Translumbar Infusion of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate for the Treatment of Type II Endoleaks.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term efficacy of translumbar embolization of type II endoleaks exclusively supplied by the lumbar arteries in patients with growing abdominal aortic aneurysm sacs using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) instilled via percutaneous needle access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 25 patients who developed type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair. Inclusion criteria for intervention were defined as sac expansion > 5 mm detected with CT angiography at 6-month follow-up or later. Translumbar infusion of NBCA directly into the patent portion of the aneurysm sac was performed in all cases. Duplex US was performed the day after the intervention, and CT angiography was performed within the first month. Subsequently, duplex US was performed at 3, 6, and 9 months, and CT angiography or CT was performed at 12 months and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Translumbar embolization was achieved in all 25 patients. The endoleak resolved in 22 patients (88%) on duplex US performed 1 day after the embolization procedure. Three patients with persistent endoleak (12%) required repeat embolization. Two complications were detected and were managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of NBCA injection for treatment of type II endoleaks. This technique provides another option for the management of type II endoleaks.

Endovascular aneurysm repair with fascia suture technique: short and mid-term results.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (p-EVAR), has been widely spread based on the recent improvements in stent-graft technology and mainly in delivery system downsizing. Aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of fascia suture technique (FST) in p-EVAR during the short and mid-term follow-up (FU). METHODS: Between April 2011 and July 2013, 64 consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm were enrolled in a prospective single center registry. Fifty-four patients were eligible for elective p-EVAR assisted by the fascia suture technique. Patients were prospectively followed with duplex scan 24 hours and 30 days postoperatively and with CTA annually thereafter. Femoral haematoma, pseudoaneurysm and limb ischaemia were the primary outcomes. RESULTS: The study investigated 103 femoral arteries reconstructions using the FST. Intraoperatively, one patient was diagnosed with limb ischaemia treated with open repair. During the short-term, 4 (3.8%) pseudoaneurysms were diagnosed, treated with open (2) or endovascular (2) repair. During mid-term 43 patients (85 arteries, 82.6%) underwent CTA. Eighteen (17.4%) patients were lost at FU. At 12 months CTA two pseudoaneurysms (2.35%) were detected, treated with open repair. CONCLUSIONS: The FST seems safe and effective for femoral reconstruction after p-EVAR. Complications are comparable to closure devices and to conventional repair.

Thoracic Aortic Injury: Embolization of the Tenth Intercostal Artery and Endovascular Treatment in a Young Woman after Posterior Spinal Instrumentation.

Iatrogenic aortic injuries are rare and well-recognized complications of a variety of procedures, including spinal surgery. The placement of pedicle screws is sometimes associated with devastating consequences. Aortic perforation with rapid hematoma formation and delayed aortic trauma leading to pseudoaneurysm formation have been described in the literature. A case describing a significant time interval between iatrogenic aortic injury and diagnosis in the absence of pseudoaneurysm formation is described in this paper and, according to our knowledge, is unique in the literature. The aortic injury was successfully treated, selecting the appropriate graft and, as a consequence, normal spinal cord blood flow was achieved.

Increased pulse wave velocity and arterial hypertension in young patients with thoracic aortic endografts.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a medical complication not widely investigated. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that TEVAR in young patients suffering from thoracic aortic transection alters pulse wave velocity (PWV) and reflected wave velocity and induces arterial hypertension. METHODS: The data concerning 11 young patients (all men with a mean age of 26.9 years [range: 18-33]) treated with TEVAR for thoracic aortic transection were retrospectively collected and analyzed. PWV, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and pulse pressure (PP) were evaluated and compared with those recorded in 11 healthy young individuals matched for age and gender. RESULTS: Nine patients had postoperative arterial hypertension after TEVAR, and four had durable hypertension during the follow-up period (13-66 months after TEVAR). The SBP, the PP, and the PWV of the patients were greater compared with those of the control group (SBP: 134.1 ± 13.7 vs. 121.36 ± 7.1 mm Hg, P = 0.016; PP: 60.45 ± 19.42 vs. 44.1 ± 4.37, P = 0.020; and PWV: 10.41 ± 2.85 vs. 7.45 ± 0.66 m/sec, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic endografts could produce a discontinuation of the pulsatile waves with a subsequent increase of aortic PWV. Increased PWV is an important risk factor for future cardiovascular events and should be evaluated in all patients after TEVAR.

Percutaneous endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms: clinical evaluation and literature results.

In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficiency of percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (p-EVAR). Anatomically selected patients treated with a single 10Fr Perclose Prostar XL vascular closure device (VCD) were examined. Primary success rate and common femoral artery (CFA) open conversion (OC) requirement per sheath size used were recorded. A literature review on p-EVAR results was also performed. One-hundred patients were enrolled. Successful p-EVAR was achieved in 183 of the 196 CFA access sites (93.4%), and was specifically 85.9% and 98.3% for sheaths ≥20Fr and ≤18Fr respectively. There were 13 periprocedural complications (bleeding = 10, arterial dissection and thrombosis = 1, pseudoaneurysm = 2) all leading to OC. Use of ≥20Fr sheaths had significantly higher OC rate (P < .05). Reconstruction was achieved with primary repair (N = 11) and patch angioplasty (N = 2). Mean hospital stay was 1.8 days. The literature review (vascular closure of 2921 CFA access sites) revealed an overall technical success rate of 92.3%. Device related- were more common than patient related-OCs (P < .05). p-EVAR procedures are safe and feasible. Sheath size is a significant predictor of OC rate and more OCs might be expected with very large (≥20Fr) sheath sizes.

Isolated common iliac artery aneurysms: a revised classification to assist endovascular repair.

Isolated common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) are relatively rare; they typically progress asymptomatically and are revealed incidentally, usually after they have acquired significant dimensions. Traditional open reconstruction is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Rupture is a common initial manifestation. Endovascular repair has been proposed as a minimally invasive alternative, associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates, even in patients at high surgical risk; some specialists have recently proposed endoluminal repair as the first-choice procedure in suitable anatomies. However, only a few sporadic attempts have been made to define the "suitable" anatomy for endovascular repair. This article proposes a classification of isolated CIAAs and provides endovascular specialists with a guide to deciding which type of repair is feasible and efficacious according to the anatomical configuration of the aneurysm.

The Aorfix stent-graft to treat infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms with angulated necks and/or tortuous iliac arteries: midterm results.

PURPOSE: To present performance data on the use of the Aorfix stent-graft in patients with hostile infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) anatomy. METHODS: A study protocol was designed to examine the safety and efficacy of the Aorfix endovascular stent-graft in AAA patients who had a proximal neck diameter between 18 and 30 mm, neck angulation between 60 degrees and 90 degrees , and/or severe iliac artery angulation/tortuosity. Between September 2005 and April 2009, 20 men (mean age 72.4+/-7.7 years, range 55-89) were enrolled in the study. The mean AAA diameter was 61.8+/-14.9 mm (range 45.5-102). The mean angulation of the proximal neck was 61.9 degrees +/-16.5 degrees (range 30 degrees -90 degrees ); in the iliac arteries, the angulation was 59.9 degrees +/-16.3 degrees (range 30 degrees -85 degrees ) for the left and 60.9 degrees +/-17.6 degrees (range 28 degrees -90 degrees ) on the right. Fourteen (70%) patients had >60 degrees proximal neck angulation. Outcome measures were analyzed using life-table analysis. RESULTS: The graft was successfully implanted in all but 1 patient (technical success 95%); failure to cannulate the contralateral iliac limb resulted in conversion to aortomonoiliac stent-graft placement. In 1 patient, bilateral renal artery stent rescue was performed due to severe procedure-related stenosis. Occlusion of an internal iliac artery was noted in 2 patients. Mean follow-up was 26.9 months (range 4.5-43.5). No aneurysm-related rupture or death occurred. Two endoleaks were observed: 1 type I without migration at 3 years and 1 type II at 13 months. Freedom from any type of endoleak was 91.6% at 1 year and 75.9% at 2 years. Freedom from any early or late intervention was 88.8% at 1 year and 76.0% at 2 years. Aneurysm sac shrinkage (>5 mm) was evident in 79% (11/14) of the cases reaching 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The Aorfix device seems to be safe and reliable in purely complex infrarenal AAA anatomy, demonstrating good short and midterm clinical outcomes. Further larger or multicenter studies are needed to confirm the suitability of the Aorfix stent-graft in hostile infrarenal AAA anatomy.

Statins and venous thromboembolism: a novel effect of statins?

Statins play a key role in the management of hypercholesterolemia and other dyslipidemias. However, statins exert several other actions, often referred to as 'pleiotropic'. This Editorial looks at the JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin), examining, in particular, the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in the rosuvastatin and placebo groups, and discussing these findings in the context of the current literature. The authors conclude that statin use could perhaps be associated with reductions in the risk of venous thromboembolism, and call for further appropriately designed studies.

Bilateral giant femoropopliteal artery aneurysms: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral arterial aneurysms, and are frequently bilateral. Acute limb ischemia, rupture and compression phenomena can complicate these aneurysms when the diameter exceeds 2 cm. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an 82-year-old male patient with two giant femoropopliteal aneurysms, 10.5 and 8.5 cm diameters, managed in our institution. Both aneurysms were resected and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) femoropopliteal interposition graft was placed successfully. Management and literature review are discussed. CONCLUSION: We believe this is the first report in the medical literature of bilateral giant femoropopliteal aneurysms.

Delayed 31st day traumatic hemothorax on acenocoumarol for aortic valve replacement.

A 48-year-old man, on acenocoumarol due to past aortic valve replacement, was referred to our emergency department for left thoracic pain, progressive dyspnea and fatigue gradually worsening over the past 24 hours. Thirty-one days ago he had suffered from left rib fractures due to a fall, while 15 days ago his regular follow-up chest X-ray was negative for hemopneumothorax. On admission, chest X-ray revealed left pleural effusion, while his peripheral blood hematocrit was 28% and the INR 3.57. Following plasma transfusion his INR recovered to two, but five hours later his blood hematocrit dropped to 22.6%. The hemothorax was then drained by a chest tube and followed by blood transfusion. Acenocoumarol might not have been the initiating factor of delayed hemothorax, but could be blamed for the exacerbation of bleeding. It is recommended that all patients with rib fractures, receiving anticoagulants should have a close surveillance until the 4th week post-injury.

Improving endograft stability by accommodation onto the aortic bifurcation.

PURPOSE: To report the technique for deploying a 3-part endovascular graft onto the native aortic bifurcation for greater stent-graft stability. TECHNIQUE: The Zenith Composite Endovascular Graft is a 3-part system consisting of a proximal tubular body with an uncovered Gianturco Z stent, a distal bifurcated body, and a contralateral leg. Proximally, 8-mm flexible interstent gaps facilitate precise infrarenal aortic placement, even in angulated necks. Technically, the bifurcated part is deployed first and pulled down to the aortic bifurcation, while the tubular main body and contralateral leg deployment follow. Using this technique to accommodate the graft onto the natural aortic bifurcation, distal stability can be enhanced and graft migration minimized. CONCLUSION: The Composite configuration can be an alternative to ensure a higher security index in difficult anatomies. It may be beneficial in patients with short (10-15 mm), angulated (>60 degrees ), or conical necks and deserves investigation in these patient populations.

Fenestrated and branched grafts for para-anastomotic aortic aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of fenestration and branch artery stenting during endovascular stent-graft repair of para-anastomotic aneurysms (PAA). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 9 patients (all men; mean age 71 years, range 60-80) who received custom-designed fenestrated endoprostheses for PAA repair. Eight tubular fenestrated devices and 1 composite device (fenestrated tube plus modular bifurcated body) with a total of 31 fenestrations were used. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 318+/-93 minutes (range 220-485); the mean fluoroscopy time was 77+/-38 minutes (range 39-158), during which a mean 121+/-81 mL (range 33-300) of contrast was used. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Over a mean follow-up of 12+/-5.5 months (range 6-24), 1 secondary intervention was carried out due to a break in a side branch stent-graft; 2 transient renal impairments and 1 permanent renal insufficiency unrelated to renal artery patency were observed. So far, no vessel loss has emerged. CONCLUSION: Conventional repair of PAA has been a standard procedure for many years, though it carries high surgical risk as well as perioperative mortality. Fenestrated endografts may be a promising alternative in selected patients.

Branched iliac bifurcation: 6 years experience with endovascular preservation of internal iliac artery flow.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to share a 6-year experience with the iliac bifurcation device (IBD) and determine its safety and effectiveness in patients with common iliac artery aneurysms. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2006, 46 patients were prospectively enrolled in a single institution study on the IBD. Indications included unilateral or bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAA) (combined or not with abdominal aortic aneurysm endovascular repair). The first 26 patients were intended to receive a first generation unibody IBD and the following 20 patients the second generation, modular, IBD. RESULTS: In 33 patients out of 46 attempted (technical success per patient 72%), 35 iliac bifurcated devices (2 patients received bilateral IBD) out of 51 attempted (technical success per vessel 69%), were successfully implanted. The technical success rate (per vessel) was 58% for the first generation device and 85% for the second generation device. Inability to introduce the side branch into the IIA and intraoperative occlusions were the main reasons for technical failure. Among these failures, only two patients required open conversions. The mean +/- SD follow-up (radiological and clinical) of the 33 patients with a total of 35 successful IBD implantations was 26 +/- 17 months (median 24, range 3 to 60). During the follow-up period out of 35 successfully-implanted iliac bifurcation devices, four (11%) hypogastric side branch occlusions occurred, all within the first 12 months. Cumulative IBD side branch patency was 87% at 60 months. Comparing the first with the second generation IBD outcomes, cumulative patency rates at 2 years revealed no statistical difference (P = .774). No endoleak, and particularly no IBD, modular side branch disconnection, no late rupture, or deaths have yet been encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of pelvic circulation in high risk patients treated for bilateral or unilateral common iliac aneurysms combined or without AAA is feasible and secure exclusively by endovascular repair. New generation iliac bifurcated devices show a favourable intraoperative performance and long-term outcomes.