Analysis of predisposing factors for type III endoleaks from directional branches after branched endovascular repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Mid-term durability of branches has already been established, and BF-branched and fenestrated endovascular repair has shown comparable results with open repair in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Nevertheless, target vessel instability remains the most frequent adverse event after complex endovascular aortic repair. Type III endoleaks from directional branches have been reported with a low incidence, but risk factors for this complication have not been investigated yet. METHODS: This was a dual-center observational retrospective cohort study. Data were collected prospectively for each patient treated with branched endovascular repair between April 2008 and December 2019. The primary outcome was to assess potential risk factors for branch disconnection and fracture. A logistic regression analysis was performed, including preoperative and postoperative measurements as well as intraoperative details. A Cox regression hazard analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of preoperative aneurysm diameter and target vessel angulation on the outcome during follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-five target visceral vessels (TVVs) in 91 patients were considered suitable for cannulation. Technical success was 96.9% (286/295 TVVs). The median follow-up was 32.5 months (interquartile range, 14.2-50.1 months). Twelve type III endoleaks from directional branches were detected (4.2%; 5 bridging stent graft fractures and 7 disconnections). Five type III endoleaks involved the celiac trunk (one fracture and four disconnections), five the superior mesenteric artery (four fractures and one disconnection), and two the renal arteries (both disconnections). The median time to type III endoleak was 22.2 months (interquartile range, 10.9-37.6 months). Preoperative TAAA diameter (P = .028), preoperative TVV angulation (P = .037), the use of a BeGraft stent graft as bridging stent graft (P = .001), and different stent types on the same vessel (P = .048) were associated with type III endoleak at univariable analysis. Using a BeGraft stent graft (P = .010) was the only significant factor predisposing to type III endoleak at multiple logistic regression. The Cox regression analysis showed a two-fold increased risk for type III endoleak for every 10-mm increase in preoperative TAAA diameter (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-3.72; P = .028) and a 1.5 increased risk every 12° increase of preoperative TVV angulation (hazard ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.10; P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Type III endoleaks from directional branches are a non-negligible complication after branched endovascular repair, with a relevant incidence. They tended to be clustered on specific patients, and aneurysm diameter and TVV angulation are strictly associated with the outcome. Different stent types on the same vessel should be avoided whenever possible. An intensified follow-up should be adopted for patients with large aneurysms, implanted with first-generation BeGraft, or who have been already diagnosed with type III endoleaks.

Bridging stent graft fracture after branched endovascular aortic repair in a dual-center retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Target vessel instability is a relevant complication after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR). Long-term bridging stent graft (BSG) durability has already been established, but the incidence of long-term complications as component fractures was not deeply investigated. This paper aims to assess BSG fracture incidence and risk factors after BEVAR. METHODS: This was a dual-center observational retrospective cohort study. Data of each patient treated with BEVAR between April 2008 and December 2019 were prospectively collected. The primary outcome was the incidence of BSG fracture during follow-up. A logistic regression analysis was performed, including preoperative and postoperative measurements as well as intraoperative details to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-five target visceral vessels in 91 patients were considered suitable for cannulation. Technical success was 96.9% (286/295 target visceral vessels). The median follow-up was 32.5 months (interquartile range, 14.3-50.1 months). Five BSG fractures (1.75%; 5/286) were detected. Four BSG fractures involved the superior mesenteric artery, and one the celiac trunk. Four different types of fractured stents were detected during follow-up: two Advanta, one BeGraft, one Fluency, and one Viabahn. The median time to BSG fracture was 28.2 months (interquartile range, 11.7-50.8 months). The use of multiple stents (P = .030) and different stent types on the same vessel (P = .004) were associated with BSG fracture at univariable analysis. Using bare-metal stents for distal relining (P = .045) was the only significant factor predisposing to BSG fracture at multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: BSG fracture is a rare but severe complication after BEVAR. It is not related to the stent type used as bridging stent, and it is hardly predictable based on preoperative anatomy. Using multiple and different stents on the same vessel and relining the bridging stents with bare-metal stents may increase BSG fracture risk. A strict computed tomography angiography follow-up remains the best strategy to detect target vessel instability.

Intravascular Ultrasound in Branched and Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Initial Experience in a Single-Center Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) safety and efficacy to detect visceral stenting issues during complex endovascular aneurysm repair through branched and fenestrated repair (B-FEVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis of 33 bridging stents assessed intraoperatively using IVUS between January and September 2020 was performed. Ten aortic aneurysm patients [7 thoracoabdominal / 1 pararenal / 2 juxtarenal; 3 females; mean age 73 years [range 70-77 years]) were included. Eight BEVAR (5 standard; 2 custom-made) and 2 FEVAR (custom-made) were performed. The study assessed the safety and efficacy of IVUS utilization to detect immediate branch instability after visceral stenting in the case of B-FEVAR. The primary safety endpoint was defined as the absence of IVUS-related adverse events. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as the composite of technical success of the IVUS-assessment in each target visceral vessels (TVVs), the rate of IVUS-findings divided as prompting additional maneuvers or not, and the incidence of postoperative computed tomography angiography findings compared with intraoperative assessment. RESULTS: There were no IVUS-related adverse events. The technical success of the IVUS-assessment was achieved in all TVVs. No technical issues compromised the evaluation of the intended vessel. Among the 7 findings identified by IVUS, 3 were suspected at the angiography. In all, 57% (4/7) had normal final angiography. IVUS was able to detect a 12% (4/33) intraoperative branch instability not identified/suspected at the completion angiography. The IVUS assessment led to an immediate revision in 5 (15%) vessels. A total of 57% (4/7) of the issues were detected in patients undergoing primary BEVAR. The remaining 43% (3/7) was detected in patients undergoing secondary intervention for branch instability. CONCLUSION: IVUS was safe as an adjunctive imaging technique to assess completion after B-FEVAR. It demonstrated efficacy in the detection of intraoperative issues missed by angiography. Further investigations are required to validate these promising results.

Rheolytic Thrombectomy with AngioJet® Is Safe and Effective in Revascularization of Renal Arteries' Acute Occlusion on Previous Complex Aortic Endovascular Repair.

Acute occlusion of the visceral arteries is a threatening complication following branched endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Its prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory to restore renal function. Several techniques have been used to manage this complication. We report 2 clinical cases of patients, previously treated with implantation of an off-the-shelf thoracoabdominal aortic endograft, with acute bilateral occlusion of the renal arteries. Both patients were successfully treated with AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy. Acute occlusion of the renal arteries can dramatically complicate the outcome of patients treated with branched EVAR. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are required. Rheolytic thrombectomy rapidly removes intra-arterial thrombus through Bernoulli effect, preventing the risk of distal embolization and rapidly restoring the renal function.

Mortality Risk for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Women.

BACKGROUND: Sex differences in presentation and outcomes of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with increased mortality rates in women are suggested. This study aimed to assess mortality risk after repair of ruptured AAA (rAAA) in women in the endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) era. METHODS: Patients treated between 2006 and 2015 for rAAA were included in a prospective database. Characteristics at presentation and outcomes were compared between women and men. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional analyses were performed to identify the effect of sex adjusted for other predictors on mortality. RESULTS: One hundred thirteen patients were identified; of these, 17.7% (20/113) of the patients were women. Forty-four procedures (38.9%) were by EVAR, with comparable rates in women (45%) and men (37.6%, P = 0.62). On admission, women and men shared similar comorbidities and presentation (shock 45% vs. 43.0%, P = 0.81; free rupture 65.0% vs. 67.7%, P = 0.80) and comparable mean aneurysm diameter (76.5 vs. 78.8 mm, P = 0.68), but women were older (mean age 86.4 + 5.5 vs. 75.2 ± 10.6 years, P < 0.0001) and octogenarian women were twice as likely as men (90% vs. 40%, P < 0.0001). Perioperative mortality was comparable between women and men (40.0% vs. 38.7%) either after EVAR (22.2% vs. 40.0% in women and men respectively; odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-2.37) or after open surgery (54.5% vs. 37.9%; OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.54-7.21), even though there was a trend for lower mortality in women with EVAR. In adjusted analyses, female sex was not associated with perioperative mortality as it was for older age (octogenarians: OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.08-20.82, P = 0.001) and free rupture (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.29-13.73, P = 0.02). Mean follow-up was 34.32 months. After controlling for age, surgical repair, free rupture, cardiac disease, and shock at presentation, female sex was not a predictor of late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: AAA repair is often delayed in women and applied at older age; nevertheless, currently women do not show increased perioperative mortality risks from rAAA treatment after the introduction of EVAR.

Safety of Carotid Revascularization during the Acute Period of Neurological Symptom Onset in Women.

BACKGROUND: Benefit from carotid revascularization is supposed to be lower in women due to increased periprocedural risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of stroke/death after carotid intervention in women treated within 15 days from last neurological event. METHODS: Data from 282 consecutive patients treated during 2009-2015 by carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting within 15 days from neurological symptoms were analyzed by sex and stratified according to treatment delay toward symptoms onset. RESULTS: Eighty women (28.4%) underwent carotid stenosis correction: in 37 treatment was performed within 7 days from symptoms (in 12 within 48 hr); the remaining underwent carotid disease correction between day 8 and day 15 after the index event. Baseline comorbidity profile, presenting symptoms (stroke, transient ischemic attack, and recurrent symptoms) and treatment delay were comparable between sexes. The 30-day stroke/death rate was 2.5% in women (2/80) and 3.5% (7/202) in men (P = 1.00). There was no 30-day death or cerebral hemorrhage in women and in patients treated within the first 48 hours. In adjusted analyses, female sex was not associated with increased stroke/death risk. At 4 years, for women and men survival was 93.9% vs. 79.2% (P = 0.047) and freedom from stroke 92.6% vs. 92.2% (P = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Women with symptomatic carotid stenosis may benefit as men from intervention when performed within the acute (15 days) or hyperacute (48 hr) period after neurological event. Thirty-day stroke/death rate in this experience is lower or comparable to men's and treatment appears to be effective in preventing new strokes at midterm.

Impact of age and urgency on survival after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Elderly patients are often turned down from receiving treatment for descending thoracic aortic diseases (DTADs) because of the uncertain benefits, especially in acute settings. This study investigated the impact of old age and timing of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) on outcomes of DTAD in patients older than 75 years of age. METHODS: Patients from a prospective TEVAR database were dichotomized by age (75 and 80 years of age). Older and young patients were compared in three timing scenarios: (1) elective procedures, (2) any emergency (within 15 days from onset), and (3) acute ruptures (any emergency subgroup). Primary outcome was perioperative mortality assessed at 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2015, 141 consecutive TEVARs (71.6% men) were performed. Fifty-seven patients (40.4%) were older than 75 years of age; 28 were octogenarians. Eighty-three TEVARs were performed electively and 58 emergently. Among overall emergencies, 42 TEVARs were for acute ruptures. In the elective scenario, the 30-day mortality rate was 5.0% vs 0 (odds ratio [OR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.1; P = .23), and 90-day mortality was 7.5% vs 0, for patients older than 75 years of age vs those who were younger than 75, respectively (P = .11). No octogenarian died. In the emergency scenario, 30-day mortality was 41.2% vs 9.8%, for patients older than 75 years of age vs those who were younger than 75, respectively (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.6-26.6; P = .01) with unchanged rates at 90 days. The mortality rate was 50% for octogenarians. In the acute rupture scenario, 30-day mortality was 40% vs 11.1% (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.10-25.99; P = .05) for patients older than 75 years of age vs those younger than 75 years of age and 46% vs 10% (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.47-37.46; P = .016) for octogenarians vs younger patients. Rates remained unchanged at 90 days. Patients older than age 75 survived for a mean of 53.98 ± 7.7 months after TEVAR. CONCLUSIONS: In the elderly patient population with DTAD, mortality risks from TEVAR are strongly related to timing and age. When compared to younger patients, those older than 75 years of age have three to five times the risk of mortality after urgent or emergent TEVAR. However, older patients should still be considered for emergent life-saving treatment, given that the majority survives.

Safety of Carotid Revascularization in Symptomatic Patients with less than 70 Years.

BACKGROUND: Age is a main risk factor for stroke and perioperative risk. This study aims to analyze the effect of age by symptomatic status in young patients receiving carotid revascularization. METHODS: Consecutive carotid revascularization procedures performed during the period 2001-2009 were reviewed. Patients were analyzed by age using the 70-year threshold as suggested by trials. Primary end point was perioperative stroke or death rate. Secondary end points included survival and late stroke incidence at 6 years. RESULTS: A total of 2,196 procedures (1,080 by carotid artery stenting [CAS] and 1,116 by carotid endarterectomy [CEA]) were analyzed. Symptomatic patients (n = 684) showed higher perioperative stroke or death risks (24 of 684 [3.5%] versus 29 of 1,512 [1.9%], odds ratio [OR] 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.22; P = 0.034) and lower 6-year survival (74% vs. 82%, P < 0.0001) or freedom from late stroke (93% vs. 97%, P = 0.001) when compared with asymptomatic patients with similar differences detected within CEA or CAS procedure. Overall 949 procedures were in patients with 70 years or less at the time of intervention (500 CEA and 449 CAS); 282 were in patients symptomatic for minor stroke or transient ischemic attack within 6 months before revascularization. For young symptomatic patients, primary end point rates were <2.5% after both CEA and CAS procedure. Perioperative stroke or death rates were 2.4% in symptomatic versus 1.5% in asymptomatic (4 of 170 vs. 5 of 330; OR 1.57; 95% CI 0.42-5.91; P = 0.50) within the CEA group and 1.8% in symptomatic versus 1.2% in asymptomatic (2 of 112 vs. 4 of 337; OR 1.51; 95% CI 0.27-8.38; P = 0.64) within the CAS group. At 6 years, symptomatic young patients showed survival (89.5% vs. 89%, P = 0.76) and freedom from late stroke (97% vs. 98%, P = 0.56) rates comparable to those found in asymptomatic patients, with similar incidences after CAS or CEA procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after carotid revascularization are related to patients' age. At younger ages (<70 years), after carotid revascularization, symptomatic patients show low perioperative risks of stroke or death, comparable with those in asymptomatic patients. The same, 2.5% or lower, threshold for perioperative stroke or death risk related to asymptomatic carotid procedures must be applied today to symptomatic patients when younger than age of 70 years.

Summary of Evidence on Early Carotid Intervention for Recently Symptomatic Stenosis Based on Meta-Analysis of Current Risks.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the evidence on the periprocedural (<30 days) risks of carotid intervention in relation to timing of procedure in patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis. METHODS: A systematic literature review of studies published in the past 8 years reporting periprocedural stroke/death after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS) related to the time between qualifying neurological symptoms and intervention was performed. Pooled estimates of periprocedural risk for patients treated within 0 to 48 hours, 0 to 7 days, and 0 to 15 days were derived with proportional meta-analyses and reported separately for patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack as index events. RESULTS: Of 47 studies included, 35 were on CEA, 7 on CAS, and 5 included both procedures. The pooled risk of periprocedural stroke was 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-4.3) after CEA and 4.8% (95% CI, 2.5-7.8) after CAS performed <15 days; stroke/death rates were 3.8% and 6.9% after CEA and CAS, respectively. Pooled periprocedural stroke risk was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.1-4.6) after CEA and 4.8% (95% CI, 2.5-7.8) after CAS when performed within 0 to 7 days. In hyperacute surgery (<48 hours), periprocedural stroke risk after CEA was 5.3% (95% CI, 2.8-8.4) but with relevant risk differences among patients treated after transient ischemic attack (2.7%; 95% CI, 0.5-6.9) or stroke (8.0%; 95% CI, 4.6-12.2) as index. CONCLUSIONS: CEA within 15 days from stroke/transient ischemic attack can be performed with periprocedural stroke risk <3.5%. CAS within the same period may carry a stroke risk of 4.8%. Similar periprocedural risks occur after CEA and CAS performed earlier, within 0 to 7 days. Carotid revascularization can be safely performed within the first week (0-7 days) after symptom onset.

A prognostic risk score for major amputation in dialysis patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia after endovascular revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Almost 38% of all patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) have peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs that can lead to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of several factors to conduct a stratification of the amputation risk in CKD patients with CLTI receiving endovascular revascularization. METHODS: Observational, retrospective, single-center study of patients treated from 2010 to 2016. The primary endpoint was the major amputation. The study included adult CKD dialysis patients affected by CLTI (rest pain and/or trophic lesions) with indication to endovascular revascularization and excluded for open repair. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were considered (58 men [70.7%], 24 women [29.3%] mean age 70.4±15.0 years). The number of major amputations was 28 (34.1%). The arterial lesion severity (TASC II-classification) and the trophic lesions extension (WIfI classification) were significantly associated with major amputation (OR and 95%CI, 1.20 [1.07-1.34], P=0.001; 2.65 [1.49-4.72], P=0.001; respectively). Based on the above-mentioned characteristics, a prognostic score was proposed to predict the major amputation risk. A score ≥23 was associated with a 67.6% probability of amputation in the following 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The CLTI revascularization is associated with poor outcomes in CKD patients. The present clinical score provided a pragmatic tool to calculate the major amputation risk. An elevated score could facilitate the decision-making process in order to perform an endovascular treatment vs. conservative approach.

Effect of statins on survival in patients undergoing dialysis access for end-stage renal disease.

The benefit of statin therapy in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease remains uncertain. Randomized trials have questioned the efficacy of the drug in improving outcomes for on-dialysis populations, and many patients with end-stage renal disease are not currently taking statins. This study aimed to investigate the impact of statin use on survival of patients with vascular access performed at a vascular center for chronic dialysis. Consecutive end-stage renal disease patients admitted for vascular access surgery in 2006 to 2013 were reviewed. Information on therapy was retrieved and patients on statins were compared to those who were not on statins. Primary endpoint was 5-year survival. Independent predictors of mortality were assessed with Cox regression analysis adjusting for covariates (ie, age, sex, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, diabetes, and statins). Three hundred fifty-nine patients (230 males; mean age 68.9 ± 13.7 years) receiving 554 vascular accesses were analyzed: 127 (35.4%) were on statins. Use of statins was more frequent in patients with hypertension (89.8% v 81%; P = .034), hyperlipidemia (52.4% v 6.2%; P < .0001), coronary disease (54.1% v 42.6%; P = .043), diabetes (39.4% v 21.6%; P = .001), and obesity (11.6% v 2.0%; P < .0001). Mean follow-up was 35 months. Kaplan-Meier survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 84.4% and 75.9% for patients taking statins and 77.0% and 65.1% for those not taking statins (P = .18). Cox regression analysis selected statins therapy as the only independent negative predictor (odds ratio = 0.55; 95% confidence interval = 0.32-0.95; P = .032) of mortality, while age was an independent positive predictor (odds ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.08; P < .0001). Vascular access patency was comparable in statin takers and those not taking statins (P = .60). Use of statins might halve the risk of all-cause mortality at 5 years in adult patients with vascular access for chronic dialysis. Statins therapy should be considered in end-stage renal disease populations requiring dialysis access placement.

Percutaneous approach in the maintenance and salvage of dysfunctional autologous vascular access for dialysis.

PURPOSE: Endovascular procedures have been increasingly used for salvage of failing vascular access with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term patency and complication rates of angioplasty procedures performed in a single center for treatment of stenosis compromising vascular accesses. METHODS: A prospective database of vascular accesses performed in 2006-2010 was investigated. The endovascular approach was applied following a standardized protocol by a dedicated team. A total of 531 consecutive procedures were reviewed (326 men; mean age 70.94 years). Patency rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: There were 199 procedures for failing access: 135 were surgical and 64 angioplasties performed for anastomosis (n=27), venous (n=45) or arterial (n=7) stenosis. Immediate technical success of endovascular procedures was 95.3%(61/64); complication rate was 6.3% (4/64). Primary patency rates were 55% at six months, 49% at 12 months, and 21% at 24 months. In the concurrent group of 135 open procedures, primary patency rates were 80% at six months and 67% at 12 months (P=.002); nevertheless, at 24 months, patency was as low as 49%. Cost estimates for angioplasty revealed additional fees ranging from 411.34 to 446.34 Euro with respect to open surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Most dysfunctional vascular accesses can be successfully and safely treated by the endovascular route. In spite of poor mid-term durability, the angioplasty balloon might be considered as a bridge, effective, and repeatable solution with reasonable costs to prolong access survival avoiding additional surgery. The failure rate in the mid-term for dysfunctional vascular access may also be high after surgical reintervention.