Arterial Stiffness and Aortic Aneurysmal Disease - A Narrative Review.

It has been documented that large-artery stiffness is independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk and may potentially lead to heart and kidney failure and cerebrovascular disease. A systematic review of studies investigating changes in arterial stiffness in patients undergoing endovascular repair of aortic disease was conducted. In addition, a review of the available literature was performed, analyzing findings from studies using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) as a marker of arterial stiffness. Overall, 26 studies were included in the present analysis. Our research revealed a high heterogeneity of included studies regarding the techniques used to assess the aortic stiffness. Aortic stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), elastic modulus (Ep), and augmentation index (AI). Currently a few studies exist investigating the role of CAVI in patients having an aortic aneurysm or undergoing endovascular aortic repair. The majority of studies showed that the treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) either with open repair (OR) or endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) reduces aortic compliance significantly. Whether EVAR reconstruction might contribute a higher effect on arterial stiffness compared to OR needs further focused research. An increase of arterial stiffness was uniformly observed in studies investigating patients following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and the effect was more pronounced in young patients. The effects of increased arterial stiffness after EVAR and TEVAR on the heart and the central hemodynamic, and an eventual effect on cardiac systolic function, need to be further investigated and evaluated in large studies and special groups of patients.

A Systematic Review and an Updated Meta-Analysis of Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair of Chronic Post-Dissection Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

The objective of this study is to present the current outcomes of fenestrated/branched endovascular repair (F/BEVAR) for post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PDTAAAs). A systematic review of the literature according to PRISMA guidelines up to October 2023 was conducted (protocol CRD42023473403). Studies were included if ≥10 patients were reported and at least one of the major outcomes was stated. A total of 10 studies with 585 patients overall were included. The pooled estimate for technical success was 94.3% (95% CI 91.4% to 96.2%). Permanent paraplegia developed with a pooled rate of 2.5% (95% CI 1.5% to 4.3%), whereas a cerebrovascular event developed with a pooled rate of 1.6% (95% CI 0.8% to 3.0%). An acute renal function impairment requiring new-onset dialysis occurred with a pooled rate of 2.0% (95% CI 1.0% to 3.8%). Postoperative respiratory failure was observed with a pooled estimate of 5.5% (95% CI 3.8% to 8.1%). The pooled estimate for 12-month overall survival was 90% (95% CI 85% to 93.5%), and the pooled estimates for 24-month and 36-month survival were 87.8% (95% CI 80.9% to 92.5%) and 85.5% (95% CI 76.5% to 91.5%), respectively. Freedom from reintervention was estimated at 83.9% (95% CI 75.9% to 89.6%) for 12 months, 82.8% (95% CI 68.7% to 91.4%) for 24 months and 76.1% (95% CI 60.6% to 86.8%) for 36 months. According to the present findings, F/BEVAR can be performed in PD-TAAAs with high rates of technical success and good mid-term results.

Novel Biomarkers and Imaging Indices for the "Vulnerable Patient" with Carotid Stenosis: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the relationship of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), and Gray-Scale Median (GSM) score with the severity and vulnerability of carotid atherosclerosis and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow-up of carotid artery revascularization. METHODS: We enrolled 262 patients undergoing carotid revascularization therapy (GRT), 109 asymptomatic patients with low-grade carotid stenosis (40-70%) receiving conservative treatment (GCT), and 92 age- and sex-matched control subjects without carotid atherosclerosis (GCO). All participants underwent carotid ultrasound and we assessed at baseline clinical parameters, metabolic profile, CAVI, GSM, and circulating levels of hsCRP, MMP-3,-7,-9, and TIMP-1. RESULTS: Both GRT and GCT presented with elevated CAVI, MMPs, and TIMP-1 levels compared to GCO (p < 0.001). The escalation highly correlated to the presence of symptoms or paralleled the degree of carotid stenosis (p < 0.001). During follow-up (mean duration: 55 months), 51 GRT patients experienced MACE unrelated to the revascularization procedure. Within GRT, diabetes (HR: 2.07; CI: 1.55-2.78, p < 0.001), smoking (HR: 1.67; CI: 1.35-1.95, p < 0.001), high CAVI (HR: 1.22; CI: 1.09-1.43, p = 0.023) and MMP-9 (HR: 1.44; CI: 1.29-2.15, p = 0.005), and low GSM (HR: 1.40; CI: 1.16-2.12, p = 0.002) independently predicted MACE occurrences, despite the optimum medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Novel imaging and biochemical biomarkers were positively associated with atherosclerosis severity, while CAVI, MMP-9, and low GSM showed a positive, independent relationship with MACE after carotid revascularization, describing "vulnerable patients".

Long-term outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for the treatment of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: We undertook a systematic review of the currently published literature on TEVAR for DTAAs and we combined the eligible studies into a meta-analysis with the intention of evaluating the efficacy and the long-term durability of this treatment option. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search of the literature from January 2015 up to December 2022 was performed according to the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. For events during follow up we calculated the incidence rates (IRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) per 100 patient-years (p-ys) as the number of patients with outcome events occurring during the specific time period divided by the total number of p-ys. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 4127 study titles were identified by the initial search strategy, of which 12 were considered eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A Total of 1976 patients (62% male) were identified among the eligible studies. One-year survival was 90.1% (95% CI 86.3% to 93.0%), 3-year survival was estimated at 80.5% (95% CI 69.2% to 88.4%) and the 5-year survival was estimated at 73.2% (95%CI 64.3% to 80.5%) with significant heterogeneity among studies regarding these outcomes. Regarding freedom from reintervention analysis for 1 year and 5 years was 96.5% (95% CI 94.5% to 97.8%) and 85.4% (95% CI 56.7% to 96.3%) respectively. The pooled late complications IR per 100 p-ys was 55.0 (95% CI 39.1 to 70.9), whereas the pooled IR for late reinterventions per 100 p-ys was 21.2 (95% CI 26.0 to 87.5). Late type I endoleak was reported with a pooled IR of 26.7 per 100 p-ys (95% CI 19.8 to 33.6) and late type III endoleak with a pooled IR of 7.6 per 100 p-ys (95% CI 5.5 to 9.7). CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR presents a safe and feasible solution for the treatment of DTAA with sustained long-term effectivity. Current evidence supports a satisfactory 5-year survival with low rates of reinterventions.

The Association of Arterial Stiffness With Significant Carotid Atherosclerosis and Carotid Plaque Vulnerability.

Arterial stiffness and its valid index, the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), have emerged as predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated the relationship of the CAVI with significant carotid stenosis (> 50%) and the related cerebrovascular symptoms or carotid plaque echogenicity, assessed by ultrasound gray-scale median (GSM) score, at baseline and after carotid artery stenting (CAS). We prospectively enrolled 113 patients with carotid stenosis (70-99% for asymptomatic and > 50% for symptomatic participants) eligible for CAS. Age- and sex-matched individuals (n = 38) served as controls (CON). Clinical data, CAVI, and biochemical profile were obtained at baseline. Clinical assessment and CAVI measurement were performed 6 months after CAS. Compared with the CON group, the CAS group had a higher incidence of co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), higher CAVI values (9.94 ± 2.14 vs 7.85 ± .97 m/sec, P < .001), but a better lipid profile due to increased prescription of statins. The symptomatic CAS subgroup showed higher CAVI (P < .001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = .048), and osteoprotegerin (P = .002) levels than the asymptomatic one. In multivariate analysis, CAVI at baseline was independently associated with the presence of significant carotid atherosclerosis (ß = .695, P < .001), cerebrovascular events (ß = .474, P < .001), and GSM score (ß = -.275, P = .042). Raised CAVI values were independently associated with significant carotid stenosis and plaque vulnerability.

Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Its Alterations After Treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate a potential difference on the arterial stiffness among aneurysm patients and non-aneurysm controls, as well as to explore potential changes between patients treated either with endovascular or open repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 110 patients with an infrarenal AAA were prospectively enrolled in this study. Fifty-six patients received an EVAR, whereas 54 patients received an open surgical repair. Moreover, 103 gender and age-matched subjects without AAA served as controls. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was applied for measurement of the arterial stiffness. RESULTS: CAVI values were statistically higher in the AAA patients when compared with control subjects. Although at 48 hours postoperatively the CAVI values were increased in both groups when compared to baseline values, the difference in CAVI had a tendency to be higher in the open group compared to the endovascular group. At 6 months of follow up the CAVI values returned to the baseline for the patients of the open repair group. However, in the endovascular group CAVI values remained higher when compared with the baseline values. CONCLUSION: Patients with AAAs demonstrated a higher value of CAVI compared to healthy controls. A significant increase of arterial stiffness in both groups during the immediate postoperative period was documented. The increase in arterial stiffness remained significant at 6 months in EVAR patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the impact of a decreased aortic compliance after stentgraft implantation on the cardiac function of patients with AAA.

Management of internal carotid artery near-occlusion: the need for updated evidence.

Near occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare and easily misdiagnosed condition and the decision for revascularisation still remains controversial. We conducted an updated meta-analysis in order to investigate outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid artery stenting (CAS) or best medical treatment (BMT) in patients with near-occlusion of the ICA. We also aimed to investigate the role of time as a potential moderator of the near-ICA occlusion-stroke rate association. A multiple electronic health database search on articles published up to November 2019 was performed. The pooled stroke rate after CEA, CAS and BMT were calculated. We also investigated transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke-related death, myocardial infarction (MI), any cause of death and ICA restenosis crude rates (%). A total of 33 articles were finally deemed eligible. The pooled stroke rate was 1.52% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09-4.02%] after CEA, 1.80% (95% CI: 0.61-3.40%) after CAS and 8.39% (95% CI: 3.39-14.80%) after BMT. Out of 896 CEA patients, we recorded 22 TIAs (2.5%), 33 all-cause deaths (3.7%), 5 stroke-related deaths (0.6%) and 6 MIs (0.7%). Concerning outcomes after 603 CAS patients, we recorded 7 TIAs (1.2%), 56 all-cause deaths (9.3%), 4 stroke-related deaths (0.7%) and 22 MIs (3.6%). Among 263 patients who were treated with BMT, we found 16 TIAs (6.1%), 10 all-cause deaths (3.8%), no stroke-related death, and no MI. Crude restenosis rate during follow-up was 9.0% (54/601) for CEA and 4.1% (24/592) for CAS patients. No significant effect of publication year upon stroke rate after CEA was recorded. However, there was a significant reversed association between pooled stroke rate after CAS and publication year (P=0.05). A statistically significant reversed association between pooled stroke rate after BMT and publication year was also recorded (P<0.01). The results of this updated meta-analysis revealed high stroke rate for patients with near-occlusion of ICA who treated only with BMT, while intervention seemed to be safe and effective. A downward trend in the stroke rates over time after CAS and BMT was also discovered. These highlight that patients with near-occlusion of ICA should be included and investigated in future studies.

Comparison of Two Iliac Branch Devices and Their Midterm Performance in Maintaining Blood Flow to the Internal Iliac Artery.

Purpose: To compare and contrast the midterm outcomes of the E-liac and Zenith (ZBIS) iliac branch devices (IBDs) for the preservation of the internal iliac artery (IIA) in aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation. Materials and Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2018, 84 consecutive patients (median age 74 years; 76 men) were electively treated with the E-liac (n=44) or ZBIS (n=40) IBDs and were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the technical success, patency, need for reintervention, and mortality associated with these devices. Results: Technical success was achieved in 95 of 99 implantations (95.9%) without any statistically significant difference between the groups (93.7% vs 98.0%, p=0.114). During the first 30 days, 3 occlusions in the ZBIS group and 1 in the E-liac group were identified. There was 1 perioperative death in the ZBIS group. The median follow-up was 37 months for the ZBIS group and 28 months for the E-liac group (p=0.657). Six patients from the ZBIS group and 7 from the E-liac group were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining, there were 2 further deaths recorded, 1 in each group. Four further reinterventions in the E-liac group and 2 in the ZBIS group were performed during follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from reintervention were 87.2% (95% CI 82.6% to 90.2%) for the ZBIS group and at 86.0% (95% CI 83.7% to 89.1%) for the E-liac group (p=0.563); the freedom from occlusion estimates were 89.7% (95% CI 85.8% to 94.5%) and 95.3% (95% CI 92% to 98.7%; p=0.317), respectively. Conclusion: The E-liac and the ZBIS IBDs showed equally high technical success, midterm patency, and low reintervention rates.

Prevalence of Bovine Aortic Arch Variant in Patients with Aortic Dissection and its Implications in the Outcome of Patients with Acute Type B Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: To investigate the prevalence of bovine arch (BA) among patients with type A and B aortic dissection, and to provide insight into the implication of this variation on the outcome of patients with acute or subacute type B aortic dissection (a/sTBAD). METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis includes patients with a/sTBAD admitted between January 2006 and December 2016. Computed tomographic angiograms (CTAs) of patients referred because of type A aortic dissection were also re-evaluated with regard to the presence of BA. As a control group, 110 oncological patients who had undergone a chest CTA for disease staging during the study period were enrolled. A total of 154 patients with a/sTBAD and 168 with type A aortic dissection were identified during the study period. RESULTS: An overall prevalence of 17.6% for BA variants was revealed. The comparison between patients with aortic dissection and the control group showed no statistically significant difference in BA prevalence (17.7% vs. 17.3%; p = 1.0). No statistically significant difference in BA prevalence was observed when comparing patients with type A aortic dissection with those with type B aortic dissection (16.6% vs. 18.8%; p = .66). During a median follow-up period of 27.8 months, 30 patients died. The mortality rate among patients presenting a BA variant was 34.5%, whereas among patients without, it was 16.0% (p = .04). Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of a BA as an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2-9.8). CONCLUSION: The BA should be considered as a predictor of the outcome for patients with type B aortic dissection.

Bilateral Endograft Limb Occlusion after Endovascular Aortic Repair: Predictive Factors of Occurrence.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral limb occlusion after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is relatively uncommon. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of bilateral endograft limb occlusion after EVAR and identify potential anatomical predictive factors of occurrence. METHODS: A total of 579 patients underwent elective EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm between January 2010 and December 2015. All patients presenting with unilateral and bilateral occlusions were prospectively analyzed. A group of patients who underwent EVAR but did not present with endograft limb occlusion were matched for sex, age, and commercial type of endograft and were used as controls. RESULTS: Overall, 21 (3.6%) patients were complicated with unilateral endograft limb occlusion, whereas 8 (1.4%) of them presented with sequential (in different time) bilateral limb occlusion. We found that iliac artery angulation ≥60°, iliac perimeter calcification ≥50%, and endograft oversizing in the common iliac artery of more than 15% had the same impact and could equally result in limb occlusion. We coded the variables angle, calcification, and endograft limb oversizing of the common iliac artery with a score from 0 to 2 as follows: (1) 0: angle <60° in both limbs, 1: angle ≥60° in one limb, 2: angle ≥60° in both limbs; (2) 0: calcification <50%: in both limbs, 1: calcification ≥ 50%: in one limb, 2: calcification ≥ 50%: in both limbs; and (3) 0: endograft limb oversizing <15%, 1: endograft limb oversizing ≥15% in one limb, 2: endograft limb oversizing ≥15% in both limbs. A composite variable, consisting of the sum of scoring in variables was analyzed, with a score from 0 to 6. Our study showed that it was the most probable to be in the control group when score in the composite variable was 0-3, it was the most probable to have unilateral limb occlusion when score was 4-5, and finally, it was the most probable to have bilateral limb occlusion when score in the composite variable was equal to 6. CONCLUSIONS: Our study evidenced that the highest probability for bilateral limb occlusion occurred when implantation of a more than 15% oversized endograft in iliac arteries with iliac artery angulation ≥60° and iliac perimeter calcification ≥50% was present in both iliac arteries. It is therefore clear that limb occlusion requires the synergistic effect and interaction of bilateral multiple thrombogenic components in the iliac artery before it is manifested.

Acute Early Carotid Stent Thrombosis: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Acute early carotid stent thrombosis (AcuteCST) is a rare complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the incidence, causes, and optimal management of AcuteCST. METHODS: Medical records of all patients undergoing CAS between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The time of thrombosis, grade of stenosis, lesion side, preprocedural and postprocedural anticoagulants, causes, symptoms, treatment, recanalization, and outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall, 674 patients were treated with CAS. Four cases of AcuteCST were identified (0.59%). In the first patient, the stent thrombosis was attributed to dissection caused by filter deployment within a distal internal carotid artery with 360° coiling. Notably, in 3 of the 4 cases of thrombosis a second overlapping stent had been deployed. In total, 41 patients of the cohort under investigation underwent overlapping stent deployment. The use of a second overlapping stent as a bail-out procedure due to dissection or malposition or due to long lesions was correlated with increased rate of thrombosis (3/41 [7.3%] vs. 1/633 [0.002%]). In 2 patients, carotid stents were thrombosed within 2 hr of the procedure. Endovascular thrombus aspiration and subsequent eversion carotid endarterectomy with stent explantation in the first patient and intrathrombus urokinase administration with thromboaspiration and additional stent placement in the second patient were followed. In the other 2 patients having their carotid stents thrombosed 3 and 4 days after the procedure, treatment with low weight molecular heparin and antiplatelet regimens was followed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of overlapping stents in the carotid artery is a predisposing factor for AcuteCST. Prognostic factors of this potentially devastating complication are the initial clinical presentation expressing the grade of ischemic brain damage, the accurate and timely recognition of the thrombosis, and the prompt restoration of oxygenated blood flow into the viable tissue at risk of infarction.

A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing treatment modalities for de novo superficial femoral artery occlusive lesions.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions remains challenging. We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aiming to explore the efficacy of treatment modalities for SFA "de novo" lesions. METHODS: Eleven treatments for SFA occlusive disease were recognized. We used primary patency and binary restenosis at 12-month follow-up as proxies of efficacy for the treatment of SFA lesions. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies (66 study arms; 4659 patients) were deemed eligible. In terms of primary patency, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were statistically significantly higher in drug-eluting stent (DES; OR, 10.05; 95% CI, 3.22-31.39), femoropopliteal bypass surgery (BPS; OR, 7.15; 95% CI, 2.27-22.51), covered stent (CS; OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.33-9.53), and nitinol stent (NS; OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.42-5.51) compared with balloon angioplasty (BA). The rank order from higher to lower primary patency in the multidimensional scaling was DES, BPS, NS, CS, drug-coated balloon, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with brachytherapy, stainless steel stent, cryoplasty (CR), and BA. Combination therapy of NS with CR and drug-coated balloon were the two most effective treatments, followed by NS, CS, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with brachytherapy, cutting balloon, stainless steel stent, BA, and CR in terms of multidimensional scaling values for binary restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: DES has shown encouraging results in terms of primary patency for SFA lesions, whereas BPS still maintains its role as a principal intervention. On the contrary, BA and CR appear to be less effective treatment options.

Changes in Arterial Stiffness and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide Levels after Endovascular Repair of Descending Thoracic Aorta.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist concerning the biomechanical and central hemodynamic changes induced by endograft implantation in the descending thoracic aorta. The aim of this prospective ongoing study was to evaluate changes in arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV; m/sec), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP; pg/mL) levels in patients undergoing endovascular repair of descending thoracic aorta (thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR]). METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with thoracic aorta pathology who underwent elective TEVAR were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained preoperatively, 24 hr, 48 hr, and 6 months postoperatively, and serum levels of NT-proBNP were measured. PWV was determined before and 6 months after TEVAR. One-way analysis of variance by ranks was used to test the alterations in PWV (from baseline to 6 months) and NT-proBNP (along the 4 phases of evaluation). Post hoc analyses were appropriately performed. RESULTS: We recorded an increase in values of NT-proBNP from baseline (median = 96.1, interquartile range [IQR] = 82.7-117.9) to 24 hr postoperative (median = 201.6, IQR = 82.8-425.9), 48 hr postoperative (median = 317.0, IQR = 102.5-1,479.5), and 6 months postoperative (median = 144, IQR = 82.8-276.4). The Kruskal-Wallis H test showed a statistically significant increase (x2(3) = 11.17, P = 0.01) in NT-proBNP from baseline (rank mean = 22.19) toward the postoperative time points of evaluation (24 hr postoperative: 35.17 [change: +12.9, P = 0.02]; 48 hr postoperative: 42.64 [change: +20.5, P < 0.001]; 6 month postoperative: 34.91 [change: +12.7, P = 0.03]). An increase in PWV values was recorded from baseline (median = 11.9, IQR = 10.0-13.5) to 6 months postoperatively (median = 13.9, IQR = 11.9-16.4). That change achieved statistically significant level [x2(1) = 4.86, P = 0.03], with an increase in mean rank PWV (+7.5). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of thoracic stent grafts may be associated with considerable increase of both arterial stiffness and NT-proBNP serum levels along time. Those results may indicate an adverse cardiac impact of TEVAR. However, the early and long-term effects of TEVAR on cardiovascular outcomes require further investigation.

New Chimney after Chimney EVAR for the Treatment of Type Ia Endoleak.

The chimney graft (CG) technique can be a useful alternative in treating aortic aneurysms with challenging anatomy, regarding the proximal sealing zone. We describe the case of a patient who developed a type Ia endoleak after chimney endovascular aneurysm repair for a juxtarenal AAA and underwent a proximal CG reconfiguration and implantation of an aortic cuff. The crossing configuration of the CGs should be avoided as it may compromise the circumferential apposition of the endograft and impede the thrombosis of the perigraft gutters. A proximal reconfiguration of the CGs, in case of type Ia endoleak is a useful option. The long-term efficacy of this option should be evaluated by meticulous follow-up.

Acute Carotid Stent Thrombosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Acute carotid stent thrombosis (ACST) is a rare complication that can lead to dramatic and catastrophic consequences. A rapid diagnosis and prompt recanalization of the internal carotid artery are needed to minimize the ischemic insult and the reperfusion injury. We reviewed the current literature on this devastating complication of CAS with the intention of investigating the potential causative factors and to define the appropriate management. According to our study discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy, resistance to antiplatelet agents and inherent or acquired thrombotic disorders are the main causes of thrombosis. Technical intraprocedural parameters such as dissection, atheroma prolapse, kinking of the distal part of internal carotid artery and embolic protection device occlusion can also result in early carotid stent thrombosis. Rapid reperfusion ensures an improved neurological outcome and a better prognosis in the short and long term. Thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy or thromboaspiration in combination with drug or thrombolytic therapy, surgical therapy and re-angioplasty are treatment options that have been used with encouraging results. In conclusion, optimal perioperative antiplatelet treatment as well as technical considerations regarding the carotid artery stenting plays a determinant role.

A multicenter 12-month experience with a new iliac side-branched device for revascularization of hypogastric arteries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the 1-year safety and efficacy of a new iliac side-branched device (IBD) for revascularization of the hypogastric arteries. METHODS: Patients receiving the E-liac (Jotec GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) side-branched device at six German vascular centers either as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion were included in a prospectively created data bank. Collected data were analyzed for baseline characteristics, procedural events, and clinical follow-up; variables included endoleaks, reinterventions, and internal iliac artery (IIA) patency. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and January 2015, a total of 70 patients (69 men [98.6%]) with a median age of 74 years (range, 51-87 years) were consecutively treated; 66 patients had aneurysmatic disease of the iliac arteries, 2 patients had a para-anastomotic aneurysm after aortobi-iliac reconstruction, and another 2 patients had a type Ib endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair. A total of 82 IIAs were revascularized, 12 bilaterally. Technical success was achieved in 100% (82/82) of the revascularized IIAs. All IBDs were patent at the end of the procedure. No instances of myocardial infarction, stroke, conversion to open repair, mesenteric or spinal cord infarction, or buttock necrosis were observed. There was one perioperative death (1.4%) in a 70-year-old patient with intraoperative gastrointestinal bleeding leading to multiple organ failure, which resulted in the patient's death on the fifth postoperative day. Within 30 days, one symptomatic occlusion of a treated common iliac artery (CIA) was observed. In two other patients, an asymptomatic kinking of the CIA segment of the IBD was revealed in the predischarge follow-up duplex ultrasound examination and corrected with relining. Median follow-up was 12 months (range, 6-16 months). One patient was lost during the follow-up period. Survival at 1 year was 98.5% with all IIAs remaining patent, whereas two CIA and two external iliac artery limb occlusions occurred. According to life-table analysis, the freedom from occlusion in a patient was 92% at 1 year, and freedom from type I endoleak was 87% at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: This first ever 1-year study reports the results with the new E-liac device and shows that it can be safely applied for the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysmatic disease with low reintervention rates and high patency rates. Long-term data are needed to confirm the durability of the device.

Management of Patients with Internal Carotid Artery Near-total Occlusion: An Updated Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The decision for revascularization in patients with near-total internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion still remains controversial. We undertook an extensive review of the literature and conducted a meta-analysis aiming to investigate the appropriate therapeutic approach for patients with near-total ICA occlusion. METHODS: A multiple electronic health database search was performed on all articles published up to December 2014. All available data were analyzed giving emphasis on the applied therapeutic approach (best medical therapy [BMT], carotid endarterectomy [CEA], and carotid artery stenting [CAS]), whereas the main endpoints of the meta-analysis were transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, stroke-related death, myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse event (MAE), overall mortality, and restenosis. RESULTS: Five articles on BMT and CEA, 8 articles on CEA, and 11 articles on CAS were deemed eligible. A statistically significant difference was recorded in pooled stroke incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years (p-ys) of BMT (IR = 6.19) compared with CEA (IR = 2.24, P = 0.002) and CAS (IR = 1.64, P < 0.001) studies. No statistically significant differences were recorded in pooled IRs per 100 p-ys between CEA and CAS, concerning TIA (P = 0.96), stroke (P = 0.44), stroke-related death (P = 0.30), and MAE (P = 0.99), whereas a borderline significance was recorded concerning overall mortality (P = 0.08) and restenosis (P = 0.08). No nominally significant effects were demonstrated with respect to almost all the studied potential modifiers in meta-regression analysis among the eligible studies. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention is probably indicated for patients with near-total ICA occlusion. The results of our study underline the need for including patients with near-total ICA occlusion in future randomized controlled trials. Meanwhile, the treatment of these patients should be individualized.

Inflammatory response and renal function following endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta.

PURPOSE: To evaluate inflammatory response and renal function after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of lesions in the descending thoracic aorta. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients treated with TEVAR from January 2010 to August 2013 were enrolled in this prospective study. Two were excluded owing to dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) extending into the renal arteries with renal failure in one and a saccular TAA in which a multilayer flow-modulating stent was implanted in the other. This left 30 patients (28 men; mean age 68.8±5.9 years) with 28 TAAs, an aortic dissection, and an aortic ulcer for the analysis. Temperature and serum levels of white blood cells (WBCs), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), creatinine, urea, and cystatin C were measured preoperatively and at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases in temperature and serum levels of WBCs, CRP, IL-10, and IL-6 were observed 24 and 48 hours postoperatively compared to baseline (all p<0.05). The number of endografts and the coverage of the celiac or subclavian artery did not affect the magnitude of the inflammatory response. No significant differences were observed concerning serum levels of IL-8, TNF-α, creatinine, or cystatin C from baseline to 24 or 48 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Endograft implantation in the thoracic aorta may propagate an inflammatory response during the early postoperative period. No clinical adverse events related to the increased inflammatory response were observed. Renal function does not seem to be deteriorated after TEVAR in the descending thoracic aorta.