Endoleak following endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm: clinical outcome and contrast-enhanced ultrasound detection.

BACKGROUND: Continued blood flow in the aneurysm sac after repair, also known as endoleak, can occur after both open and endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair (EPAR) with risk for aneurysm sac enlargement. Primary aims were to investigate aneurysm sac growth and the presence and classification of endoleak after EPAR using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients receiving EPAR with expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) covered stent-grafts between 1st of January 2009 and 1st of February 2019 at a tertiary referral endovascular center. Patients were re-invited in 2021 and 31 legs were examined for endoleak using CEUS. Endoleaks were classified by a core-lab consisting of three CEUS-experienced physicians. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 57 months (range 33-143 months). Endoleak was detected in 16 PAA, and categorized as type I (N.=3), type II (N.=10), type III (N.=1) or indeterminate (N.=2). Median maximal PAA diameter was 24 mm (range 15-55 mm) at the time of EPAR compared to 17 mm (range 6-43 mm) at follow-up (P<.001). Maximal aneurysm sac diameter was smaller at follow-up than at the index procedure in both PAAs with and without endoleak on CEUS (P=0.005 vs. P<0.001, respectively). There was no difference in PAA sac shrinkage at follow-up between patients with or without endoleak (P=0.28). Freedom from aneurysm sac growth was 97%. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS was sensitive in endoleak detection after EPAR. Shrinkage of the PAA sac was found in both patients with and without endoleaks. CEUS appears useful for targeted examinations rather than routine surveillance after EPAR.

Extravascular incidental findings in computed tomography angiography are associated with lower amputation-free survival in patients with acute lower limb ischaemia.

BACKGROUND: Emergency computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the most important imaging modality to visualize arterial occlusions in patients with acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI). Extravascular incidental findings (EVIFs) have received less attention. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of EVIFs of immediate clinical relevance in patients with ALI undergoing CTA and evaluate the association between EVIFs and emergency revascularization and amputation-free survival at 1 year. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Emergency CTA in patients with ALI between 2015 and 2018 were independently scrutinized by two senior radiologists. EVIFs were classified into immediate (category I), potential (category II) or no clinical relevance (category III). Multi-variable binary logistic regression analysis was expressed in Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient for EVIF category I between the raters was 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.96). Among 118 patients with ALI, 78 patients underwent emergency revascularization. Forty-six EVIFs (34 patients) were category I, of which 63% were found in the chest, including pleural effusion (n = 12), pneumonia (n = 8) and cardiac thrombus (n = 4). Ascites (n = 4) and cancer disease (n = 4) were other category I findings. Category I EVIFs were associated with reduced rate of emergency revascularization (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10-0.66) and increased rate of combined major amputation/mortality at 1 year (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-8.2) in adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION: It is important to evaluate EVIFs in emergency CTA in patients with ALI since these findings are both common and associated with reduced emergency revascularization and amputation-free survival at 1 year.

Long-term safety of Gadofosveset in clinical practice.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically search for long-term complications, including Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), in patients who were previously administered the gadolinium-based contrast agent Gadofosveset at our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who were administered Gadofosveset at our institute between 2006 and 2009 were identified in our Radiological Information System (RIS). Clinical data such as cause of death during follow-up, and dermatological or nephrological diseases were systematically searched for in electronic patient records (EPR). RESULTS: During 2006-2009, Gadofosveset was administered a total of 67 times to 62 patients. One patient was unavailable for follow-up. The remaining 61 patients were followed up for up to 14 (median 12) years based on RIS and EPR data. There were 13 deaths among the 61 patients, all assessed as unrelated to Gadofosveset administration. No dermatological or renal disease suggestive of NSF, or potentially related to Gadofosveset administration, was found. At the time of examination, six patients were diagnosed with various stages of renal insufficiency, three of whom were on hemodialysis. Another three patients were diagnosed with renal insufficiency during the follow-up period, but none of these diagnoses were suspected to be related to the administration of Gadofosveset. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this retrospective safety analysis of up to 14 years following 1-2 exposures, we conclude that Gadofosveset in clinical practice is safe in the long-term.

Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Computed Tomography Angiography and Local Thrombolysis for Acute Lower Limb Ischemia.

PurposeRepetitive iodinated contrast media exposure may be harmful for the kidneys. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing CT angiography (CTA) and local continuous thrombolysis for acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) had an increased risk of developing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) compared to patients without DM. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing CTA and local continuous thrombolysis due to ALI between 2001 and 2018. CA-AKI was defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine within 72 hours after latest contrast administration. Results: There was no difference (P = .30) in the frequency of CA-AKI between patients with (27.9%; n = 43) and without DM (20.6%; n = 170). Among patients with CA-AKI, patients with DM had a lower (P < .001) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at discharge (55 ml/min/1.73 m2) than at admission (70 ml/min/1.73 m2), while no such difference was found in the group without DM (P = .20). The gram-iodine dose/eGFR ratio was higher (P < .001) in patients with CA-AKI (median 1.49, [IQR 1.34-1.81]) than in those who did not develop CA-AKI (median 1.05 [IQR 1.00-1.13]). There was a trend that gram-iodine dose/eGFR ratio (OR 1.42/standard deviation increment, 95% CI 1.00-2.02; P = .050) was associated with an increased risk of CA-AKI, after adjusting for DM, age, and gender. Conclusions: The frequency of CA-AKI was high after CTA and local continuous thrombolysis for ALI without shown increased frequency for the DM group. Among patients with CA-AKI, however, patients with DM had worse renal function at discharge than those without DM. The gram-iodine dose/eGFR ratio in these patients needs to be lower to improve renal outcomes, particularly in patients with DM.

Influence of diabetes on diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography of the calf arteries in acute limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a more extensive distal arterial occlusive disease compared to non-diabetic patients. Diagnostic imaging is a necessity to identify the location and extent of the arterial occlusion in acute limb ischemia (ALI). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the most commonly used modality and the diagnostic performance with CTA of calf arteries may be questioned. PURPOSE: To evaluate diagnostic performance of CTA of calf arteries in ALI and to compare patients with and without DM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All thrombolytic treatments performed during 2001-2018 in patients with ALI were included. Initial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and CTA of all patients were classified according to the Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II) below-the-knee arteries and compared to CTA. Two raters assessed the CTA images independently. Inter-rater reliability was expressed as intraclass correlation (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Patients with (n = 23) and without (n = 85) DM had lower (P = 0.006) glomerular filtration rate. ICC between CTA and DSA was 0.33 (95% CI -0.22 to 0.56) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.38-0.68) in patients with and without DM, respectively. Sensitivity with CTA for TASC D lesions in patients with and without DM was 0.14 (95% CI -0.12 to 0.40) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.48-0.80), respectively. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of CTA for assessment of infra-popliteal TASC D lesions in patients with ALI was not acceptable in patients with DM in contrast to those without DM. Another imaging option at present times should be considered for patients with DM.

Adherence to instruction for use after endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular repair (ER) of popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is an alternative to open repair. However, there is no standardized protocol for when to opt for ER and the decision is therefore at the discretion of the clinician. This study aims to evaluate the adherence to the Instruction For Use (IFU) in patients undergoing ER for PAA and factors associated with stent graft patency at one year. METHODS: The adherence to IFU provided by the manufacturer in 55 patients treated with Gore Viabahn® Endoprosthesis with Heparin Bioactive Surface for PAA between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Duplex follow-up was performed at 30 days and one year. RESULTS: The two groups of patients treated within (n = 10) and not within (n = 45) IFU did not differ in patient demographics, diagnostic assessment, treatment or outcome. Forty-five patients (81.8%) received stent graft placement with at least one deviation according to IFU. Distal oversizing >20% was the most frequent deviation against IFU (n = 22, 40.0%). Primary patency at one year was 72%. Diameter size difference >1 mm between overlapping stent grafts (6/14 [43%], p = 0.013) and renal insufficiency (5/12 [42%], p = 0.0086) were associated with lower primary patency at one year. Age-adjusted analysis of tortuosity index (HR 1.78/SD, 95% CI 1.17-2.71; p = 0.0071) and maximal PAA angle (HR 1.73/SD, 95% CI 1.018-2.95; p = 0.043) were associated with major amputation/mortality at end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients undergoing ER for PAA were not treated within IFU. Diameter size difference >1 mm between overlapping stent grafts was associated with a higher loss of primary patency at one year. Multi-center studies with larger sample size and long-term follow up of patency are warranted.

Validation of computed tomography angiography using mean arterial pressure gradient as a reference in stented superior mesenteric artery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to validate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in endoprosthesis stenosis in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using mean arterial pressure (MAP) gradients during angiography as a reference method. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with mesenteric atherosclerotic disease underwent 45 paired measurements of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA with CTA and MAP gradients between March 2009 and July 2015. The grade of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA at CTA using the TeraRecon Aquarius workstation was correlated with MAP gradients. RESULTS: Grade of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA (r = 0.37, p = 0.013) correlated with MAP gradients. The intraclass correlations between the first and second CTA rater was 0.76 (95% CI 0.56-0.87) for estimation of grade of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.79 for diagnosis of significant endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA at CTA for different threshold values using MAP gradient of ≥ 10 mmHg as reference. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value for endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA ≥ 50% at CTA were 52.4% (95% CI 31.0-73.7), 87.5% (95% CI 74.3-100.0) and 78.6 (95% CI 57.1-1.00), respectively. CONCLUSION: Grading endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA with CTA performed fair when using trans-stenotic MAP gradient as reference. Software development towards reduction of endoprosthesis artefacts may result in more accurate CTA assessment of the narrowest part.

Iterative metal artifact reduction in aortic CTA after Onyx®-embolization.

PURPOSE: Onyx® embolization causes severe artifacts on subsequent CT-examinations, thereby seriously limiting the diagnostic quality.The purpose of this work was to compare the diagnostic quality of the tailored metal artifact reducing algorithms iMAR to standard reconstructions of CTA in patients treated with Onyx® embolization. METHOD: Twelve consecutive patients examined with Dual Energy CTA after Onyx® embolization were included. One standard image dataset without iMAR, and eight image datasets with different iMAR algorithms were reconstructed. Mean attenuation and noise were measured in the aorta or iliac arteries close to the Onyx® glue-cast and compared to the reference level in the diaphragmatic aorta. Mean attenuation and noise were also measured in the psoas muscle close to the Onyx®-glue and compared to the reference level in the psoas muscle at the level of the diaphragm.Subjective image quality and severity of artifacts was assessed by two experienced interventional radiologists blinded to reconstruction details. RESULTS: All iMAR reconstructions had less distortion of the attenuation than the standard reconstructions and were also rated significantly better than the standard reconstructions by both interventional radiologists. CONCLUSION: The iMAR algorithms can significantly reduce metal artifacts and improve the diagnostic quality in CTA in patients treated with Onyx® embolization, in many cases restoring non-diagnostic examinations to acceptable diagnostic quality.

Comparing Arterial- and Venous-Phase Acquisition for Optimization of Virtual Noncontrast Images From Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up with computed tomographic angiography is recommended after endovascular aneurysm repair, exposing patients to significant levels of radiation and iodine contrast medium. Dual-energy computed tomography allows virtual noncontrast (VNC) images to be reconstructed from contrast-enhanced images using a software algorithm. If the VNC images are a good-enough approximation of true noncontrast (TNC) images, a reduction in radiation dose can be ensured through omitting a TNC scan. PURPOSE: To compare image quality of VNC images reconstructed from arterial phase and venous phase dual-energy computed tomographic angiography to TNC images and to assess which one is more suitable to replace TNC images. METHODS: Sixty-three consecutive patients were examined using a dual-energy computed tomography as elective follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair. The examination protocol included 1 unenhanced and 2 contrast-enhanced scans (80 kV/Sn140 kV) of the aorta. Virtual noncontrast data sets were reconstructed from the arterial (A-VNC) and venous (V-VNC) phase scans, respectively. Mean attenuation and image noise were measured for TNC, A-VNC, and V-VNC images within regions of interest at 2 levels in the aorta, the liver, retroperitoneal fat, and psoas muscle. Subjective image quality was assessed on a 4-point scale by 2 blinded readers. RESULTS: The differences between A-VNC and TNC, and between A-VNC and V-VNC, were substantial aorta at the level of diaphragm and aorta at the level of renal arteries. The difference between V-VNC and TNC was, on the other hand, very small and not statistically significant for the renal artery aorta. For liver, fat, and muscle tissue, there were significant differences between both A-VNC and V-VNC compared with TNC, but findings were similar between A-VNC and V-VNC. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual noncontrast images based on venous-phase scans appear to be a more accurate representation of TNC scans than VNC images based on arterial-phase scans.

Reliability of virtual non-contrast computed tomography angiography: comparing it with the real deal.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) may require a non-contrast enhanced dataset for the diagnostic workup. By using dual-energy acquisition, it is possible to obtain a virtual non-contrast-enhanced (VNC) dataset, thereby possibly eliminating the non-contrast acquisition and reducing the radiation dose. PURPOSE: To compare image quality of VNC images reconstructed from arterial phase dual-energy CTA to true non-contrast (TNC) images, and to assess whether VNC images were of sufficient quality to replace TNC images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or subacute control after EVAR/TEVAR were examined with dual-energy CT (DECT). The examination protocol included a single-energy TNC, DECT arterial phase (80 kV/Sn140 kV), and single-energy in venous phase of the aorta. A VNC dataset was obtained from the DE acquisition from arterial phase scans. Mean attenuation and image noise were measured within regions of interest at three levels in the aorta in TNC and VNC images. Comparison of the TNC and VNC images for artefacts was made side-by-side. Subjective evaluation included overall image quality on a 4-grade scale, and quantitative analysis of algorithm-induced artefacts by two experienced readers. RESULTS: For all cases, the aortic attenuation was significantly higher at VNC than at TNC. Image noise measured quantitatively was also significantly higher at VNC than at TNC. Subjective image quality was lower for VNC (mean = 3.1 for VNC, 3.7 = for TNC) but there were no cases rated non-diagnostic. CONCLUSION: VNC images based on arterial phase CTA have significantly higher mean attenuation and higher noise levels compared to TNC.

Thoracic magnetic resonance venography using Gadofosveset in patients with venous pathology-A comparative study of image quality and inter-rater variability.

Background High-quality non-invasive imaging of the deep venous system in the thorax is challenging, but nevertheless required for diagnosis of vascular pathology as well as for patient selection and preoperative planning for endovascular procedures. Purpose To compare the diagnostic quality of Gadofosveset-enhanced thoracic magnetic resonance venography, seven consecutive patients with suspected or known disease affecting the central thoracic veins were compared to seven consecutive magnetic resonance venography using conventional gadolinium-based contrast agents. Materials and methods Diagnostic capability, defined as the ability to assess vessel patency and pathologic conditions, for the major thoracic deep venous segments was assessed by two-independent readers. Both reviewers rated the overall subjective image quality on a four-graded scale, and inter-rater variability was analyzed using unweighted and weighted Cohen's kappa values. Results Diagnostic capability was generally considerably higher in the Gadofosveset group for all examined vessel segments. The overall images quality rating was significantly higher for the Gadofosveset group with a mean rating of 2.9 and 2.7 for the two-independent readers, compared to 1.2 and 1.0 for the control croup. Inter-rater variability showed less variability for the Gadofosveset group with a quadratic-weighted Cohen's Kappa value of 0.58 compared to 0.36 for the control group. Conclusion Our results show that Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography of the central thoracic veins is a reliable technique in clinical routine practice that results in diagnostic images, superior to conventional gadolinium-based contrast medium.

Effects of intense pulsed light in microstomia in patients with systemic sclerosis: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) on collagen structures are well known in the treatment of photodamaged skin. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of IPL on sclerotic skin by treating patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 13 patients all with microstomia and systemic sclerosis were treated with IPL, PR (530-750 nm filter) and/or VL (555-950 nm filter) applicator. They were treated in the perioral area 8 times with 3-4 weeks of interval and follow-up for 6 months. The outcomes were the inter-incisal distance and the inter-ridge distance. RESULTS: A significant increase in mouth opening of 4.1 mm (95% confidence interval, 1726-6638, p < 0.005) was found in the inter-ridge distance when comparing the distance before treatment with the distance at six-month follow-up. No significant difference was found in the inter-incisal distance. The patients experienced improved mobility and better control of lip movements after the treatments. CONCLUSION: IPL can improve the inter-ridge distance between the lips in patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis but does not affect the inter-incisal distance, which is also dependent on the mobility of the mandibular joints. This treatment can be considered an adjunctive therapy in patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis.

80-kVp CT angiography for endovascular aneurysm repair follow-up with halved contrast medium dose and preserved diagnostic quality.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with life-long computed tomography angiography (CTA) surveillance exposes patients with impaired renal function to repeated risks of contrast medium-induced nephropathy (CIN). PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare vascular attenuation, image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), subjective image quality and effective radiation dose (mSv) for CTA with a 16-multirow detector CT (MDCT) equipment at 80 kVp after EVAR using a contrast medium (CM) dose that is half of that used at 120 kVp. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 mL/min underwent 80-kVp CTA with 160 mg I/kg, and 40 patients with eGFR ≥45 mL/min 120-kVp CTA with 320 mg I/kg (maximum dose weight, 80 kg). Arterial phase analysis included vascular attenuation, image noise and CNR, and calculated effective dose. Subjective image quality was assessed on a 4-point scale by two blinded readers at three different levels as well as overall. RESULTS: Median values in the 80/120 kVp cohorts were: age, 74-75 years; body weight, 77/80 kg; BMI 24/27 kg/m(2); CM dose, 13/25 gram-iodine; gram-iodine/GFR ratio, 0.35/0.38; mean aortic attenuation, 313/326 HU; image noise, 26/32 HU; CNR 10-11; subjective image quality score, 3.0-3.5 (Reader 1) and 3.0-3.3 (Reader 2); number of non-diagnostic examinations, 0/1; and effective dose, 4.5/5.1 mSv. There was no statistically significant difference in aortic CNR and effective dose between the 80 and 120 kVp cohorts. CONCLUSION: 80 kVp 16-MDCT with halved CM dose tailored to body weight for CTA follow-up of EVAR may provide satisfactory diagnostic results compared to common standards and be beneficial for patients at risk of CIN, though the present CT equipment may limit the use of the method to patients below 90 kg or with a BMI below 35 kg/m(2).

Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography in patients with venous pathology of the lower limbs - Comparison of diagnostic image quality and inter-rater variability with gadobutrol venography and computed tomography venography.

Purpose This study was performed to compare the diagnostic quality of Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography with Gadobutrol-enhanced magnetic resonance venography and computed tomography venography for the deep veins of the lower extremities in patients with iliocaval venous pathology. Materials and methods Diagnostic capability and image quality were assessed by two independent readers. Inter-reader variability was analyzed by unweighted and quadratic weighted Cohen's kappa values. Results The diagnostic capability was equal to or higher in the Gadofosveset group for all examined vessel segments compared with both control groups. The image quality score was significantly higher for the Gadofosveset group compared to both control groups. Inter-reader variability expressed by quadratic weighted Cohen's kappa value (k) showed less variability in the Gadofosveset group compared to the control groups. Conclusion Our results show that Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography is a reliable technique in clinical routine practice, with image quality superior to both Gadobutrol-enhanced magnetic resonance venography and computed tomography venography.

Safety aspects of gadofosveset in clinical practice--analysis of acute and long-term complications.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to systematically search for acute adverse reactions and long-term complications in all patients that had been administered gadofosveset at our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 67 gadofosveset administrations during 2006-2009 in 62 patients from 8 to 84years of age. Radiological information system (RIS) and clinical patient records were analyzed for suspected acute adverse reactions and long-term complications including nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). The gadofosveset doses ranged between 0.024 and 0.060mmol/kg bodyweight with a mean dose of 0.031-mmol/kg bodyweight. Follow-up time of the patients ranged from less than 1year up to 4years with a mean follow-up time of 2.1years. RESULTS: No acute adverse events or technical failures related to the contrast medium were recorded in the RIS. No dermatological and nephrological diseases related to the gadofosveset administration were found in the clinical patient records. Four patients died during follow-up without any apparent relation to the gadofosveset exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our clinical material we conclude that gadofosveset is safe for a mixed patient population with no acute adverse events or any indications of long-term complications during the follow-up time up to four years.

Short- and midterm results of the fascia suture technique for closure of femoral artery access sites after endovascular aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the midterm outcomes and potential risk factors associated with the fascia suture technique (FST) for closure of femoral artery access sites after percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: Between April 2007 and April 2008, 100 consecutive EVAR cases were evaluated retrospectively. A third of the procedures were emergent (16 ruptured aneurysms). Of the 187 femoral access sites, 160 (85.5%) were closed by the FST as a first choice. Pre- and postoperative chart and imaging data were collected from computerized medical records for analysis of demographics and the rate of complications (bleeding, infection, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysms, and stenosis). Preoperative risk factors for FST failure were analyzed with regard to obesity (based on the subcutaneous fat layer), plaque at the femoral access site, and stenosis based on the pre- and 1-year postoperative computed tomography scans. RESULTS: Of the 160 FST closures, 146 (91.3%) were technically successful. The 14 (8.8%) technical failures were converted to open cutdown intraoperatively because of bleeding (11, 6.8%), inadequate limb perfusion (2, 1.2%), and a broken guidewire (1, 0.6%). Two (1.2%) pseudoaneurysms required surgical repair after 2 weeks. Data from the 1-year follow-up showed no signs of increased stenosis, thrombosis, or formation of plaque. Nine small (<1 cm(3)) pseudoaneurysms were detected and managed conservatively. No preoperative risk factors were associated with FST failure. CONCLUSION: The fascia suture technique seems to be safe, effective, and simple to use for closing percutaneous access sites after EVAR. Complications are rare, and the outcome is not affected by obesity, femoral calcification, or femoral artery stenosis.