Use of the AFX Stent Graft in Patients with Extremely Narrow Aortic Bifurcation: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the patient outcomes following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for infrarenal aortic pathologies with very narrow aortic bifurcations using the AFX stent graft. METHODS: The data was retrieved from the archived medical records of 35 patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (48.6%) or penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) (51.4%) with very narrow aortic bifurcation between January 2013 and May 2020. Patient survival, freedom from endoleak (EL), and limb occlusion were estimated applying the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 20.4 ± 22.8 months. The mean aortic bifurcation diameter was 15.8 ± 2.2 mm. Technical success was 100%, and no procedure-related deaths occurred. Two type II ELs occurred within 30-day follow-up. We observed one common iliac artery stenosis at four months and one type III EL at 54 months in the same patient, both of which required re-intervention. Overall patient survival was 95 ± 5% (AAA: 100%; PAU: 89 ± 10%), freedom from limb occlusion was 94 ± 5% (AAA: 91 ± 9%; PAU: 100%), freedom from type II EL was 94 ± 4% (AAA: 88 ± 8%; PAU: 100%), and freedom from EL type III was 83 ± 15% (AAA: 80 ± 18%; PAU: 100%) at the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Very narrow aortic bifurcations may predispose patients to procedure-related complications following EVAR. Our results suggest a safe use of the AFX stent graft in such scenarios. The overall short- and long-term procedure-related patient outcomes are satisfying albeit they may seem superior for PAU when compared to AAA.

Early and long-term results after reconstructive surgery in 42 children and two young adults with renovascular hypertension due to fibromuscular dysplasia and middle aortic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study presents the early and late results of pediatric patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for renovascular hypertension (RVH) between 1979 and 2009. METHODS: From 1979 to 2009 44 patients (male 22; mean age 13±5.2 years, range 1-19 years; early childhood 7 [1-6 years], middle childhood 5 [7-10 years]; adolescents 32 [11-19 years]) with renovascular hypertension underwent surgery for abdominal aortic stenoses (n=6), renal artery stenosis (RAS) (n=25) or for combined lesions (n=13). Nineteen aortic stenoses (bypass/interposition 10/5, patch dilatation/thromboendarterectomy 2/2), 51 renal arteries (interposition 36, resection+reimplantation 13, patch dilatation/aneurysmorraphy 1 each), and 10 visceral arteries (resection+reimplantation 6, interposition 3, patch dilatation 1) were reconstructed. Each patient underwent duplex studies and if required intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography. Reoperations within 30 postoperative days were required in four (9%) of the patients for occlusion of four arteries (6%), achieving a combined technical success rate of 94%. RESULTS: After 114±81 months 36 patients were re-examined by duplex and magnetic resonance angiography (2 not surgery-related deaths 7/12 years postoperatively, 8 patients lived abroad). Twelve patients had required a second and three a third procedure. Hypertension was cured early/late postoperatively in 27%/56%, improved in 41%/44%, and remained unchanged in 32%/0%. Best late results were obtained in patients with isolated aortic disease and at the age of middle childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive surgery for pediatric RVH yields good results at every age and every type of lesion. However, these children should be followed up closely and to avoid early cardiovascular disease and death in later life, surgery should not be delayed.

Results of open vascular surgical therapy in chronic peripheral arterial disease.

Surgery in chronic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can alleviate symptoms in claudicants and may impede amputation in critical limb ischemia. The current data on different surgical strategies and techniques from the aortoiliac region to the pedal arteries as well as amputation as last resort are described and discussed. Treatment of PAD depends on the condition of the patient and his comorbidities. The question of optimal therapy for each patient cannot always be answered in the operating theatre or the angio-suite.

[Occlusive aortic disease as coral reef aorta--experience in 80 cases]. / Der stenosierende Aortenprozess als Coral Reef Aorta--Erfahrungen in 80 Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Coral reef aorta (CRA) is described as rock-hard calcifications in the visceral part of the aorta. These heavily calcified plaques grow into the lumen and can cause significant stenoses, leading to malperfusion of the lower limbs, visceral ischaemia or hypertension due to renal ischaemia. PATIENTS/METHODS: From 1/1984 to 11/2008, 80 patients (26 m, 54 f, mean age 61.6, range 14 to 86 years) underwent treatment in the Department of Vascular Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Heinrich-Heine-University Hospital for CRA. The present study is based on a review of patient records and prospective follow-up in our outpatient clinic. RESULTS: The most frequent finding was renovascular hypertension (n=33, 41.3%) causing headache, vertigo and visual symptoms. Intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial occlusive disease was found in 35 cases (43.8%). 15 patients (18.8%) presented with chronic visceral ischaemia causing diarrhoea, weight loss and abdominal pain. 79 patients (98.7%) underwent surgery; in 73 (93.7%) aortic reconstruction was achieved with thromboendarterectomy, on an isolated suprarenal segment in 7 (9.3%), an infrarenal segment in 21 (26.6%), and the supra- and infrarenal aorta in 45 cases (60%). Desobliteration of renal arteries was performed in 47 (one-sided n=8, 10.1%; both arteries n=39, 49.4%); the aortic bifurcation was desobliterated in 37 (46.8%), extension into iliac arteries was necessary in 29 cases (one-sided n=4, 5.1%; both arteries n=25, 31.6%). The coeliac trunk was desobliterated in 43% (n=34), the superior mesenteric artery in 44.3% (n=35) and the inferior mesenteric artery in 20.3% (n=16). In 15 cases additional revascularisation (bypass, transposition, graft interposition) was necessary. Surgical access was via a left-sided thoracoabdominal incision in 56.4% (n=45) and via laparotomy in 41.8% (n=33). The 30-day lethality was 8.7% (n=7). Postoperative complications requiring corrective surgery occurred in 11 patients (13.9%). Almost ⅓ of the patients (n=19, 27.5%) returned for follow-up after a mean of 52.6 months (range 3 to 215 months). Of these, there was significant clinical and diagnostic improvement in 16 (84.2%) and 3 (15.8%) were unchanged. Impairment was not observed. CONCLUSION: In spite of the existing and improving surgical techniques for the treatment of CRA, procedures are challenging and should be performed in centres with expertise.

Surgical treatment for agenesis of the vena cava: a single-centre experience in 15 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Agenesis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare vascular malformation. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pelvic thrombosis develop quite frequently, making surgical therapy necessary. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1982 and 2006, 15 patients (nine male, six female, mean age 28 standard deviance 9 years) with agenesis of the IVC (IVCA) were treated surgically because of acute or subacute DVT. These patients underwent bilateral transfemoral ante- and retrograde thrombectomy of the iliofemoral and sometimes popliteal veins and replacement of the IVC with an external ring supported PTFE-graft. Bi- or unilateral arteriovenous fistulae were created in the femoral region. The fistulae were closed, on average, 8 months after trans-arterial venography was performed. These patients were examined clinically and by duplex ultrasound imaging during follow-up to assess graft patency and to allow CEAP classification. Patients were assessed for the development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). RESULTS: No patient died during any part of their treatment or within 60 days. Primary patency of the venous reconstruction was 53%, secondary and long time follow-up patency was 83%. The mean duration of follow-up was 41 SD 12 months. Minor complications were observed in five cases (33%). PTS showed no progression during a follow-up of 41 SD 12 months in all patients. There was no change in the CEAP clinical stage during follow-up nor did any leg ulcer develop. CONCLUSION: A surgical approach to restore venous patency is effective and appears to prevent the deterioration of CVI over time.

Renal cysts in living donor kidney transplantation: long-term follow-up in 25 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The acceptance of a living donor kidney bearing cysts might implicate complications after the transplantation due to the natural history of renal cysts. We have presented our experience with transplantation of living donor kidneys containing cysts but not polycystic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed donor and recipient records of all living kidney transplants performed between January 1997 and April 2008. We analyzed serum creatinine and urea levels, as well as ultrasound scans concerning cyst size and morphology at hospital discharge as well as at 12 and 24 months after transplantation. RESULTS: Among 268 living kidney transplantations, we noted 25 donors with renal cysts. In the computed tomography scan reports, 19 kidneys were described to show a single and six, multiple cysts. The size of 10 single cysts was <5 mm; the other nine were a mean of 17.33 mm. Two of the multiple cyst kidneys had lesions <5 mm; in four kidneys, the mean cyst size was 27.25 mm. The renal function of the recipients was normal or almost normal at discharge with a tendency to lower levels at 12 and 24 months after transplantation. Ultrasound revealed changes in cyst diameter among 6/23 kidneys; the mean diameter increased after 12 months, namely, 8.25 mm to 11.5 mm after 24 months. The subgroup of patients with enlarged cysts showed creatinine and urea levels slightly higher than in the entire group. No aspects of malignancy were found, according to the Bosniak and Israel classification system. One suspicious cyst was tomographically confirmed to be hemorrhagic without any need for treatment. None of the living donors had any problems related to the donor nephrectomy or a need for dialysis due to renal insufficiency in the long term. In addition, the living donors who had even beforehand cystic lesions in their contralateral nonremoved kidney at the time of transplantation did not show complications upon follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, 25 living donor kidneys carried cysts. Neither cyst-related complications nor dysfunction of the transplanted organs occurred. An unroofing or excision of the cyst was generally not necessary. Regular ultrasound scans and optional computed tomography scans are recommended for follow-up. Based on this experience, we concluded that kidneys presenting cystic diseases should be considered to be suitable for transplantation without a hazard to the recipients, thus extending the pool of organs.

[Development of neointimal matrix after incorporation of modern alloplastic prostheses: comparison between ePTFE and Dacron]. / Entwicklung neointimaler Matrix nach Einheilen moderner Prothesen: Vergleich zwischen ePTFE und Dacron.

BACKGROUND: In the therapy for peripheral arterial occlusive disease there remain inadequacies in the use of alloplastic material concerning thrombogenicity and biological compliance. In the 1960s, Sparks tried to combine the advantages of alloplastic prostheses with those of autologous reconstructions by using incorporated prostheses. No extensive myointimal hyperplasia was noted, but besides infections aneurysmatic dilatation were limiting factors in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The incorporation of modern alloplastic prostheses without connection to circulation concerning the thickness of neointima as well as the percentage of smooth muscle cells was examined in a dog model. RESULTS: The thickness of the neointima increased significantly in Dacron grafts with a peak on day 70 (p = 0.022), additionally a significantly greater percentage of smooth muscle cells was noted in Dacron grafts after 44 and 58 days (p = 0.008, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Due to the decreased thickness of the incorporating matrix as well as the lower percentage of smooth muscle cells, PTFE grafts should be preferred for peripheral arterial revascularisation.

Donor-specific sensitization by cadaveric venous allografts used for arterial reconstruction in peripheral arterial occlusive vascular disease.

The use of allogeneic venous grafts from postmortal organ donors allows for the reconstruction of critically affected arteries in patients with peripheral occlusive vascular disease. We were interested to determine the prevalence and specificity of anti-HLA antibodies in patients after allogeneic vein transplantation. Anti-HLA class I and II alloantibodies were analyzed by flowcytometric analysis using color-coded microbeads coated with HLA antigens including recombinant single antigens. Nine out of 10 patients involving 12 venous allografts were positive for anti-HLA alloantibodies. All antibody-positive patients carried both anti-HLA class I and II alloantibodies. Anti-donor HLA specificity of the anti-HLA alloantibodies was seen in seven out of nine patients for anti-class I antibodies and in eight out of nine patients for anti-HLA class II antibodies. A high rate of donor-specific allosensitization was seen after allogeneic venous transplantation. In conclusion, allosensitization not only includes a humoral response against the constitutively expressed class I antigens but also extends to class II antigens.

[Homologous vein transplantation in cruropedal arterial reconstruction]. / Die homologe Venentransplantation zur kruropedalen arteriellen Rekonstruktion.

Allogenic venous transplantation represents an alternative procedure for preventing leg amputation. This study reviewed the question of whether immunologic monitoring and immunosuppressive therapy provide results close to those of autologous reconstructions. Twenty-eight patients received 31 homologous venous transplants. The average age in this group of 15 women and 13 men was 64.5 years. Limbs in danger of amputation could be kept longer in two thirds of them. These promising results show the superiority of this method over the use of alloplastic material in regions with cruropedal vessels. Therefore, it can be recommended in acute leg ischemia with lack of autologous vascularity. Improving guidelines for indication will be an interesting research field, and more contributions are needed.

Anatomic guidelines for the prevention of abdominal wall hematoma induced by trocar placement.

A knowledge of the parietal structures of the abdominal wall is necessary to minimize risks of operative procedures like laparoscopy. For means to prevent intraoperative bleeding and the occurrence of abdominal wall hematoma, we studied the course of the inferior epigastric arteries and the ascending branch of the deep circumflex iliac artery in 21 human cadavers. The abdominal wall structures were dissected and the distances of the arteries in relation to anatomic structures such as the umbilicus, pubic symphysis, superior ischial spine and lower edge of the rib-cage were measured. Comparison of the morphometric results obtained with the location of 36 trocar incision sites recommended in the common literature yields the information that about half of these incision sites incur the risk of injuring the arteries.

[Relevance of the fascia transversalis in inguinal hernia repair using total extraperitoneal plastic reconstruction]. / Die Bedeutung der Fascia transversalis bei der Inguinalhernien-Reparation mittels total extraperitonealer Plastik.

During total extraperitoneal dissection of inguinal hernias, an artificial preperitoneal cavity is created in the supravesical space by using a balloon dissector. During the operative procedure in vivo and while examining cadavers specially fixated according to the method developed by Thiel in 1992, we investigated the position relative to the balloon the transversalis fascia could be found in and what happened to it during inflation of the balloon. In all cases, the fascia medial to the inferior epigastric arteries was adjacent to the peritoneum and lateral to the abdominal wall. We observed systematic tearing of the fascia along the lateral umbilical plica (inferior epigastric artery). These results suggested that the transversalis fascia could be used only laterally for reinforcement of the dorsal wall of the inguinal canal and/or the support of a mesh used to cover the inguinal floor.