Short-term outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with the new Braile Biomédica® total custom-made abdominal endograft: Experience from three Italian centers.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2019, Braile Biomédica® introduced a novel custom-made abdominal endograft tailored to the aorta's anatomy, featuring sizing every 3 mm and a diameter change from 50 mm to 8 mm. This design permits uncovered fenestrations around a single Z stent, eliminating the need for bridging stents to visceral vessels. Utilizing triple stent technology, optimal neck fixation is ensured, enabling treatment of necks shorter than 2 mm, with three 360° fenestrations optimizing graft fixation. This paper aims to analyze the initial experience with this custom-made infrarenal graft for abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA), concerning procedural success and post-procedural short-term outcomes. RESULTS: Among 12 patients treated from May 2022 to January 2024, technical success was achieved in 91.7 %, with only one intra-procedural complication. Follow-up CT scans at 1-3 months revealed resolution of an intraoperative endoleak and two late complications: a late type III endoleak and right renal artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: The recent experience with Braile Biomédica® custom-made abdominal endograft demonstrates promising outcomes, particularly in treating AAAs with challenging anatomical features.

Case Report: Role of numerical simulations in the management of acute aortic syndromes.

Penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) represents a subset of acute aortic syndromes characterized by high rupture risk and management challenges, particularly in elderly patients with significant comorbidities. This case report showcases a 75-year-old patient with a history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and with multiple PAUs involving the aortic arch, deemed unfit for conventional open surgery. A branched aortic endograft with a pre-cannulated side component for the left subclavian artery (LSA) was employed to preserve the patency of the previous CABG. Two computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and a morphological analysis were performed on the pre- and post-intervention aortic configurations to evaluate changes in flow rate and pressure drop at LSA level and differences in the lumen size. The results revealed a decrease in the flow rate equal to 2.38% after the intervention and an increase in pressure drop of 4.48 mmHg, while the maximum differences in LSA cross-sectional areas and diameters were 1.49 cm2 and 0.64 cm, respectively. Minimal alteration in LSA blood flow due to the chosen intervention approach confirmed the effectiveness of the selected unibody design endograft with LSA preservation, ensuring myocardial perfusion. Therefore, CFD simulations demonstrate to be a powerful tool to evaluate the hemodynamic consequences of interventions by accurately estimating the main fluid dynamic parameters.

Kissing shockwave balloon in a case of extensive calcified abdominal aorta during transfemoral TAVI.

An 84-year-old man with extensive calcified atherosclerosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta was diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis, presenting with dyspnea. To facilitate transfemoral approach during the TAVI procedure, IVUS-guided intravascular lithotripsy was successfully performed using Kissing Shockwave Balloon Technique.

Preliminary Outcomes of Zone 2 Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Using Castor Single-Branched Stent Grafts: A Single-Center Experience.

In the context of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), the reconstruction of the left subclavian artery (LSA) has emerged as a crucial component in establishing a sufficient proximal landing zone. However, the technical difficulty of these procedures raises the possibility of endoleaks and neurological consequences. Single-branched stent grafts offer good anchoring and LSA flow for these patients. This study evaluates the feasibility of utilizing novel single-branched stent grafts in the treatment of distal aortic arch disease, identifying good results in the short and medium term. From September 2019 to March 2023, TEVAR and revascularized LSA were performed on ten patients at the Ospedale del Cuore-FTGM in Massa, Italy, using Castor single-branched thoracic aortic stent grafts (Microport Medical, Shanghai, China). The authors' first findings demonstrated that, after an average follow-up of one year, the Castor branching aortic stent graft system was safe and achieving an appropriate proximal landing zone and maintaining sufficient LSA perfusion was possible. With regard to the endovascular treatment of distal aortic arch diseases, this product offers a compelling substitute for surgery. For the purpose of assessing the long-term effectiveness of this approach, the follow-up period should be extended.

Regular exercise delays microvascular endothelial dysfunction by regulating antioxidant capacity and cellular metabolism.

Aging is the basis for several unfavorable conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this sense, regular physical activity (regular PA) has been proven to delay cellular aging and prevent endothelial dysfunction related to CVDs. Despite numerous studies involving athletes, little is known about cellular and molecular mechanisms of regular PA among master athletes. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of regular PA on local microcirculatory functions in elderly athletes as compared to age-matched sedentary controls. Moreover, molecular/epigenetic mechanisms (nitric oxide, oxidative stress, PGC-1α, SIRT1 and miR29) were also assessed. The results of the present study showed that regular PA significantly increased local blood flow in post-ischemia and post-heating conditions, as well as NO plasma concentrations, denoting a better endothelial function/microcirculatory efficiency. Moreover, athletes presented a greater plasma antioxidant and increased transcriptional levels of the metabolism regulator PGC-1α. Finally, regular PA enhanced plasma level of SIRT1 and miR29, suggested as epigenetic regulators of redox balance and cellular metabolism. In addition, stimulated local blood flow was directly related to plasma antioxidant capacity, and SIRT1 and miR29 levels. Overall, our data confirm the beneficial effects of regular PA on the cardiovascular profile in elderly athletes and shed light on molecular signals involved in the positive adaptations to exercise.

A Novel Frailty Score Based on Laboratory Parameters (FIMS Score) for the Management of Older Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis.

This study aimed to develop a novel score based on common laboratory parameters able to identify frail and sarcopenic patients as well as predict mortality in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) for tailored clinical decision-making. A total of 109 patients (83 ± 5 years; females, 68%) with AS underwent a multidisciplinary pre-operative assessment and finalized a "frailty-based management" for the AS interventional treatment. Laboratory parameters of statistically significant differences between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic individuals were tested in the structural equation model (SEM) to build a Frailty Inflammation Malnutrition and Sarcopenia score (FIMS score). Mortality at 20 months of follow-up was considered an outcome. FIMS score, in particular, the cut-off value ≥ 1.28 was able to identify "frail" and "early frail" patients and predict mortality with a sensitivity of 83.3% and 82.6%, respectively (p = 0.001) and was an independent determinant associated with a higher risk of mortality (HR 5.382; p-value = 0.002). The FIMS score, easily achievable and usable in clinical practice, was able to identify frail and sarcopenic patients as well as predict their adverse clinical outcomes. This score could provide appropriate guidance during decision-making regarding elderly patients with severe AS.

Total Endovascular Treatment of Ascending Aorta Pseudoaneurysm After Bentall Procedure.

Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysms represent uncommon but life-threatening complications that can be observed even after a long time in patients who have undergone aortic surgery. We describe an interesting case of a patient with ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm after the Bentall procedure treated with endovascular coil embolization from the right coronary artery. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Endovascular Intervention for Aortic Dissection Is "Ascending".

Ascending aorta diseases represent an important cause of mortality worldwide. Notably, acute and chronic thoracic aorta pathologies have increased during the last years, but medical therapy does not seem to influence their natural history. Currently, although open surgery is the first choice of treatment, many patients are still rejected or have poor outcomes. In this scenario, endovascular treatment is raised as a valuable option. In this review we describe the limitations of conventional surgery and the state-of-art of endovascular ascending aorta repair.

A Case of Type B Aortic Dissection: The Role of Transesophageal Ultrasound Guidance in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) plays a central role in managing acute and chronic aortic pathologies. With the advancement of transcatheter structural heart procedures, echocardiography has become a key in procedural guidance. Despite consensus on its use for cardiac interventions, ultrasound assistance in aortic procedures is not widely standardized. A 71-year-old obese man with chronic type B aortic dissection underwent a TEVAR procedure, using a single-branched aortic stent graft (Endovastec™ Castor™) and with transesophageal ultrasound guidance. The preprocedural assessment confirmed the presence of aortic dissection of the descending thoracic aorta with a posterior true lumen (TL) and an anterior false lumen (FL), normal aortic valve anatomy and function, normal left ventricular function, absence of intracavity thrombus, and absence of aortic plaques that could prevent the optimal implantation of the stent graft. During the procedure, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) monitored the positioning of the guide wires, the arrival of the catheter of the thoracic endoprosthesis, and then the implantation of this at the level of the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta. Postprocedure TEE evaluation underlined full stent-graft deployment without leaks and successful exclusion of FL with the beginning of thrombosis. Angiography confirms the exclusion of the aneurysm and the absence of endoleaks. This clinical case demonstrates how transesophageal echocardiographic guidance can improve the TEVAR procedure by minimizing fluoroscopy time, contrast medium use, and enabling a better assessment of the dissection anatomy with real-time monitoring of both the TL and the FL. In conclusion, TEE can serve as an auxiliary intraoperative imaging tool to provide good information before, during, and after the procedure, increasing the success and safety of the TEVAR.

Life-threatening paradoxical thromboembolism in a patient with patent foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism represents the third most frequent acute cardiovascular syndrome worldwide. Its clinical manifestations are deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Despite a considerable mortality, diagnosis is often missed.  CASE PRESENTATION: We report the management of a female patient with high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism treated initially with thromboaspiration, complicated by embolus jailing in a patent foramen ovale. In this situation, left cardiac chambers and systemic circulation were jeopardized by this floating embolus. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk pulmonary embolism requires reperfusion strategy but sometimes mechanical thromboaspiration may be not fully successful; transesophageal echocardiography led to a prompt diagnosis of this unexpected finding; in this very particular case, open surgery represented a bail-out procedure to avoid cerebral and systemic embolism.

Coronary Artery Bypass Salvage With Branched Aortic Endograft in a Patient With Aortic Arch Ulcer.

Treatment of multiple penetrating aortic ulcers becomes troublesome if they involve the aortic arch. We report a percutaneous aortic repair using a unibody design endoprosthesis with a precannulated side component for the left subclavian artery to manage a large aortic arch ulcer and preserve the patency of previous coronary artery bypass graft. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Etiology, clinical presentation, and management of left main coronary artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The widespread use of noninvasive/invasive coronary imaging increased the probability of recognition of coronary aneurysms. Left main coronary aneurysms (LMCA), though rare, are potentially life-threatening but in the absence of controlled studies, guidelines do not provide any specific recommendation for their management. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the epidemiology, clinical presentation, therapeutic strategies, and prognostic implication of LMCA. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to retrieve all the reported cases of LMCA as of December 2021, which were summarized and classified according to their etiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic management. RESULTS: Out of 1997 works retrieved, 180 studies were analyzed, describing 209 LMCA cases (aged 51 ± 19 years, 68% males). Atherosclerosis was the most common etiology (40%), followed by inflammatory (12%), congenital (9%), or degenerative (6%) conditions. Stable angina (43%) and acute coronary syndromes (32%) were more often the first clinical manifestations, while 29 (14%) LMCA were incidental findings. Most cases were treated surgically (53%), while percutaneous intervention was rarely adopted (7%). Data about antithrombotic therapies were scarce and heterogeneous. Finally, when longitudinal data were reported (n = 81), LMCA resulted associated with a severe prognosis, with a 15% mortality over an 8-month median follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LMCA are most frequently, but not exclusively, caused by advanced atherosclerosis. Irrespective of their etiology and clinical presentation, LMCA may be associated with high short-term mortality. In absence of controlled studies, a careful evaluation of each case is warranted to optimize therapeutic strategies.

Balloon Fracture During TAVR: Effective and Repeatable Technique Not Written in the Textbook.

An 88-year-old man was referred to transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Edwards 26-mm Sapien bioprosthetic valve (Sapien) implantation was planned after accurate computed tomography-based procedure planning. When the valve was released, the inflation pressure decreased rapidly due to the balloon bursting. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Transcatheter Treatment of Ascending Aorta Pseudoaneurysm Guided by 3D-Model Technology.

Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of atherosclerosis, infections, chest trauma, transcatheter or surgical interventions. Due to high surgical risk, percutaneous closure is considered a valuable cost-effective therapeutic alternative. In this setting, 3D printing technology is emerging as a powerful tool to plan transcatheter repair. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Penetrating Aortic Ulceration Treated with Castor Branched Aortic Stent Graft-A Case Series.

Penetrating aortic ulceration (PAU) is an acute aortic syndrome similar to aortic dissection and intramural hematoma. It is the result of a tunica intima ulceration due to atherosclerotic disease. This clinical condition can lead to serious complications and a poor short-term prognosis, especially in high-surgical-risk patients. We report three cases of patients referred to "Ospedale del Cuore" of Massa (Italy) with PAU at the aortic arch-proximal descending aorta level who could not undergo surgical intervention. For the first time in Italy, we successfully treated these patients with a full percutaneous implantation of a Castor branched aortic stent graft. Our case series shows that this type of endovascular graft is an effective, safe, and feasible treatment for PAU involving a distal aortic arch and avoiding surgery and related complications.

Transcatheter Treatment of "Complex" Aortic Coarctation Guided by Printed 3D Model.

The transcatheter approach is nowadays considered a cost-effective alternative to surgery in adults with "complex" aortic coarctation. The printed 3D model was crucial in planning transcatheter treatment of a complex case of postsurgical aortic re-coarctation, due to coexistence of transverse aortic arch stenosis and pseudoaneurysm as well as aneurysm of the descending aorta. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Hybrid Approach in Acute and Chronic Aortic Disease.

The management of patients with aortic disease that involves the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta represent a surgical challenge. Open surgical repair remains the gold standard for aortic arch pathologies. However, this operation requires a cardiopulmonary bypass and a period of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest, which carries a substantial rate of mortality and morbidity. For these reasons, hybrid arch repair that involves a combination of open surgery with endovascular aortic stent graft placement has been introduced as a therapeutic alternative for those patients deemed unfit for open surgical procedures. Hybrid repair requires varying degrees of invasiveness and can be performed as a single-stage procedure or as a two-stage procedure. The choice of the technique is multifactorial, depending on the characteristics of the diseased arch with regard to position of the stent graft proximal landing zone, patient fitness and comorbid status, as well as surgical expertise and hospital facilities. Among the evolving hybrid procedures is the so-called "frozen" or stented elephant trunk technique. Adapted from the classical elephant trunk technique, this approach facilitates the repair of a concomitant aortic arch and proximal descending aortic aneurysms in a single stage under circulatory arrest. This technique is increasingly being used to treat extensive thoracic aortic disease and has shown promising results.

Custom-made endograft with left subclavian artery branch in a patient with Takayasu aortitis complicated by type-B dissection and inflammatory involvement of the epiaortic vessels.

Type-B aortic dissection in a patient affected by Takayasu disease is a rarely described condition and its management can be challenging. A 47-year-old woman with Takayasu aortitis and previous aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement was admitted to hospital for type-B aortic dissection. The recent instabilization of aortic disease, the persistence of episodes of transient chest pain and the largest size of the aneurismatic tract of thoracic descending aorta rendered an invasive approach mandatory. Since the patient presented a complete bilateral occlusion of the subclavian artery just after the origin of the vertebral artery and a subcritical, smooth, bilateral stenosis of the common carotid artery, a custom-made endograft with left subclavian artery branch was successfully positioned, thus allowing the preservation of antegrade left vertebral circulation. This is the first case reporting an entirely endovascular exclusion of type-B dissection in a patient affected by Takayasu aortitis using a custom-made endograft with a subclavian branch allowing the preservation of the antegrade flow to left vertebral artery.