Impact of conventional and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on arterial lesions in Takayasu arteritis.

BACKGROUND: The definition of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) remission and disease activity is still unclear. Vascular imaging is an essential tool for following-up patients. Herein, we aimed to compare the evolution of vascular lesions (ie vessel wall thickening and stenosis) under conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) relatively to biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) in TAK patients followed with the same CT angiography modalities. METHOD: We compared 75 lines of therapy in TAK patients who received cDMARDs (n = 40 lines) and bDMARDs (n = 35 lines) using CT angiography. We established 1-3 main target vessels with vessel wall thickening and/or stenosis. Every targeted vessel had its thickness and its lumen diameter measured at the initiation of immunosuppressive treatment and at 12 months. RESULTS: We observed an overall reduction of arterial wall thickness in 73% of cases and 31% had >25% of wall thickness relative decrease. Using a linear mixed effects model, first line immunosuppressive therapy (p= 0.012) and bDMARDs relatively to cDMARDs (p= 0.026) were independently associated with vessel wall thickness reduction in TAK. Thirty-eight percent of the stenotic vessels had a > 25% relative increase in lumen diameter under immunosuppressive therapy. The relative increase >25% in lumen diameter was noted in 56% vs 17% with bDMARDs compared with cDMARDs. CONCLUSION: Immunosuppressive treatments can reduce arterial wall thickness and widen lumen diameter in TAK. bDMARDs seems to be more effective than cDMARDs to improve arterial lesions in TAK.

Fungal versus non-fungal supra-inguinal prosthetic vascular graft infections: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Fungal prosthetic vascular graft infections are rare and mainly supra-inguinal. Current guidelines are based on the few studies that have specifically investigated this population, with few risk factors described. The objective of this study is to compare fungal and non-fungal supra-inguinal prosthetic vascular graft infections (PVGI), describing their specificities, identifying risk factors, and evaluating outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study carried out at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, including all patients who were treated for a supra-inguinal PVGI between January 1st, 2009 and February 28th, 2021. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were compared between fungal and non-fungal PVGI. RESULTS: Out of the 475 patients screened, 148 developed a supra-inguinal PVGI: 32 fungal and 116 non-fungal. Factors independently associated with fungal PVGI were presence of a prostheto-digestive fistula (OR 5.98; 95% CI 2.29-15.62) and preoperative antibiotic therapy of seven days or more (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.12-7.38). Mortality rate at 180 days was significantly higher for fungal as compared to non-fungal PVGIs (38% vs. 16% p = 0.009) and for fungal PVGI with prostheto-digestive fistula. However, there was no statistically significant relation between mortality due to prostheto-digestive fistula in contrast with fungal PVGI alone (p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: Prostheto-digestive fistula was strongly associated with fungal PVGI, which leads us to suggest that in such cases, an anti-fungal agent should be prescribed.

Surgical management of sporadic and schwannomatosis-associated pelvic schwannomas.

Pelvic schwannomas are rare tumors that may occur either sporadically or in the context of schwannomatosis. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients harboring a pelvic schwannoma under conservative management or operated at our reference center between 2016 and 2023. All patients were operated by a multidisciplinary team, combining a vascular surgeon and a neurosurgeon. Twenty-four patients harboring 33 pelvic tumors were included in the cohort, including 12 patients with sporadic lesions, 2 patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis, and 10 patients with NF2-independent schwannomatosis. Multi-nodular tumors were more frequent in schwannomatosis compared to sporadic cases (p = 0.005). The mean age at diagnosis was 41 years old. Schwannomas were located on branches of the sciatic nerve (23/33, 70%), the femoral nerve (6/33, 18%), and the obturator nerve (4/33, 12%). Over the course of the study, 16 patients were operated, including 11 sporadic cases. The indication for surgery was pain (12/16, 75%) or tumor growth (4/16, 25%). Complete resection was achieved in 14 of 16 patients (87%). The mean post-operative follow-up was 37 months (range: 2-168 months). At last-follow-up, complete pain relief was achieved in all 12 patients with pre-operative pain. Post-operative morbidity included 3 long-term localized numbness and one MRC class 4 motor deficit in a multi-nodular tumor in a schwannomatosis patient. Despite its limited size, our series suggests that nerve-sparing resection of pelvic schwannomas offers satisfying rates of functional outcome both in sporadic and schwannomatosis cases, except for multi-nodular tumors.

Long-Term Outcome and Prognosis of Noninfectious Thoracic Aortitis.

BACKGROUND: Aortitis is a group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of the aorta. The large-vessel vasculitides are the most common causes of aortitis. Aortitis long-term outcomes are not well known. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcome and prognosis of noninfectious surgical thoracic aortitis. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study of 5,666 patients with thoracic aorta surgery including 217 (3.8%) with noninfectious thoracic aortitis (118 clinically isolated aortitis, 57 giant cells arteritis, 21 Takayasu arteritis, and 21 with various systemic autoimmune disorders). Factors associated with vascular complications and a second vascular procedure were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Indications for aortic surgery were asymptomatic aneurysm with a critical size (n = 152 [70%]), aortic dissection (n = 28 [13%]), and symptomatic aortic aneurysm (n = 30 [14%]). The 10-year cumulative incidence of vascular complication and second vascular procedure was 82.1% (95% CI: 67.6%-90.6%), and 42.6% (95% CI: 28.4%-56.1%), respectively. Aortic arch aortitis (HR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.26-3.44; P = 0.005) was independently associated with vascular complications. Descending thoracic aortitis (HR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.11-4.96; P = 0.031) and aortic dissection (HR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.61-5.90; P = 0.002) were independently associated with a second vascular procedure, while treatment with statins after aortitis diagnosis (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24-0.90; P = 0.028) decreased it. After a median follow-up of 3.9 years, 19 (16.1%) clinically isolated aortitis patients developed features of a systemic inflammatory disease and 35 (16%) patients had died. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study shows that 82% of noninfectious surgical thoracic aortitis patients will experience a vascular complication within 10 years. We pointed out specific characteristics that identified those at highest risk for subsequent vascular complications and second vascular procedures.

Thrombosis of Medium-Sized and Large Arteries During Covid-19 Infection: Results of the COVIVASC Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is associated not only with venous thromboses but also with arterial thromboses (COV-ATs) in relation with an endothelial dysfunction, a coagulopathy and rhythm disorders. The incidence, the topography, and the prognosis of COV-ATs remain poorly known. The objective of this study was to report the overall experience of the Greater Paris University Hospitals (Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, AP-HP) during the first pandemic wave of COVID-19 infection. METHODS: After approval by the ethics committee, a study using the AP-HP clinical data warehouse was carried out between March and May 2020. Overall, 124,609 patients had a polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 in our hospitals, of which 25,345 were positive. From 20,710 exploitable stays, patients tested positive for COVID who presented an episode of acute COV-AT (except coronary and intracranial arteries) were selected on the basis of the French medical classification for clinical procedures codes. The data are presented as absolute values with percentages and/or means with standard deviation. RESULTS: Over the studied period, 60 patients (aged 71±14 years, 42 men) presented a COV-AT at the time of their hospitalization, an incidence of 0.2%. The arterial complication occurred 3±7 days after the COVID infection and was inaugural in 30% of the cases (n = 18). The sites of COV-AT were the lower extremities (n = 35%, 58%), the abdominal aorta (n = 10%, 17%), the thoracic aorta (n = 7%, 12%), the upper limbs (n = 7%, 12%), the cerebral arteries (n = 7%, 12%), the digestive arteries (n = 6%, 10%), the renal arteries (n = 2%, 3%), and the ophthalmic artery (n = 1%, 2%). Multiple COV-ATs were observed in 13 patients (22%). At the time of diagnosis, 20 (33%) patients were in intensive care, including six (10%) patients who were intubated. On computed tomography angiography, COVID lesions were classified as moderate and severe in 25 (42%) and 21 (35%) cases, respectively. Revascularization was attempted in 27 patients (45%), by open surgery in 16 cases, using endovascular techniques in 8 cases and with a hybrid approach in three cases. Six patients (22%) required reinterventions. The duration of hospitalization was 12±9 days. Early mortality (in-hospital or at 30 days) was 30% (n = 18). Nine (15%) patients presented severe nonlethal ischemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial involvement is rare during COVID-19 infection. The aorta and the arteries of the limbs are the privileged sites. The morbi-mortality of these patients is high. Future studies will have to determine if the systematization of anticoagulation therapy decreases the incidence and the severity of the condition.

Correlation between Ultra-Wide-Field Retinal Imaging Findings and Vascular Supra-Aortic Changes in Takayasu Arteritis.

(1) Background: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory large-vessel vasculitis. Ultra-wide-field imaging allows describing the retinal lesions in these patients and correlating them with vascular supra-aortic stenosis. (2) Methods: In total, 54 eyes of 27 patients diagnosed with TA were included, and a complete ophthalmological examination was performed, including UWF color fundus photography (UWF-CFP), fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA), and computed tomography angiography measuring supra-aortic stenosis. Eleven patients underwent Doppler ultrasound imaging assessing the blood flow velocity (BFV) in the central retinal artery (CRA). (3) Results: Microaneurysms were detected in 18.5% of eyes on fundus examination, in 24.4% of eyes on UWF-CFP, and in 94.4% of eyes on UWF-FA. The number of microaneurysms significantly correlated with the presence of an ipsilateral supra-aortic stenosis (p = 0.026), the presence of hypertension (p = 0.0011), and the duration of the disease (p = 0.007). The number of microaneurysms per eye negatively correlated with the BFV in the CRA (r = -0.61; p = 0.003). (4) Conclusions: UWF-FA improved the assessment of TA-associated retinal findings. The significant correlation between the number of microaneurysms and the BFV in the CRA gives new insight to our understanding of Takayasu retinopathy. The total number of microaneurysms could be used as an interesting prognostic factor for TA.

Degradation Phenomena on "Homemade" Explanted Aortic Textile Endografts.

OBJECTIVE: In the 1990s, the concept of "homemade" endografts (EGs) using commercially available materials was proposed in clinical practice for endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to analyse the ageing phenomena of these EGs in light of explant analyses. METHODS: The study focused on five explanted homemade EGs collected from 2012 to 2014. The explants were assessed in accordance with the ISO 9001/13485 certified standard protocol, which included naked eye evaluation, organic remnant cleaning, and microscopic and endoscopic examinations and analysis (magnification range from 20% to 200%). The observations report followed a classification based on 12 features assessing the fabric cover, the stitch filament, and the stents. RESULTS: The reasons for explantation were type 1 endoleak in three cases and aneurysm sac growth in two. The implantation duration ranged from 56 to 202 months. Sixty three per cent of the fabric surface lesions (holes and tears) were related to abrasion between the fabric and the stents. Up to 33% of the knots used to connect adjacent stents were broken on one EG. Other defects including running suture rupture and stent corrosion were also observed. The overall hole cumulated surface ranged from 0.377 mm2 (56 month of implantation) up to 3.21 mm2 (78 month of implantation). CONCLUSION: In this study, various ageing phenomena on homemade textile EGs were identified and classified. The main damaging mechanisms were related to abrasion stress leading to tears and holes in the fabric, stitch ruptures, and detachment of stent segments responsible for serious EG deformations and further degradation.

Short and Mid Term Outcomes of Cryopreserved Abdominal Aortic Allografts Used as a Substitute for Infected Prosthetic Grafts in 200 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of cryopreserved arterial allografts (CAA) as a substitute for infected infrarenal aortic prostheses, and its outcomes. METHODS: A single centre retrospective study of consecutive patients receiving an abdominal aortic CAA after removal of an infected graft was conducted between January 1997 and December 2013. The primary outcome was the rate of allograft related revision surgery. Secondary outcomes were the 30 day mortality rate, survival, primary patency, limb salvage, and infection recurrence. Allograft ruptures secondary to infection and risk factors for allograft failure were also investigated. RESULTS: Two hundred patients (mean age 64.2 ± 9.4 years) were included. In 56 (28%) cases, infection was related to an enteric fistula. The mean follow up duration was 4.1 years. The 30 day mortality rate was 11%. Early revision surgery was needed in 59 patients (29.5%). Among them, 15 (7.5%) were allograft related and led to the death of three patients (1.5%), corresponding to a 7.5% 30 day allograft related revision surgery rate. During the first six months, 17 (8.5%) patients experienced 21 events with complete or partial rupture (pseudo-aneurysm) of the allograft responsible for five (2.5%) deaths, corresponding to a re-infection rate of 8.5%. The multivariable analysis showed that diabetes and pseudo-aneurysm of the native aorta on presentation were predictive factors for short term allograft rupture. After six months, 25 (12.5%) patients experienced long term allograft complications (rupture, n = 2, 1%; pseudo-aneurysm, n = 6, 3%; aneurysm, n = 2, 1%; thrombosis, n = 11, 5.5%; stenosis, n = 4, 2%;) requiring revision surgery resulting in one death. The five year rates of survival, allograft related revision surgery, limb salvage, primary patency, and infection recurrence were 56%, 30%, 89%, 80%, and 12%, respectively. CONCLUSION: CAAs provide acceptable results to treat aortic graft infection with few early graft related fatal complications. Long term allograft related complications are quite common but are associated with low mortality and amputation rates.

French recommendations for the management of Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic variable vessel vasculitis that involves the skin, mucosa, joints, eyes, arteries, veins, nervous system and gastrointestinal system, presenting with remissions and exacerbations. It is a multifactorial disease, and several triggering factors including oral cavity infections and viruses may induce inflammatory attacks in genetically susceptible individuals. BD vasculitis involves different vessel types and sizes of the vascular tree with mixed-cellular perivascular infiltrates and is often complicated by recurrent thrombosis, particularly in the venous compartment. Several new therapeutic modalities with different mechanisms of action have been studied in patients with BD. A substantial amount of new data have been published on the management of BD, especially with biologics, over the last years. These important therapeutic advances in BD have led us to propose French recommendations for the management of Behçet's disease [Protocole National de Diagnostic et de Soins de la maladie de Behçet (PNDS)]. These recommendations are divided into two parts: (1) the diagnostic process and initial assessment; (2) the therapeutic management. Thirty key points summarize the essence of the recommendations. We highlighted the main differential diagnosis of BD according to the type of clinical involvement; the role of genetics is also discussed, and we indicate the clinical presentations that must lead to the search for a genetic cause.

Results of cryopreserved arterial allograft replacement for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic infections.

BACKGROUND: Primary and secondary thoracic aortic infections are rare but associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is currently no consensus on their optimal treatment. Arterial allografts have been shown to be resistant to bacterial colonization. Complete excision of infected material, especially synthetic grafts, combined with in situ aortic repair is considered the best treatment of abdominal aortic infections. The aim of this study was to assess the management of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic infections using arterial allografts. METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2017, all patients with thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic native or graft infections underwent complete excision of infected material and in situ arterial allografting. The end points were the early mortality and morbidity rates and early and late rates of reinfection, graft degeneration, and graft-related morbidity. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 65.6 ± 9.2 years were included. Twenty-one (60%) cases experienced graft infections and 14 (40%) experienced native aortic infections. Eight (22.8%) patients had visceral fistulas: 5 (14.4%) prosthetic-esophageal, 1 (2.8%) prosthetic-bronchial, 1 (2.8%) prosthetic-duodenal, and 1 (2.8%) native aortobronchial. In 12 (34.3%) cases, only the descending thoracic aorta was involved; in 23 (65.7%) cases, the thoracoabdominal aorta was involved. Fifteen (42.8%) patients died during the first month or before discharge: 5 of hemorrhage, 4 of multiorgan failure, 3 of ischemic colitis, 2 of pneumonia, and 1 of anastomotic disruption. Eleven (31.5%) patients required early revision surgery: 6 (17.1%) for nongraft-related hemorrhage, 3 (8.6%) for colectomy, 1 (2.9%) for proximal anastomotic disruption, and 1 (2.9%) for tamponade. One (2.9%) patient who died before discharge experienced paraplegia. One (2.9%) patient experienced stroke. Six (17.1%) patients required postoperative dialysis. Among them, four died before discharge. The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 11 ± 10.5 days; the mean length of hospital stay was 32 ± 14 days. During a mean follow-up of 32.3 ± 23.7 months, three allograft-related complications occurred in survivors (15% of late survivors): one proximal and one distal false aneurysm with no evidence of reinfection and one allograft-enteric fistula. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 49.3% and 42.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, aortic infections are highly challenging. Surgical management includes complete excision of infected tissues or grafts. Allografts offer a promising solution to aortic graft infection because they appear to resist reinfection; however, the grafts must be observed indefinitely because of the risk of late graft complications.

Parameter estimation to study the immediate impact of aortic cross-clamping using reduced order models.

Aortic cross-clamping is a common strategy during vascular surgery, however, its instantaneous impact on hemodynamics is unknown. We, therefore, developed two numerical models to estimate the immediate impact of aortic clamping on the vascular properties. To assess the validity of the models, we recorded continuous invasive pressure signals during abdominal aneurysm repair surgery, immediately before and after clamping. The first model is a zero-dimensional (0D) three-element Windkessel model, which we coupled to a gradient-based parameter estimation algorithm to identify patient-specific parameters such as vascular resistance and compliance. We found a 10% increase in the total resistance and a 20% decrease in the total compliance after clamping. The second model is a nine-artery network corresponding to an average human body in which we solved the one-dimensional (1D) blood flow equations. With a similar parameter estimation method and using the results from the 0D model, we identified the resistance boundary conditions of the 1D network. Determining the patient-specific total resistance and the distribution of peripheral resistances through the parameter estimation process was sufficient for the 1D model to accurately reproduce the impact of clamping on the pressure waveform. Both models gave an accurate description of the pressure wave and had a high correlation (R2 > .95) with experimental blood pressure data.

Factors influencing the recurrence of arterial involvement after surgical repair in Behçet disease.

OBJECTIVE: Arterial involvement in Behçet disease (BD) is rare, and its surgical management is a major concern because of its high recurrence rate. This study evaluated the influence of the surgical technique, device, and immunosuppressive treatment used on the postoperative recurrence in patients with non-pulmonary arterial BD. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted of 23 patients meeting the international criteria for BD who underwent surgery for arterial involvement between May 1996 and September 2015. Recurrence was defined as the occurrence of arterial aneurysm or thrombosis during follow-up. Perioperative medical treatment and surgical technique used were reported. RESULTS: There were 47 surgical procedures performed in 23 patients. Mean follow-up was 8.4 ± 7.5 years. Initial arterial lesions were aneurysms and thrombosis in 85% and 15% of cases, respectively. Arterial lesions were aortic and peripheral in 48% and 52% of cases. Recurrence rate was 51%. Recurrences developed within <1 year in 24% of cases and at the same anatomic site in 92% of cases. Among the 24 recurrences, 17 were false aneurysms, 6 were thrombosis, and 1 was a true aneurysm in a different arterial site. To treat the arterial lesion, direct anastomosis was performed in 6 cases; bypass using the saphenous vein, graft, or allograft was performed in 6, 27, and 5 cases, respectively; and stent graft was used in 3 cases. Vascular lesions involved the aorta in 19 cases and a peripheral artery in 28 cases. Preoperative medical treatments, including colchicine, steroids, and immunosuppressants, significantly decreased recurrence rate: 28% (7/25) vs 75% (15/20) in untreated patients (P = .002). The recurrence rate was 42.5% (17/40) in patients treated postoperatively vs 80% (4/5) in untreated patients. The nature of the device used (vein, prosthetic graft, allograft, stent graft, or direct anastomosis) did not change the risk of recurrence. When anastomoses were protected using the prosthetic sleeving technique, the recurrence rate was three times lower (P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Relapse is a main concern after surgical repair of arterial BD. This study suggests the need for targeted perioperative medical management to reduce the risk of arterial recurrence in BD patients. To this end, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. The use of sleeve anastomosis is associated with a numerically lower risk of recurrence. However, further studies are needed to confirm this efficacy.

Direct Distal Renal Artery Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of renal artery aneurysms (RAA) remains controversial. Endovascular treatment has increased for main trunk and for very distal aneurysms, whereas for lesions located at the bifurcation surgical treatment seems to be a valid option. The goal of this study was to describe the technique of direct reconstruction of RAA and to report on outcomes. METHODS: This study comprised single centre prospective collection of data with retrospective analysis (January 2015 to August 2018) of patients operated on for distal RAA using direct reconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 24 RAA in 21 patients (seven men and 14 women, mean age 59 ± 13 years) was included. History of hypertension was found in 15 patients and renal insufficiency was present in one. Mean pre-operative systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 134 ± 21 mmHg and 74 ± 10 mmHg, and mean pre-operative rates of creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were 67 ± 13 µmol/L and 93 ± 49 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Indications for repair were a diameter >20 mm in seven cases (mean diameter = 25 ± 2 mm) or rapid growth in one case, symptomatic aneurysm in 12 cases (hypertension, haematuria, pain), and a concomitant lesion in four cases (splenic aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, occlusive visceral artery lesions). All lesions were distal, main artery bifurcation in 22 cases and hilar in two cases. The main aetiology was fibromuscular dysplasia (16 cases) followed by atherosclerosis (seven cases) and one case of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. In situ reconstruction was possible for 22 RAA, while two cases required kidney autotransplantation. The mean renal ischaemia time was 18 ± 5 min. At two years, the patency rate was 100%, and mean systolic blood pressure decreased (134 mmHg-122 mmHg, p = .047). Renal function was stable from 93 ± 49 pre-operatively to 95 ± 35 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the post-operative course (p = .56). CONCLUSION: Direct reconstruction appears to be efficient for most RAA. This technique is complementary to ex vivo autotransplantation and endovascular treatment.

Multicentre Experience with the Chimney Technique for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in French University Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: The chimney technique (ChEVAR) allows for proximal landing zone extension for endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms. The aim of the present study was to assess ChEVAR national outcomes in French university hospital centres. METHODS: All centres were contacted and entered data into a computerised online database on a voluntary basis. Clinical and radiological data were collected on all consecutive ChEVAR patients operated on in 14 centres between 2008 and 2016. Patients were deemed unfit for open repair. Factors associated with early (30 day or in hospital) mortality and type 1 endoleak (Type I EL) were calculated using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: In total, 201 patients with 343 target vessels were treated. There were 94 juxtarenal (46.8%), 67 pararenal (33.3%), 10 Crawford type IV thoraco-abdominal (5%) aneurysms, and 30 (15.1%) proximal failures of prior repairs. The pre-operative diameter was 66.8 ± 16.7 mm and 28 (13.9%) ChEVAR were performed as an emergency, including six (2.9%) ruptures. There were 23 (11.7%) unplanned intra-operative procedures, mainly related to access issues. The rate of early deaths was 11.4% (n = 23). The elective mortality rate was 9.8% (n = 17). Nine patients (4.5%) presented with a stroke. The rate of early proximal Type I EL was 11.9%. Survival was 84.6%, 79.4%, 73.9%, 71.1% at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. The primary patency of chimney stents was 97.4%, 96.7%, 95.2%, and 93.3% at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Performing unplanned intra-operative procedures (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3-10.9) was identified as the only independent predictor of post-operative death. A ChEVAR for juxtarenal aneurysm was independently associated with fewer post-operative Type I ELs (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05-0.58). CONCLUSION: In this large national ChEVAR series, early results were concerning. The reasons may lie in heterogeneous practices between centres and ChEVAR use outside of current recommendations regarding oversizing rates, endograft types, and sealing zones. Future research should focus on improvements in pre-operative planning and intra-operative technical aspects.

Surgical repair of radiation-induced carotid stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting are both valid therapeutic options for the treatment of radiation-induced carotid stenosis (RICS). The second has the advantage of being less invasive, although it seems to result in more restenosis than the first. Meanwhile, progress in radiation therapy and head and neck surgery has significantly increased the survival of these patients. As a result, treatment of RICS should be considered from a long-term perspective. This works presents perioperative and follow-up outcomes of surgical treatment of RICS. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included all patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy for RICS from January 1998 to June 2017. Clinical and duplex ultrasound examination-based follow-up was performed postoperatively, at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival plots based on a log-rank test. Any abnormal finding led to angio-computed tomography scan and specialized neurovascular examination. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2017, 128 patients (162 lesions) were treated. The median interval between radiation therapy and surgery was 16 years. Forty-five patients (35%) were symptomatic. The eversion technique was performed in 79 cases (49%), and the patch was favored in 24 cases (15%), prosthetic bypass graft in 51 cases (31%), and a venous bypass graft in 8 cases (5%). Two postoperative deaths (1.5%) (one secondary to massive stroke) were noted. The primary end point of early postoperative cerebrovascular event was 2.5%. Two cervical hematomas (1.2%) required surgical revision and seven cases of permanent cranial nerve injury were recorded. The median follow-up was 29 months (range, 2-199 months). There were no additional strokes. The 3-year primary patency rate was 96% and the 3-year freedom from neurologic event was 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgical treatment of RICS lesions is a safe and durable option. Our results suggest that the outcomes of such treatment are good and in particular that rates of cerebrovascular event and restenosis are low and that cranial nerve injury should not be a concern. As a result, we consider that open surgery for RICS lesions should be offered as a first-line treatment. However, comparative data are mandated to address this issue.

French civilian surgical expertise still inadequately prepared for mass casualties 3 years after major terror attacks in Paris (2015) and Nice (2016).

BACKGROUND: Three years after the terror attacks in Paris and Nice, this study aims to determine the level of interest, the technical skills and level of surgical activity in exsanguinating trauma care for a nonselected population of practicing French surgeons. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent between July and December 2017 to French students and practicing surgeons, using the French Surgical Colleges' mailing lists. Items analyzed included education, training, interest and clinical activity in trauma care and damage-control surgery (DCS). RESULTS: 622 questionnaires were analyzed and was composed of 318 (51%) certificated surgeons, of whom 56% worked in university teaching hospitals and 47% in Level I trauma centers (TC1); 44% were digestive surgeons and 7% were military surgeons. The mean score of 'interest in trauma care' was 8/10. Factors associated with a higher score were being a resident doctor (p = 0.01), a digestive surgeon (p = 0.0013), in the military (p = 1,71 × 10) and working in TC1 (p = 0.034). The mean "DCS techniques knowledge" score was 6.2/10 and factors significantly associated with a higher score were being a digestive surgeon (respectively, p = 0.0007 and p = 0.001) and in the military (respectively p = 1.74 × 10 and p = 3.94 × 10). Reported clinical activity in trauma and DCS were low. Additional continuing surgical education courses in trauma were completed by 23% of surgeons. CONCLUSION: French surgeons surveyed showed considerable interest in trauma care and treatment. Despite this, and regardless of surgical speciality, their theoretical and practical knowledge of necessary DCS skills remain inadequate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Study Type Survey.

Endarterectomy for Isolated Atherosclerotic Lesions of the Popliteal Artery.

BACKGROUND: In the endovascular era, angioplasty has grown a large place in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. Few studies have been focused in short atherosclerotic lesions of the popliteal artery itself, which remain for many surgeons a critical zone for the technical approach decision. We herein describe simple techniques of popliteal endarterectomy for the treatment of short popliteal occlusive disease. METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2019, patients with isolated popliteal artery atherosclerotic lesions were included in this retrospective study. Indication for intervention was either disabling lower limb claudication or critical limb ischemia. We performed either endarterectomy by eversion of the popliteal artery or a simple endarterectomy with a patch angioplasty. We then studied the procedural data, the thirty-day outcomes, and the mid-term follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included in the study, and 18 limbs were revascularized with the endarterectomy technique. Total duration of the procedure was 100 ± 46 min. Overall technical success was 100%. Median hospital stay was 4 days. Complete clinical success, that is, freedom from claudication or rest pain, was achieved in all cases. No early additional procedure was needed. After a mean follow-up of 34 ± 32 months with no patient lost to follow-up, all patients were alive, and a 100% primary patency and limb salvage was observed. CONCLUSIONS: At 3 years' follow-up, endarterectomy of the popliteal artery appears to be a valid option for isolated and short atherosclerotic lesions.

Calculation of the aortic arch angles from three-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography scans: Comparison between an automated program and visual assessment.

BACKGROUND: The curvature of the aortic arch is associated with the risk of endoleak formation after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, the adequate assessment of the angles of the aorta continues to represent a major difficulty. We developed a new program based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of computed tomography (CT) scans to objectively identify the location of the aortic points of maximum curvature, and to automatically calculate the main aortic arch angles, comparing final values with visual assessment methods. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional validation study of a convenience sample of subjects with multislice CT angiography scans of the thoracic aorta from an institutional imaging database. The center lumen line (CLL) of the aorta was determined semi-automatically using Endosize software. The points of maximum curvature on the CLL were determined by two methods: visually by two physicians and through a custom program. RESULTS: The study enrolled 9 subjects: 4 with thoracic aneurysms and 5 with normal aortas. The inter-observer and inter-method correlation, agreement and reliability for each of the 3D spatial coordinates of the points of maximum curvature were appropriate. However, the aortic angles determined by visual assessment showed a very low to moderate correlation and reliability with those determined by our custom program. CONCLUSION: An automated custom program can reflect clinician's intuitive assessment of the location of points of maximum curvature and translate it into aortic angles with an apparently higher precision, reducing potential error and user time.