Routine Versus Selective Distal Perfusion Catheter Use in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Although current studies support the use of prophylactic distal perfusion catheters (DPCs) to decrease limb ischemia in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), methods for monitoring limb ischemia differ between studies. We evaluated the safety of a selective rather than prophylactic DPC strategy at a single center with a well-established protocol for limb ischemia monitoring. Distal perfusion catheters were placed selectively if there was evidence of hypoperfusion at any point until decannulation. All patients were followed daily by vascular surgery with continuous regional saturation monitoring. Of 188 patients supported with VA ECMO, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients with upfront, delayed, and no DPC. Thirty day mortality was highest in patients with an upfront DPC (56% in the upfront DPC group, 19% in the delayed DPC group, and 22% in the no-DPC group, p < 0.001). The incidence of major bleeding, fasciotomy, and amputation in the entire cohort was 3.7%, 3.7%, and 0%, respectively. With strict adherence to a protocol for limb ischemia monitoring, a selective rather than prophylactic DPC strategy is safe and may obviate the risks of an additional arterial catheter.

Effects of Iliac Tortuosity Index on Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair for Pararenal and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of iliac tortuosity on procedural metrics and outcomes of patients with complex aortic aneurysms (cAAs) undergoing repair with fenestrated/branched endografts (f/b-EVAR [endovascular aortic aneurysm repair]). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is a single-center, retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing aneurysm repair using f/b-EVAR between the years 2013 and 2020 at our institution. Included patients had at least 1 preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) available for analysis. Iliac artery tortuosity index (TI) was calculated using centerline of flow imaging from a 3-dimensional work station based on the formula: (centerline iliac artery length / straight-line iliac artery length). The associations between iliac artery tortuosity and procedural metrics, including total operative time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, contrast volume, and estimated blood loss (EBL), were evaluated. RESULTS: During this period, 219 patients with cAAs underwent f/b-EVAR at our institution. Ninety-one patients (74% men; mean age = 75.2±7.7 years) met criteria for inclusion into the study. In this group, there were 72 (79%) juxtarenal or paravisceral aneurysms and 18 (20%) thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and 5 patients (5.4%) with failed previous EVAR. The average aneurysm diameter was 60.1±0.74 mm. Overall, 270 vessels were targeted, and 267 (99%) were successfully incorporated, including 25 celiac arteries, 67 superior mesenteric arteries, and 175 renal arteries. The mean total operative time was 236±83 minutes, fluoroscopy time was 87±39 minutes, contrast volume was 81±47 mL, radiation dose 3246±2207 mGy, and EBL was 290±409 mL. The average left and right TIs for all patients were 1.5±0.3 and 1.4±0.3, respectively. On multivariable analysis, the interval estimates suggest positive association between TI and procedural metrics to a certain degree. CONCLUSIONS: In the current series, we found no definitive association between iliac artery TI and procedural metrics, including operative time, contrast used, EBL, fluoroscopy time, and dose in patients undergoing cAA repair using f/b-EVAR. However, there was a trend toward association between TI and all these metrics on multivariable analysis. This potential association needs to be evaluated in a larger series. CLINICAL IMPACT: Iliac artery tortuosity should not exclude patients with complex aortic aneurysms from being offered fenestrated or branched stent graft repair. However, special considerations should be taken to mitigate the impact of access tortuosity on alignment of fenestrations with target vessels, including use of extra stiff wires, through and through access and delivering the fenestrated/branched device into another (larger) sheath such as a Gore DrySeal in patients with arteries large enough to accommodate such sheaths.

Endovascular management of left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis.

Stenosis of left ventricular assist devices has traditionally required open operative management with device revision or replacement; however, endovascular therapy is emerging as an alternative to open surgery. Limited by the rarity of this approach, consensus is lacking regarding the optimal technique. In this publication, we present a case report of outflow graft stenosis managed with endovascular treatment and discuss technical considerations including preoperative planning, stent selection, and procedural adjuncts.

A Review of Antithrombotic Therapies for Patients with Chronic Peripheral Arterial Disease and after Revascularization.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) represents a major health issue that significantly impacts patient's survival and quality of life. In addition to limb-related events, patients with PAD have an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death. However, compared with coronary and cerebrovascular disease, studies addressing optimal risk reduction modalities including antithrombotic therapies in patients with PAD have been underrepresented in the literature. This publication serves as a narrative review of existing evidence on the effectiveness of antithrombotic therapy in patients with PAD. In patients with chronic stable PAD or post-revascularization, antithrombotic therapies including single or dual antiplatelet agents, anticoagulation, or a combination of these treatments have been shown to reduce cardiovascular and limb events. This narrative review provides a summary of the available literature on the management of patients with PAD, categorized into treatment strategies for chronic, post-endovascular treatment, and post-open surgical revascularization and to discuss the antithrombotic protocol utilized at our institution while providing a rational for our treatment algorithm.

A rare case of left colic branch aneurysm presenting with rupture and intra-abdominal hemorrhage.

An aneurysm of the inferior mesenteric artery is a rarely described clinical presentation. We have presented the case of a ruptured aneurysm originating from a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery that might represent an aneurysm of the left colic artery or the arc of Riolan. Aneurysms of this anatomic location can develop secondary to mesenteric occlusive disease, alterations in mesenteric blood flow from previous operations, or connective tissue disease. In the present case, a patient with a ruptured inferior mesenteric artery branch aneurysm had presented with intra-abdominal hemorrhage, which was successfully treated with endovascular embolization.

Evolution of the Surgical Technique for "Breast in a Day" Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: Transitioning from Dual-Plane to Prepectoral Implant Placement.

BACKGROUND: Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction offers the intuitive advantages of shortening the reconstructive process and reducing costs. In the authors' practice, direct-to-implant breast reconstruction has evolved from dual-plane to prepectoral implant placement. The authors sought to understand postoperative complications and aesthetic outcomes and identify differences in the dual-plane and prepectoral direct-to-implant subcohorts. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted from November of 2014 to March of 2018. Postoperative complication data, reoperation, and aesthetic outcomes were reviewed. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by a blinded panel of practitioners using standardized photographs. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four direct-to-implant reconstructions were performed in 81 women: 42.5 percent were dual-plane (n = 57) and 57.5 percent were prepectoral (n = 77). Statistical analysis was limited to patients with at least 1 year of follow-up. Total complications were low overall (8 percent), although the incidence of prepectoral complications [n = 1 (2 percent)] was lower than the incidence of dual-plane complications [n = 7 (12 percent)], with the difference approaching statistical significance (p = 0.07). Panel evaluation for aesthetic outcomes favored prepectoral reconstruction. Pectoralis animation deformity was completely eliminated in the prepectoral cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present the largest comparative direct-to-implant series using acellular dermal matrix to date. Transition to prepectoral direct-to-implant reconstruction has not resulted in increased complications, degradation of aesthetic results, or an increase in revision procedures. Prepectoral reconstruction is a viable reconstructive option with elimination of animation deformity and potential for enhanced aesthetic results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

An Algorithmic Approach to Prepectoral Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: Version 2.0.

BACKGROUND: Prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction has historically been fraught with complications, including flap necrosis, implant extrusion, and capsular contracture, along with high rates of operative revisions. This may result from a number of factors, including the lack of an algorithmic approach, failure to predict postoperative migration of the implant, use of improper implants, and unsuitable patient selection. Over the past 5 years, the authors have gained significant experience in prepectoral breast reconstruction as they have transitioned their direct-to-implant technique. METHODS: Using video, technical aspects for achieving superior results are demonstrated, including suture technique, application of acellular dermal matrix, creation of the implant pocket, implant selection and placement, and postoperative dressings. Video is used to highlight technical aspects to yield consistent, predictable results using the anterior tenting technique. RESULTS: A systematic review of prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction was conducted to amalgamate the experience of the authors and others with regard to technique, material, and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction represents a significant paradigm shift in postmastectomy breast reconstruction and warrants reconsideration. Prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction provides the potential benefits of a single-stage operation, elimination of dynamic deformity, enhanced aesthetic outcomes, and increased patient satisfaction. Although early evidence suggests an increased incidence of complications, our experience and that of others demonstrate favorable outcomes with version 2.0 of prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. As the body of literature encompassing a modern approach to prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction grows, greater appreciation for operative technique, candidate selection, and implant choice may accelerate its adoption and mitigate past concerns.