Evaluation of Arterial and Venous Allografts in Subinguinal Bypasses.

BACKGROUND: Autologous saphenous vein is the preferred conduit for below-the-knee bypasses in patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia. Alternative graft must be considered for patients without (autologous saphenous vein). The aim of this article is to evaluate the mid-term performance of arterial allograft (AA) and venous allograft (VA) used as alternative conduits. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia, with or without a history of homolateral femoropopliteal bypass, and no autologous veins were available who underwent infrainguinal arterial reconstructions using VA or AA from 2008 to 2018. Patients undergoing revision operations for infected bypasses were excluded. Primary patency (PP), primary assisted patency, secondary patency, major amputation, and death from any cause were the endpoints. For each event, a set of analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 111 patients (63 VAs and 48 AAs) were included, with 108 having below-the-knee bypass. The median follow-up time was 27.8 months (15.6-37.4). The difference in PP between the 2 allograft types was significant (P = 0.049), with 65.9% (43.7-81.0), 44.1% (24.2-62.3), and 44.1% (24.2-62.3) in the AA group, respectively, at 6, 12, and 18 months, whereas 55.6% (40.0-68.6), 46.0% (30.6-60.2), and 33.2% (18.2-49.0) in the VA group. The choice of an AA over a VA was an independent factor associated with patency (for PP: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43 [0.24-0.75], P = 0.003); primary assisted patency: HR = 0.52 (0.30-0.89], P = 0.018; and secondary patency: HR = 0.49 (0.27-0.88), P = 0.016. The allograft type did not affect either the incidence of major amputation or death from any cause (respectively, HR = 1.20 [0.49-2.93], and 0.88 [0.37-2.14]). CONCLUSIONS: The nature of the allograft appears to influence the patency of infrainguinal reconstruction, but not the course of the disease. Performant alternative grafts answering infectious issues are needed.

Iliac branch device to treat type Ib endoleak with a brachial access or an "up-and-over" transfemoral technique.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we reviewed the results of secondary iliac branch device (IBD) implantation for patients with a type Ib endoleak after prior fenestrated and/or branched (F/B) or infrarenal endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) using either brachial access or an "up-and-over" transfemoral technique. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis between January 2016 and October 2021 of consecutive patients who had undergone IBD to correct a type Ib endoleak after prior EVAR or F/B-EVAR. The groups were defined by arterial access, which was either brachial (group 1) or transfemoral (group 2). All implanted IBDs had been manufactured by Cook Medical, Inc (Bloomington, IN). The demographics, anatomic features, technical success, and 30-day major adverse events were recorded in accordance with the current Society for Vascular Surgery standards. The survival curves using the Kaplan-Meier method were calculated. Branch instability was a composite end point of any internal iliac artery (IIA) branch-related complication or reintervention indicated to treat endoleak, kink, disconnection, stenosis, occlusion, or rupture. RESULTS: Overall, 28 patients (93% male; median age, 74 years), who had received 32 IBDs, were included, with 14 patients in each group. The prior endovascular aortic repairs included 23 cases of EVAR and 5 cases of F/B-EVAR, with an interval from the initial repair of 58 months (interquartile range [IQR], 48-70 months). The median pre-IBD maximal aneurysm diameter was 63.5 mm (IQR, 59.0-78.0 mm). The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, except for pulmonary status. All procedures were performed in a hybrid operative room. The median total operating time, fluoroscopy time, and dose area product was 120 minutes (IQR, 86-167 minutes), 23 minutes (IQR, 15-32 minutes), and 54 Gyccm2 (IQR, 40-62 Gyccm2), respectively. The total operating time was shorter for group 2 (P = .006). The technical success rate was 100%, and no early deaths occurred. One 30-day major adverse event, medically treated colonic ischemia, had occurred in one patient in group 2. Aortic-related secondary interventions had been required for seven patients (five in group 1 and two in group 2), including three cases of surgical explantation. The median follow-up was 31 months (IQR, 24-42 months) and 6 months (IQR, 3-10 months) for groups 1 and 2, respectively. For group 1, the 2-year freedom from aortic-related secondary intervention and IIA branch instability was 84.6% (IQR, 67.1%-100%) and 92.3% (IQR, 78.9%-100%), respectively. For group 2, the 6-month freedom from aortic-related secondary intervention and IIA branch instability was 87.5% (IQR, 67.3%-100%) and 91.7% (IQR, 77.3%-100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present study have shown that secondary implantation of an IBD to correct a distal type I endoleak from a previous aortic stent graft is safe with a high technical success rate. The "up-and-over" technique can be considered an alternative to brachial access for patients with suitable anatomy.

Early Institutional Experience with One-Piece Bifurcated-Fenestrated Stentgraft in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To review the early experience of the use of a bifurcated-fenestrated endograft (Bif-FEVAR) to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in a high-volume aortic center. METHODS: A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted between March 2019 and April 2021 including consecutive patients that underwent Bif-FEVAR. Only patients without a proper infrarenal neck and a distance <70 mm between the lowest target artery and the native or prosthetic aortic bifurcation were considered. All Bif-FEVAR custom-made devices were manufactured by Cook Medical (Inc., Bloomington, Indiana). Demographics, anatomical features, technical success, major adverse events, 30-day mortality, and survival according to Kaplan-Meier were analyzed according to Society for Vascular Surgery standards. RESULTS: Overall, 10 patients (100% male with median age 78) were included. The median preoperative maximal aneurysm diameter was 68 mm [51-84]. Eight patients were treated for a proximal type I endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair. A total of 36 fenestrations were planned. The median operative time was 144 min [127-168], with a median fluoro time of 40.5 min [34-54] and a median dose area product of 73 Gy cm2 [61-89]. Technical success rate was 100%. No patients experienced a major postoperative adverse event. Median follow-up time was 8 months [6-13]. CONCLUSION: Bif-FEVAR is technically feasible when there is a short distance below the lowest target artery and the aortic bifurcation, with favorable short-term results. CLINICAL IMPACT: This study assessed the use of an innovative one-piece bifurcated fenestrated stent-graft as a primary procedure or in the treatment of proximal endoleak after standard infrarenal EVAR. We demonstrated these custom-made devices can be used safely with favorable short-term results. One-piece bifurcated fenestrated stent-grafts extend the indications of FEVAR for patients with an unusually short distance between the lowest renal artery and the aorto-iliac bifurcation or the diverter flow of a preexisting bifurcated infrarenal stent-graft.

Hybrid Room: Does it Offer Better Accuracy in the Proximal Deployment of Infrarenal Aortic Endograft?

BACKGROUND: This work aims to evaluate the impact of hybrid rooms and their advanced tools on the accuracy of proximal deployment of infrarenal bifurcated endograft (EVAR). METHODS: A retrospective single center analysis was conducted between January 2015 and March 2019 including consecutive patients that underwent EVAR. Groups were defined whether the procedure was performed in a hybrid operating room (HOR group) or using a mobile 2D fluoroscopic imaging system (non-HOR group). The accuracy of the proximal deployment was estimated by the distance (mm) between the bottom of the lowest renal artery (LwRA) origin and the endograft radiopaque markers parallax (LwRA/EDG distance) after curvilinear reconstruction. The impact of HOR on the LwRA/EDG distance was investigated using a multiple linear regression model. A composite "proximal neck"-related complications event was studied (Cox models). RESULTS: Overall, 93 patients (87 %male, median age 73 years) were included with 49 in the HOR group and 44 in the non-HOR group. Preoperative CTA analysis of the proximal neck exhibited similar median length, but different median aortic diameter (P = 0.012) and median beta angulation (P = 0.027) between groups. The median LwRA/EDG distance was shorter in the HOR group (multivariate model, P = 0.022). No difference in "proximal neck"-related complications was evidenced between the HOR and non-HOR groups (univariate analysis, P = 0.620). Median follow-up time was respectively 25 [14-28] and 36 months [23-44] in the HOR group and in the non-HOR group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HOR offer more accurate proximal deployment of infrarenal endografts, with however no difference in "proximal neck"-related complications between groups.

Management of Type IA Endoleak After EVAR by Explantation or Custom Made Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: Proximal type 1 endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysmal repair (EVAR) remains challenging to solve with no existing consensus. This work aims to compare two different surgical strategies to remedy type IA endoleak: endograft explantation (EXP) and aortic reconstruction or relining by custom made fenestrated EVAR (F-EVAR). METHODS: A retrospective single centre analysis between 2009 and 2018 was conducted including patients treated for type IA endoleak after EVAR with either EXP or F-EVAR. The choice of surgical technique was based on morphological factors (F-EVAR eligibility), sac growth rate, emergency presentation and/or patient symptoms. Technical success, morbidity, secondary interventions, 30 day mortality, and long term survival according to Kaplan-Meier were determined for each group and compared. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (91% male, mean age 79 years) underwent either EXP (n = 26) or F-EVAR (n = 33) during the study period. The two groups were equivalent in terms of comorbidity and age at the time of procedure. The median time from initial EVAR was 60.4 months (34-85 months), with no difference between groups. The maximum aneurysm diameter was greater in the EXP group compared with the F-EVAR group, 86 mm (65-100) and 70 mm (60-80), respectively (p = .008). Thirty day secondary intervention (EXP: 11.5% vs. F-EVAR: 9.1%) and mortality (EXP: 3.8% vs. F-EVAR: 3.3%) rates did not differ between groups, while major adverse events at 30 days, defined by the current SVS guidelines, were lower in the F-EVAR group (2.4% vs. 13.6%; p = .016). One year survival rates were similar between the groups (EXP: 84.0% vs. F-EVAR: 86.6%). CONCLUSION: Open explantation and endovascular management with a fenestrated device for type IA endoleak after EVAR can be achieved in high volume centres with satisfactory results. F-EVAR is associated with decreased early morbidity. Open explantation is a relevant option because of acceptable outcomes and the limited applicability of F-EVAR.

Influence of nocturnal hypoxemia on follow-up course after type B acute aortic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Association between sleep nocturnal breathing disorders and acute aortic syndrome (AAS) has been described but mid-term data are scarce. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the prognostic value of sleep apnea parameters and their relationship with aortic morphology after the onset of a type B AAS. METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2018, sleep apnea screening in post type B AAS was prospectively performed. The association of sleep apnea parameters with aortic morphology and aortic expansion during follow-up was studied. RESULTS: Over the 8-year-study period, 103 patients were included, with a mean age of 57.8 ± 12.1 years old. Median follow-up was 25.0 months (11.0-51.0). Thirty-two patients (31%) required aortic stenting during the acute phase. In patients treated by aortic stenting, the descending thoracic aortic diameter was positively associated with a higher percentage of nocturnal time of saturation ≤ 90% after adjustment (p = 0.016). During follow-up, the nocturnal time of saturation ≤ 90% in patients treated by medical therapy was the only parameter associated with significant aortic expansion rate (r = 0.26, p = 0.04). Thirty-eight patients started and sustained nocturnal ventilation during follow-up. The association between aortic expansion rate and nocturnal time of saturation ≤ 90% did not persist during follow-up after adjustment on nocturnal ventilation initiation (r = 0.25, p = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal hypoxemia parameters are positively associated with the max onset aortic diameter and significant aortic growth after type B AAS. Nocturnal ventilation seems to mitigate aortic expansion during follow-up.

Risk factors for early and late mortality after fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes after fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) performed in high-risk patients to treat pararenal (PR) aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) and to identify those patients likely to benefit from this treatment. METHODS: A prospective single-center review of patients treated electively for PR aneurysm and TAAA using F-BEVAR between 2004 and 2016 was performed. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors associated with 30-day morbidity and mortality during follow-up were determined using multivariate statistical techniques and a Cox regression model including all variables that were significant on univariate analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: There were 468 patients (median age, 71.6 years) identified, with American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 in 94.7%. There were 221 (47.2%) type I to type III TAAAs and 247 (52.8%) type IV and type V TAAAs and PR aneurysms, with a median diameter of 58 mm. Technical success for target vessel stenting was 99.1% (1493/1506). The 30-day mortality rate was 4.9% (23 patients). The spinal cord ischemia rate was 3.8% (18 patients). Twenty patients (4.3%) required postoperative dialysis and four patients (0.8%) long-term dialysis after discharge. Median follow-up was 29 months. Survival at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years was 86.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83.1-89.6), 73.3% (95% CI, 68.3-77.6), and 59.6% (95% CI, 53.4-65.2), respectively. Freedom from any target vessel occlusion and freedom from secondary procedures were 96.2% (95% CI, 93.8-97.7) and 88.2% (95% CI, 84.8-90.9) at 1 year and 90.0% (95% CI, 84.5-91.9) and 70.2% (95% CI, 63.9-75.6) at 5 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, early mortality was associated with procedure time (hazard ratio [HR], 1.007 per minute; 95% CI, 1.003-1.010; P < .001), TAAA preoperative diameter (HR, 1.053 per millimeter; 95% CI, 1.020-1.087; P = .001), and chronic kidney disease (HR, 3.139; 95% CI, 1.369-7.196; P = .007). Mortality during the first 24 months of follow-up was associated with Crawford types I to III (HR, 1.526; 95% CI, 1.061-2.196; P = .023) compared with infradiaphragmatic repairs, chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.874; 95% CI, 1.294-2.712; P < .001), and TAAA preoperative diameter (HR, 1.027 per millimeter; 95% CI, 1.010-1.044; P = .002). In addition to these risk factors, mortality after 24 months of follow-up was also associated with age at repair (HR, 1.055 per year; 95% CI, 1.021-1.090; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: F-BEVAR performed in high-risk patients is associated with favorable outcomes. Judicious selection of patients should take into consideration the reported risk factors associated with early and late mortality.

Protocol Adaptation of Optical Coherence Tomography in Lower Limb Arteries Revascularization.

In lower limb arteries, assessment of stent apposition and/or the single opening of the diseased artery remains poor since this relies on 2-dimensional angiogram. Extrapolating experience gained with coronary arteries, optical coherence tomography (OCT) could provide 3-dimensional reconstructions of the arterial wall and the stent implanted. A modified protocol of OCT acquisition, which usually includes large amount of iodine contrast flush, is presented here in 3 patients with long and complex occlusion of the superficial femoral artery. Its potential benefits and wider application to improve patient outcomes are discussed.

Complex endovascular repair of postdissection arch and thoracoabdominal aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience of the treatment of postdissection arch aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) by endovascular repair using fenestrated and branched endografts. METHODS: This study includes all patients presenting with chronic postdissection aneurysms >55 mm in diameter deemed unfit for open surgery and treated by complex endografting between October 2011 and April 2017. Where appropriate, staged management strategies including left subclavian artery revascularization, thoracic endografting, dissection flap fenestration, and tear enlargement were performed before the complex endovascular repair. Outcome data were collected prospectively, specifically including technical success, endoleaks, target vessel patency, aneurysm diameter, adverse events, reinterventions, and mortality. RESULTS: We treated 40 patients with a median age of 63 years (55-71 years). In total, 43 procedures were performed: 19 arch repairs using inner branch endografts (one to three branches) and 24 TAAA repairs using fenestrated or branched endografts. Three patients were treated using both arch and TAAA repair. The median time between initial presentation with acute dissection and the first complex aortic repair was 5 years (3.0-10.0 years). Staged procedures were performed in 33 of 40 patients (82.5%). The technical success rate was 93%, the median procedure length was 240 minutes (170-285 minutes), and the median dose-area product was 80 Gy · cm2 (54.3-138.4 Gy · cm2). The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 2.3% (1/43) and 4.7% (2/43), respectively. The spinal cord ischemia rate was 7% and occurred only after TAAA repair. One stroke with partial recovery and one transient ischemic attack were observed (4.7%) after arch repair. Six early reinterventions (14%) were performed: three for access complications, two to treat acute hemorrhage, and one to treat a type II endoleak. Median follow-up was 25.5 months (11-42.25 months). The 1- and 5-year survival rates were 90% and 76.4%, respectively. Late reinterventions were required in eight patients, two in the arch group (to treat endoleaks at 3 and 33 months) and six in the TAAA group (2 iliac and 1 bifurcated endograft extensions, 2 additional renal stents, 1 inferior mesenteric artery embolization). Aneurysm diameter was stable (72%) or shrank (23%) during follow-up. Enlargement was shown in two patients with endoleaks. CONCLUSIONS: Complex endovascular repair of postdissection aneurysms is a safe procedure in patients deemed unfit for open surgery. Our experience suggests that close follow-up is mandatory as secondary procedures are frequently required to completely exclude the false lumen.

Total Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Arch Disease Using an Arch Endograft With 3 Inner Branches.

PURPOSE: To report early experience with a new endovascular graft developed for aortic arch aneurysm repair in patients unfit for open surgery. CASE REPORT: Three consecutive men (62, 74, and 69 years old) at high risk for open repair were treated for postdissection aortic arch aneurysms using a custom-made 3 inner branched endovascular graft. The 2 proximal branches are antegrade and perfuse the innominate artery and the left common carotid artery; the third branch is retrograde and perfuses the left subclavian artery. The latter is preloaded with a catheter and wire to aid cannulation. Technical success was achieved in each case. The mean procedure time, fluoroscopy duration, and contrast volume were 180 minutes, 35 minutes, and 145 mL, respectively. The perioperative period was uneventful. All branches were patent on 6-month computed tomography and duplex ultrasound imaging. CONCLUSION: This new patient-specific device allows total endovascular revascularization of the supra-aortic trunks during arch repair. These encouraging results support its more widespread use.

Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal and Arch Aneurysms in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease Using Branched and Fenestrated Devices.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic open surgery is the standard practice in patients with connective tissue and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and aortic arch disease. Branched and fenestrated devices offer a less invasive alternative but there are concerns regarding the durability of the repair and the effect of the stent graft on the fragile aortic wall. The aim of this study is to evaluate mid-term outcomes of fenestrated and/or branched endografting in patients with connective tissue disease. METHODS: All patients with connective tissue disease who underwent TAAA or arch aneurysm repair using a fenestrated and/or branched endograft in a single, high-volume center between 2004 and 2015 were included. Ruptured aneurysms and acute aortic dissections were excluded from this study, but not chronic aortic dissections. RESULTS: In total, 427 (403 pararenal and TAAAs, and 24 arch aneurysms) endovascular interventions were performed during the study period. Of these, 17 patients (4%) (16 TAAAs, 1 arch) had connective tissue disease. All patients were classified as unfit for open repair. The mean age was 51 ± 8 years. Thirteen patients with TAAA were treated with a fenestrated, 1 with a branched, and 2 with a combined fenestrated/branch device. A double inner branch device was used to treat the arch aneurysm. The technical success rate was 100% with no incidence of early mortality, spinal cord ischemia, stroke, or further dissection. Postoperative deterioration in renal function was seen in 3 patients (18.8%) and no hemodialysis was required. The mean follow-up was 3.4 years (0.3-7.4). Aneurysm sac shrinkage was seen in 35% of patients (6/17) and the sac diameter remained stable in 65% of patients (11/17). No sac or sealing zone enlargement was observed in any of the patients and there were no conversions to open repair. Reintervention was required in 1 patient at 2 years for bilateral renal artery occlusion (successful fibrinolysis). One type II endoleak (lumbar) is under surveillance and 1 type III (left renal stent) sealed spontaneously. One patient died at 2 years after the procedure from nonaortic causes (endocarditis). CONCLUSIONS: The favorable mid-term outcomes in this series that demonstrate fenestrated and/or branched endografting should be considered in patients with connective tissue and TAAA and aortic arch disease, which are considered unfit for open surgery. All patients require close lifetime surveillance at a center specializing in aortic surgery, with sufficient experience in both open and endovascular aortic surgery, so that if endovascular treatment failure occurs it can be recognized early and further treatment offered.

Total Endovascular Aortic Repair in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe a total endovascular aortic repair with branched and fenestrated endografts in a young patient with Marfan syndrome and a chronic aortic dissection. Open surgery is the gold standard to treat aortic dissections in patients with aortic disease and Marfan syndrome. METHODS: In 2000, a 38-year-old man with Marfan syndrome underwent open ascending aorta repair for an acute type A aortic dissection. One year later, a redo sternotomy was performed for aortic valve replacement. In 2013, the patient presented with endocarditis and pulmonary infection, which necessitated tracheostomy and temporary dialysis. In 2014, the first stage of the endovascular repair was performed using an inner branched endograft to exclude a 77-mm distal arch and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. In 2015, a 63-mm thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was excluded by implantation of a 4-fenestrated endograft. Follow-up after both endovascular repairs was uneventful. RESULTS: Total aortic endovascular repair was successfully performed to treat a patient with arch and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with chronic aortic dissection and Marfan syndrome. The postoperative images confirmed patency of the endograft and its branches, and complete exclusion of the aortic false lumen. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair is a treatment option in patients with connective tissue disease who are not candidates for open surgery. Long-term follow-up is required to confirm these favorable early outcomes.

Translumbar Puncture for Retrograde Catheterization of a Kinked Left Renal Stent After Fenestrated Endograft Repair.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of percutaneous retrograde left renal artery cannulation and restenting for severe distortion of a bridging stent diagnosed at the time of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR). CASE REPORT: A 79-year-old man underwent 4-vessel FEVAR, during which completion angiography showed a good postoperative result, but cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) demonstrated severe distortion of the proximal part of the left renal stent. An antegrade or hybrid approach to recannulate the vessel was not possible due to the stent architecture and patient comorbidities. Contrast-enhanced CBCT was used to define the needle trajectory for a percutaneous translumbar approach. Fusion imaging software registered the planned needle track to the live fluoroscopy image. Respiratory motion compensation was used. Retrograde cannulation of the left renal artery was achieved; via a through-and-through wire with the left femoral artery, the left renal artery stent was relined using a covered stent. No deterioration of renal function was observed following the procedure. Contrast-enhanced duplex ultrasound demonstrated good flow in all target vessels without endoleak. CONCLUSION: Translumbar puncture and retrograde catheterization of a severely distorted left renal artery stent is possible during FEVAR using advanced imaging applications and can prevent target vessel loss.

Evaluation of the Zenith low-profile abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft.

BACKGROUND: Low-profile (LP) stent grafts are now commercially available in Europe for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). In this study the midterm outcomes and characteristics of patients treated with this last generation of stent grafts were compared with a cohort of patients treated with "standard-profile" (SP) stent grafts. METHODS: The current study enrolled all patients treated for elective EVAR by the SP Zenith Flex stent graft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) between March 2010 and November 2011 and patients treated for elective EVAR by the Zenith LP stent graft (Cook Medical) between November 2011 and March 2013. All patients had a follow-up >18 months. Preoperative computed tomography angiograms were analyzed on a dedicated three-dimensional workstation. All data were prospectively collected in an electronic database and retrospectively analyzed. A comparative study was conducted. RESULTS: The present study included 208 patients (107 SP and 101 LP). Patients' physiologic characteristics were similar in both groups. The iliac anatomy was considered "more challenging" in LP patients: respectively, 7% and 22% (P = .002) of SP and LP patients had bilateral external iliac diameter <7 mm; and 16% and 34% (P = .005) had a combination of an external iliac diameter <7 mm and an iliac tortuosity ratio index >1.5. No 30-day deaths were documented. The 24-month freedom from reintervention and overall survival rates after SP and LP were, respectively, 88% and 91% (P = .450) and 92% and 96% (P = .153). The 24-month rates for freedom from sac expansion and from limb occlusion were 96.4% and 98.7% (P = .320) and 92% and 95% (P = .293), respectively. One patient in each group presented with a type I endoleak during follow-up, and two LP patients presented with a type III endoleak (P = .235). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the last-generation LP stent grafts have favorable midterm outcomes similar to SP stent grafts despite being used to treat more patients with unfavorable iliac anatomy.

Fenestrated endografting after bare metal dissection stent implantation.

PURPOSE: To present a case that demonstrates the ability to deploy a 4-fenestrated endograft in an aorta previously treated with an endovascular graft and additional distal bare stents for acute type B dissection. CASE REPORT: Five years ago, a 61-year-old man had a Zenith TX2 endovascular graft and 2 distal bare metal stents deployed for acute type B dissection. In follow-up, a distal extension endograft was deployed below the bare stent for false lumen reperfusion and aortic growth. The ascending aorta and the arch were replaced surgically at 3 years, with the distal end of the graft sewn to the existing endograft. At the current admission, a Crawford type III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was found and excluded with a 4-fenestration endograft. Using 3-dimensional fusion imaging, there was no major conflict with the struts of the bare dissection stent during catheterization and bridging stent placement. A distal bifurcated endograft was also implanted. The total procedure time was 240 minutes, the radiation dose was 8066 cGy·cm(2), and the contrast volume was 100 mL. The patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day and continues to do well at 9 months. CONCLUSION: Prior dissection stent deployment within the thoracoabdominal segment does not preclude further fenestrated endograft placement. Intraoperative fusion imaging can be very helpful to the successful completion of these complex procedures.

Evaluation of visceral artery displacement by endograft delivery system insertion.

PURPOSE: To assess the displacement of the aorta and its visceral branch ostia after insertion of a rigid system including a stiff guidewire and endograft delivery system during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: Between January and May 2013, 20 consecutive patients (19 men; mean age 67.2 years, range 61-83) undergoing EVAR (n=13) or fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR, n=7) were prospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent an intraoperative contrast-enhanced cone beam computed tomography (ceCBCT) acquisition after the insertion of the endograft delivery system. Each ceCBCT was loaded on a workstation and manually registered with the preoperative computed tomographic angiogram (CTA) in a way that optimized superposition of the spine from both images. The locations of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and of both renal artery ostia were depicted in 3D multiplanar reconstructions by 3 independent operators on the CTA and on the ceCBCT. Motion of the aortic segment at the level of the visceral arteries was estimated by the barycenter of the origin of the SMA and both renal arteries. RESULTS: The ostium displacement between the CTA and ceCBCT images was 6.7 mm (range 2.2-13.5) for the SMA; 6.2 mm (2.5-13.5) and 6.4 mm (1.9-14.5) for the right and the left renal arteries, respectively; and 5.5 mm (2.3-11.4) for the aortic segment. The displacement was mostly posterosuperior and to the left (65%). The radiation dose and contrast volume required to perform the ceCBCT were 30% and 41%, respectively, of the amounts used in the EVAR procedures. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant displacement of the main aortic branches after rigid material insertion. Image fusion applications aimed at providing intraoperative guidance must allow an easy and rapid repositioning of the overlay during the procedure to match the deformation of the aortic anatomy during the procedure.

Successful endovascular correction of an endograft connected with the false lumen of a type B aortic dissection.

Thoracic endografting is widely used in the treatment of complicated acute type B aortic dissections to redirect the entire aortic flow toward the true lumen by covering the proximal entry tear. This procedure is challenging because endovascular navigation, maintaining position in the true lumen, can be difficult as there are frequently numerous reentry tears. There is obvious potential for complications such as malpositioning of the distal part of the endograft within the false lumen. This error can promote true lumen collapse and/or aortic rupture. This report details the endovascular correction of such a complication.

Results of F-EVAR in octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (F-EVAR) in octogenarians. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2012, all data from patients treated with custom-made fenestrated endografts for elective juxtarenal or pararenal aortic aneurysms in 2 high-volume centers (Malmö, Sweden & Lille, France) were prospectively entered in a computer database. Demographics and perioperative and follow-up results of patients aged ≥80 years (group 1) and patients aged <80 (group 2) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 288 patients (33 in group 1 and 255 in group 2) were treated with fenestrated endografts during the study period. Except for median age, tobacco use, and maximal transaortic diameter (P = 0.001), both groups were comparable. The number of fenestrations, procedure duration, contrast media volume, length of stay, and number of secondary interventions were comparable. The 30-day mortality rate was higher in the octogenarian group (9% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.041). Median follow-up was 25 months. Two-year survival rate according to Kaplan-Meier method was 77.8% in group 1 (95% confidence interval, 61.8-93.9) and 89.0% in group 2 (P = 0.121). Overall mortality during the follow-up period was significantly higher in octogenarians (P < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: F-EVAR in octogenarians is associated with a higher 30-day mortality rate but has similar midterm outcomes compared with younger patients and should be considered as an acceptable therapeutic option in patients with satisfactory life expectancy.

Technique to facilitate the native valve reimplantation during the david procedure.

The reimplantation technique for valve-sparing aortic root replacement is increasingly used to treat aortic root pathology. The systematic approach described by El Khoury in 2009 and modified in 2011 using the Valsava graft is simple and reproducible. However, in-conduit suturing of the aortic valve annulus and small rim of sinus remnant to the graft sinuses is time-consuming and may lead to bleeding or distortion of the prosthetic root. We describe a simple technique to facilitate the native valve reimplantation.

Autotransplantation or In Situ Surgical Treatment of Complex Renal Artery Aneurysm: Surgical Technique and Outcomes.

Background and objective: Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare condition. Our study investigates the effectiveness and outcomes of surgical treatments for complex RAA, comparing the in situ (IS) and ex vivo autotransplantation (AT) methods. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from June 2015 to March 2023, including all consecutive patients treated surgically for complex RAA in our center. We focused on patients with complex RAA locations requiring open surgical multidisciplinary treatment, excluding those with simple aneurysms or who were treated endovascularly. Preoperative data including demographics, comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk factors were collected. The measured primary outcome was the absence of residual aneurysm and main renal arterial thrombosis after surgery. The secondary outcomes included pre- and postoperative kidney perfusion analyses and surgical complications as per Clavien-Dindo classification. Differences between AT and IS were assessed by Wilcoxon, chi-square, or Fischer's exact test. Key findings and limitations: Twenty-seven aneurysms were treated in 25 patients. No residual aneurysm or main artery thrombosis was found after surgery. Ten (40%) patients underwent AT surgery. The median kidney perfusion differences were 2 cc (-12; 13), 0 cc (-13; 10), and 2 cc (-10; 13; p = 0.41) in the whole, AT, and IS cohorts, respectively. Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and 2 complications occurred in 11% and 30% of patients, respectively, with no grade 3 or 4 complications observed. Conclusions and clinical implications: Complex RAA can be managed effectively through open surgery, ensuring good ipsilateral renal preservation and tolerable toxicity. Both AT and IS surgeries yielded similar outcomes. Further multicenter studies are warranted to confirm our findings. Patient summary: This study explored the treatment of a rare kidney blood vessel condition called renal artery aneurysm using two surgical approaches. Our findings suggest that both surgical techniques are effective in treating this condition without major complications, ensuring good kidney preservation. These promising results need further confirmation through larger studies across different medical centers.