Examining the impact of median arcuate ligament-induced celiac artery compression on target vessel patency and long-term survival and device integrity in fenestrated and branched endovascular repairs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of celiac artery (CA) compression by median arcuate ligament (MAL) on technical metrics and long-term CA patency in patients with complex aortic aneurysms undergoing fenestrated/branched endograft repairs (FBEVARs). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective review of patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs and requiring incorporation of the CA between 2013 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups-those with (MAL+) and without (MAL-) CA compression-based on preoperative computed tomography angiography findings. MAL was classified in three grades (A, B, and C) based on the degree and length of stenosis. Patients with MAL grade A had ≤50% CA stenosis measuring ≤3 mm in length. Those with grade B had 50% to 80% CA stenosis measuring 3 to 8 mm long, whereas those with grade C had >80% stenosis measuring >8 mm in length. End points included device integrity, CA patency and technical success-defined as successful implantation of the fenestrated/branched device with perfusion of CA and no endoleak. RESULTS: There were 180 patients with complex aortic aneurysms (pararenal, 128; thoracoabdominal, 52) required incorporation of the CA during fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Majority (73%) were male, with a median age of 76 years (interquartile range [IQR], 69-81 years) and aneurysm size of 62 mm (IQR, 57-69 mm). Seventy-eight patients (43%) had MAL+ anatomy, including 33 patients with MAL grade A, 32 with grade B, and 13 with grade C compression. The median length of CA stenosis was 7.0 mm (IQR, 5.0-10.0 mm). CA was incorporated using fenestrations in 177 (98%) patients. Increased complexity led to failure in CA bridging stent placement in four MAL+ patients, but completion angiography showed CA perfusion and no endoleak, accounting for a technical success of 100%. MAL+ patients were more likely to require bare metal stenting in addition to covered stents (P = .004). Estimated blood loss, median operating room time, contrast volume, fluoroscopy dose and time were higher (P < .001) in MAL+ group. Thirty-day mortality was 3.3%, higher (5.1%) in MAL+ patients compared with MAL- patients (2.0 %). At a median follow-up of 770 days (IQR, 198-1525 days), endograft integrity was observed in all patients and CA events-kinking (n = 7), thrombosis (n = 1) and endoleak (n = 2) -occurred in 10 patients (5.6%). However, only two patients required reinterventions. MAL+ patients had overall lower long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: CA compression by MAL is a predictor of increased procedural complexity during fenestrated/branched device implantation. However, technical success, long-term device integrity and CA patency are similar to that of patients with MAL- anatomy.

A rare case of Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome with concurrent arteriovenous malformation.

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS) is a congenital, autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by a triad of macrocephaly, lipomatosis, and pigmentation of the glans penis. The symptoms of this rare syndrome vary greatly and include multiple hamartomatous polyps, macrocephaly, increased birth weight, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Vascular abnormalities, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), have rarely been reported as part of the vascular manifestations associated with BRRS. Congenital AVMs can rarely progress, resulting in limb- or life-threatening complications. We present the case of a young man with BRRS diagnosed in childhood and presenting with three AVMs involving the right upper extremity and chest. We also provide a brief literature summary of reported cases of BRRS with AVMs. Our paper highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding the vascular manifestations in patients with BRRS. Knowledge of the association between BRRS and AVMs is crucial for guiding patient diagnosis and management, optimizing treatment strategies, and improving overall patient outcomes.

Use of physician-modified inverted limb in conjunction with Zenith fenestrated stent graft to rescue failed previous endovascular and open repair.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes and performance of inverted limbs (ILs) when used in conjunction with Zenith fenestrated stent grafts (Zfens) to treat patients with short distance between the lowest renal artery (RA) and aortic or graft bifurcation (A/GB). METHODS: This study was a multicenter, retrospective review of prospectively maintained database of patients with complex aortic aneurysms, failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), or open surgical repair (OSR) with short distance between LRA and A/GB treated using a combination of Zfen and an IL between 2013 and 2023. Endpoints included technical success, aneurysm sac regression, long-term device integrity, and target vessel patency. We defined technical success as implantation of the device with no endoleak, conversion to an aorto-uni-iliac or OSR. RESULTS: During this time, 52 patients underwent endovascular rescue of failed repair. Twenty (38.5%) of them required relining of the failed repairs using IL due to lowest RA to A/GB length restrictions. Two patients had undergone rescue with a fenestrated cuff alone but developed type III endoleaks. One patient with no previous implant had a short distance between the lowest RA and aortic bifurcation to accommodate the bifurcated distal device, and two patients had failed OSR or anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. The majority (94%) were men with a mean age of 76.8 ± 6.1 years. The mean aortic neck diameter and aneurysm size were 32 ± 4 cm and 7.2 ± 1.3 cm, respectively. The median time laps between initial repair and failure was 36 months (interquartile range [IQR], 24-54 months). Sixteen patients (80%) were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class III, whereas four were class IV. Seventy-eight vessels were targeted and successfully incorporated. Technical success was 100%, and median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (IQR, 100-200 mL). Mean fluoroscopy time and dose were 61 ± 18 minutes and 2754 ± 1062 mGy, respectively. Average hospital length of stay was 2.75 ± 2.15 days. Postoperative complication occurred in one patient who required lower extremity fasciotomy for compartment syndrome. At a median follow-up of 50 months (IQR, 18-58 months), there were no device migration, components separation, aneurysmal related mortality, and type I or type III endoleak. Aneurysm sac regression (95%) or stabilization (5%) was observed in all patients, including in four patients (25%) with type II endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IL in conjunction with Zfen to treat patients with short distance between the lowest RA and A/GB is safe, effective, and has excellent long-term results. The technique expands the indication of Zfen, especially in patients with failed previous EVAR.

Carotid and Renal Vascular Disease.

This article review covers carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and atherosclerotic renal artery disease. It overviews each condition's clinical presentation, diagnosis, medical management, and interventional approach. Carotid artery disease is characterized by hemispheric and neuropsychological manifestations, which can help detect this condition. Screening for carotid artery stenosis is recommended in high-risk individuals and can be performed using different methods, with carotid duplex ultrasonography being the preferred option. Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting are indicated based on specific criteria and patient characteristics. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is often asymptomatic, but abdominal, back, or flank pain may sometimes be present. Ultrasonography is an effective method for screening and monitoring abdominal aortic aneurysms, with high sensitivity and specificity. Smoking cessation is a crucial intervention for preventing further enlargement of small aortic aneurysms. Repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is recommended based on the aneurysm size, growth rate, and the presence of symptoms. Endovascular repair is preferred when suitable anatomy is present. Atherosclerotic renal artery disease is associated with resistant hypertension, renal failure, and occasionally pulmonary edema. Doppler ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting it, while the renal resistive index provides additional insights into disease severity and treatment response. Revascularization is not routinely recommended for atherosclerotic renal artery disease, but it may be considered in specific cases, such as renal arterial fibromuscular dysplasia or unexplained congestive heart failure.

Non-Coronary Atherosclerotic Arterial Disease: Where Are We Now?

Lower extremity peripheral artery and upper extremity artery disease are significant vascular conditions with distinct clinical presentations and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The lower extremity peripheral artery is associated with worse major adverse cardiovascular events compared with coronary artery disease, but often remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Upper extremity artery disease encompasses a range of clinical presentations resulting from atherosclerosis and other obstructive lesions in arteries such as the subclavian artery and brachiocephalic trunk. While atherosclerosis is a common cause, non-atherosclerotic factors can also influence distal lesions. This review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on both conditions, encompassing risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options. Improved awareness and early intervention can mitigate complications and enhance patient outcomes for lower extremity peripheral artery and upper extremity artery disease.

Outcomes in patients discharged with extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after hospitalization with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a known complication of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients requiring hospitalization and intensive care. We examined the association between extended pharmacological VTE prophylaxis and outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with an index positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the time of, or during hospitalization. Patients who were prescribed extended pharmacological VTE prophylaxis were compared against patients who were not. Multivariable logistic regression was used to produce odds ratio (OR) estimates and Cox proportional hazard models for hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CI to examine the association between pharmacological VTE prophylaxis and outcomes of interest. Primary outcomes were 30- and 90-day VTE events. Secondary outcomes included 30- and 90-day mortality, 30-day superficial venous thrombosis (SVT), acute myocardial infarction (MI), acute ischemic stroke, critical limb ischemia, clinically significant bleeding, and inpatient readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 1936 patients were included in the study. Among them, 731 (38%) were discharged on extended pharmacological VTE prophylaxis. No significant difference was found in 30- and 90-day VTE events among groups. Patients discharged on extended VTE prophylaxis showed improved survival at 30 (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.21-0.59) and 90 days (HR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.23-0.55) and reduced inpatient readmission at 30 days (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04-0.33) when compared to those without. CONCLUSION: Patients discharged on extended VTE prophylaxis after hospitalization due to COVID-19 had similar thrombotic events on follow-up. However, use of extended VTE prophylaxis was associated with improved 30- and 90-day survival and reduced risk of 30-day inpatient readmission.

Feasibility and outcome of partial open surgical fenestrated stent graft explantation, radical debridement, and in situ reconstruction for late graft infection.

Aortic stent graft infection is a rare, but potentially lethal, complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Definitive treatment is complete stent graft explanation with in-line or extra-anatomical reconstruction. However, several factors can render such an operation unsafe, including the patient's overall fitness for surgery and partial incorporation of graft with a resulting robust inflammatory process, especially around the visceral vessels. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with a history of an infected fenestrated stent graft that was managed with partial explantation, wide debridement, and in situ reconstruction using a rifampin-soaked graft and a 360° omental wrap with good results.

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.

Spontaneous iliac vein rupture and thrombosis in patients with May-Thurner syndrome: A narrative review.

Spontaneous iliac vein rupture (SIVR) is extremely rare and can lead to serious complications, including death. Etiologies include inflammatory processes and hormonal and mechanical triggers, with concomitant May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) being a rare cause. Management can be challenging due to the difficult balance between reducing thrombotic burden and life-threatening hemorrhage that can result from aggressive anticoagulation. Furthermore, surgical interventions are associated with high mortality, making conservative management more desirable. We report a case of SIVR with retroperitoneal hematoma and concurrent MTS that was successfully managed using conservative measures. We further provide a narrative review of the current literature addressing the diagnosis, management, and outcome of SIVR focusing on cases with concurrent MTS.

Impact of continued clopidogrel use on outcomes of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of clopidogrel at the time of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and its association with postoperative complications. METHODS: Single-institution, retrospective review of a prospective database. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2017, CEA was performed in 1066 consecutive patients (median age, 73 years; 66% men). The indications for operation included ≥70% asymptomatic stenosis (458; 43%), prior stroke (314; 29%), and transient cerebral or retinal ischemia (294; 28%). At the time of operation, 509 (48%) patients were taking aspirin alone, 441 (41%) were taking clopidogrel (374 in combination with aspirin, 67 as sole therapy), 83 (8%) were on no documented antiplatelet medication, and 33 (3%) were taking warfarin (with therapeutic international normalized ratio). The likelihood of clopidogrel use at the time of operation was higher for patients with a history of symptomatic carotid disease (P = .002). Over the study period, clopidogrel use increased from 31.9% in 2010 to 56.8% in 2017, which corresponds to an 11% (95% confidence interval, 6%-15%) increase annually. Postoperative strokes occurred in 15 patients (overall incidence, 1.4%), the majority of which were minor (12/15; 80%). Six strokes occurred in patients taking aspirin alone (6/509; 1.2%), two in patients on clopidogrel and aspirin (2/441; 0.5%), two in patients taking clopidogrel alone (2/67; 2.9%), three in patients on no documented antiplatelet medication (3/83; 3.6%), and two in those taking warfarin (one of which was secondary to a fatal intracranial hemorrhage within 30 days of discharge [2/33; 6.1%]). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.03% (3/1066); the risk for the combined endpoint of any stroke, death, or myocardial infarction (MI) was 2.3% (25/1066), and the risk for major stroke, death, or MI was 1.2%. There was no apparent association between clopidogrel use and the incidence of postoperative bleeding (P = .59) or any other postoperative complication (stroke, death, MI, cranial nerve injury; P = .15). CONCLUSIONS: Clopidogrel use in our CEA practice has increased over time and has not been associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications, including bleeding. These data suggest that clopidogrel should not be discontinued prior to CEA and should be considered as part of 'optimal medical therapy' in patients undergoing CEA.

Endovascular revascularization of isolated internal iliac artery for symptomatic occlusive atherosclerotic disease is a viable and underused option for patients with gluteal muscle claudication.

Often confused with pseudoclaudication, gluteal muscle claudication is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with a history of back and buttock claudication. He had undergone lumbosacral decompression with no relief of buttock claudication. Computed tomography angiography of the abdomen and pelvis showed occlusion of the bilateral internal iliac arteries. Exercise transcutaneous oxygen pressure measurements obtained on referral to our institution revealed a significant decrease. He underwent successful recanalization and stenting of the bilateral hypogastric arteries with complete resolution of his symptoms. We also reviewed the reported data to highlight the trend in the management of patients with this condition.

Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1-receptor agonists on cardiovascular and limb events in peripheral artery disease: A review.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes mellitus are two overwhelming health problems associated with major cardiovascular (CV) and limb events, in addition to increased mortality, despite advances in medical therapies including statins and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are two new antihyperglycemic drug classes that have been associated with a significant reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and CV risk. Whereas most studies had enrolled patients with T2D and concurrent CV disease (CVD), patients with PAD were obviously underrepresented. Furthermore, there was a signal of increased risk of amputation in one of the main trials with canagliflozin. We aim to provide a general review of the current literature and summarize societal guideline recommendations addressing the role of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA drugs in patients with CVD focusing on the PAD population when data are available. Endpoints of interest were MACE and, when available, major adverse limb events (MALE).

Mesenteric Artery Dissection and Wall-Thickening, Case Study and General Review.

Mesenteric artery dissection (D) and wall-thickening (WT) are rare vasculopathies that can lead to serious complications. This is a single center analysis of all patients evaluated for mesenteric arterial (celiac, superior (SMA) and/or inferior mesenteric (IMA)) D and/or WT from January 1, 2000, to January 31, 2020 at our hospital. Among the 101 included patients, the average age was 55.6 ± 13.6 years, mostly affecting men (62%). There were 20 celiac artery D, 8 WT, 15 D with WT, 15 SMA D, 7 WT, 8 D with WT, one IMA D, two WT, and 25 with multiple arterial involvement. Primary etiologies included segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) (n = 17), isolated D (n = 17), localized vasculitis of the gastrointestinal tract (LVGT) (n = 16), fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) (n = 13), extension of thoracoabdominal aortic D (n = 12), and trauma (n = 12). Most (71%) patients presented with abdominal pain. Hypertension (55%), hyperlipidemia (33%) and tobacco use (31%) were prevalent. Management included conservative (22%), medical (47%), endovascular (19%), and/or open repair (12%) with high in-hospital survival (98%) and symptom relief (73%). Our paper complements the scarce literature addressing the diagnosis and management of rare mesenteric vasculopathies. Most patients improved with conservative management, reserving endovascular or surgical interventions for symptomatic patients with more complicated presentations.

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.

SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection-Related Arterial Thromboembolism Leading to Critical Limb Ischemia and Amputation.

COVID-19 infection has been shown to increase risk for thromboembolism. With most studies reporting mainly venous thromboembolic events, there is a lack of literature regarding the incidence of arterial thromboses in patients with COVID-19 infection. We report a dramatic case of a 55-year-old male with confirmed COVID-19 infection who presented with acute left critical limb ischemia leading to amputation as a result of thromboembolism from a distal abdominal aortic thrombus. Our case report contributes to the limited body of literature on COVID-19-related arterial thromboembolism. The patient consented to publish this case.

Impact of a multidisciplinary acute aortic dissection program: Improved outcomes with a comprehensive initial surgical repair strategy.

OBJECTIVE: As part of a multidisciplinary aortic dissection (AD) program, a more comprehensive repair strategy for patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and frequent endografting for suitable patients with type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) was adopted in 2015. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these changes. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of a prospective database containing all patients treated for acute AD between 2003 and 2020. Patients were grouped based on differing repair strategies (pre 2015 vs post 2015). Clinical characteristics, procedural details, and survival data were analyzed. RESULTS: During this time, 323 patients (210 pre, 113 post) were treated for acute AD at our institution. There were 221 patients with ATAAD (149 pre, 72 post) and 102 patients with ATBAD (61 pre, 41 post). The majority (60%) were males, with a mean age of 65.9 ± 15.2 years. There were no differences in cardiovascular risk factors or demographics between the groups. After 2015, fewer patients with ATAAD underwent medical management alone (15% pre vs 4% post; P = .014), and most that underwent surgical intervention had a total arch or aggressive hemiarch repair (27% pre vs 78% post; P < .001). Seventy-four patients (73%) with ATBAD were treated medically, whereas 28 underwent medical management and endografting (23% pre, 34% post; P = .214). For all patients with AD, 30-day mortality was significantly improved (26% pre vs 10% post; P < .001) especially among patients who underwent ATAAD surgery (23% pre vs 9% post; P = .018). Three-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates showed survival improvement among patients with ATAAD (Log rank P-value = .019); however, this improvement does not extend to type B dissections or the overall cohort. A survival analysis landmarked to 30 days after initial presentation showed no statistical difference in survival from 30 days to 3 years post-presentation. CONCLUSIONS: A more comprehensive repair strategy in the management of patients with acute AD resulted in improved overall patient outcomes and significantly decreased 30-day mortality, even though more complex repairs were performed. The long-term impact of the changes made to our program remains to be evaluated.

Relining of infrarenal stent-graft with preloaded modified Gore Excluder for occult endoleak with sac expansion.

Endoleaks remain one of the most common indications for reintervention after endovascular aortic repair. Occasionally, aneurysm sac expansion will occur in the absence of a visible endoleak or due to endotension. We describe a case of continued sac expansion without an identifiable endoleak after endovascular aortic repair. Technical challenges during the case included a short distance from the renal arteries to the flow divider and a significant metal artifact. These challenges were addressed by shortening the gate of a Gore Excluder (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) to the desired length. The contralateral gate was preloaded to allow for use of the snare-ride technique for gate cannulation and overcome the metal artifact that was hindering visualization.

Management of a contained ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm caused by inferior vena cava struts injury: A case report and literature review.

Aortic pseudoaneurysms are rare entities caused by infection, trauma, atherosclerotic plaque rupture, or aortic instrumentation. Their natural course remains unknown; however, repair is invariably recommended. We present a case of a 71-year-old man with a history of recurrent deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms who underwent an inferior vena cava filter placement 8 years prior and was found to have a 3.6-cm contained ruptured infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm on imaging performed for abdominal pain. His pseudoaneurysm was excluded using a Gore Excluder Endoprosthesis. We further reviewed literature on the subject to highlight the various surgical approaches to this lethal condition.

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.

Clinical application and technical details of cook zenith devices modification to treat urgent and elective complex aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To describe technical details of modifying four different Cook Zenith devices to treat complex aortic aneurysms. MATERIAL: In the first three cases, the modification process involved complete stent graft deployment on a sterile back table. Fenestrations were created using an ophthalmologic cautery and reinforced with a radiopaque snare using a double-armed 4-0 Ethibond locking suture based on measurements obtained on centerline of flow. In each instance, a nitinol wire was withdrawn and redirected through and through the fabric and used as a constraining wire. In the fourth patient, modification involved partial stent graft deployment and creation of additional two fenestrations to accommodate renal arteries. The devices are resheathed and implanted in the standard fashion. RESULTS: Four patients underwent exclusion of their aneurysms, including thoracoabdominal aneurysms (n = 2), a contained ruptured juxtarenal aneurysm (n = 1), and a ruptured failed previous endovascular repair (n = 1). Fifteen fenestrations were successfully bridged with Atrium iCAST stent grafts. Average graft modification time, operative time, contrast volume, radiation dose, estimated blood loss, and hospital length of stay were 89 min, 155.25 min, 58.8 mL, 2451 mGy, 175 mL, and 4.3 days, respectively. One patient required a secondary intervention to treat a type Ib endoleak. During an average follow-up of 25 months, aneurysm sacs progressively shrank without additional intervention. CONCLUSION: Physician-modified fenestrated/branched endografts are a safe alternative to custom made devices, especially in urgent cases and should be part of the armamentarium of any complex aortic program.