Interventional Therapies for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Current Status and Principles for the Development of Novel Evidence: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. The technological landscape for management of acute intermediate- and high-risk PE is rapidly evolving. Two interventional devices using pharmacomechanical means to recanalize the pulmonary arteries have recently been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for marketing, and several others are in various stages of development. The purpose of this document is to clarify the current state of endovascular interventional therapy for acute PE and to provide considerations for evidence development for new devices that will define which patients with PE would derive the greatest net benefit from their use in various clinical settings. First, definitions and limitations of commonly used risk stratification tools for PE are reviewed. An adjudication of risks and benefits of available interventional therapies for PE follows. Next, considerations for optimal future evidence development in this field are presented in the context of the current US regulatory framework. Finally, the document concludes with a discussion of the pros and cons of the rapidly expanding PE response team model of care delivery.

Presentation and Management of Arterial Thromboembolisms during Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Case Series and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with considerable risk for thromboembolism; however, arterial thromboembolism is rare and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Their management requires careful coordination between multiple providers, and as a consequence, much of the published literature is limited to case reports published across specialties. METHODS: We examined our recent institutional experience with aortoiliac, mesenteric, and peripheral arterial thromboembolisms in patients with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. To supplement our experience, a comprehensive literature review was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1966 to 2019. Patient demographics, flare/thromboembolism management, and outcomes were abstracted from the selected articles and our case series. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with IBD, who developed an arterial thromboembolism, were identified (49 from published literature and 3 from our institution). More than 82% of patients presented during an active IBD flare. Surgical intervention was attempted in 77% of patients, which included open thromboembolectomy, catheter-directed thrombolysis, or bowel resection. Thromboembolism resolution was achieved in 76% of patients with comparable outcomes with either catheter-directed thrombolysis or open thrombectomy (83.3% vs. 68.2%). Nearly one-third of patients underwent small bowel resection or colectomy. In 2 patients, thromboembolism resolution was achieved only after total abdominal colectomy for severe pancolitis. Multiple thromboembolectomies were associated with higher risk for amputation. Overall mortality was 11.5% but was greatest for occlusive aortoiliac and mesenteric thromboembolism (14.3% and 57%, respectively). All survivors of occlusive superior mesenteric artery thromboembolism suffered short gut syndrome requiring small bowel transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBD, who develop an arterial thromboembolism, can expect overall poor outcomes. Catheter-directed thrombolysis achieved comparable outcomes with open thromboembolectomy without undue bleeding risk. Total abdominal colectomy for moderate-to-severe pancolitis is an emerging strategy in the management of refractory arterial thromboembolism. Successful surgical management may include open thromboembolectomy, catheter-directed thrombolysis, and bowel resection when indicated.

Risk stratification using serum lactate in patients undergoing surgical pulmonary embolectomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE) has been around since the early days of cardiac surgery. But with the increase in thrombolytic and intervention options, indications of SPE have been limited. Literature suggests that risk stratification has been a key step in getting good results. We are analyzing serum lactate levels for risk stratification in massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 82 cases that underwent SPE between January 1997 and January 2020. Patients were divided into two groups stratified by venous serum lactate levels on the first admission (Group I: normolactatemia <2 mmol/L, Group II: hyperlactatemia, >2 mmol/L). Primary endpoints were all-cause in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints were cardiopulmonary bypass time, extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) insertion, low cardiac output, blood product use, and right ventricular functions in the follow-up. RESULTS: Our study had an overall follow-up of 23 years with a median of 3.18 years. Overall, the in-hospital mortality rate was 8.54%. Group II had a higher mortality rate (P = .015) and morbidity incidences like cardiopulmonary bypass time (P = .008), ECMO insertion (P = .036), and open chest after surgery (P = .015). Although 5-year survival was better in group I a compared to group II (81%, 95% CI, 69%-93% vs 65%, 95% CI, 46%-84%), the log rank test showed no statistical survival difference among both groups on long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Long term survival after SPE is good and these results can further be improved by proper PE risk stratification. Alongside computed tomography and echocardiography, the importance of biomarkers like serum lactate can be explored in the PE management algorithm.

Right Heart Thrombi: Patient Outcomes by Treatment Modality and Predictors of Mortality: A Pooled Analysis.

RATIONALE: Right heart thrombi (RiHT) is characterized by the presence of thrombus within the right atrium or right ventricle (RV). Current literature suggests pulmonary embolism (PE) with RiHT carries a high mortality. Guidelines lack recommendations in managing RiHT. We created a pooled analysis on RiHT and report on our institutional experience in managing RiHT. We aimed to evaluate whether patient characteristics and differing treatment modalities predict mortality. METHODS: We created a pooled analysis of case reports and series of patients with RiHT and PE between January 1956 and 2017. We also reviewed a series of consecutive patients with RiHT identified from our institutional PE registry. Age, shock, RV dysfunction, clot mobility, treatment modality, and hospital outcome had to be reported. RESULTS: We identified 316 patients in our pooled analysis. Patients received the following therapies: no treatment 15 (5%), systemic anticoagulation 73 (23%), systemic thrombolysis 108 (34%), surgical embolectomy 101 (32%), catheter-directed therapy 11 (3%), and systemic thrombolysis with surgery 8 (3%). In-hospital mortality was 18.7%. Univariate analysis showed age and shock reduced odds of survival. Multivariate analysis showed shock reduced odds of survival (odds ratios [OR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-0.72, P ≤ .01) while age, RV dysfunction, and clot-mobility did not affect mortality. In a reduced multivariate analysis adjusting for shock, treatment modality, and clot location alone, systemic thrombolysis increased odds of survival when compared to systemic anticoagulation (OR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.11-6.64, P = .02). Our institutional series identified 18 patients, where in-hospital mortality was 22.2%, 18 (100%) had RV dysfunction, and 5 (28%) had shock. Patients received the following therapies: systemic anticoagulation 8 (44.4%), systemic thrombolysis 4 (22.2%), surgical embolectomy 4 (22.2%), and catheter-directed thrombolysis 2 (11.1%). CONCLUSION: Presence of shock in RiHT is an independent predictor of mortality. Systemic thrombolysis may offer increased odds of survival when compared to systemic anticoagulation. Our findings should be interpreted with caution as they derive from retrospective reports and subject to publication bias.

Twenty-year results of surgical pulmonary thromboembolectomy in acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Acute massive pulmonary embolism is often a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing emergency pulmonary embolectomy for acute massive pulmonary embolism. METHODS: We evaluated 49 patients undergoing emergency pulmonary embolectomy in our institution between 1995 and 2015, retrospectively. We reviewed preoperative conditions and risk factors, surgical complications, postoperative courses, predictors of mortality and long-term survival. RESULTS: At the time of presentation, the median patients' age was 58 years. Preoperatively, seven (14%) individuals had cardiac arrest and required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At the time of surgery, other 23 (47%) patients presented with cardiogenic shock. The most common risk factor for development of pulmonary embolism was major surgery in the last 30 days (29%, n = 14). Five (10%) patients received systemic thrombolysis preoperatively. The median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 82 minutes. The median length of stay in the intensive care unit and in hospital were 1 and 14 days, respectively. Postoperative complications included revision as a consequence of mediastinal bleeding (6%, n = 3), stroke (2%, n = 1), and acute renal failure requiring temporary dialysis (4%, n = 2). The 30-day mortality was 29% (n = 14) with four (8%) cases of death during the surgery. The one-, five- and 15-year survival rates were 65%, 63%, and 57%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary embolectomy can be performed in high-risk patients with massive pulmonary embolism with acceptable clinical outcome and good long-term survival.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Aortic Saddle Embolism.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic occlusion is a rare but life-threatening medical condition that can result from aortic saddle embolism, thrombosis of an atherosclerotic aorta, or aortic dissection. Herein are described the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics for a series of patients with aortic saddle embolism. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was performed for patients receiving treatment for aortic saddle embolism at a university hospital in China between January 2001 and September 2017. Demographic, clinical, ancillary testing, treatment, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (10 women and 8 men) with a mean age of 53.8 years were included. The most commonly associated cardiac diseases were atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (89%); rheumatic heart disease, valvular heart disease, or both (72%); and congestive heart failure (56%). Rest pain was present in all patients, and sensory or motor deficits were present in 12 patients (67%). Computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed for all patients. Seventeen patients (94%) presented with aortic embolism below the renal arteries. Fifteen patients (83%) underwent bilateral transfemoral embolectomy, and 3 patients (17%) received no intervention. Fasciotomy was performed for 9 patients in 14 limbs. The overall mortality rate was 33%, with a postprocedure mortality rate of 20%. Major morbidity occurred in 60% of patients. Six lower extremities were amputated in 4 patients, and acute renal failure developed in 4 patients. The incidence of postembolectomy internal iliac artery embolism was 58% (11 of 19 iliac arteries), and pelvic ischemia developed in 1 young patient. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic saddle embolism is uncommon but associated with high morbidity and mortality. CT angiography is recommended for diagnosis, and bilateral transfemoral embolectomy is the preferred treatment. Postembolectomy internal iliac artery embolism was common, and prevention of pelvic ischemia should be considered for young patients.

Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolectomy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major threat to the health and lives of hospitalized patients. This study was conducted to clarify the real-world outcomes of pulmonary embolectomy.Methods and Results:Retrospective investigation of 355 patients who underwent pulmonary embolectomy for acute PE was conducted using the Japanese Cardiovascular Surgery Database. Risk factors for operative death within 30 days after pulmonary embolectomy and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including operative death, postoperative stroke and postoperative coma, were analyzed. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was required preoperatively in 27.6%, and preoperative veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was performed in 26.5%. Urgent or emergency operation was performed in 93% of patients. Operative mortality rate was 73/355 (20.6%). Incidence of MACE was 97/355 (27.3%). In univariate analysis, preoperative predictors of death were obesity, renal dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver injury, recent myocardial infarction, shock, refractory shock, CPR, heart failure, inotrope use, poor left ventricular function, preoperative arrhythmia and tricuspid regurgitation. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for operative death were heart failure (P=0.013), poor left ventricular function (P=0.007), and respiratory failure (P=0.001). Poor left ventricular function (P=0.033), preoperative CPR (P=0.002) and respiratory failure (P=0.007) were independent risk factors for MACE. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of pulmonary embolectomy were acceptable, considering the urgency and preoperative comorbidities of patients. Early triage of patients with hemodynamically unstable PE is important.

Morbidity and mortality after emergency lower extremity embolectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency lower extremity embolectomy is a common vascular surgical procedure that has poorly defined outcomes. Our goal was to define the perioperative morbidity for emergency embolectomy and develop a risk prediction model for perioperative mortality. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was queried to identify patients undergoing emergency unilateral and lower extremity embolectomy. Patients with previous critical limb ischemia, bilateral embolectomy, nonemergency indication, and those undergoing concurrent bypass were excluded. Patient characteristics and postoperative morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Multivariate analysis for predictors of mortality was performed, and from this, a risk prediction model was developed to identify preoperative predictors of mortality. RESULTS: There were 1749 patients (47.9% male) who met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 68.2 ± 14.8 years. Iliofemoral-popliteal embolectomy was performed in 1231 patients (70.4%), popliteal-tibioperoneal embolectomy in 303 (17.3%), and at both levels in 215 (12.3%). Fasciotomies were performed concurrently with embolectomy in 308 patients (17.6%). The 30-day postoperative mortality was 13.9%. Postoperative complications included myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest (4.7%), pulmonary complications (16.0%), and wound complications (8.2%). The rate of return to the operating room ≤30 days was 25.7%. Hospital length of stay was 9.8 ± 11.5 days, and the 30-day readmission rate was 16.3%. A perioperative mortality risk prediction model based on factors identified in multivariate analysis included age >70 years, male gender, functional dependence, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, recent myocardial infarction/angina, chronic renal insufficiency, and steroid use. The model showed good discrimination (C = 0.769; 95% confidence interval, 0733-0.806) and calibrated well. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency lower extremity embolectomy has high morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. These data provide a benchmark for this complex patient population and may assist in risk stratifying patients, allowing for improved informed consent and goals of care at the time of presentation.

Open Abdomen Improves Survival in Patients With Peritonitis Secondary to Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Damage control surgery and open abdomen (OA) have been extensively used in the severe traumatic patients. However, there was little information when extended to a nontrauma setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the liberal use of OA as a damage control surgery adjunct improved the clinical outcome in acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion patients. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, retrospective cohort review was performed in a national tertiary surgical referral center. RESULTS: Forty-four patients received OA (OA group) and 65 patients had a primary fascial closure (non-OA group) after diagnosed as peritonitis secondary to acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion from January, 2005 to June, 2016. Revascularization was achieved through endovascular aspiration embolectomy, open embolectomy, or percutaneous stent. No difference of bowel resection length was found between groups in the first emergency surgery. However, more non-OA patients (35.4%) required a second-look enterectomy to remove the residual bowel ischemia than OA patients (13.6%, P<0.05). OA was closed within a median of 7 days (4 to 15 d). There was a mean of 134 cm residual alive bowel in OA, whereas 96 cm in non-OA. More non-OA patients suffered from intra-abdominal sepsis (23.1% vs. 6.8%, P<0.01), intra-abdominal hypertension (31% vs. 0, P<0.01), and acute renal failure (53.8% vs. 31.8%, P<0.05) than OA group after surgery. Short-bowel syndrome occurred infrequently in OA than non-OA patients (9.1% vs. 36.9%, P<0.01). OA significantly decreased the 30-day (27.3% vs. 52.3%, P<0.01) and 1-year mortality rate (31.8 % vs. 61.5%, P<0.01) compared with non-OA group. CONCLUSIONS: Liberal use of OA, as a damage control adjunct avoided the development of intra-abdominal hypertension, reduced sepsis-related complication, and improved the clinical outcomes in peritonitis secondary to acute SMA occlusion.

The perioperative effect of concomitant procedures during open infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is occasionally performed in conjunction with additional procedures; however, how these concomitant procedures affect outcome is unclear. This study determined the frequency of additional procedures during elective open AAA repair and the effect on perioperative outcomes. METHODS: All elective infrarenal open AAA repairs between January 2003 and November 2014 in the Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) were identified. Patients were grouped by concomitant procedures, which included no concomitant procedure, renal artery bypass, lower extremity bypass, other abdominal procedure, or thromboembolectomy. Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1314 patients who underwent elective AAA repair, 153 (11.6%) had a concomitant procedure, including renal bypass in 27 (2.1%), lower extremity bypass in 28 (2.1%), other abdominal procedures in 64 (4.9%), and thromboembolectomy in 48 (3.7%). Independent risk factors for 30-day mortality were renal bypass (odds ratio [OR], 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-27.7), other abdominal procedures (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.6-14.1), and thromboembolectomy (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 3.1-24.9). Deterioration of renal function was predicted by renal bypass (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.1-12.4) and thromboembolectomy (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.8-7.6). Lower extremity bypass and thromboembolectomy were predictive of postoperative leg ischemia (OR, 8.9; 95% CI, 2.7-29.0; OR, 11.2; 95% CI, 4.4-28.8, respectively), and thromboembolectomy was also predictive of postoperative bowel ischemia (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.6-12.0). CONCLUSIONS: Performing additional procedures during infrarenal open AAA repair is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period. Careful deliberation of the operative risks and the necessity of the additional interventions are therefore advised during operative planning. This study also highlights the importance of avoiding perioperative thromboembolic events.

Adverse events after treatment of patients with acute limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: To assess the outcome and the occurrence and consequences of adverse events (AEs) after treatment of acute limb ischemia (ALI). METHODS: Retrospective analysis on intra-arterial thrombolysis (group I) and thromboembolectomy (group II). Outcome measures were primary patency and limb salvage rates. AEs and consequences were registered during admission and 30 days after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 238 procedures were included (group I, 173 vs. group II, 65). The primary patency (P = 0.144) and limb salvage rates (P = 0.166) were not significantly different between both groups. A total of 195 AEs were registered. Most AEs were procedure related and resulted in surgical reintervention (77% vs. 76%). Some AEs resulted in irreversible physical damage (15% vs. 25%) and death (6% vs. 12%). CONCLUSIONS: Both, intra-arterial thrombolysis and thromboembolectomies are adequate therapies; however, they result in a wide variety of AEs resulting in serious morbidity and even death.

Curative Analysis of Several Therapeutic Methods for Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of different therapeutic methods for finding a promising treatment to this satanic disease and determined the prognostic factors affecting the survival time. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was carried out on 589 patients who underwent different treatment for Primary hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus from January, 2005 to June, 2013. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the initial treatment: Group A (N = 48), conservative treatment; Group B (N = 86), chemotherapy; Group C (N = 122), surgical resection; and Group D (N = 333), surgical resection with postoperative chemotherapy. RESULTS: There was no significant differences in clinical information (i.e., the number of tumor, the size of tumor, and the state of portal vein tumor thrombus) among the 4 groups (P > 0.05). Both surgical resection and chemotherapy can improve the survival rate of the patients, and comprehensive treatments are of greater effect over surgical resection or chemotherapy alone. Univariate and multiple analyses revealed that the levers of AFP(p=.001), the size of tumor (p < .001), the number of tumor(p < .001), the state of portal vein tumor thrombus(p < .001), and the number of chemotherapy(p = .000) affected the conditions of prognosis: CONCLUSIONS: Positive operation treatment is the most effective therapeutic strategy for this advanced disease. Surgical resection followed by postoperative chemotherapy would increase the survival rate.

The combination of surgical embolectomy and endovascular techniques may improve outcomes of patients with acute lower limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical arterial thromboembolectomy (TE) is an efficient treatment for acute arterial thromboemboli of lower limbs, especially if a single large artery is involved. Unfortunately, residual thrombus, propagation of thrombi, chronic atherosclerotic disease, and vessel injuries secondary to balloon catheter passage may limit the clinical success rate. Intraoperative angiography can identify any arterial imperfection after TE, which may be corrected simultaneously by endovascular techniques (so-called "hybrid procedures," HP). The aim of this study is to compare outcomes of surgical TE vs HP in patients with acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI). METHODS: From 2006 to 2012, 322 patients with ALLI were admitted to our department. Patients received urgent surgical treatment using only a Fogarty balloon catheter (TE group = 112) or in conjunction with endovascular completion (HP group = 210). In-hospital complications, 30-day mortality, primary and secondary patency, reintervention rate, limb salvage, and overall survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test. RESULTS: HPs (n = 210) following surgical TE consisted of angioplasty (PTA) ± stenting in 90 cases, catheter-directed intra-arterial thrombolysis + PTA ± stenting in 24, thrombus fragmentation and aspiration by large guiding catheter + PTA ± stenting in 67, vacuum-based accelerated thromboaspiration by mechanical devices in 9, and primary covered stenting in 12. Estimated primary patency was 90.4% vs 70.4% at 2-year and 87.1% vs 66.3% at 5-year follow-up, respectively, for HP and TE patients (hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-5.41; P < .01). A hazard ratio of 2.1 for limb salvage was noted for the HP group (95% confidence interval, 1.01-4.34; P = .03). Estimated freedom from reintervention at 1 year was 94.4% for HP vs 82.1% for TE patients, and 89% vs 73.7% at 5 years, respectively (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: HPs for ALLI may represent the tools that, when applied to specific clinical scenarios, hold the potential to reduce the morbidity previously associated with acute arterial occlusion.

Results of surgical management of acute thromboembolic lower extremity ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Acute lower extremity ischemia secondary to arterial thromboembolism is a common problem. Contemporary data regarding this problem are sparse. This report examines a 10-year single-center experience and describes the surgical management and outcomes observed. METHODS: Procedural codes were used to identify consecutive patients treated surgically for acute lower extremity embolization from January 2002 to September 2012. Patients presenting >7 days after onset of symptoms, occlusion of grafts/stents, and cases secondary to trauma or iatrogenic injury were excluded. Data collected included demographics, medical comorbidities, presenting clinical characteristics, procedural specifics, and postoperative outcomes. Results were evaluated using descriptive statistics, product-limit survival analysis, and logistic regression multivariable modeling. RESULTS: The study sample included 170 patients (47% female). Mean age was 69.1 ± 16.0 years. Of these, 82 patients (49%) had a previous history of atrial fibrillation, and four (2%) were therapeutically anticoagulated (international normalized ratio ≥2.0) at presentation. Presentation for 83% was >6 hours after symptom onset, and 9% presented with a concurrent acute stroke. Femoral artery exploration with embolectomy was the most common procedural management and was used for aortic, iliac, and infrainguinal occlusion. Ten patients (6%) required bypass for limb salvage during the initial operation. Local instillation of thrombolytic agents as an adjunct to embolectomy was used in 16%, fasciotomies were performed in 39%, and unexpected return to the operating room occurred in 24%. Ninety-day amputation above or below the knee was required during the index hospitalization in 26 patients (15%). In-hospital or 30-day mortality was 18%. Median (interquartile range) length of stay was 8 days (4, 16 days), and 36% of patients were discharged to a nursing facility. Recurrent extremity embolization occurred in 23 patients (14%) at a median interval of 1.6 months. The 5-year amputation freedom and survival estimates were 80% and 41%, respectively. Predictors of 90-day amputation included prior vascular surgery, gangrene, and fasciotomy. Predictors of 30-day mortality included age, history of coronary artery disease, prior vascular surgery, and concurrent stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in contemporary medical care, lower extremity arterial embolization remains a condition that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the condition is resource-intensive to treat and is likely preventable (initially or in recurrence) in a substantial subset of patients.

Usefulness of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of amputation after embolectomy for acute limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the predictive ability of admission neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting amputation in patients with acute limb ischemia who underwent embolectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, hematologic, and amputation data of 254 patients who had undergone embolectomy for acute limb ischemia. There were 152 (52%) men and 93 (48%) women, with a mean age of 66.04 ± 13.30 years. The admission NLR was determined by dividing the absolute neutrophil count by the absolute lymphocyte count. The primary end point was determined as amputation and death. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 26 months. During the follow-up period, there were 18 (7%) amputations within 30 days of surgery and 36 (15%) amputations over a mean follow-up of 26 months. Based on multivariate logistic regression modeling, no arterial back bleeding and preoperative NLR were observed to be independent risk factors for amputation within 30 days of surgery, and no arterial back bleeding and preoperative NLR were observed to be independent risk factors for midterm amputation for the same time period. A NLR of ≥5.2 was taken as the cutoff based upon the receiver operating characteristic. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a NLR ≥5.2 had 83% sensitivity and 63% specificity in predicting amputation within 30 days of surgery and 63% sensitivity and 63% specificity in predicting midterm amputation. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated NLR is associated with a poorer limb survival after embolectomy. This simple, inexpensive test may therefore be added to risk stratification of these high-risk patients.

Chronic thromboembolic disease among patients undergoing surgical pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic thromboembolic lesions in the pulmonary arteries among patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism and their impact on treatment outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive patients undergoing emergency pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism between 2013 and August 2021. According to European Society of Cardiology guidelines, the diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, imaging studies and laboratory tests. Surgery was selected as the optimal treatment modality within the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. Based on the intraoperatively identified chronic lesions patients were divided into two groups: acute only and acute/chronic. The analysis comprised history, laboratory and imaging studies, early and long-term mortality, and postoperative complications. We determined predictive factors for chronic thromboembolic lesions and risk factors for death. RESULTS: The analysis included 33 patients. Intraoperatively, 42% (14) of patients had chronic lesions. Predictive factors for these lesions are the duration of symptoms >1 week (OR=13.75), pulmonary artery dilatation >3.15 cm (OR=39.00) and right ventricle systolic pressure >52 mmHg (OR=29.33). No hospital deaths occurred in the acute only group and two in the acute/chronic group (0% vs. 14.3%; P=0.172). Risk factors for death are the duration of symptoms >3 weeks (HR=7.35) and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (HR=7.04). CONCLUSIONS: Acute thromboembolic disease overlapping chronic clots is relatively common among patients undergoing pulmonary artery embolectomy. A detailed evaluation of the patient's medical history and imaging studies can identify these patients, as they require special attention when making treatment decisions. Surgical treatment in a center of expertise in pulmonary endarterectomy seems reasonable.

Surgical treatment of acute pulmonary embolism--a 12-year retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is considered to be a high risk procedure and therefore a last treatment option. We wanted to evaluate the procedures role in modern treatment of acute PE. DESIGN: All data on patients treated with surgical embolectomy for acute PE were retrieved from our clinical database. The mortality was extracted from the Danish mortality register. RESULTS: From October 1998 to July 2010, 33 patients underwent surgical embolectomy. All procedures were done through a median sternotomy and extracorporeal circulation. Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with a high risk PE and 7 with an intermediate risk PE and intracardial pathology. Six patients had been insufficiently treated with thrombolysis. Thirteen patients had contraindication for thrombolysis. Six patients were brought to the operating theatre in cardiogenic shock, 8 needed ventilator support, and 1 was in cardiac arrest. The postoperative 30-day mortality was 6% and during the 12-year follow-up the cumulative survival was 80% with 4 late deaths. CONCLUSION: Surgical pulmonary embolectomy can be performed with low mortality although the treated patients belong to the most compromised part of the PE population. The results support surgical embolectomy as a vital part of the treatment algorithm for acute PE.

Effects of sex on mechanical embolectomy outcome.

Given that women have demonstrated a greater margin of benefit than men from treatment with thrombolytics in certain acute stroke trials, the current study explored whether this sex effect extends to mechanical embolectomy and can be explained by revascularization rate. The study included the 305 patients enrolled in the Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) and Multi MERCI trials. Demographic, risk factor, and procedural characteristics were evaluated in women and men. Odds ratios for outcomes by sex were compared in patients with revascularization and those without revascularization, defined as a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score of 2-3 at the end of the procedure. Outcomes included a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 and mortality at 90 days, as well as the presence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Patient and procedural characteristics did not differ between women and men except for mean age (women, 70.1 years; men, 64.8 years; P = .003), hypertension (women, 78.0%; men, 65.5%; P = .021), and number of vertebrobasilar occlusions (women, 8/159 [5.0%]; men, 20/146 [13.7%]; P = .01). Revascularization was significantly associated with favorable outcomes in both women and men (P < .0001), and rates of favorable outcome, mortality, and sICH did not differ between women and men when the vessel was revascularized. Likewise, mechanical embolectomy with the Merci Retriever was not associated with different outcomes in women and men when the vessel was revascularized. Our data suggest that the sex differences seen in thrombolytic trials might be due to factors other than immediate postprocedural large vessel opening.

Surgical management of acute pulmonary artery thromboembolism.

We operated on a total of twenty-seven patients presenting with acute massive thromboembolism of pulmonary arteries. The patients' mean age amounted to 38.6 ± 9.17 years. The estimated pressure in the pulmonary artery averaged 54.2 ± 7.15 mm Hg. A total of twenty- two thromboembolectomic procedures were performed in the setting of assisted circulation. In five patients embolectomy was carried out from a thoracotomic approach without artificial circulation. The remote period was marked by a relapse of thromboembolism, with the female patient having completely refused to undergo treatment. All the patients remain in a satisfactory condition, with the estimated pressure in the pulmonary artery maintaining at an average level of 27.05 ± 3.11 mm Hg.

Routine versus selective use of intraoperative angiography during thromboembolectomy for acute lower limb ischemia: analysis of outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The success of thromboembolectomy for acute lower limb ischemia depends on the complete removal of all thromboembolic material accessible to the Fogarty catheter. Intraoperative arteriography can be used during arterial thromboembolectomy as a guide for extension of procedure to ensure complete clearance of the arterial tree and distal patency. However, it is still matter of debate if intraoperative angiography should be routinely performed in all cases or only in selected cases, depending on intraoperative findings, when the surgeon suspects an incomplete desobstruction. METHODS: Details of 380 thromboembolectomies in 361 patients with acute lower limb ischemia due to native vessel occlusion were prospectively recorded over a 12-year period in a central hospital vascular unit setting. The relevance of intraoperative angiography was retrospectively analyzed. The procedures were divided into two groups: group A, when intraoperative angiography was performed in selected cases (selective angiography), and group B, when angiography was performed as a routine procedure in all cases (routine angiography). Thrombectomy and embolectomy cases were separately analyzed. RESULTS: "On-table" angiography was used in 57 (26.4%) of 216 cases in group A and in all 164 cases (100%) of group B. Included in this study were 225 embolectomies and 155 thrombectomies of native vessels. After thrombectomy, the adoption of routine intraoperative angiography (group B) resulted in a statistically significant higher intraoperative reintervention rate than did selective intraoperative angiography (group A) (53.4% vs. 29.9%; p < 0.05). Also, after embolectomy extension of procedure, the rate was higher in group B than in group A (17% vs. 9.2%), but it did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Considering the overall casuistic, at 24 months after thromboembolectomy, group B resulted in a lower incidence of reocclusion in comparison with group A (p < 0.05), whereas there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of amputation (p > 0.05) or of mortality (p > 0.05). Considering separately patients treated by embolectomy and by thrombectomy, reocclusion rate at 24 months was lower in group B than in group A, after thrombectomy and after embolectomy, with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). Amputation rate at 24 months was similar in group A and group B after embolectomy (10.7% vs. 8.9%; p > 0.05). After thrombectomy, there was in group B a slight advantage in comparison with group A, although not reaching statistical significance (31.3% vs. 46.2%; p > 0.05). There was no difference in mortality rate according to treatment group. CONCLUSION: Routine use of intraoperative angiography influences outcome after thromboembolectomy for lower limb acute arterial occlusion. Routine use of intraoperative angiography, compared with selective use, results in higher rate of extension of the procedure for residual lesion and in a lower reocclusion rate at 24 months.