International Collaborative Study Comparing Outcomes of Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair in OCtogenarian vs Non-Octogenarian Patients: The FEVOC study.

OBJECTIVE: With an increasing life expectancy, more octogenarian patients are referred with complex aortic aneurysms (cAAA). The aim of this study was to evaluate short and mid-term outcomes following fenestrated aortic repair (FEVAR) in octogenarians. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies looking at octogenarian-specific outcomes with diverging results. METHODS: Retrospective, multicentre cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing elective FEVAR for cAAAs or type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms between 2007-2022 in eight high-volume centres. Octogenarians vs. non-octogenarians were compared. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included 1, 2 and 5-year survival and reintervention rates. RESULTS: A total of 729 patients (median age of 74.8 years [IQR 69.2 - 79.14]) were included, 169 (23%) of which were octogenarians, with 316 (43.3%) patients undergoing juxta/pararenal aneurysm repair. Although octogenarians presented less complex but larger (61 mm vs. 58 mm) aneurysms, the number of fenestrations was similar across groups. No differences in in-hospital mortality (4.1 vs. 3.0%), MAE (16.6% vs 12.2%) or reintervention rates (11.2 vs. 10%) were found. Multivariable logistic regression of in-hospital mortality identified BMI (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.95, P=0.003), chronic heart failure (OR 7.70, 95% CI 1.36-36.15, P=0.003) and GFR<45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 5.25, 95% CI 1.20-22.86, P=0.027) as independent predictors. Median follow-up was 41 months. The 1, 2 and 5-year survival rates were 91.3%, 81.8% and 49.5% in octogenarians vs 90.6%, 86.5% and 68.8% in non-octogenarian patients (Log-rank: =0.001). Freedom from aortic-related death and freedom from reintervention at five-years were similar across groups (log-rank=0.94 and .76, respectively). Age>80 was not an independent predictor of 30-day or long-term mortality on multivariable and Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Elective FEVAR in octogenarians appears to be safe, with similar outcomes as in younger patients. Future studies looking at improved patient selection methods to ensure long-term survival benefits in both octogenarians and younger patients are warranted.

Impact of Calcification on the Outcomes of Femoropopliteal Artery Endovascular Treatment Using a Polymer Coated Drug-Eluting Stent.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of calcification on the 12 and 24 months outcomes of the Eluvia™ (Boston Scientific®) drug-eluting stent (DES) for femoropopliteal occlusive disease using three different calcium scoring systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center, retrospective cohort-study (March-2016 to December-2018) of patients treated with the Eluvia™ DES for femoropopliteal atherosclerosis was performed. Outcomes included primary and secondary patency rates and freedom from target lesion revascularization (FTLR) and were analyzed by comparing the impact of calcium burden according to the following calcium scores: Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System (PACSS) score, number of vessel quadrants affected (0-4) and calcification score per Peripheral Academic Research Consortium (PARC) definitions. RESULTS: In total, 111 Patients were included (mean age: 71.2 ± 7.9; 64% male). Most patients presented with Rutherford class 3 (79.9%), followed by class 5 (12.7%), class 4 (10%) and class 6 (6.4%). The mean lesion length was 197.6 ± 108.5 mm and 74.3% of patients had chronic total occlusions. There were no differences in primary patency between the calcification scores at 12 months (PACSS, LogRank = 0.28; quadrants, LogRank = 0.29; PARC, LogRank = 0.42) and 24 months (PACSS, LogRank = 0.13; quadrants, LogRank = 0.42; PARC, LogRank = 0.13). FTLR was significantly lower at 12 months in patients with calcification affecting 3 or 4 quadrants (LogRank = 0.022) but not at 24 months (LogRank = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the Eluvia™ DES showed promising performance in calcified disease and the analysis according to the quadrant model predicted an increased risk for TLR at 12 months.

Editor's Choice - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Contemporary Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth Rates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contemporary growth rate of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in view of recent epidemiological changes, such as decreasing smoking rates and establishment of population screening programmes. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, and OpenGrey databases. REVIEW METHODS: Systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. In October 2021, databases were queried for studies reporting on AAA growth rates published from 2015 onwards. The primary outcome was contemporary AAA growth rates in mm/year. Data were pooled in a random effects model meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed through the I2 statistic. GRADE assessment of the findings was performed. The protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42022297404). RESULTS: Of 8 717 titles identified, 43 studies and 28 277 patients were included: 1 241 patients from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 23 941 from clinical observational studies, and 3 095 from radiological or translational research studies. The mean AAA growth rate was 2.38 mm/year (95% CI 2.16 - 2.60 mm/year; GRADE = low), with meta-regression analysis adjusted for baseline diameter showing an increase of 0.08 mm/year (95% CI 0.024 - 0.137 mm/year; p = .005) for each millimetre of increased baseline diameter. When analysed by study type, the growth rate estimated from RCTs was 1.88 mm/year (95% CI 1.69 - 2.06 mm/year; GRADE = high), while it was 2.31 mm/year (95% CI 1.95 - 2.67 mm/year; GRADE = moderate) from clinical observational studies, and 2.85 mm/year (95% CI 2.44 - 3.26 mm/year; GRADE = low) from translational and radiology based studies (p < .001). Heterogeneity was high, and small study publication bias was present (p = .003), with 27 studies presenting a moderate to high risk of bias. The estimated growth rate from low risk studies was 2.09 mm/year (95% CI 1.87 - 2.32; GRADE = high). CONCLUSION: This study estimated a contemporaneous AAA growth rate of 2.38 mm/year, being unable to demonstrate any clinically meaningful AAA growth rate reduction concomitant with changed AAA epidemiology. This suggests that the RESCAN recommendations on small AAA surveillance are still valid. However, sub-analysis results from RCTs and high quality study data indicate potential lower AAA growth rates of 1.88 - 2.09 mm/year, findings that should be validated in a high quality prospective registry.

Incidence of muscle symptoms in placebo arm among statin-intolerant patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Statins are highly used in cardiovascular prevention. Statin intolerance is the most significant cause of decreased adherence, translating into a higher cardiovascular risk. This systematic review aims to estimate the incidence of muscle adverse events in patients with a history of statin intolerance receiving placebo. METHODS: Database search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE until March 2023. This systematic review included blinded randomized control trials enrolling patients with a history of statin intolerance who received a placebo. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Results were presented in percentages, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Overall, eight studies with 8095 patients with a history of statin intolerance receiving placebo were included. The muscle adverse events incidence rate was 21.34% (95% CI 13.26-30.63%, 8 studies), and discontinuation due to adverse muscle events was 6.12% (95% CI 1.22-13.70%, 3 studies). The incidence was higher in subcutaneous placebo/sham (41.67%, 1 study) compared to oral placebo studies (22.95%, 6 studies). CONCLUSION: In patients previously labeled as statin-intolerant, about a fifth of the patients exhibited muscle symptoms when receiving a placebo. This highlights the importance of ruling out non-statin-related symptoms to further optimize statin therapy for cardiovascular risk improvement.

Outcomes of Elective and Non-elective Fenestrated-branched Endovascular Aortic Repair for Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes after elective and non-elective fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). BACKGROUND: FB-EVAR has been increasingly utilized to treat TAAAs; however, outcomes after non-elective versus elective repair are not well described. METHODS: Clinical data of consecutive patients undergoing FB-EVAR for TAAAs at 24 centers (2006-2021) were reviewed. Endpoints including early mortality and major adverse events (MAEs), all-cause mortality, and aortic-related mortality (ARM), were analyzed and compared in patients who had non-elective versus elective repair. RESULTS: A total of 2603 patients (69% males; mean age 72±10 year old) underwent FB-EVAR for TAAAs. Elective repair was performed in 2187 patients (84%) and non-elective repair in 416 patients [16%; 268 (64%) symptomatic, 148 (36%) ruptured]. Non-elective FB-EVAR was associated with higher early mortality (17% vs 5%, P <0.001) and rates of MAEs (34% vs 20%, P <0.001). Median follow-up was 15 months (interquartile range, 7-37 months). Survival and cumulative incidence of ARM at 3 years were both lower for non-elective versus elective patients (50±4% vs 70±1% and 21±3% vs 7±1%, P <0.001). On multivariable analysis, non-elective repair was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI] 1.50-2.44; P <0.001) and ARM (hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.63-3.62; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-elective FB-EVAR of symptomatic or ruptured TAAAs is feasible, but carries higher incidence of early MAEs and increased all-cause mortality and ARM than elective repair. Long-term follow-up is warranted to justify the treatment.

In vitro evaluation of the optimal degree of oversizing of thoracic endografts in prosthetic landing areas: a pilot study.

Objective: The optimal degree of proximal thoracic endograft oversizing when aiming for durable sealing in prosthetic grafts is unknown. The aim of the present study was to create an in vitro model for testing different oversized thoracic endografts in a reproducible and standardized manner and, subsequently, determine the optimal oversizing range when planning procedures with a proximal landing in prosthetic zones in the descending thoracic aorta or aortic arch. Methods: An in vitro model consisting of a fixed 24-mm polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron; DuPont) graft sutured proximally and distally to two specifically designed 40-mm rings, with four force sensing resistors attached at four equally distant positions and a USB camera attached proximally for photographic and video documentation was used for deployment of Zenith TX2 (Cook Medical Inc) dissection platform endografts with diameters between 24 and 36 mm. After deployment, ballooning with a 32-mm compliant balloon was performed to simulate real-life conditions. The assessment of oversizing included visual inspection, calculation of the valley areas created between the prosthetic wall and the stent graft fabric, distance between the stent graft peaks, the radial force exerted by the proximal sealing stent, and the pull-out force necessary for endograft extraction. Results: A total of 70 endografts were deployed with the oversizing ranging from 0% to 50%: 10 × 24 mm, 10 × 26 mm, 10 × 28 mm, 10 × 30 mm, 10 × 32 mm, 10 × 34 mm, and 10 × 36 mm. Two cases of infolding occurred with 50% oversizing. The valley areas increased from 8.79 ± 0.23 mm2 with 16.7% oversizing to 14.26 ± 0.45 mm2 with 50% oversizing (P < .001). A significant difference was found in the pull-out force required for endografts with <10% oversizing vs ≥10% oversizing (P < .001). The difference reached a plateau at ∼4 N with oversizing of >15%. The mean radial force of the proximal sealing stent was greater after remodeling with a compliant balloon (0.55 ± 0.02 N vs 0.60 ± 0.02 N after ballooning; P < .001). However, greater oversizing did not lead to an increase in the radial force exerted by the proximal sealing stent. Conclusions: The findings from the present study offer additional insight into the mechanics of oversized stent grafts in surgical grafts. In endografts with the Zenith stent design (TX2), oversizing of <16.7% resulted in reduced resistance to displacement forces, and oversizing of >50% was associated with major infolding in 20% of cases. Long-term in vitro and in vivo testing is required to understand how these mechanical properties affect the clinical outcomes of oversizing.

Common Designs of Custom-Made Fenestrated Arch Devices and Applicability of an Off-the-Shelf Design.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze device designs, similarities and overlaps of custom-made fenestrated arch endografts intended for mid/distal arch thoracic endovascular aortic repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study analyzing custom-made anonymized graft plans was performed. Graft plans were included from a cohort of mid/distal aortic arch repairs using custom-made fenestrated aortic endografts treated at 8 centers. Grafts targeting >2 arteries were excluded. No patient/clinical data were analyzed. A descriptive analysis was performed followed by an analysis of overlap of the designs to reach a common design in which the greatest number of grafts would overlap. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one graft plans were included. All grafts were custom-made grafts from the COOK Medical Fenestrated arch platform. Ninety-four (71.8%) had a scallop-and-single-fenestration design, 33 (25.2%) had a single fenestration and 4 (4.3%) a single scallop. For analysis purposes, these latter 4 grafts were excluded. Two main graft plans (Plans 1 and 2) were proposed after analysis with similar configuration (1 scallop with 30 mm width, 20 mm height, 12:00 position; 1 preloaded fenestration with 8 mm diameter, 26 mm from the top of the graft and 12:00 position; tapered, with a 193 mm length and 32 mm distal diameter) but with 2 different proximal diameters of 38 mm (Plan 1) and 44 mm (Plan 2), reaching an overall feasibility of 85.8% (n=109), being 47.2% (n=60) and 38.6% (n=49) for each design, respectively. CONCLUSION: The degree of overlap between the studied fenestrated and/or scalloped thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) graft designs was high. Future studies analyzing these designs in a real-world cohort of patients are needed to further address off-the-shelf feasibility. CLINICAL IMPACT: In a multicenter study analyzing 127 fenestrated aortic arch endograft plans from 9 aortic centers, we found that the degree of overlap between the studied fenestrated and/or scalloped arch graft designs was high and that 2 proposed graft designs would be theoretically applicable in 85.8% of cases. Future studies analyzing these designs in a real-world cohort of patients are needed to further address off-the-shelf feasibility.

Transatlantic multicenter study on the use of a modified preloaded delivery system for fenestrated endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the outcomes of endovascular complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair using the Cook fenestrated device with the modified preloaded delivery system (MPDS) with a biport handle and preloaded catheters. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective single arm cohort study was performed, including all consecutive patients with complex abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms treated with the MPDS fenestrated device (Cook Medical). Patient clinical characteristics, anatomy, and indications for device use were collected. Outcomes, classified according to the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards, were collected at discharge, 30 days, 6 months, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Overall, 712 patients (median age, 73 years; interquartile range [IQR], 68-78 years; 83% male) from 16 centers in Europe and the United States treated electively were included: 35.4% (n = 252) presented with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and 64.6% (n = 460) with complex abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Overall, 2755 target vessels were included (mean ,3.9 per patient). Of these, 1628 were incorporated via ipsilateral preloads using the MPDS (1440 accessed from the biport handle and 188 from above). The mean size of the contralateral femoral sheath during target vessel catheterization was 15F ± 4, and in 41 patients (6.7%) the sheath size was ≤8F. Technical success was 96.1%. Median procedural time was 209 minutes (IQR, 161-270 minutes), contrast volume was 100 mL (IQR, 70-150mL), fluoroscopy time was 63.9 minutes (IQR, 49.7-80.4 minutes) and median cumulative air kerma radiation dose was 2630 mGy (IQR, 838-5251 mGy). Thirty-day mortality was 4.8% (n = 34). Access complications occurred in 6.8% (n = 48) and 30-day reintervention in 7% (n = 50; 18 branch related). Follow-up of >30 days was available for 628 patients (88%), with a median follow-up of 19 months (IQR, 8-39 months). Branch-related endoleaks (type Ic/IIIc) were observed in 15 patients (2.6%) and aneurysm growth of >5 mm was observed in 54 (9.5%). Freedom from reintervention at 12 and 24 months was 87.1% (standard error [SE],1.5%) and 79.2% (SE, 2.0%), respectively. Overall target vessel patency at 12 and 24 months was 98.6% (SE, 0.3%) and 96.8% (SE, 0.4%), respectively, and was 97.9% (SE, 0.4%) and 95.3% (SE, 0.8%) for arteries stented from below using the MPDS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MPDS is safe and effective. Overall benefits include a decrease in contralateral sheath size in the treatment of complex anatomies with favorable results.

The fate of spinal arteries after the stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair technique: a case series.

Objective: We evaluated the patency of the spinal arteries (intercostal and lumbar) after the STABILISE (stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair) technique. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients with aortic dissection treated with the STABILISE technique between April 2018 and July 2021 was performed. Imaging analysis of the spinal cord vascular supply was accomplished using multiplanar and maximum intensity projection reconstructed images of pre- and postoperative computed tomography angiograms at 1 month, 12 months, and annually thereafter. Results: Twelve patients were treated for complicated aortic dissection. Primary technical success was 100% and mid-term clinical success, at a mean follow-up of 27 ± 12 months, was 90%. No cases of spinal cord ischemia were identified. One patient died after 1 year (non-aortic related), and one patient was lost to follow-up. A significant decrease was found in the mean number of patent spinal arteries in the stent graft area at 1 month (P < .001), 1 year (P < .001), and 2 years (P = .004). However, no significant reduction was found in the number of spinal arteries in either the bare metal stented or nonstented aorta (P > .05). Conclusions: Use of the STABILISE technique decreased intercostal artery patency in the thoracic stent graft area, but spinal artery patency was not significantly affected by the bare metal stent nor its aggressive ballooning. These findings constitute a step toward a better understanding of the safety of this technique.

Acute Kidney Injury Following Revascularization in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia and Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights From the NSQIP Database at 30-Day Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of developing renal injury following revascularization. We aimed to compare the risk of adverse renal events following endovascular revascularization (ER) or open surgery (OS) in patients with CLTI and CKD. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) databases (2011-2017) was performed including patients with CLTI and non-dialysis-dependent CKD, comparing ER to OS. The primary outcome was a composite of postprocedural kidney injury or failure within 30 days. Thirty-day mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), amputation, readmission or target lesion revascularization (TLR) were compared using multivariate logistic regression and propensity-score matched analysis. RESULTS: A total of 5009 patients were included (ER: 2361; OS: 3409). The risk for the composite primary outcome was comparable between groups (odds ratio [OR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53-1.17) as for kidney injury (n=54, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.39-1.19) or failure (n=55, OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.39-1.19). In the adjusted regression, a significant benefit was observed with ER for the primary outcome (OR: 0.60, p=0.018) and renal failure (OR: 0.50, p=0.025), but not for renal injury (OR: 0.76, p=0.34). Lower rates of MACCE, TLR, and readmissions were observed after ER. Thirty-day mortality and major amputation rates did not differ. In the propensity score analysis, revascularization strategy was not associated with renal injury or failure. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, the incidence of renal events within 30 days of revascularization in CLTI was low and comparable between ER and OR. CLINICAL IMPACT: In a cohort of 5009 patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and non-end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), postprocedural kidney injury or failure within 30 days was comparable between patients submitted to open or endovascular revascularization (ER). Lower rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, target lesion revascularization, and readmissions were observed after endovascular revascularization. Based on these findings, ER should not be avoided due to fear of worsening renal function in CKD patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. In fact, these patients benefit more from ER regarding cardiovascular outcomes with no increased risk of kidney injury.

Current perspectives in acute type B aortic dissections: a literature review.

In this new millennial, endovascular strategies have revolutionized the treatment of acute type B aortic dissection (aTBAD). With reduced in-hospital mortality and good long-term outcomes TEVAR has become the gold standard for the treatment of complicated dissection and is gaining increasing support for its preventive applicability in some uncomplicated dissections. With this new paradigm came a shift of the treatment goal where just covering the entry tear is not enough and instead achieving long-term positive thoracoabdominal remodeling is needed. More extensive approaches with composite device designs (covered stent graft and bare metal stent) emerged to answer this aortic conundrum. At 5-year of follow-up, "Provisional ExTension To Induce COmplete Attachment technique" (PETTICOAT) and its evolution "Stent assisted balloon induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair" (STABILISE) seem to be safe techniques that can allow, when anatomically feasible, excellent aortic remodeling and, in some cases, even the healing of the dissection. Nevertheless, STABILISE results, although promising, are mostly based on small series and therefore need to be validated by analyzing medium-long-term results from the international registry. Given the plethora of new data and the disparity of expert opinions on the best treatment to adopt, in this review we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the results of these different strategies for acute TBAD.

The evolution of management of type B aortic dissection in a series of 100 consecutive cases in a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Management of aortic dissection is rapidly evolving. The present study aims to assess paradigm shifts in type B aortic dissection (TBAD) treatment modalities and their outcomes according to clinical presentation and type of treatment. We also aim to assess the impact of endovascular technology in TBAD management in order to define organizational strategies to provide an integrated cardiovascular approach. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review with descriptive analysis of the last 100 consecutive patients with TBAD admitted to the Vascular Surgery Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte over a 16-year period. Results were stratified according to treatment modality and stage of the disease. The study was further divided into two time periods, 2003-2010 and 2011-2019, respectively before and after the introduction of a dedicated endovascular program for aortic dissections. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (83% male; mean age 60 years) were included, of whom 59 were admitted in the acute stage (50.8% with complicated dissections). The other 41 patients were admitted for chronic dissections, most of them for surgical treatment of aneurysmal degeneration. Temporal analysis demonstrated an increase in the number of patients operated for aortic dissection, mainly due to an increase in chronic patients (33.3% in 2003-2010 vs. 64.4% in 2011-2019) and a clear shift toward endovascular treatment from 2015 onward. Overall in-hospital mortality was 14% and was significantly higher in the chronic phase (acute 5.1% vs. chronic 26.8%; OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.71-16.39; p=0.003) and in patients with aneurysmal degeneration, regardless of the temporal phase. Only one death was recorded in the endovascular group. CONCLUSION: Management of TABD carried an overall mortality of 14% during a 16-year period, but the appropriate use of endovascular technology has substantially reduced in-hospital mortality.

Cervical Debranching: Regional versus General Anesthesia for Carotid-Subclavian Bypass. A Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: We report here the first cohort study comparing regional and general anaesthesia for left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed, including all consecutive patients who underwent cervical debranching with carotid-subclavian bypass before aortic repair from February 2018 to May 2022. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of anesthesia: Regional anesthesia (RA) versus general anesthesia (GA). Primary endpoints included the following: 1) technical success of RA and 2) neurological complications (NCs) (stroke and peripheral neurological lesions). Secondary endpoints included postoperative bleeding, wound complications, 30-day reintervention rate, and midterm events. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were included in the study. The mean age was 64 years (interquartile range [IQR]:13.5) and 69% were male. Thirty-seven patients (44.5%) were performed under RA. Technical success of RA was 89.2%. Two minor strokes (2.4%) were observed in the GA group (P = 0.199). Peripheral neurological disorders occurred in 4 patients (4.8%) (RA group n = 1 (2.7%), GA group n = 3 (6.5%), P = 0.491). 30-day complication rate was 27.7% (n = 23, GA: n = 15 (32.6%), RA: n = 8 (21.6%), P = 0.266). 30-day reintervention rate was 14.5% (n = 12) ten bleeding complications (12%) (RA group n = 3 (8.1%), GA group n = 7 (15.2%), P = 0.323), and 2 seroma evacuations (2.4%) in the RA group. The incidence of superficial wound infections was n = 6 (7.2%) (RA group n = 2 (5.4%), GA group n = 4 (8.7%), P = 0.565). Median follow-up time was 22 months (IQR 22 min/max 1-44). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, RA for carotid subclavian bypass surgery proved to be a feasible and effective anesthetic procedure compared with GA.

Salvage of an Incomplete Sandwich With a Covered Celiac Trunk and a "Floating" Superior Mesenteric Artery Stent in a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a patient with a large thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) extent V treated with a custom-made fenestrated and branched endovascular repair (F/B-EVAR) after a failed and incomplete attempt of a Sandwich repair technique. REPORT: An 83-year-old patient was referred to our department after a failed attempt at endovascular repair of type V TAAA with a sandwich technique. The celiac trunk was inadvertently covered with the first endograft and a covered long superior mesenteric artery stent was placed and left facing upward inside the aorta. We performed a staged repair, by first catheterizing and stenting the celiac trunk and bringing it under and inside the main aortic endograft. In interval, a F/B-EVAR was performed using a bimodular custom-made device (CMD) with a proximal 2 branch module for the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery and distal module with fenestrations for both renal arteries. The intervention was successful, and the follow-up was uneventful at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Re-intervention after failed endovascular attempts of TAAA repair are technically challenging and require advanced endovascular techniques. The ability to construct CMDs allowed to extend repair to our patient which had severe anatomical constraints for other techniques.

Current state and future directions of endovascular ascending and arch repairs: The motion towards an endovascular Bentall procedure.

Endovascular repair of the ascending aorta and aortic arch has evolved at an astonishing pace in the past several decades. Results of endovascular arch repair in experienced centers have been improving and the technology evolving, and it has begun to challenge the current gold standard status of open surgery in some groups of patients. Hybrid strategies with adjunctive cervical debranching for distal arch lesions are being replaced by fenestrated arch repairs. Total endovascular repair for proximal aortic arch pathologies with the use of inner branches has achieved the best results; however, the main current limitations of endovascular arch repair are diameter-, length-, and angulation-related issues with the ascending aorta (proximal landing zone). Ascending aorta endovascular repair has allowed extending treatment further proximally in patients with post-surgical pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta or post-type A chronic aortic dissections. However, sufficient proximal landing zone is still needed in the proximal aorta for these repairs; in a significant number of patients, this is not feasible with simple proximal tubular grafts. Therefore, new technologies and techniques are being developed to deal with this limitation, including the endovascular Bentall concept, with incorporation of the aortic valve and coronary ostia. In this review, the current state and future directions of endovascular ascending and arch repairs and the motion towards an endovascular Bentall procedure are discussed.

Postoperative Outcomes and Reinterventions Following Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair in Post-Dissection and Complex Degenerative Abdominal and Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of FBEVAR in post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms has not been well established in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare midterm outcomes following FBEVAR in post-dissection aneurysms to degenerative aneurysms. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing FBEVAR in a single center between 2017 and 2020. The baseline characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes of patients with post-dissection aneurysms were compared to those with degenerative outcomes. The primary end point was unplanned reinterventions. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of worse outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 137 subjects with a mean age of 70 ± 10 years were included in the study, out of which 30 presented post-dissection aneurysms (22%). Custom-made devices were employed in 119 patients, off-the-shelf devices in 13 and physician-modified endografts in 5, with incorporation in 505 target vessels. The technical success rate was comparable in both groups (97% vs. 98%, p = 0.21). However, the one-year freedom from unplanned reintervention was lower in the post-dissection group (67% vs. 89%, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: FBEVAR in post-dissection aneurysms is associated with a favorable technical success rate, but reintervention rates remain high. Long procedural duration and the use of adjunctive techniques are associated with increased risk of reinterventions.