Improved Ultrasound-Guided Balloon-Assisted Maturation Angioplasty Using Drug-Eluting Balloons in the First Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistula Procedure: Early Experience.

In patients with end-stage renal failure requiring hemodialysis, autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is preferred over tunneled dialysis catheters due to lower complications and costs. However, AVF maturation failure remains a common issue due to small vein size, multiple venipunctures, and other factors. Guidelines recommend using vessels of >2 mm for forearm AVFs and >3 mm for upper arm AVFs. This study investigates the use of intraoperative Doppler ultrasound (DUS)-guided Balloon-Assisted Maturation (BAM) with drug-eluting balloons (DEB) during initial AVF creation. Data from 114 AVF procedures, of which 27.2% underwent BAM, were analyzed. BAM was performed in 25 distal radio-cephalic and 6 proximal brachio-cephalic AVFs. With DUS guidance, vein stenosis was identified and treated using DEB. Technical success was achieved in all cases, with no early mortality. Early BAM-related complications were minimal, and no AVF thrombosis occurred. AVF maturation time was 15 days (SD: 3), and no further complications were reported during a mean follow-up of 10.38 months. Using BAM with DEB during AVF creation led to successful maturation and dialysis use without the need for secondary procedures. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying AVF failure risk early and utilizing DUS-guided procedures to enhance AVF outcomes. A more liberal use of intraoperative BAM could limit reinterventions in patients undergoing AVFs.

Rotational Mechanical Thrombectomy to Treat Iliac Limb Occlusion after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair: The Rotational Mechanical Thrombectomy Italian Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of a rotational mechanical atherothrombectomy device in patients with symptomatic iliac limb occlusion after abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent rotational mechanical thrombectomy using the Rotarex S device for symptomatic acute, subacute, or chronic graft limb thrombosis at 5 vascular centers between 2017 and 2021. This study comprised 23 male patients with a mean age of 74.5 years (SD ± 7.2) at the time of the procedure. The clinical presentation of the patients varied, with 1 patient experiencing acute limb ischemia and 11 patients (47.8%) experiencing disabling intermittent claudication. The remaining patients developed chronic limb-threatening ischemia after iliac limb occlusion. Early outcomes included technical success, postprocedural complications, and periprocedural mortality. Follow-up evaluations encompassed primary patency, patient survival, freedom from reintervention, and the need for surgical conversion. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all cases, with no occurrences of distal embolization during or after the procedure, and no periprocedural deaths were reported. Endograft relining was performed in 82.6% of patients to establish a new, nonthrombogenic surface within the graft. Over a median follow-up period of 8 months (interquartile range, 3-16 months), 2 patients experienced iliac limb reocclusion. No deaths or other reinterventions occurred during the observational follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational mechanical thrombectomy for iliac limb occlusion after EVAR appears to be both safe and effective. This technique may uncover intraluminal defects contributing to graft occlusion and enable their resolution within the same procedure.

Outcome Analysis of Speed Gate Cannulation during Standard Infrarenal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is generally performed with bi/trimodular stent-grafts requiring retrograde contralateral gate cannulation (CGC). In the case of tricky CGC, an increased EVAR procedural time and radiation exposure have been reported. Herein, we compare the outcomes of conventional CGC and CGC using the speed gate cannulation (SGC) technique in standard EVAR for a propensity-matched cohort. METHODS: A total of 371 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were fulfilled in 172 patients who underwent propensity score matching. Primary outcomes included operative time, CGC time, mean contrast medium, fluoroscopy time, and CGC fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: After matching, 78 patients were included in each group (SGC vs. standard). Primary outcomes registered a significant reduction in CGC time (4 [1-6] vs. 8 [6-14] min; p = 0.001) and fluoroscopy time (12 [9-16] vs. 17 [12-25] min). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary experiment, the use of SGC was feasible with no significant registered postoperative complications. A significant reduction in contrast medium usage, radiation exposure, and CGC time was observed with the use of SGC. SGC is a simple adjunctive technique, and its use should be considered in standard EVAR, especially in emergency scenarios, where time is of the essence.

A Multicenter Experience of Three Different "Iliac Branched" Stent Grafts for the Treatment of Aorto-Iliac And/Or Iliac Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of 3 different commercial iliac branch devices (IBDs): the Zenith Branch Iliac Endovascular Graft; the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch System and the E-liac Stent Graft System for the treatment of aorto-iliac or iliac aneurysms. METHODS: From January 2017 to February 2020, a retrospective reviewed was conducted on a total of 96 patients. Primary endpoint was IBD instability rate at 24 months. Secondary endpoints included onset of any endoleaks, buttock claudication, IBD-related reintervention and all-death rates, postoperative acute kidney, and changes in maximum diameter from baseline of the aortic aneurysmal sac. RESULTS: At 24 months, the branch instability rate was similar among the 3 IBDs employed [Jotec 1/24 (4.1%), Gore 1/12 (8.3%), Cook 6/47 (12.7%), P-value = 0.502]. As well, no statistical difference in terms of branch occlusion and branch-related endoleaks was observed. The Jotec group showed a significant decrease in maximum diameter from the baseline of the aortic aneurysmal sac when compared to the Gore group alone. No other differences were found relevant to the onset of any endoleaks, reinterventions, and all-death rates. At 24 months, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival freedom from any branch instability was 95.8%, 91.6%, and 86.8% for Jotec, Gore and Cook groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IBDs represents a safe method for preserving patency of the IIA during treatment of aorto-iliac or iliac aneurysms providing a low rate of IBD instability.

Carotid Artery Disease in the Era of Biomarkers: A Pilot Study.

The intima-media thickness (IMT) and its irregularities or ulcerations in the common carotid artery (CCA) are useful tools as sentinel biomarkers for the integrity of the cardiovascular system. Total homocysteine and lipoprotein levels are the most commonly used elements in cardiovascular risk stratification. Duplex ultrasound (DUS), associated with serum biomarkers, can be used simply to assess the degree of atherosclerotic disease and cardiovascular risk. This study highlights the role of different kinds of biomarkers, showing their usefulness and potentiality in multi-district atherosclerotic patients, especially for early diagnosis and therapy effectiveness monitoring. A retrospective analysis performed from September 2021 to August 2022, of patients with carotid artery disease, was performed. A total of 341 patients with a mean age of 53.8 years were included in the study. The outcomes showed an increased risk of stroke in patients with significative carotid artery disease, nonresponsive to therapy, monitored through a series of serum biomarkers (homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and oxidized LDL). In this reported experience, the systematic use of DUS in association with the multiple biomarkers approach was effective for the early identification of patients at higher risk of disease progression or inefficient therapy.

NEXUS Arch: A Multicenter Study Evaluating the Initial Experience With a Novel Aortic Arch Stent Graft System.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the initial clinical experience with a novel endograft system (NEXUS Aortic Arch Stent Graft System) designed to treat aortic arch pathologies and address the morphology and hemodynamic challenges of the aortic arch. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The aortic arch remains the most challenging part of the aorta for both open and endovascular repair. Transcatheter aortic arch repair has the potential to significantly reduce surgical risks. METHODS: Patients underwent transcatheter aortic arch repair with a single branch, 2 stent graft system, implanted over a through-and-through guidewire from the brachiocephalic trunk, to the descending aorta with an ascending aorta stent graft. The ascending aorta stent graft is deployed into a designated docking sleeve to connect the 2 stent grafts and isolate the aortic arch pathology. Proximal landing zone in all cases was in Zone 0. Anatomical inclusion criteria included adequate landing zone in the ascending aorta, brachiocephalic trunk, and descending thoracic aorta. Preparatory debranching procedure was performed in all patients with carotid-carotid crossover bypass and left carotid to left subclavian bypass, or parallel graft from descending aorta to left subclavian artery. Safety and performance were evaluated through 1 year. Survival analysis used the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients, 79% males, with a mean age of 72.2 ± 6.2 years were treated with 100% procedural success. Isolated aortic arch aneurysm was the principle pathology in 17 (60.7%) of patients, while chronic aortic dissection was the principle pathology in 6 (21.4%) of patients. The remaining 5 (17.8%) had combined or other pathologies. At 1 month, the vascular pathology was excluded in 25 of 26 alive patients (96.1%). The 30 days mortality rate was 7.1%, stroke rate was 3.6% (all nondisabling), and combined mortality/stroke rate was 10.7%. One-year mortality was 10.7%, without device or aneurysm-related death. Two patients (7.1%) reported stroke or transient ischemic attack at 1 year that recovered completely. One year combined mortality/stroke rate was 17.8%. There were 3 patients (10.7%) that had device-related unplanned reinterventions through 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The NEXUS Aortic Arch Stent Graft System, a novel single branch, 2 stent graft system used for endovascular aortic arch repair that requires landing in the ascending aorta, demonstrates a high success rate with excellent 1 year safety and performance.

Outcome Analysis From a Multicenter Registry on Unibody Stent-Graft System for the Treatment of Spontaneous Infrarenal Acute Aortic Syndrome (MURUSSIAS Registry).

PURPOSE: This study reports the outcomes from a Multicenter Registry on unibody stent-graft system for the treatment of spontaneous infrarenal acute aortic syndrome (MURUSSIAS registry). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective MURUSSIAS registry included spontaneous infrarenal acute aortic dissection (IAAS) managed with the unibody stent-graft system (AFX endovascular AAA system; Endologix Inc., Irvine, California) outside the current instruction for use. IAAS considered aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma (IMH), and penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU). Indications to IAAS treatment were symptoms, associated dilated abdominal aorta (>3 cm), rapidly-growing (>0.5 cm/6 months) aorta, IAAS disease progression. Measured results were technical success, early (within 30 days) and midterm outcomes (after 30 days), including mortality, complications, symptoms recurrence, type I/III endoleak occurrence, stent-graft patency, survival, and freedom from reintervention. The mean follow-up was 22.12 ± 17 months. RESULTS: The MURUSSIAS registry included 83 patients from 7 participating centers. IAAS indication to treatment were symptoms in 42 (51%). In 14 (17%) patients, the infrarenal aortic length was <80 mm, and in 28 (34%), the aortic bifurcation diameter was <16 mm. Technical success was 100%. Mortality occurred early in 1 (1%) and at the midterm in 3 (4%) patients. Complications occurred early in 10 (12%) patients (1 severe, 3 moderates, and 6 mild) and at midterm in 2 (2%) (2 moderate). No symptoms' recurrence or type I/III endoleaks were registered. The 36-month estimated survival and freedom from reinterventions were 89% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MURUSSIAS registry is the largest collection of spontaneous IAAS managed endovascularly using the AFX endovascular AAA system. The IAAS peculiar anatomic features were fitted with the used technique with excellent results. This treatment strategy might be considered in IAAS unless specifically-designed endovascular solutions will be available also in the emergent setting. Further studies are required to assess the longer-term performances and the stability of the reported technique. CLINICAL IMPACT: The lack of specifically designed devices for infrarenal acute aortic syndrome (IAAS) disease remains an issue principally for its specific anatomic features. The MURUSSIAS registry retrospectively examined the outcomes of spontaneous IAAS treated using the unibody stent-graft system in a spontaneous national study; and reports the largest available data on this topic. The use of the unibody stent-graft system showed to fit the anatomic peculiarities of IAAS with excellent outcomes. This IAAS treatment strategy should be considered unless specifically designed endovascular solutions will be available.

The Role of Early Revascularization and Biomarkers in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Single Center Experience.

Diabetic neuropathy and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) are the main etiological factors in foot ulceration. Herein, we report our experience of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) management, with an analysis of the relationship between the rate of lower extremity amputation, in persons with infected DFU, after revascularization procedures performed to prevent major amputation. This study highlights the role of different biomarkers, showing their usefulness and potentiality in diabetic foot ulcer management, especially for the early diagnosis and therapy effectiveness monitoring. A retrospective analysis, from September 2016 to January 2021, of diabetic patients presenting diabetic foot with DFU, was performed. All patients were treated with at least one vascular procedure (endovascular, open, hybrid procedures) targeting PAD lesions. Outcomes measured were perioperative mortality and morbidity. Freedom from occlusion, primary and secondary patency, and amputation rate were registered. A total of 267 patients, with a mean age of 72.5 years, were included in the study. The major amputation rate was 6.2%, minor amputation rate was 17%. In our experience, extreme revascularization to obtain direct flow reduced the rate of amputations, with an increase in ulcer healing.

Position Paper on Young Vascular Surgeons Training of the Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS): State of the Art and Perspectives.

The Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS) was founded in 2018, with the aim to promote cooperation among vascular professionals within Mediterranean countries. Due to its prominent social and economic impact on national health systems, diabetic peripheral artery was selected as the very first topic to be investigated by the federation. In this second paper, different experiences from delegates of participating countries were shared to define common strategies to harmonize, standardize, and optimize education and training in the Vascular Surgery specialty.

Simultaneous Hybrid Treatment of Multilevel Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid treatments (HT) aim to reduce conventional open surgery invasiveness and address multilevel peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Herein, the simultaneous HT treatment in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is reported. METHODS: Retrospective analysis, for the period from May 2012 to April 2018, of patients presenting multilevel PAD with CLTI addressed with simultaneous HT. The outcomes of these interventions were measured the following metrics: early technical successes (within 30 days following treatment) and late technical successes (30 days or more following treatment) and included mortality, morbidity symptoms recurrence, and amputation. Survival and patencies were estimated. The median follow-up was 43.77 months. RESULTS: In the 45 included patients, the HT consisted of femoral bifurcation patch angioplasty followed by an endovascular treatment in 38 patients (84.4%) and endovascular treatment followed by a surgical bypass in 7 patients (15.6%). Technical success was 100% without perioperative mortality. Eight (17.8%) patients presented early complications without major amputations. During the follow-up, seven (15.6%) deaths occurred and six patients (13.3%) experienced symptoms recurrence, with five of those patients requiring major amputation. An estimated survival time of 5 years, primary patency, and secondary patency was 84.4%, 79.2%, and 83.3% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid treatments are effective in addressing patients presenting with multilevel PAD and CLTI. The common femoral artery involvement influences strategy selection. Larger studies with longer-term outcomes are required to validate the hybrid approach, indications, and results.

Efficacy and one-year outcomes of Luminor® paclitaxel-coated drug-eluting balloon in the treatment of popliteal artery atherosclerosis lesions.

PURPOSE: Reporting outcomes with a new generation paclitaxel eluting balloon (Luminor®; iVascular, Vascular, S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain) in the popliteal district. Endovascular treatment of popliteal artery atherosclerotic disease is still debated without definitive evidences. METHODS: From January to June 2019, patients' data presenting popliteal artery atherosclerotic diseases and treated with the Luminor® (iVascular) drug eluting balloon (DEB) were prospectively collected. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) or severe claudication associated with popliteal artery stenosis >50% were the inclusion criteria. Measured outcomes were technical success, early and late results; including mortality, morbidity, symptoms recurrence, amputation, ankle-brachial index (ABI), survival, primary patency, secondary patency, freedom from restenosis. Median follow-up was 22.43 ± 4 (mean:21.58; IQR:20-24) months. RESULTS: Of the 33 included patients, 28 (85%) were diagnosed with CLI, with a mean preoperative run-off score of 5.39 (r:0-10; SD:3) and a chronic popliteal occlusion in 21 (64%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. Perioperative mortality was observed in 1 (3%) patient and perioperative complications in 2 (6%). During the follow-up were reported 2 symptoms recurrence; a significant ABI increase (0.57; IQR:0.41-0.47 vs. 0.69; IQR:0.50-0.67; P < 0.01); 1 (3%) major and 2 (6%) minor amputations. Estimated 24 months survival, primary patency, secondary patency, and freedom from restenosis were 97%, 96.9%, 100%, and 93.8% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study, the use of the Luminor® (iVascular) was safe and effective in addressing atherosclerotic popliteal artery lesions. Larger studies with longer term-outcomes are required to assess the durability of this device in the popliteal artery.

Single staged hybrid approach for multilevel aortic-iliac-femoral-popliteal disease.

INTRODUCTION: Multilevel peripheral arterial disease (MPAD) is the main cause of critic limb ischemia (CLI). Vascular interventions are required to increase distal blood flow and reduce the risk of lower limb amputation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of complex hybrid revascularization in a patient presenting a Rutherford V MPAD involving the infrarenal aorta, iliac, femoral and popliteal segments. The simultaneous hybrid intervention consisted of an endovascular aortic stent-graft placement and a surgical above-the-knee prosthetic femoro-popliteal bypass. In the same operation a renal stenting was performed due to a significant renal artery stenosis associated to a systemic hypertension non-responder to medical management. DISCUSSION: Hybrid interventions can be performed simultaneously or staged with benefit given by the complementary role of endovascular and surgical treatments allowing the correction of eventually inadequate results of both approaches. Reports of simultaneous hybrid treatments are limited but, despite the complexity of such procedures, primary success rate is reported high. Also in the reported case, a complex simultaneous treatment in a patient presenting MPAD in association to a significant and symptomatic renal artery disease was feasible in the same operation. CONCLUSION: Hybrid procedure are safe with high degree of efficacy in terms of revascularization procedure, reduced morbidity and shorter intensive care and hospital stay. In our experience, the use of hybrid procedure is technically feasible and allowed the treatment of MPAD with a good outcomes.

Simultaneous endovascular treatment of synchronous symptomatic acute type B aortic dissection and large infrarenal aortic aneurysm. Technical tips and case report.

INTRODUCTION: Data from the literature suggest that in patients with acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD), associated with AAA, rupture risk is higher at the confluence tract than isolated lessions. Herein, we report a case of ATBAD and AAA managed with simultaneous intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a complicated case of a symptomatic patient presenting with a type B aortic dissection and false lumen extension into superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Severe back pain and hypertension were the patient's initial complaints. This patient underwent endovascular repair with a thoracic and infrarenal aortic endograft. DISCUSSION: AAA rupture has been detected at admission in three-fourths of patients with ATBAD that extended to or involved a coexisting unoperated atherosclerotic aneurysms. Prompt surgical intervention is essential to deal with this dreadful aortic emergency. CONCLUSION: In our experience a totally endovascular solution to treat a complicated ATBAD plus AAA was a rapid solution with low invasivity, no complication and complete healing of patients.

Endovascular Treatment of Spontaneous and Isolated Infrarenal Acute Aortic Syndrome with Unibody Aortic Stent-Grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous acute aortic syndrome (IAAS) is rarely localized in the infrarenal aorta. The endovascular approach is preferred over conventional open surgery with fewer complications. However, dedicated endovascular devices for IAAS treatment are unavailable. The aim was to report a large single-center experience using unibody stent-grafts to address IAAS. METHODS: From April 2016 to March 2019, a retrospective analysis of patients presenting spontaneous and isolated IAAS was performed. Patients addressed with the unibody stent-graft (AFX endovascular AAA system; Endologix Inc., Irvine, CA) were included in the study. Indications to IAAS treatment were persistent symptoms and/or dilated abdominal aorta (>3 cm). The measured outcomes were technical success; early outcomes (<30 days) including mortality, morbidity, symptoms recurrence, and endoleak occurrence; and late outcomes (>30 days) including mortality, symptoms recurrence, endoleak occurrence, stent-graft patency, and survival. Median follow-up was 23.77 ± 10 months. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with IAAS were included. Indications to treatment were symptoms in 14 (67%) patients and dilated abdominal aorta in 7 (33%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. No perioperative mortality and 1 (4.8%) early femoral access complication was encountered. During the follow-up were registered 1 (4.8%) aortic unrelated death and 1 (4.8%) stent-graft limb stenosis. The 36 months estimated survival and freedom from reintervention were 92% (CI: 37-43; SE: 1.7) and 94% (CI: 37-44; SE: 1.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The endovascular treatment of IAAS with unibody stent-graft (AFX endovascular AAA system; Endologix Inc.) is safe and effective with promising mid-term outcomes. The use of unibody stent-grafts expands the endovascular indication, despite the usual anatomic IAAS features. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to validate the outcomes of the reported technique.

A rare case of infrarenal aortic coarctation in a young female.

INTRODUCTION: Infrarenal abdominal aortic coarctation (AAC) is an extremely rare disease. It can be associated with renal artery stenosis determining secondary renal hypertension. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of AAC in young female patient presenting systemic hypertension non-responder to medical treatment. Diagnostics revealed the involvement of the right renal artery as the cause of hypertension. The management consisted of percutaneous renal artery stenting and close surveillance for the aortic segment. The treatment was uneventful with resolution of the hypertensive condition. DISCUSSION: AAC etiology is unknown. There are no studies comparing the long-term treatment outcome in adult patients. The long-term prognosis depends mainly on blood pressure control and the underlying disease. In the reported case the treatment of the renal lesion was adequate to control the secondary hypertension. This approach does not preclude future intervention in the aortic segment and provides a fast-recovery and less invasive approach to the major clinical manifestation. CONCLUSION: In this case the treatment of the specific vascular lesion was adequate to address the main clinical hypertensive manifestation. This less-invasive approach did not preclude future intervention in the aortic segment where the evolution of the disease is unknown.

European guidelines on chronic mesenteric ischaemia - joint United European Gastroenterology, European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, Netherlands Association of Hepatogastroenterologists, Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, and Dutch Mesenteric Ischemia Study group clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

Chronic mesenteric ischaemia is a severe and incapacitating disease, causing complaints of post-prandial pain, fear of eating and weight loss. Even though chronic mesenteric ischaemia may progress to acute mesenteric ischaemia, chronic mesenteric ischaemia remains an underappreciated and undertreated disease entity. Probable explanations are the lack of knowledge and awareness among physicians and the lack of a gold standard diagnostic test. The underappreciation of this disease results in diagnostic delays, underdiagnosis and undertreating of patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia, potentially resulting in fatal acute mesenteric ischaemia. This guideline provides a comprehensive overview and repository of the current evidence and multidisciplinary expert agreement on pertinent issues regarding diagnosis and treatment, and provides guidance in the multidisciplinary field of chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

Endovascular Treatment of Spontaneous Internal Carotid Artery Dissection with Proximal Embolic Protection Device.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the feasibility and outcomes with the endovascular treatment of spontaneous internal carotid artery dissections (ICADs) using a proximal embolic protection device (EPD). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated for spontaneous symptomatic ICAD using a proximal EPD from January 2017 to December 2018. Indication for treatment was the presence of neurologic symptoms. Early outcomes measured included technical success, perioperative mortality, and major cardiovascular or cerebrovascular complications. Late outcomes were recurrent neurologic symptoms, patency, and reinterventions. RESULTS: A total of 4 male patients with ICAD were included. A preoperative cerebral computed tomography positive for cerebral ischemic events was reported in all cases. In 3 patients, the neurologic symptoms consisted of a transient ischemic attack; the remaining patient presented an amaurosis fugax and aphasia. In 2 patients, ICAD was associated with a carotid significant stenosis. In all patients, the reported approach was feasible with no complications and complete anatomic dissection resolution. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, all stents are patent and no restenosis recurrence or complications were registered. CONCLUSIONS: The use of proximal EPDs allowed the treatment of ICAD under flow arrest, minimizing the risk of stroke during the endovascular maneuvers. Larger series are required to validate this treatment strategy.

Managing Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients: A Questionnaire Survey from Vascular Centers of the Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS).

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS) was founded on October 1, 2018, to enhance cooperation among vascular professionals within Mediterranean countries. Due to its prominent social and economic impact on national health systems, diabetic arteriopathy has been selected as the very first topic to be investigated by the federation. METHODS: MeFAVS members were asked to reply to a questionnaire on the management of diabetic ischemic foot. Results were collected and analyzed statistically. The questionnaire consisted of 15 multiple choice answers regarding diabetic foot (DF) diagnosis and treatment. The questionnaire was submitted to 21 centers on April 20, 2019. RESULTS: Response rate was 62%. The survey revealed that vascular surgeons, diabetologists, and wound care nurses made-up the core of the diabetic teams present in 76.9%, 69.3%, and 92.3% of the centers, respectively. Diabetic teams were most often led by vascular surgeons (53.8%) and diabetologists (42.2%), but only in 7.9% of cases by nurses. Duplex ultrasonography and computed tomographic angiography were the most commonly available tools used to assess diabetic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Surgical wound care was undertaken by vascular surgeons in the majority of cases, and only in 46.2% of the cases to orthopedic or plastic surgeons, while nonsurgical wound care was handled by specialized nurses (76.6%) and diabetologists (53.8%). First-line revascularization was preferred over conservative treatment (61.5% vs 53.8%) and endovascular strategy (45.3%) over open (33.7%) or hybrid (21.0%) surgery. Vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists were found to be the most common performers of endovascular revascularization (92.3% and 53.8%, respectively). Amputations had an overall rate of 16.6% (range 4-30%) and a mean reintervention rate of 22.5%, and were usually performed by vascular surgeons for both minor and major interventions (84.6%) followed by orthopedic surgeons (15.4% minor and 30.8% major). The availability of a DF clinic (84.6%) and endovascular (53.8%) and open surgery (46.2%) capabilities were considered fundamental to reduce amputation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Especially since the introduction and spreading of new endovascular techniques for the treatment of DF, it is a common consensus amongst vascular surgeons that a standardized approach to the discipline is necessary in order to improve outcomes such as amputation-free survival and mortality and it is with this perspective and purpose that transnational cooperation amongst vascular professionals and residents in training are aiming for greater proficiency in endovascular and open surgery.

Improved technique for sheath supported contralateral limb gate cannulation in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Background: To present a technique of sheath supported contralateral limb gate (CLG) cannulation of modular bifurcated stent-graft in endovascular abdominal aortic repair. Materials and methods: After totally percutaneous bilateral femoral access, the 9F introducer sheath is exchanged to a 30 cm 12 fr introducer sheath over a stiff wire contralateral to the intended main stent-graft insertion side and advanced into the aorta below the lowest renal artery. Parallel to the stiff wire within the sheath an additional standard J-tip guidewire with a 5 fr Pigtail angiographic catheter is advanced to the level of the renal arteries. After main body deployment, the 12 fr introducer sheath and J-tip wire with pigtail catheter are retracted until the CLG opening level, maintaining the stiff "buddy" wire in position to support the 12 fr sheath, maintaining its distal opening close to the contralateral gate opening to achieve easy cannulation. Results: Retrospective analysis of video archive from July 2016 to February 2018 evidenced 55 recorded EVAR cases. All CLG cannulations were obtained with Standard J-tip or Terumo Glidewire wires and with Pig-Tail or Berenstein catheters. Technical success was 100 %. Mean fluoroscopy time to accomplish CLG cannulation was 37.6 33 (range 1-105) seconds. The aortic carrefour angulation on coronal axis strongly correlates with cannulation time p = <.001, with longer cannulation time for higher carrefour angulations on coronal axis (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.47). Conclusions: The use of 12 fr sheath with parallel wire introduction technique, appears to be a safe and reliable tool to facilitate CLG cannulation during EVAR procedures.