compared to patients discharged on SAPT; consideration could be made to preferentially discharge such post-bypass patients on DAPT/AC.

Understanding who benefits from endovascular aortic repair in those deemed unfit for open repair.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) who are deemed unacceptable candidates for open repair (UNFIT) pose a clinical challenge. The EVAR2 Trial randomized UNFIT patients to endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) vs no intervention from 1999 to 2003, concluding that survival was not improved by EVAR. However, outcomes after EVAR over the last 2 decades have dramatically changed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes after EVAR in UNFIT patients using more contemporary data and to determine which subsets of UNFIT patients may potentially benefit from EVAR. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2020) was used to identify elective EVARs for AAAs. Patients were categorized as UNFIT or suitable (SUITABLE) for open repair by the operative surgeon. Predicted 1-year mortality of untreated AAAs was calculated via a modified Gagne Index adjusted for AAA size. The primary outcome for the study was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included perioperative major adverse cardiac events (a composite of clinically significant arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction), length of stay, and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: A total of 31,471 patients met study criteria with 27,036 (85.9%) deemed SUITABLE and 4435 (14.1%) UNFIT. UNFIT patients were more likely to experience a perioperative major adverse cardiac event (5.1% vs 2.2%, P < .001) and had longer lengths of stay (1 day [interquartile range, 1-3 days] vs 1 day [interquartile range, 1-2 days], P < .001). The 30-day mortality was significantly higher for UNFIT patients (0.8% vs 0.4%, P < .001). UNFIT patients had worse 1-year survival compared with SUITABLE patients. However, UNFIT and SUITABLE patients had significantly improved actual 1-year mortality with EVAR compared with predicted 1-year mortality without EVAR: 9.5% vs 15.6% (P < .001) and 4.0% vs 11.7% (P < .001), respectively. The mortality benefit after EVAR in UNFIT patients was primarily restricted to those with smaller Gagne Indices and larger aneurysm diameters. Patients deemed unsuitable for open repair due to frailty or multiple reasons had significantly higher 30-day mortality rates after EVAR when compared with SUITABLE patients (1.3% vs 1.6% vs 0.4%, P < .001). Those deemed unsuitable for open repair due to frailty or multiple reasons had worse 1-year cumulative survival compared with all other UNFIT patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being high risk with higher perioperative morbidity and mortality, UNFIT patients have lower actual 1-year mortality with EVAR than predicted 1-year mortality without EVAR. However, this potential benefit is reserved to those with small Gagne Indices, larger AAA diameters, and lack of frailty.

Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patients of Advanced Age.

PURPOSE: Treatment decisions for the elderly with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are challenging. With advancing age, the risk of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) increases while life expectancy decreases, which may nullify the benefit of EVAR. The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of EVAR on 1-year mortality in patients of advanced age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2003-2020 Vascular Quality Initiative Database was utilized to identify patients who underwent EVAR for AAAs. Patients were included if they were 80 years of age or older. Exclusions included non-elective surgery or missing aortic diameter data. Predicted 1-year mortality of untreated AAAs was calculated based on a validated comorbidity score that predicts 1-year mortality (Gagne Index, excluding the component associated with AAAs) plus the 1-year aneurysm-related mortality without repair. The primary outcome for the study was 1-year mortality. RESULTS: A total of 11 829 patients met study criteria. The median age was 84 years [81, 86] with 9014 (76.2%) being male. Maximal AAA diameters were apportioned as follows: 39.6% were <5.5 cm, 28.6% were 5.5-5.9 cm, 21.3% were 6.0-6.9 cm, and 10.6% were ≥7.0 cm. The predicted 1-year mortality rate without EVAR was 11.9%, which was significantly higher than the actual 1-year mortality rate with EVAR (8.2%; p<0.001). The overall rate of perioperative MACE was 4.4% (n = 516). Patients with an aneurysm diameter <5.5cm had worse actual 1-year mortality rates with EVAR compared to predicted 1-year mortality rates without EVAR. In contrast, those with larger aneurysms (≥5.5cm) had better actual 1-year mortality rates with EVAR. The benefit from EVAR for those with Gagne Indices 2-5 was largely restricted to those with AAAs ≥ 7.0cm; whereas those with Gagne Indices 0-1 experience a survival benefit for AAAs larger than 5.5 cm. CONCLUSION: The current data suggest that EVAR decreases 1-year mortality rates for patients of advanced age compared to non-operative management in the elderly. However, the survival benefit is largely limited to those with Gagne Indices 0-1 with AAAs ≥ 5.5 cm and Gagne Indices 2-5 with AAAs ≥ 7.0 cm. Those of advanced age may benefit from EVAR, but realizing this benefit requires careful patient selection.

Macrophage Biology in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Macrophages have a key functional role in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. Their accumulation within the vessel wall leads to sustained local inflammatory responses characterized by secretion of chemokines, cytokines, and matrix protein degrading enzymes. Here, we summarize some recent findings on macrophage contribution to cardiovascular disease. We focus on the origin, survival/death, and phenotypic switching of macrophages within vessel walls.

Renal Artery Aneurysms in the Inpatient Setting.

BACKGROUND: The risk of rupture of renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) remains undefined. A recent paper from the Vascular Low-Frequency Disease Consortium (VLFDC) identified only 3 ruptures in 760 patients. However, over 80% of patients in the VLFDC study were treated at large academic centers, which may not reflect the pattern of care of RAAs nationwide. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of nonelective versus elective surgery requiring inpatient admission for RAAs, including nephrectomies, and their outcomes using a national database. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2012 to 2018 was utilized. Patients with a primary diagnosis of RAAs were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Ruptured RAAs (rRAAs) were identified utilizing surrogate ICD codes. The primary outcome variables for this study were proportion of RAAs requiring non-elective surgery and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 590 inpatient admissions for RAA were identified with 554 procedures at 467 hospitals across the country. Of the 590 inpatient admissions, 380 (64.4%) admissions were deemed nonelective. There was an increasing proportion of nonelective admissions over the study period. The overall rate of nephrectomies was 7.1% (n = 42). In-hospital mortality rate for the cohort was 1.4% (n = 8) with no differences in in-hospital mortality in the elective versus nonelective setting (1.0% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.718). In the nonelective setting, patients requiring a nephrectomy (n = 23) had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality compared those not requiring a nephrectomy (8.7% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.045). rRAA (n = 50) patients had significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to the remainder of the cohort (6.0% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.024). rRAA patients were also more likely to undergo a nephrectomy compared to the remainder of the cohort (16.0% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that treatment of RAAs are primarily done in the nonelective setting with a high proportion of ruptures, which could continue to rise as the threshold for repair has decreased.

Impact of cerebrovascular accidents on lung transplant survival.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are a source of postoperative morbidity. Existing data on CVA after lung transplantation (LT) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the impact of CVA on LT survival. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of LT recipients at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center was performed. Data was obtained from the institutional thoracic transplant database between January 2012 and December 2018, which consisted of 476 patients. Patients were stratified by the presence of a postoperative CVA. Univariate comparisons of baseline characteristics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes between the cohorts were performed. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Aalen's additive regression model was utilized to assess mortality hazard over time. RESULTS: The incidence of CVA was 4.2% (20/476). Lung allocation score was higher in the CVA cohort (46.2 [41.7, 57.3] vs. 41.5 [35.8, 52.2], p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in operative variables. CVA patients had longer initial intensive care unit (ICU) stays (316 h [251, 557] vs. 124 [85, 218], p < 0.001) and longer length of stay (22 days [17, 53] vs. 15 [11, 26], p = 0.007). CVA patients required more ICU readmissions (35% vs. 15%, p = 0.02) and had a lower rates of home discharge (35% vs. 71%, p < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was higher in the CVA cohort (20% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001). Overall survival was lower in the CVA cohort (log rank p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative CVA following LT was associated with longer ICU stays, more ICU readmissions, longer length of stay, and fewer home discharges. Thirty day and long-term mortality were significantly higher in the CVA group.

Necroptosis in the Pathophysiology of Disease.

Over the past 15 years, elegant studies have demonstrated that in certain conditions, programed cell death resembles necrosis and depends on a unique molecular pathway with no overlap with apoptosis. This form of regulated necrosis is represented by necroptosis, in which the receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 and its substrate mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein play a crucial role. With the development of knockout mouse models and molecular inhibitors unique to necroptotic proteins, this cell death has been found to occur in virtually all tissues and diseases evaluated. There are different immunologic consequences depending on whether cells die through apoptosis or necroptosis. Therefore, distinguishing between these two forms of cell death may be crucial during pathologic evaluations. In this review, we provide an understanding of necroptotic cell-death and highlight diseases in which necroptosis has been found to play a role. We also discuss the inhibitors of necroptosis and the ways these inhibitors have been used in preclinical models of diseases. These two discussions offer an understanding of the role of necroptosis in diseases and will foster efforts to pharmacologically target this unique yet pervasive form of programed cell death in the clinic.

Long-term survival after descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (dTAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) often have a variety of medical comorbidities. Those that are deemed acceptable for intervention undergo complicated repairs with good early outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify variables that were associated with mortality over time. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database at our institution from 1983 to 2015. Patients were included if they underwent open or endovascular repair for dTAA or TAAA. Patients were excluded if they were intervened on for traumatic transections. The primary outcome for the study was long-term survival. Secondary outcomes included aortic-related mortality. We had mortality and survival data on all patients. RESULTS: A total of 946 patients met our study criteria with a median follow-up of 102.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 58.9-148.2 months). The median age of the cohort was 71 years (IQR, 63-77 years) with the majority of patients being male (58.1%). The extent of TAAA pathology was as follows: type I (14.2%), type II (21.2%), type III (17.1%), type IV (26.2%), and dTAA (21.2%). A total of 147 patients (15.5%) had a prior dissection. The median diameter of aneurysm was 6.4 cm (IQR, 6.0-7.0 cm). A total of 158 patients (16.7%) underwent endovascular repair over the study period. Variables associated with mortality over time were age, surgical era, acute pathology, dissection, preoperative creatinine, and type IV TAAAs. In addition, experiencing the following complications in the postoperative period was associated with mortality over time: neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary. Aortic-related mortality was 2.1% (n = 20) over the study period. Patients who underwent endovascular repair for acute conditions had better long-term survival when compared with open repair. However, there were no differences in long-term survival between open and endovascular repair for nonacute cases. In addition, repair in the more modern era was associated with improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: TAAAs can be repaired with reasonable perioperative mortality rates. Once patients undergo repair of their aneurysm, aortic-related mortality remains low. The addition of endovascular options has dramatically changed management of patients with dTAA and TAAA. Further, endovascular repair was associated with decreased perioperative mortality and significantly increased long-term survival in acute patients. Patients undergoing TAAA repair are generally considered high risk and therefore require extensive long-term follow-up for management of their comorbidities and complications, because these are the main contributors to mortality over time.

Cardiac transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease: A single center case series.

BACKGROUND: Adult congenital heart disease (CHD) transplant recipients historically experienced worse survival early after transplantation. We aim to review updated trends in adult CHD transplantation. METHODS: We performed a single center case series of adult cardiac transplants from January 2013 through July 2020. Outcomes of patients with CHD were compared to non-CHD. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included a variety of post-operative complications. RESULTS: 18/262 (7%) transplants were CHD recipients. CHD patients were younger with median age 41 (32-47) versus 58 (48-65) (P < .001). Fontan circulation for single ventricle physiology was present in 4/18 (22%) of CHD recipients, while 16/18 (89%) had systemic right ventricles. CHD recipients had higher rates of previous cardiovascular operations (94% vs. 51%, P < .001). 9/18 (50%) of CHD patients required reconstructive procedures at the time of transplant. Operative and cardiopulmonary bypass times were longer for the CHD cohort (7.5 h [6.6-8.5] vs. 5.6 h [4.6-7] P < .001) and (197 min [158-240] vs. 130 [105-167] P < .001), respectively. There were no differences in operative complications or survival between CHD and non-CHD recipients. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the added technical challenges of performing adult CHD transplants. However, similar outcomes can be achieved as for non-CHD recipients. SUMMARY: Modern advances in palliation of congenital heart defects (CHD) has led to increased survival into adulthood. Many of these patients require heart transplantation as adults. There are limited data on adult CHD transplantation. Historically, these patients have had worse perioperative outcomes with improved long-term survival. We retrospectively analyzed 262 heart transplants at a single center, 18 of which were for adult CHD. Here, we report our series of 18 CHD recipients. We detail the palliative history of all CHD patients and highlight the added technical challenges for each of the 18 patients at transplant. In our analysis, CHD patients had more prior cardiovascular surgeries as well as longer transplant operative and bypass times. Despite this, there were no differences in perioperative and long-term outcomes. We have added patient and institution specific data for transplanting patients with adult CHD. We hope that our experience will add to the growing body of literature on adult CHD transplantation.

Fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair in patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: Renal function impairment is a common complication after open repair of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). The purpose of this study was to assess renal perioperative outcomes and renal function deterioration after fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: The study included 186 patients who underwent F/BEVAR between 2013 and 2018 for suprarenal, juxtarenal, and type I to type IV TAAAs. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and CKD were defined using RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage renal disease) and CKD staging system (stage ≥3, GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), respectively. For those without baseline CKD, renal decline was defined as a drop in GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (ie, progression to CKD stage 3 or higher). For patients with baseline renal dysfunction, GFR decline ≥20% or progression in CKD stage (ie, from stage 3 to stage 4) was considered renal decline. RESULTS: CKD was present in 83 patients (44.6%). Postoperative AKI was diagnosed in 27 patients (14.5%); 13 (48.1%) had history of CKD and 14 (51.9%) had adequate renal function preoperatively (P = .8). None of these patients required permanent renal replacement therapy. Intraoperative technical success was 100%. Overall 30-day mortality was 1.1%. There was no difference in 30-day mortality in patients with (1.2%) and without (1.0%) CKD (P = .5). During a median follow-up time of 12 months (interquartile range, 6-23 months), renal decline was observed in 21 patients (25.3%) with previous CKD and in 11 patients (10.6%) without CKD (P = .01). Among patients with previous CKD, 18 patients (9%) progressed from stage 3 CKD to stage 4. In patients with progression in CKD stage, two (5%) had renal stent stenosis requiring restenting. Among patients with renal decline, 13 had juxtarenal aneurysms (21.3%), 27 had suprarenal aneurysms (44.3%), and 21 had TAAAs (34.3%; P = .4). Subset analysis of patients who developed AKI in the immediate postoperative period found that patients with a history of CKD were less likely to experience freedom from renal decline. CONCLUSIONS: F/BEVAR is an effective and safe procedure for patients with complex abdominal aortic aneurysms and TAAAs, even among patients with CKD. The frequency of AKI was not affected by pre-existing CKD. Midterm outcomes demonstrated that progression of CKD was more frequent among patients with pre-existing CKD, but permanent renal replacement therapy was not required. Anatomic extent of aneurysms did not affect CKD progression. CKD patients are susceptible to renal decline over time if they experience AKI in the postoperative period. Therefore, preventing AKI in the postoperative period should be regarded as a priority. Long-term effects of CKD after F/BEVAR remain to be elucidated.

Visceral stent patency after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair using bare-metal stent extensions versus covered stents only.

OBJECTIVE: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is an alternative to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Patency of visceral vessels remains high when covered stents are used. The use of distal uncovered stents to prevent kinking has been associated with loss of branch patency. The aim of this study was to evaluate branch-related outcomes of FEVAR using covered stents only vs the use of uncovered stents distal to covered stents. METHODS: During a 4-year period, 142 patients underwent FEVAR. Patients with suprarenal, juxtarenal, and type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms were included. Patients treated with side branch devices were excluded. Covered iCAST (Maquet, Hudson, NH) stents were used as bridging stents in all cases. The primary end point was primary patency, defined as the absence of stenosis or occlusion that required intervention. Secondary end points included secondary patency, branch-related outcomes (kidney injury and gastrointestinal complications), branch instability, and mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 442 target vessels were incorporated (49 scallops and 393 fenestrations). Uncovered stents were used in 38 (9.6%) visceral vessels. Median follow-up time was 11 (interquartile range, 6-13) months. Overall, visceral vessel primary patency was 91% at 12 and 24 months. The overall primary patency rate was 86% in the distal extension group vs 93% when only covered stents were used at 12 and 24 months (P = .8). Similarly, the rate of branch-related reinterventions at 12 months was 9% and 15% for each group, respectively, and 22% vs 32% at 24 months, respectively (P = .5). Overall, freedom from branch instability was 87% at 12 months and 81% at 24 months. Freedom from branch instability in the distal extension group was 82% at 12 and 24 months vs 89% at 12 months and 81% at 24 months when only covered stents were used (P =. 08). Mortality rate at 24 months was 15% for the bare-metal stent extension group vs 14% for the covered stent only group (P = .4). We found no statistical difference in acute kidney injury at any Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stage (P = 1.0) or gastrointestinal complications (P = 1.0) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of distal uncovered stents to prevent kinks was not associated with decreased early branch patency. The long-term outcomes of bare-metal stents remain to be determined. For now, the use of uncovered stents distal to covered stents may be considered to prevent kinks in complex anatomy.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is often used to support patients undergoing lung transplantation who are intolerant of anatomic manipulation or single lung ventilation during the procedure. However, CPB may be associated with adverse outcomes. We evaluated the hypothesis that CPB is associated with increased acute kidney injury (AKI) and postoperative mortality after lung transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of our institutional lung transplant database at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from 2012 to 2018. Patients were grouped based on their need for CPB. The primary outcome was AKI within 48 h of transplantation, which was defined as Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 1 or greater. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients underwent lung transplantation with 39.0% (n = 166) requiring CPB. There were no differences in demographics and comorbidities, including baseline renal function, between CPB and no CPB. CPB use was higher in recipients with interstitial lung diseases and primary pulmonary hypertension. Median lung allocation score was higher in those needing CPB (47 [interquartile range, 40-59] versus 39 [interquartile range, 35-47]). Patients requiring CPB were significantly more likely to experience AKI (61.44% versus 36.5.3%, P < 0.01) and postoperative hemodialysis (6.6% versus 0.4%, P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, CPB was significantly associated with postoperative AKI (odds ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.01-2.75; P = 0.04). Thirty-day mortality was higher in patients undergoing CPB (4.2% versus 0.8%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: CPB for lung transplantation is associated with a higher incidence of AKI, renal failure requiring hemodialysis, and 30-d mortality. CPB should be used selectively for lung transplantation.

Antifungal Therapy in Fungal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are life-threatening surgical emergencies associated with high morbidity and mortality. Fungal NSTIs are considered rare and have been largely understudied. The purpose of this study was to study the impact of fungal NSTIs and antifungal therapy on mortality after NSTIs. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with NSTIs from 2012 to 2018. Patient baseline characteristics, microbiologic data, antimicrobial therapy, and clinical outcomes were collected. Patients were excluded if they had comfort care before excision. The primary outcome measured was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients met study criteria with a fungal species identified in 29 patients (13.5%). The most prevalent fungal organism was Candida tropicalis (n = 11). Fungal NSTIs were more prevalent in patients taking immunosuppressive medications (17.2% versus 3.2%, P = 0.01). A fungal NSTI was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-8.40; P = 0.02). Furthermore, fungal NSTI patients had longer lengths of stay (32 d [interquartile range, 16-53] versus 19 d [interquartile range, 11-31], P < 0.01), more likely to require initiation of renal replacement therapy (24.1% versus 8.6%, P = 0.02), and more likely to require mechanical ventilation (64.5% versus 42.0%, P = 0.02). Initiation of antifungals was associated with a significantly lower rate of in-hospital mortality (6.7% versus 57.1%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Fungal NSTIs are more common in patients taking immunosuppressive medications and are significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. Antifungal therapy is associated with decreased in-hospital mortality in those with fungal NSTIs. Consideration should be given to adding antifungals in empiric treatment regimens, especially in those taking immunosuppressive medications.