Ten-year single-center outcomes following endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm using the INCRAFT device.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes beyond 10 years of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms using the low-profile INCRAFT device. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing EVAR using the INCRAFT device as part of the regulatory trial between 2012 and 2013. Primary endpoint was aneurysm-related death. Secondary endpoints were all-cause death, reintervention, late open conversion, and aneurysm status (shrinkage, stable, and growth). RESULTS: Thirty patients with a mean age of 71.8 ± 7.7 years were included in this study. The median aneurysm diameter at EVAR was 54.5 mm (interquartile range, 53-56.8 mm). All abdominal aortic aneurysms in this study were treated following the device's instructions for use. At index EVAR, the INCRAFT device was successfully implanted in all patients using a percutaneous approach under local anesthesia. No patients experienced major adverse events or procedure-related complications 30 days after EVAR. During the median follow-up of 125 months (interquartile range, 98-131 months) with follow-up rates of 100% at 5 years and 96.7% at 10 years, aneurysm-related mortality was 0%, and freedom from all-cause mortality was 82.9% at 5 years and 75.3% at 10 years. Reintervention was required in 10 patients with 15 procedures. Sac growth was observed in 11 patients (36.7%), six of whom eventually required late open conversion; five of these patients underwent open aneurysmorrhaphy with stent graft preservation, and one underwent open surgical repair with endograft explantation. Late rupture was identified in one case, where type Ia endoleak led to rupture at 69 months, and open repair was successfully performed. Freedom from reintervention was 89.0% at 5 years but declined to 60.9% at 10 years; freedom from late open conversion was 100% at 5 years but declined to 70.8% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcomes of the INCRAFT stent graft showed no aneurysm-related deaths. However, sac growth occurred persistently throughout the follow-up period, resulting in a relatively high rate of reinterventions in the later periods, which highlights the importance of lifelong postoperative surveillance and appropriate reinterventions when indicated.

Clinical impact of proximal fixation augmentation using the Najuta thoracic fenestrated stent graft during endovascular treatment for distal aortic arch aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention of late type Ia endoleaks is the main concern in thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysm. Since 2017, we have performed zone 0 TEVAR with proximal fixation augmentation using a Najuta thoracic fenestrated stent graft in addition to zone 2 TEVAR for distal arch aneurysms. We report the early and midterm outcomes of TEVAR performed using this strategy. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study enrolled 386 cases of TEVAR for thoracic aortic disease between January 2013 and December 2020. Patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm treated by TEVAR landing at zone 2 was referred to as the standard group, whereas those treated by TEVAR landing at zone 0 using a Najuta fenestrated stent graft in addition to zone 2 TEVAR was referred to as the augmentation group. We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes between the two groups. The primary end point was secondary intervention for postoperative type Ia endoleaks. Secondary end points were technical success, aneurysm-related death, and major adverse events (MAEs), including stroke, paraplegia, endoleaks, and secondary interventions. RESULTS: We performed TEVAR in 41 and 30 cases in the standard and augmentation groups, respectively. The mean aneurysm sizes in the standard and augmentation groups were 54.5 and 57.3 mm (P = .23), and the proximal neck lengths were 16.8 and 17.4 mm (P = .65), respectively. The anatomical characteristics seemed to be similar in both groups. The technical success rate in both groups was 100%. Three cases in the standard group had MAEs, including two stroke and one brachial artery pseudoaneurysm; whereas two cases had MAEs in the augmentation group, including one stroke and one paraplegia. There was no 30-day mortality or retrograde type A dissection in both groups. The mean observation periods in the standard and augmentation groups were 46 months (range, 1-123 months) and 35 months (range, 1-73 months), respectively. At 36 and 60 months after the procedure, the freedom from aneurysm-related death was 97.6% and 97.6% in the standard group, 100.0% and 100.0% in the augmentation group (P = .39); and the freedom from reintervention for type Ia endoleaks was 79.2% and 65.2% in the standard group, 100.0% and 100.0% in the augmentation group (P = .0087). A statistically significant decrease in reinterventions for type Ia endoleaks was observed in the augmentation group. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal fixation augmentation using the Najuta fenestrated stent graft during TEVAR for distal arch aneurysm is effective in preventing the postoperative late type Ia endoleaks.

Midterm outcomes of endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm using the cuff-first technique to prevent type II endoleaks.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial and midterm outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using the cuff-first technique (CFT) to prevent type II endoleak (T2EL). METHODS: CFT involves deploying an aortic cuff inside the AAA to cover the ostium of the aortic side branch vessels before deploying the main body. We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing EVAR with CFT or side branch embolization (SBE) for AAAs at The Jikei University Hospital between 2016 and 2022. Primary endpoint was the rate of aneurysm sac shrinkage. Secondary endpoints were procedure time, radiation exposure, technical and clinical success rates, occurrence of T2EL, and freedom from reintervention or aneurysm-related death. RESULTS: Of 406 patients who underwent EVAR for AAAs, CFT was utilized in 56 (CFT group) and SBE in 35 (SBE group); all 91 patients were included in this study. There were no differences in patient demographics between groups, but there were differences in patency rate of the inferior mesenteric artery and absent intraluminal thrombus. The technical success rate per target vessel in the CFT and SBE group was 97.8% and 91.8%, and the clinical success rate was 91.0% and 100%, respectively. The median procedure time was shorter for CFT than for SBE: CFT, 10 (interquartile range [IQR], 6-14) minutes vs SBE, 25 (IQR, 18.5-45) minutes; P < .05), and median radiation exposure was lower for CFT than for SBE (CFT, 1455 (IQR, 840-2634) mGy vs SBE, 2353 (IQR, 1552-3586) mGy; P < .05). During the median follow-up of 25 months (IQR, 12.5-47 months), sac shrinkage occurred at similar rates in both groups (CFT, 37.5% vs SBE, 40.0%; P = .812), and there were no differences in freedom from reintervention (CFT, 96.2% and 91.4% at 12 and 36 months vs SBE, 100% and 89.5% at 12 and 36 months; log-rank P = .761) and freedom from aneurysm-related death (100% at 36 months in both groups; log-rank P = .440). The odds ratio of CFT vs SBE for sac regression was calculated by adjusting for inferior mesenteric artery patency and absent intraluminal thrombus, resulting in no statistical significance (odds ratio, 1.231; 95% confidence interval, 0.486-3.122). CONCLUSIONS: CFT is feasible with a shorter procedure time and lower radiation exposure than SBE and comparable mid-term outcomes, including sac shrinkage rate, compared with SBE. We believe that CFT, if anatomically suitable, is an alternative to SBE for the prevention of T2EL during EVAR.

Evolution of open aneurysmorrhaphy for management of sac expansion after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the perioperative and mid-term clinical outcomes of open aneurysmorrhaphy (OA) for the treatment of sac expansion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: OA involves sac exposure without dissection of the proximal or distal neck, sacotomy and ligation of back-bleeding vessels, preservation of the prior stent graft, and tight closure of the sac around the stent graft. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who had undergone OA for nonruptured sac expansion after standard EVAR at our institution between January 2015 and June 2021. The primary end points were 30-day mortality and aneurysm-related death. The secondary end points were postoperative complications, overall survival, freedom from reintervention, and sac regrowth rate. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients had undergone OA. Their mean age was 76.9 ± 6.7 years. The median sac diameter at OA was 79 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 76-92 mm). The median duration from the index EVAR to OA was 82 months (IQR, 72-104 months). Preoperative computed tomography angiography confirmed a type II endoleak (EL) in 20 patients, 1 of whom had had a coexisting type Ia EL; a type IIIb EL was identified in 1 patient. Concomitant endovascular procedures had been performed in six patients to treat a type I or III EL or reinforce the proximal and distal seals. The OA technique has been modified since 2017, with the addition of more aggressive dissection of the sac and complete removal of the mural thrombus to further decrease the sac diameter. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients and included abdominal lymphorrhea and failed hemostasis of the common femoral artery requiring surgical repair in one patient each. The 30-day mortality was 0%. During the median follow-up of 36 months (IQR, 14-51 months), the overall survival was 92.7% and 86.9% at 12 and 36 months, respectively, without any aneurysm-related death. In the late (2017-2021) treatment group, the median sac diameter immediately after OA was smaller than that in the early (2015-2016) treatment group (early group: median, 50 mm; IQR, 39-57 mm; vs later group: median, 41 mm; IQR, 32-47 mm; P = .083). Furthermore, in the late group, the sac regrowth rate was lower (early group: median, 0.36 mm/mo; IQR, 0.23-0.83 mm/mo; vs late group: median, 0 mm/mo; IQR, 0-0.11 mm/mo; P = .0075) and the freedom from reintervention rate was higher (late group: 94.7% at both 12 and 36 months, respectively; early group: 71.4% and 53.6% at 12 and 36 months, respectively; log-rank P = .070). CONCLUSIONS: Our results have shown that OA for the management of post-EVAR sac expansion is feasible with acceptable mid-term outcomes. Aggressive dissection and tight plication of the sac might be imperative for better mid-term outcomes after OA.

Early clinical outcomes of retrograde in situ branched stent grafting for complex aortic arch aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early outcomes of retrograde in situ branched stent grafting (RIBS) using the gutter balloon technique for complex aortic arch aneurysms (CAAs). METHODS: The RIBS technique is an in situ needle fenestration procedure during thoracic endovascular aortic repair with the reconstruction of cervical branches. The double RIBS (D-RIBS) for the reconstruction of the left common carotid artery and the brachiocephalic artery using the gutter balloon technique was performed in 30 high-risk patients. We describe the early clinical results of the D-RIBS technique for CAAs. Primary end points were technical success and 30-day mortality. Secondary end points were postoperative complications, rates of endoleaks, overall survival, aneurysm-related death, and reinterventions. RESULTS: The mean age was 77.1 ± 6.6 years, and the mean maximum minor-axis aneurysmal diameter was 65.9 ± 8.9 mm. Twenty-six patients underwent D-RIBS for elective arch aortic aneurysm, and four patients were for reintervention after zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair failure. Stent graft puncture was performed 60 times from the common carotid arteries, and technical success was achieved in all cases (100%). Postoperative complications included cerebral infarction in two patients (6.7%) and recurrent nerve palsy in one patient (3.3%). The 30-day mortality was 0%. During the median follow-up period of 14 months (6-56 months), overall survival at 12 months was 92.3% without any aneurysm-related death. Type 1 b and type 2 endoleaks were observed in one each, and no reintervention was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Early clinical outcomes of the D-RIBS for high-risk patients with CAAs are acceptable. The gutter balloon method enables safe and reliable fenestration. Further studies and dedicated devices are warranted.

A Novel Shaggy Aorta Scoring System to Predict Embolic Complications Following Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between shaggy aorta and embolic complications during thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), based on a shaggy aorta scoring system. METHODS: The entire aorta was assessed based on 5 mm slice computed tomography (CT) from the sinotubular junction to the aortic bifurcation using a three dimensional workstation. One shaggy point (shaggy score) was given when the following conditions were met: 1) ulcer like thrombus, 2) maximum thrombus thickness ≥ 5 mm, and 3) mural thrombus occupies more than two thirds of the circumference of the aortic diameter on reconstructed CT of the axial statue. Subsequently, each point was added to obtain the total shaggy score. RESULTS: The outcomes of 301 patients undergoing TEVAR were evaluated. Post-operative embolic complications including stroke, acute renal failure, and distal embolisation, were identified in 21 cases (7.0%). The average shaggy score for the entire cohort was 2.4 ± 5.6 points, whereas it was 7.9 ± 7.1 in those patients with embolic complications (E group) and 2.0 ± 5.3 in those without embolic complications (N group, p = .001). There were no statistical differences in 30 day mortality (p = .70), but overall survival at two years was significantly lower in the E group (E: 58.8%, N: 93.3%, p < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed that the predictors of post-operative embolic complication were past history of cerebrovascular disease (p = .001, OR 5.90, 95% CI 2.14-16.29) and shaggy score (p < .001, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.19). The area under the ROC curve was 0.77, and the cut off value of the shaggy score using the Youden index was 3 points (sensitivity: 71.4%, specificity: 81.4%). CONCLUSION: This shaggy score is a useful method to predict post-operative embolic complications following TEVAR. Because the risk of embolic complications was relatively high in patients with a high shaggy score, the indication for TEVAR in such patients should be considered carefully.

Outcomes of Chimney Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for an Aortic Arch Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Chimney thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has advantages that include no requirements for special devices; however, problems have been identified such as gutter leaks. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short- and mid-term results of TEVAR with chimney technique including the safety, efficacy, and risk factors for occurrence of gutter endoleak in this technique. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was conducted on 55 consecutive patients who underwent first-time chimney TEVAR for arch aneurysms in the past 7 years. This consisted of 33 cases of single-chimney (SC) TEVAR and 22 cases of double-chimney (DC) TEVAR. The outcomes of these 55 cases of SC-TEVAR and DC-TEVAR were retrospectively examined. Risk factors for endoleaks in chimney TEVAR were also examined. RESULTS: Operative mortalities of 3.0% and 4.5% were observed in SC-TEVAR and DC-TEVAR, respectively. Incidences of stroke were 12.1% in the SC-TEVAR and 4.5% in the DC-TEVAR, resulting in endoleaks in 16 patients (48.5%) in SC-TEVAR and 6 patients (27.3%) in DC-TEVAR. Only 1 of the 77 chimney grafts was occluded, with a patency rate of 98.7%. SC-TEVAR and small distance from the common carotid artery were the risk factors of type I endoleaks. Overall survival rates over a period of 1, 3, and 5 years were 82.3%, 78.0%, and 57.7%, respectively, in the SC-TEVAR group and 95.2%, 89.3%, and 76.5%, respectively, in the DC-TEVAR group. Freedom from aneurysm-related death over 1, 3, and 5 years was 82.3%, 69.0%, and 57.7%, respectively, in the SC-TEVAR group and 95.2%, 89.3%, and 89.3% in the DC-TEVAR group. Freedom from secondary intervention over 1, 3, and 5 years was 80.2%, 64.7%, and 47.2%, respectively, in the SC-TEVAR group and 95.0%, 74.0%, and 74.0%, respectively, in the DC-TEVAR group. CONCLUSIONS: The short- and mid-term results of chimney TEVAR were worse than expectation. Especially, the results of SC-TEVAR were not acceptable because of extremely high incidence of type I endoleak and high incidence of stroke.

Risk factors and treatment outcomes for stent graft infection after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to retrospectively analyze incidence, risk factors, and management of postoperative stent graft (SG) infection after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: We evaluated patients who underwent EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm at our institution between July 2006 and December 2014. The primary end point was SG infection. We compared patients' demographics between the infection (group I) and noninfection (group NI) groups and reviewed management and outcomes in group I. A risk factor for SG infection was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. Patients without aortoenteric fistula (AEF) were treated with conservative therapy for SG infection. RESULTS: A total of 1202 patients underwent EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. During a mean follow-up of 43.9 ± 30.4 months, SG infection occurred in 15 cases (incidence, 3.5/1000 person-years). The median time between initial EVAR and detection of infection was 30 months (range, 14 days-86 months). Freedom from SG infection at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years was 99.5%, 99.2%, and 98.2%, respectively. There were no differences in age, sex, comorbidities, and SG type between the groups. Coil embolization of the hypogastric artery was more frequent in group I (60% vs 31%). During follow-up before infection, type II endoleak (47% vs 24%), sac enlargement (40% vs 16%), and multiple reinterventions (13% vs 2%) were significantly higher in group I; however, after multivariate analysis, only coil embolization of the hypogastric artery (odds ratio, 3.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-9.24; P = .029) remained a significant predictor. Among the 15 patients, four had AEF and six bacteriologic species were detected in five patients (33%). Twelve patients (80%) were treated with conservative therapy; three underwent surgical therapy (two patients with SG resection, omentum patching, and extra-anatomic bypass with fistula closure or partial duodenectomy and one patient with graft preservation, irrigation, omentum patching, and aneurysmorrhaphy). In-hospital mortality occurred in three cases; two cases were due to sepsis after conservative therapy, and one case was due to aortic stump rupture after surgical therapy. Excluding in-hospital mortality cases, during a median follow-up of 31 (range, 2-76) months, five patients were lost because of cancer or senility. There was no aneurysm-related death or recurrence of SG infection. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant coil embolization was a risk factor for SG infection. For patients with AEF, surgical therapy remains the first-line treatment of SG infection after EVAR; however, conservative therapy is a viable option for SG infection in patients without AEF, particularly considering patients' comorbidities and limited life expectancy.

Initial results of thoracic endovascular repair for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection involving the arch vessels using a semicustom-made thoracic fenestrated stent graft.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for selected type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a standard treatment; however, TBAD involving the aortic arch is difficult to treat because of the need for arch vessel reconstruction. We report our initial results of TEVAR for uncomplicated TBAD involving the arch vessels using a semicustom-made fenestrated stent graft. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 24 patients treated by fenestrated (F group) or debranching (D group) TEVAR from August 2011 to July 2017. The patients in the F group received the Najuta semicustom-made fenestrated stent graft (Kawasumi Laboratories, Tokyo, Japan). The fenestrated graft ensures sufficient sealing at the proximal healthy aorta without the need for arch vessel reconstruction. The primary end point was aorta-related mortality; the secondary end points were technical success and major adverse events (stroke, type IA endoleak, retrograde type A aortic dissection, and secondary intervention). RESULTS: During the study period, we treated 65 TBAD cases by TEVAR, including 17 complicated cases. Of the 48 uncomplicated cases, 24 underwent TEVAR with arch vessel involvement (13 in the F group and 11 in the D group). The technical success rates in the F and D groups were 92.3% and 100.0%, respectively (P > .99, NS). The mean operation time was significantly shorter in the F group (158 minutes) than in the D group (202 minutes; P = .0426), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was also significantly shorter in the F group (7 days) than in the D group (22 days; P = .0168). The primary patency rate of the reconstructed branch vessel was 100%, and there were no aorta-related deaths or retrograde type A aortic dissection in either group. One patient had a type IA endoleak in the F group. In the D group, one patient had a postoperative stroke and two patients required secondary interventions for stent graft-induced new entry at the descending aorta. The median follow-up period was 14.1 months (range, 1-37 months). The rate of freedom from aorta-related death was 100% in both groups (P > .99, NS); the rate of freedom from major adverse events at 24 months was 92.3% in the F group and 72.7% in the D group (P = .749, NS). CONCLUSIONS: The initial results of TEVAR with aortic arch vessel reconstruction for uncomplicated TBAD were acceptable. The fenestrated graft may be a less invasive option for the treatment of TBAD involving the aortic arch.

Risk Factor Analyses of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Growth in Japanese Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to retrospectively demonstrate the growth rate (mm/year) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameters (ADs) and to analyze risk factors for AAA expansion. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the clinical data of 319 patients with AAAs who were followed up as outpatients for >2 years after their initial visit and who underwent computed tomography >4 times. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3.7 ± 1.5 years. The annual average growth rates according to varying ADs were as follows: 1.9 ± 0.8 (AD 30-34 mm), 2.6 ± 1.2 (AD 35-39 mm), 2.8 ± 1.1 (AD 40-44 mm), 3.1 ± 1.3 (AD 45-49 mm), 3.4 ± 1.6 (AD 50-54 mm), and 3.5 ± 1.4 mm (AD ≥55 mm). Factors associated with AAA expansion were smoking (P = 0.017), hypertension (P < 0.001), and ADs (P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, data regarding growth rates of ≥3 mm were extracted, and a statistically significant difference between smoking status and ADs of ≥40 mm was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with AAA expansion in Japanese patients included smoking, hypertension, and ADs, and a statistically significant difference was observed between smoking status and ADs of ≥40 mm.

Deployment of stent graft in an excessively higher position above the renal artery induces a flow channel to the aneurysm in chimney endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: an in vitro study.

We aimed to investigate the influences of the sealing length above the renal artery (RA) on gutter formation, non-apposed regions between the aortic wall, stent graft (SG), and chimney graft and incidence of flow channel to the aneurysm in chimney endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (Ch-EVAR) using a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm model. Neck diameter and length of the silicone model were 24 and 4 mm, respectively. In double Ch-EVAR configuration using Advanta V12, 12 combinations were tested three times with two sizes [28.5 (20%-oversize) and 31 (30%-oversize) mm] of Excluder SG, three sealing lengths above the RA (10, 20, and 30 mm), and two deployment positions (anatomical and cross-leg). Gutter area, non-apposed region, and flow channels to the aneurysm were analyzed using micro-computed tomography. Average gutter area and non-apposed region of 30%-oversize SG were significantly smaller than those of 20%-oversize SG (p = 0.05). Furthermore, the non-apposed region of 30%-oversize SG with a 30-mm sealing length was significantly larger than that of the other sealing lengths. For 20%-oversize SGs, flow channel to the aneurysm was observed, except for the anatomical deployment with the sealing length of 10 mm. For 30%-oversize SGs, flow channel was absent, except for the SG with a 30-mm sealing length in both deployment positions. These flow channels were frequently formed through a valley space, existing in the lower unibody above the two limbs. Our data indicated that the optimal sealing length should be chosen in consideration of the device design difference due to the device diameter in Ch-EVAR.

Outcomes of mini-incision eversion carotid endarterectomy combined with nontouch isolation technique of the internal carotid artery.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a mini-incision eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedure (the Jikei method CEA) to prevent perioperative embolic stroke. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze perioperative and midterm outcomes after the Jikei method CEA. METHODS: We evaluated patients with the Jikei method CEA at our institution between January 2006 and June 2014. The primary end point was a major adverse event, which included death, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and myocardial infarction, within 30 days of CEA. Secondary end points were postoperative ipsilateral stroke and restenosis. RESULTS: We retrospectively studied 120 lesions in 110 patients. The mean age was 72.2 ± 8.0 years. With regard to the 120 lesions, 56 lesions (46.7%) were symptomatic and 73 lesions (60.8%) showed ≥90% severe stenosis. The mean length of the skin incision was 3.2 ± 0.5 cm. The mean operative time, volume of blood loss, and internal carotid artery clamp time were 171.0 ± 50.7 minutes, 161.6 ± 110.8 mL, and 35.7 ± 10.8 minutes, respectively. There were three perioperative major adverse events (2.5%), including two strokes (1.7%) and one intracranial hemorrhage (0.8%) resulting from hyperperfusion syndrome. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range, 2-303 days). The mean follow-up was 3.9 ± 2.2 years. There was no case of ipsilateral stroke during the follow-up period. The freedom from ipsilateral stroke at 5 years was 98.3%. Three lesions (2.5%) developed restenosis. The freedom from restenosis was 97.2% at 5 years. The freedom from reintervention at 5 years was 99.0% because carotid artery stent placement was necessary in one patient with severe restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The Jikei method CEA was safe and effective in preventing perioperative and midterm stroke.

Comparison between Open and Endovascular Repair for the Treatment of Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience with Midterm Results.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the optimal treatment for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA), we compared the outcomes of open surgical repair (OSR) with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) using a variety of fenestrated and snorkel EVARs. METHODS: We evaluated overall survival, aneurysm-related death, reintervention, and renal impairment in 152 JAAAs retrospectively, excluding cases of aortic dissection and rupture. Cox models were used to assess survival and assessed postoperative dialysis rates following surgery. RESULTS: OSR and EVAR were performed in 81 and 71 patients, respectively. The mean age was significantly higher in the EVAR group (overall, 74.5 years; OSR, 71 years; and EVAR; 77 years). High preoperative serum creatinine levels, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more prevalent in the EVAR group. Mean operative time, hospital stay, and perioperative blood loss were significantly greater in the OSR group (P < 0.001 for all). The overall 30-day mortality was 1.9% with no statistical difference between 2 groups. The reintervention rate was significantly higher in the EVAR group (P = 0.01). Overall survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 97.4%, 91.6%, 86.3%, and 82.9%, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. Mortality in EVAR was associated with over 3.0 mg/dL of postoperative creatinine, and postoperative dialysis following OSR was associated with operative time and volume of bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable outcomes were observed with OSR and EVAR. However, reintervention was more frequently required following EVAR. OSR appears to be the most appropriate first-line treatment for JAAA in good-risk patients; however, EVAR may represent an alternative option in high-risk patients.

Utility of the Ginza forceps for superficial phlebectomy during endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of using the Ginza forceps (DVx, Tokyo, Japan), which have a long shaft and strong grip, for superficial phlebectomy with the stab avulsion technique, during simultaneous endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV). METHODS: The subjects were patients treated with EVLA performed by a single operator at one institution. All patients had a GSV diameter of 4-10 mm and an EVLA length of the GSV of >20 cm. We compared 59 limbs treated only with the Varady hook (Group A) with 46 limbs treated with the Ginza forceps (Group G). RESULTS: The mean operative times for Groups A and G were 55.4 ± 17.1 vs. 48.5 ± 13.5 min, respectively (P = 0.002), and the number of stab incisions was 5.9 ± 2.9 (1-13) vs. 3.5 ± 2.3 (1-11), respectively (P < 0.001). The rates of nerve injury and thrombophlebitis were 1.7 vs. 0 and 3.4 vs. 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Performing superficial phlebectomy with the Ginza forceps reduced the operation time and the number of stab wounds. These initial results suggest that using the Ginza forceps for the procedure is safe and efficient.

Risk factors for early renal dysfunction following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and its effect on the postoperative outcome.

PURPOSE: Renal insufficiency is associated with increased morbidity and death after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, the effect of postoperative acute kidney dysfunction on patient outcome has not been fully determined. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of early postoperative renal function decline using chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging and its effect on the clinical outcome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospectively maintained EVAR database. Pre- and postoperative CKD stages were determined for all patients according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate values. RESULTS: We identified 135 patients who were treated with elective EVAR. CKD stage decline was observed in 25 (19 %) of the patients. Freedom from aneurysm-related death was significantly lower in patients with postoperative CKD progression compared with those with unchanged CKD stage. A shaggy aorta without oral beta-blocker administration and higher preoperative serum creatinine levels (>1.4 mg/dL) were found to be independent predictors of an early postoperative CKD stage decline. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with postoperative CKD progression have an increased frequency of aneurysm-related death. The presence of a shaggy aorta, absence of oral beta-blocker administration and an increased preoperative creatinine level are independent predictors of early postoperative CKD progression.

Saccular and Fusiform Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Treated With Endovascular Repair Differ in Presentation and Treatment Threshold: Analyses Using a National Clinical Database in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Saccular abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are considered to be at higher risk of rupture than fusiform AAAs, but not much is known about the extent of this risk. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the rupture presentation between fusiform and saccular AAAs. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a retrospective cohort study on 27 290 patients who underwent primary endovascular repair for a degenerative AAA between 2016 and 2019, and who were registered in the National Clinical Database in Japan. At operation for nonruptured case, the aneurysm diameter was significantly smaller in saccular AAAs than in fusiform AAAs (median, 44.0 versus 51.0 mm; P<0.001). Similarly, aneurysm diameter at rupture was significantly smaller in saccular AAAs than in fusiform AAAs (median, 55.6 versus 68.0 mm; P<0.001). The likelihood of repair for rupture was significantly higher in saccular AAAs than in fusiform AAAs in the 40- to 54-mm diameter range, in which saccular morphology was found to be an independent risk factor for rupture against fusiform morphology by adjusting for sex and aneurysm diameter (odds ratio, 2.54 [95% CI, 1.75-3.69]). In addition, receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the cutoff diameter to predict rupture was smaller in saccular AAAs than in fusiform AAAs (50.5 and 59.5 mm, respectively) based on the Youden index. CONCLUSIONS: Saccular AAAs presented at smaller diameters than fusiform AAAs in patients with ruptured AAAs treated with endovascular aortic repair, which supports the idea that saccular AAAs should be treated at smaller diameters.

Immunoglobulin G4-related hepatic artery aneurysm.

A 49-year-old man who was a current smoker with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and coronary artery disease after coronary stent placement presented because of abdominal and back pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 30-mm, large hepatic artery aneurysm. Resection of the aneurysm and autogenous vein bypass grafting was performed, which resulted in a successful outcome without any complications. Pathologic examination of the aneurysm confirmed that it was related to immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4). The patient's serum IgG4 level was within the normal range, and no other signs of IgG4-related organ lesions were observed.

Myopericytoma of the axillary artery in a 4-year-old girl presenting with stroke and subsequent progression of micro-isolated lesion.

A 4-year-old girl presented with complaints of transient speech disorder and left-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple strokes, computed tomography showed a right axillary artery aneurysm of 40 mm, and an angiogram indicated retrograde embolism. She underwent aneurysm resection and reconstruction with a saphenous vein graft. Two years after surgery, a mass lesion occurred in the native artery on the proximal side of the prior surgical anastomosis. Surgical resection and reconstruction were performed. An isolated 1-mm diameter lesion was found in the retrospectively reviewed completion angiogram from the initial surgery, which was the origin of the subsequent progressive lesion. The pathological examination, including after the initial surgery, revealed a myopericytoma.

Endovascular treatment with an iliac branch endoprosthesis for a right subclavian artery aneurysm.

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rare peripheral artery aneurysms, and open surgical repair is the reference standard treatment. We have reported the case a patient with a right subclavian artery aneurysm who was not indicated for open surgical repair because of comorbidities. Thus, endovascular treatment using the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (WL Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) was performed, leading to complete aneurysmal exclusion without perioperative complications. Although anatomic limitations exist, this technique could be alternative treatment option for right subclavian artery aneurysms.

Trans-stent graft thrombectomy for the treatment of long stent graft thrombosis in the femoropopliteal artery.

At present, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal management of stent graft thrombosis in the femoropopliteal artery. We present a case of long thrombosis of a Viabahn stent graft implanted in the superficial femoral artery that was successfully treated by thrombectomy using a trans-Viabahn approach at the mid-thigh segment. The advantages of this approach include that it preserves the common femoral artery and popliteal artery untouched without scarring, allowing for a future site of surgical anastomosis. This technique could be a reasonable approach when performing surgical thrombectomy for stent graft thrombosis in the femoropopliteal artery.