Infective Native Aortic Aneurysm: a Delphi Consensus Document on Treatment, Follow Up, and Definition of Cure.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence is lacking to guide the management of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA). The aim of this study was to establish expert consensus on surgical and antimicrobial treatment and follow up, and to define when an INAA is considered cured. METHODS: Delphi methodology was used. The principal investigators invited 47 international experts (specialists in infectious diseases, radiology, nuclear medicine, and vascular and cardiothoracic surgery) via email. Four Delphi rounds were performed, three weeks each, using an online questionnaire with initially 28 statements. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements were revised and added or deleted, and the results were presented in the iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel rating a statement as strongly agree or agree on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha > 0.80. RESULTS: All 49 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation. One statement was added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in 29 final statements: three on need for consensus, 20 on treatment, five on follow up, and one on definition of cure. All 29 statements reached agreement of ≥ 86%. Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round; round 1, 0.85; round 2, 0.90; round 3, 0.91; and round 4, 0.94. Thus, consensus was reached for all statements. CONCLUSION: INAAs are rare, and high level evidence to guide optimal management is lacking. This consensus document was established with the aim of helping clinicians manage these challenging patients, as a supplement to current guidelines. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.

Peri-operative Mortality and Morbidity of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Switzerland: A Swissvasc Report.

OBJECTIVE: Complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAA) pose a clinical challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the 30 day mortality and morbidity rates for open aneurysm repair (OAR) and fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR), and the effect of hospital volume in patients with asymptomatic cAAA in Switzerland. METHODS: Retrospective, cohort study using data from Switzerland's national registry for vascular surgery, Swissvasc, including patients treated from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022. All patients with asymptomatic, true, non-infected cAAA were identified. The primary outcome was 30 day mortality and morbidity rates reported using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Outcomes were compared between OAR and F/B-EVAR after propensity score weighting. RESULTS: Of the 461 patients identified, 333 underwent OAR and 128 underwent F/B-EVAR for cAAA. At 30 days, the overall mortality rate was 3.3% after OAR and 3.1% after F/B-EVAR (p = .76). Propensity score weighted analysis indicated similar morbidity rates for both approaches: F/B-EVAR (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.45 - 1.05, p = .055); intestinal ischaemia (1.8% after OAR, 3.1% after F/B-EVAR, p = .47) and renal failure requiring dialysis (1.5% after OAR, 5.5% after F/B-EVAR, p = .024) were associated with highest morbidity and mortality rates. Treatment specific complications with high morbidity were abdominal compartment syndrome and lower limb compartment syndrome following F/B-EVAR. Overall treatment volume was low for most of the hospitals treating cAAA in Switzerland; outliers with increased mortality rates were identified among low volume hospitals. CONCLUSION: Comparable 30 day mortality and morbidity rates were found between OAR and F/B-EVAR for cAAA in Switzerland; lack of centralisation was also highlighted. Organ specific complications driving death were renal failure, intestinal ischaemia, and limb ischaemia, specifically after F/B-EVAR. Treatment in specialised high volume centres, alongside efforts to reduce peri-procedural kidney injury and mesenteric ischaemia, offers potential to lower morbidity and mortality rates in elective cAAA treatment.

Physician Made Bovine Pericardial Tube Grafts in Aortic Infection: A European Multicentre Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines outcome and durability of physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts in aortic infections in all anatomical locations. METHODS: This was a retrospective and prospective international multicentre study. Peri-operative and long term outcomes of patients undergoing in situ aortic reconstruction for native or graft infections with physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts between January 2008 and December 2020 in four European tertiary referral centres were analysed. The primary endpoint was recurrent aortic infection. Secondary endpoints were persistent infection, aortic re-operation for infection, graft related complications, and death. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty eight patients (77% male, mean age 67 ± 11 years) were identified: 38 (23%) with native and 130 (77%) with aortic graft infection. The thirty day mortality rate was 15% (n = 26) overall, 11% (n = 4), and 17% (n = 22) for native and aortic graft infections, respectively (p = .45). Median follow up was 26 months (interquartile range [IQR] 10, 51). Estimated survival at one, two, three, and five years was 64%, 60%, 57%, and 50%, and significantly better for native (81%, 77%, 77%, and 69%) than for graft infections (58%, 55%, 51%, and 44%; p = .011). Nine patients (5.3%) had persistent infection and 10 patients (6%) had aortic re-infection after a median of 10 months (IQR 5, 22), resulting in an estimated freedom from re-infection at one, two, three, and five years of 94%, 92%, 90%, and 86%. Estimated freedom from graft complications at one, two, three, and five years was 91%, 89%, 87%, and 87%. CONCLUSION: This multicentre study demonstrates low re-infection rates when using physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts, comparable to those of other biological grafts. The rate of graft complications, mainly anastomotic aneurysms and stenoses, was low, while graft degeneration was absent. Physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts are an excellent tool for in situ reconstruction in the setting of native aortic infection or aortic graft infection.

Indication and Outcome of Late Open Conversion after Abdominal Endovascular Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become the standard of care for patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysms over the last 2 decades. Endograft technology and treatment of complications like endoleaks, graft migration, or graft occlusion developed over time. However, sometimes open surgical conversion maybe required. Our aim was to analyze the indications, the technical aspects and outcomes in patients who underwent open conversion after EVAR with different types and generations of endografts. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study reviewed all patients who underwent EVAR from 2004 to 2020. Open surgical conversions >1 month post EVAR were identified. Conversions for graft infection were excluded. Indications for conversion and operative technique were analyzed. Primary endpoint of the study was 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were re-interventions and follow-up mortality. RESULTS: During 2004 and 2020, 443 consecutive EVARs were performed, and 28 patients required open surgical conversion, with an additional 3 referred from other hospitals (N = 31). The median age was 75 (range 58-93); 94% were male. Conversion was performed after a median time of 55 months (range 16-209). Twenty patients underwent elective and 11 emergency conversion. Indications for open conversion were graft migration, respectively, disease progression with endoleak type Ia and/or Ib in 52% (16/31) and sac expansion due to endoleak type II in 26% (8/31). Of the 31 patients, 17 (55%) had at least one previous endovascular re-intervention. All patients met the device-specific instructions for use for each implanted endograft. In-hospital intervention rate was 16% (5/31). Thirty-day mortality rate was 3% (1/31) with one patient died due to multiorgan failure after rupture with complete endograft replacement. Five patients (16%) died during follow-up. Mid-term follow-up was 47.5 months (range 24-203) with estimated cumulative survival rates of 97%, 89%, and 84%, at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Late open conversion remains a valuable treatment option and can be performed safely in elective and emergency setting with a low early mortality. Lifelong surveillance and prompt intervention when necessary are essential in ensuring optimal outcomes after EVAR and preventing the need for emergent conversions.

Editor's Choice - Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms: A Delphi Consensus Document on Terminology, Definition, Classification, Diagnosis, and Reporting Standards.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus regarding the terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, or reporting standards for the disease of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA), previously known as mycotic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to establish this by performing a consensus study. METHODS: The Delphi methodology was used. Thirty-seven international experts were invited via mail to participate. Four two week Delphi rounds were performed, using an online questionnaire, initially with 22 statements and nine reporting items. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements revised, and results presented in iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel selecting "strongly agree" or "agree" on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha coefficient > .80. RESULTS: All 38 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation and agreement that this study was necessary, and the term INAA was agreed to be optimal. Three more statements were added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in a final 25 statements and nine reporting items. All 25 statements reached an agreement of ≥ 87%, and all nine reporting items reached an agreement of 100%. The Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round (round 1 = .84, round 2 = .87, round 3 = .90, and round 4 = .92). Thus, consensus was reached for all statements and reporting items. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study established the first consensus document on INAA regarding terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, as well as reporting standards. The results of this study create essential conditions for scientific research on this disease. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.

Peripheral Artery Disease Leading to Major Amputation: Trends in Revascularization and Mortality Over 18 Years.

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at risk for amputation. The aim of this study was to assess the type of revascularization prior to and the 30-day mortality rate after major amputation due to PAD. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing major amputation for PAD between 01/2000 and 12/2017 at a tertiary referral center. The number and target level of ipsilateral revascularizations prior to amputation were analyzed per patient and over the years. There were 3 types of revascularization (open, endovascular and combined treatment) at 3 levels: aortoiliac, femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association of level of amputation and patient characteristics with 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (65.7% male) with a mean age of 73.3 ± 11 years underwent 338 major amputations: 70 (21%) above/through knee and 268 (79%) below knee. A median of 2 (interquartile range, IQR 1-4) revascularizations were performed prior to amputation, with a slight decrease of 1.4% per year from 2000-2017 (incidence rate ratio of 0.986 0.974-0.998; Poisson regression analysis, P = 0.021). 16% (53/338) of patients underwent primary amputation without revascularization; this number remained relatively stable throughout the study period. The proportion of exclusively open treatment before amputation decreased substantially from 35% in 2006 to none in 2016, while exclusively endovascular revascularizations were performed increasingly from 17% in 2002 to 64% in 2016. Amputation occurred after a median of 9.5 months (IQR 0.9-67.6 months) if the first revascularization was aortoiliac or femoropopliteal and after 2.1 months (IQR 0.5-13.8 months) if the first intervention was infrapopliteal (P < 0.001) with no significant change over the years (normal linear regression, P= 0.887). Thirty-day mortality was 8.9% (22/247) after below knee and 27.7% (18/65) after above/through knee amputation (adjusted OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.74-8.54, P= 0.001) with a slight increase of mortality over the study period (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.018-1.159, Poisson regression analysis, P= 0.021). The uni- and multivariate analysis of patient characteristics did not show an association with mortality, except higher ASA classification (adjusted OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.23-5.72, P= 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality, especially after above/through knee amputation, remains high over the past 2 decades. There is a clear shift towards endovascular treatment of patients with PAD prior to major amputation. In patients needing infrapopliteal revascularizations, amputation was performed much sooner than in those with aortoiliac or femoropopliteal interventions, with no improvement over the years. Strategies to extend limb salvage in these patients should be the focus of further research.

Long-term results of cryopreserved allografts in aortoiliac graft infections.

OBJECTIVE: Different graft materials have been proposed for in situ reconstruction in the setting of vascular graft infection (VGI). We analyzed the long-term outcomes after in situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved allografts. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone in situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved arterial allografts for VGI from 2000 to 2015. The end points were the perioperative and long-term mortality and graft-related complications, including stenosis, occlusion, pseudoaneurysm, and reinfection. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (91% male) with a median age of 67 years (range, 53-83 years) had undergone in situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved allografts. The 30-day mortality was 6% (n = 2); both deaths were related to the allograft (one early allograft-enteric fistula and one graft rupture). Another two patients had experienced early (≤30 days) graft-related events (one allograft-enteric fistula and one graft limb occlusion), for an early graft-related complication rate of 12% (n = 4). Of the 31 discharged patients, 13 (42%) had died after a median of 47 months (range, 2-97 months). The median follow-up for the 18 remaining patients was 96 months (range, 10-146 months). The estimated survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 88%, 81%, and 66%, respectively. Nine patients (29%) had experienced at least one of the following graft-related events during follow-up, including graft stenosis requiring intervention in five (16%), graft occlusion in four (13%), pseudoaneurysm in three (10%), and reinfection in two patients (6%). The estimated freedom from any first graft-related event at 1, 3, and 5 years was 78%, 71%, and 62%, respectively. The estimated primary patency and primary assisted patency at 1 and 3 years was 87% and 79%, and 90% and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved allografts to treat VGI was associated with relevant perioperative graft-related complications. Although the reinfection rate was acceptable, other graft-related complications were frequent in the long term, in particular, graft occlusion and stenosis.

Impaired fixation suppression of horizontal vestibular nystagmus during smooth pursuit: pathophysiology and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A peripheral spontaneous nystagmus (SN) is typically enhanced or revealed by removing fixation. Conversely, failure of fixation suppression of SN is usually a sign of a central disorder. Based on Luebke and Robinson (Vision Res 1988, vol. 28 (8), pp. 941-946), who suggested that the normal fixation mechanism is disengaged during pursuit, it is hypothesized that vertical tracking in the light would bring out or enhance a horizontal SN. METHODS: Eighteen patients with acute vestibular neuritis were studied. Eye movements were recorded using video-oculography at straight-ahead gaze with and without visual fixation, and during smooth pursuit. The slow-phase velocity and the fixation suppression indices of nystagmus (relative to SN in darkness) were compared in each condition. RESULTS: During vertical tracking, the slow-phase velocity of horizontal SN with eyes near straight-ahead gaze was significantly higher (median 2.7°/s) than under static visual fixation (median 1.2°/s). Likewise, the fixation index was significantly higher (worse suppression) during pursuit (median 48%) than during fixation (median 26%). A release of SN was also suggested during horizontal pursuit, if one assumes superposition of SN on a normal and symmetrical pursuit capability.

Efficacy and Safety of Heparinization before Deployment of Endograft for Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury in Severely Injured Patients.

BACKGROUND: The administration of unfractionated heparin (UFH) during endovascular repair of blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) is controversial. The aim of the study is to report the early outcomes of patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for BTAI, and to assess the individualized intraoperative use and dose of UFH. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis including consecutive patients treated with TEVAR for BTAI of the descending aorta between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2018. Intraoperative use and doses of UFH were analyzed. Primary outcome included a reintervention because of new onset bleeding and/or thromboembolic complication and 30-day mortality. Technical success, injury severity score (ISS), timing of treatment, and neurologic deterioration were secondary outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients with a mean age of 47 ± 18 years, 30 males (83%), were included. Intraoperative administration of UFH was recorded in 30/36 patients (83%) with a mean dose of 4750 ± 2180 IU. Two patients had no UFH because of extensive intracranial hemorrhage or suspected relevant liver laceration, respectively; 1 died in theatre, 1 was already anticoagulated having a mechanical aortic valve, and in 2 no information about heparin use was found. During 30 days of follow-up, 3 patients died (8%; 3/36): 1 patient with completely transected aorta died on-table and 2 on the fifth postoperative day, 1 from trauma-associated brain injury and 1 with multi organ failure. No bleeding or thromboembolic complication requiring reintervention occurred in any patient during 30 days follow-up. In 3 patients partial unintentional coverage of the left common carotid artery occurred, resulting in technical success of 89% (32/36). Mean ISS was 43 ± 15. Thirty-five patients (97%) were severely injured having an ISS ≥ 25. Twenty-nine patients (81%) were treated within 24 hr and 6 patients (17%) within 1 week. No stroke or spinal cord ischemia was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic heparinization in different doses during TEVAR for BTAI can be safe with no intraoperative bleeding or thromboembolic complications in early postoperative period.

Perioperative Outcome of Fenestrated and Branched Stent Grafting after Previous Open or Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: To compare the perioperative outcome of patients treated with elective or urgent fenestrated and branched stent grafting (fbEVAR) for pararenal (pAAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) after previous open with previous endovascular abdominal aortic repair. METHODS: Single center retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing fbEVAR after previous open (post-open fbEVAR group) or endovascular abdominal aortic repair (post-endo fbEVAR group) between January 2015 and December 2017. Primary outcomes were technical success and in-hospital all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We identified 42 patients undergoing fbEVAR after previous open or endovascular abdominal aortic repair during this period. Twenty-one patients (post-open fbEVAR group) had previous open abdominal aortic repair, 13 with a bifurcated and 8 with a tube graft. Of these, 2 patients presented with pAAA and 19 with TAAA. Twenty-one patients (post-endo fbEVAR group) had previous EVAR. Thirteen patients presented with pAAA, 3 of them with additional type Ia endoleak, 2 with stent-graft migration and 2 with previously failed fEVAR. Eight presented with TAAA. Median interval between previous repair and fbEVAR was 84 months (IQR 60-156) for the post-open fbEVAR group and 72 months (IQR 36-96) for the post-endo fbEVAR group (P = 0.746). Eighteen patients (86%) had branched stent grafting in the post-open versus 11 (52%) in the post-endo group (P < 0.01). In 2 patients in the post-open group, 3 renal arteries were not catheterized due to severe ostial stenosis, resulting in technical success of 91% in the post-open and 100% in the post-endo fbEVAR group. Four patients (19%) in the post-open fbEVAR group died in hospital, 2 due to cerebral hemorrhage and 2 due to pneumonia, and none in the post-endo fbEVAR group (P = 0.101). There were 5 nonstent-graft-related reinterventions, 2 (10%) in the post-open fbEVAR group and 3 (14%) in the post-endo fbEVAR group (P = 0.844). After 12 months there were 4 events in the post-endo fbEVAR group: one renal artery stent occluded, one renal artery stent required relining because of disconnection and 2 type II endoleaks were embolized with coils. There were no reinterventions in the post-open fbEVAR group during 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Fenestrated and branched repair after previous open or endovascular abdominal aortic repair appears safe with high technical success rate. There is no difference in the technical success and in-hospital all-cause mortality rates between fbEVAR after previous open or endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

Management of acute and chronic aortic disease during the COVID-19 pandemic-Results from a web-based ad hoc platform.

BACKGROUND: To share the results of a web-based expert panel discussion focusing on the management of acute and chronic aortic disease during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: A web-based expert panel discussion on April 18, 2020, where eight experts were invited to share their experience with COVID-19 disease touching several aspects of aortic medicine. After each talk, specific questions were asked by the online audience, and results were immediately evaluated and shared with faculty and participants. RESULTS: As of April 18, 73.3% answered that more than 200 patients have been treated at their respective settings. Sixty-four percent were reported that their hospital was well prepared for the pandemic. In 57.7%, the percentage of infected healthcare professionals was below 5% whereas 19.2% reported the percentage to be between 10% and 20%. Sixty-seven percent reported the application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in less than 2% of COVID-19 patients whereas 11.8% reported application in 5%-10% of COVID-19 patients. Thirty percent of participants reported the occurrence of pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 patients. Three percent reported to have seen aortic ruptures in primarily elective patients having been postponed because of the anticipated need to provide sufficient ICU capacity because of the pandemic. Nearly 70% reported a decrease in acute aortic syndrome referrals since the start of the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The current COVID-19 pandemic has-besides the stoppage of elective referrals-also led to a decrease of referrals of acute aortic syndromes in many settings. The reluctance of patients seeking medical help seems to be a major driver. The number of patients, who have been postponed due to the provisioning of ICU resources but having experienced aortic rupture in the waiting period, is still low. Further, studies are needed to learn more about the influence that the COVID-19 pandemic has on the treatment of patients with acute and chronic aortic disease.

Development and internal validation of a prognostic model for mortality of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with endovascular aneurysm repair.

Background: Morbidity and mortality associated with elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) must be balanced against the impending risk of aneurysm rupture and the estimated remaining lifetime. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a prognostic model for mortality of patients with AAA treated with EVAR. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 251 consecutive patients treated with EVAR for asymptomatic AAA between January 2001 and December 2012 at the University Hospital in Bern, Switzerland. Pre-selection of variables was based on a literature review; least absolute shrinkage and selection operator technique was used for the final variable selection. A Firth's bias reduced Cox proportional hazard model was developed and validated using 10,000 bootstrap samples to predict survival after EVAR. Results: The median follow-up time was 5.3 years (range 0.1 to 15.9). At the study closing date 95% of follow-up information was available. The mortality rates were 31.9% at 5 years and 50.5% at the study closing date, respectively. Identified predictors for overall mortality after EVAR were age, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.24 per 10-year increase (95% CI 1.64 to 3.09), the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), HR = 2.22 (95% CI 1.48 to 3.31), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, HR = 1.24 per 10 ml/min/1.73 m2 decrease (95% CI 1.12 to 1.39). The model showed good discrimination ability, Harrell's C = 0.722 (95% CI 0.667 to 0.778) and was very robust in the bootstrap in-sample validation Harrell's C = 0.726 (95% CI 0.662 to 0.788). Conclusion: Higher age, the presence of COPD and impaired kidney function are independent predictors for impaired survival after EVAR. The expected remaining lifetime should be considered in patients with AAA. This prognostic model can help improving patient care; however, external validation is needed prior to clinical implementation.

In situ Reconstruction of Infected Groin Pseudoaneurysms in Drug Abusers With Biological Grafts.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes after in situ reconstruction using biological grafts in infected groin pseudoaneurysms in drug abusers. METHODS: This was a single centre retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing in situ reconstruction with biological vascular grafts for infected groin pseudoaneurysms in drug abusers from 2000 to 2017. Outcome measures included wound healing problems, re-infection, graft patency, lower limb amputation, and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (14 male) with a median age of 39 years (range 27-49) were identified. Fifteen patients (68%) underwent urgent in situ reconstruction with a xenograft, five patients (23%) with a homograft, and two patients (9%) with an autologous vein. There were no in hospital deaths, in hospital re-infections, or early major limb amputations. Four (18%) patients developed wound healing complications requiring re-operation. During a median follow up of 56 months (range 13-180 months), six patients (27%) developed re-infection requiring complete graft replacement with a new biological graft. Thereafter, three (14%) had re-re-infection. Seven patients (32%) had graft occlusions: two were treated endovascularly, two underwent re-operation, and three were treated conservatively. Two patients (9%) had patent grafts but significant stenosis: one had successful angioplasty and another one was left untreated. One patient required above knee amputation, resulting in an overall major amputation rate of 4%. Estimated primary patency was 87% after one year and 40% after five years. Six patients (27%) died during follow up from non-vascular causes. CONCLUSIONS: In situ reconstruction using biological grafts of infected groin pseudoaneurysms in drug abusers can be achieved with no peri-operative graft related complications, although rates of wound complications may be high. In the longer term, a significant number of patients develop re-infection, graft occlusion, or stenosis, although the amputation rate remains low. The management of this demanding group of patients remains a major challenge.

Limb Salvage by Open Surgical Revascularisation in Acute Ischaemia due to Thrombosed Popliteal Artery Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Acute ischaemia due to thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is associated with a high risk of limb loss. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome, in particular the limb salvage rate in patients undergoing urgent open surgery for acute ischaemia due to thrombosed PAA. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing urgent open surgery for acute limb ischaemia (Rutherford category ≥ II) due to thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm between January 2007 and December 2016 at a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (92% male), median age 75 years (range 46-97 years), were identified. Twenty patients (39%) presented with category IIa acute limb ischaemia, 20 (39%) with category IIb, and 11 (22%) with category III. Four patients (8%) underwent primary major amputation. Forty-seven (92%) underwent bypass surgery, 43/47 (91%) using great saphenous vein. One vessel runoff was present in 27/47 patients (57%). Thirty day mortality was 4% (n = 2). Four patients needed major amputation within 30 days, resulting in an overall 30 day major amputation rate of 16% (8/51, 95% confidence interval 7.0-28.6). No further major amputations were necessary during a median follow up of 41 months (range 4-114 months) resulting in an estimated 4 year limb salvage of 84%. The one year primary assisted and secondary bypass patency rates were 90% and 95%, respectively. The estimated four year primary assisted and secondary patency rates were 82% and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Rapid open surgical revascularisation in patients with acute limb ischaemia due to a thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm results in good long-term limb salvage rates, especially Rutherford category IIa and IIb acute ischaemia. Revascularisation may be attempted in clinically severe cases not fulfilling all criteria to be classified as category III. Such patients may, in fact, be borderline between IIb and III. Despite poor runoff, good bypass patency rates and low rates of claudication can be achieved.

Development of physical fitness performance in young Swiss men from 2006 to 2015.

From 1980 to 2000, physical fitness decreased and body mass index (BMI) increased in the population of many industrialized countries. Little is known about these trends after the year 2000. This study aimed to investigate physical fitness performance, physical activity (PA) behavior, and BMI of young, male Swiss adults between 2006 and 2015. For this purpose, results from the Swiss Armed Forces mandatory recruitment were used. A total of 306 746 male conscripts provided complete fitness test data, mean ± SD (range from 5th to 95th percentile): 20 ± 1 (18-21) years, 178 ± 7 (168-189) cm; 74 ± 13 (58-97) kg, predicted maximal oxygen consumption of 49.9 ± 4.6 (41.8-56.9) mL/kg/min (Conconi test), 125 ± 58 (43-232) seconds in trunk muscle strength test (prone bridge), 2.31 ± 0.24 (1.90-2.66) m in standing long jump, 6.46 ± 0.73 (5.30-7.70) m in seated shot put (2 kg medical-ball shot) and 45.6 ± 12.2 (29.9-66.7) seconds in one-leg standing test (sum of both legs; eyes closed after 10 seconds and head tilted back after 20 seconds). In the investigated population, 73.8% fulfilled basic PA recommendations, 46.2% were classified as regularly vigorously active. Performances in aerobic endurance and muscle power did not show secular changes over time. However, core stability performance and PA behavior increased, while balance ability decreased over this 10-year period. Average BMI increased by 2.0% between 2006 and 2010 and did not change thereafter. Male Swiss adults are at least as physically fit as they were a decade ago. The secular trends of decreasing physical performances and increasing BMI have stopped, and self-reported sport participation and leisure time PA have been increased in the observed population over the last 10 years.

RR interval signal quality of a heart rate monitor and an ECG Holter at rest and during exercise.

This study was designed to examine the RR interval signal qualities of a Holter device and a heart rate chest belt monitor at rest and during exercise. Ten healthy individuals completed five low- to high-intensity activities while simultaneously using the medilog® AR12plus Holter monitor and the Polar H10 heart rate monitor. The RR interval signal quality was based on the quantification of the missing RR intervals and RR interval detection errors. Therefore, both measurement systems were compared against visual inspection of the raw electrocardiography signal. The missing and wrong R-wave peak detections were counted manually for both measurement systems. RR interval signal quality was defined as the relative number of correctly detected RR intervals. Overall, RR interval signal qualities of 94.6% and 99.6% were demonstrated for the medilog® AR12plus and the Polar H10. During the high-intensity activities, the RR interval signal quality of the medilog® AR12plus dropped to 89.8%, whereas the Polar H10 maintained a signal quality of 99.4%. The correlation between both systems was high (r = 0.997, p > 0.001). The excellent RR interval signal quality during low- to moderate-intensity activities in the medilog® AR12plus and during low- to high-intensity activities in the Polar H10 demonstrates both measurement systems' validity for the detection of RR intervals throughout a wide range of activities. A simple chest strap such as the Polar H10 might be recommended as the gold standard for RR interval assessments if intense activities with strong body movements are investigated.

Posterior Approach for Revascularization in Blunt Popliteal Vessel Injury.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal vessel injuries are associated with traumatic knee injury often requiring emergency revascularization. Medial and posterior approaches to the popliteal space have been proposed. This study evaluates the outcome of patients treated for traumatic popliteal vessel injuries via a posterior approach. METHODS: Consecutive patients with traumatic vascular injuries in the popliteal segments II and III undergoing surgical repair via a posterior approach between October 2008 and December 2016 were analyzed. The level of the arterial injury was preoperatively confirmed by computed tomography angiography or duplex ultrasound. Surgery was performed in prone position. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed including a survey of all patients in January 2017 assessing survival, limb salvage, and claudication. RESULTS: Ten patients (8 female; median age 66 years, range 22-88) with blunt knee trauma were identified, 8 of them after spontaneous knee dislocation. Five patients had local intimal disruption and 5 had complete transection of the popliteal artery. In 6 patients, an interposition graft (vein n = 5; xenograft n = 1) was used for revascularization. Two patients underwent direct reanastomosis and in 2 patients longitudinal arteriotomy with patch plasty was performed. All arterial reconstructions were patent at discharge. Two patients had additional transection of the popliteal vein; in one, reconstruction was performed by direct reanastomosis and in another by interposition of a vein graft. The latter had asymptomatic early postoperative occlusion of the vein graft. After a median follow-up of 56 months (range 45-99), no death, limb loss, or claudication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: After traumatic knee injury, posterior approach to the popliteal vessels is feasible and effective. It allows revascularization by direct repair or a short segment interposition graft avoiding long distance bypass. A high limb salvage rate can be achieved with excellent long-term outcomes.

[Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm]. / Aneurysmaruptur der abdominalen Aorta.

Aneurysm rupture is a potentially lethal complication. Open and endovascular treatment show similar mortality rates in high volume centres (15 - 20%). Individual patient management is more important than the choice between open or endovascular repair. Permissive hypotension with fluid restriction and aneurysm morphology suitable for endovascular treatment have a positive impact on mortality after either method of repair. Coronary artery disease, chronic renal impairment, and hypovolaemic shock raise mortality. Reintervention rates after endovascular repair are high and mandate lifelong follow-up.

Self Made Xeno-pericardial Aortic Tubes to Treat Native and Aortic Graft Infections.

OBJECTIVES: The most appropriate material for reconstruction of the aorta for native or graft infection remains a matter for debate. This study examines the mid-term outcome of patients and graft durability after in situ aortic reconstruction with self made bovine pericardial tube grafts. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent in situ aortic reconstruction using self made bovine pericardial tube grafts between January 2008 and December 2015 at a tertiary referral centre. Peri-operative and mid-term outcomes including mortality and re-infection were analysed at the end of January 2017. Available follow-up imaging was reviewed to assess graft durability. RESULTS: Bovine pericardial aortic tube grafts were used in 35 patients (86% male) with a median age of 69 years (range 38-84) to reconstruct the ascending aorta or the aortic arch (7), the descending (7), the thoraco-abdominal (7), or the abdominal (14) aorta. Twelve patients (34%) were treated for infection of the native aorta and 23 (66%) for prosthetic graft infection. Twenty-two patients (63%) underwent emergency surgery. Thirty day mortality was 31% (n = 11). Additionally, six patients died during follow-up after a median of 33 months (range 3-70). For the remaining patients, mean follow-up was 48 months (± 26) with a mean Follow-Up Index of 0.98 ± 0.08. There were no readmissions or re-operations for re-infection or graft related complications. Follow-up imaging showed no signs of graft degeneration after a median of 15 months (range 3-68). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of native and aortic graft or endograft infection remains high risk. Self made bovine pericardial tube grafts for in situ reconstruction are a promising option offering many advantages. Despite high early mortality rates, early radiological and mid-term clinical results are good. Definitive eradication of the infection seems feasible after in situ insertion of xeno-pericardial material for aortic repair.