Efficacy and safety of iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an alternative conduit for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The use of basilic vein in iliofemoral revascularizations was previously described in the literature as an autologous option for the treatment of vascular prosthesis infection and as a primary conduit in patients at high risk of infectious surgical complications. However, the publications available include several different indications and are limited to case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the use of arm veins as a safe and effective autologous alternative for iliofemoral reconstruction in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and at high risk of prosthesis infection. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study with 53 consecutive iliofemoral bypasses using arm veins as an alternative conduit. The procedures were performed between November 2013 and November 2021, exclusively for patients with CLTI classified as TASC aortoiliac C or D with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection. Demographic, clinical variables, and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. Main endpoints were amputation-free survival (AFS) and major adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints included primary and secondary patencies and overall survival. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of AFS. Postoperative surgical complications and 30-day mortality were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.2 ± 8.4 years, with a predominance of male gender. The median follow-up period was 615 days. All patients had CLTI, with a predominance of tissue loss (n = 51; 96.2%) and a median ankle-brachial index of 0.28. The basilic vein was utilized in most procedures (69.8%). Thirty-day major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in five cases (9.4%), and the 30-day mortality rate was 3.8%. The AFS, primary patency, secondary patency, and overall survival in 720 days were 71%, 72%, 89%, and 75%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed no association between the variables analyzed for AFS. There was no graft late infection nor pseudoaneurysmal degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an autologous conduit proved to be an effective and safe procedure with low incidence of postoperative cardiovascular complications and high rates of AFS in patients with CLTI. Also, this suggests that arm veins can be an interesting and suitable autologous alternative conduit for iliofemoral reconstructions, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided or when it is not available.

Efficacy and safety of iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an alternative conduit for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVE: The use of basilic vein in iliofemoral revascularizations was previously described in the literature as an autologous option for the treatment of vascular prosthesis infection and as a primary conduit in patients at high risk of infectious surgical complications. However, the publications available include several different indications and are limited to case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the use of arm veins as a safe and effective autologous alternative for iliofemoral reconstruction in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and at high risk of prosthesis infection. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study with 53 consecutive iliofemoral bypasses using arm veins as an alternative conduit. The procedures were performed between November 2013 and November 2021, exclusively for patients with CLTI classified as TASC aortoiliac C or D with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection. Demographic, clinical variables, and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. Main endpoints were amputation-free survival (AFS) and major adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints included primary and secondary patencies and overall survival. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of AFS. Postoperative surgical complications and 30-day mortality were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.2 ± 8.4 years, with a predominance of male gender. The median follow-up period was 615 days. All patients had CLTI, with a predominance of tissue loss (n = 51; 96.2%) and a median ankle-brachial index of 0.28. The basilic vein was utilized in most procedures (69.8%). Thirty-day major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in five cases (9.4%), and the 30-day mortality rate was 3.8%. The AFS, primary patency, secondary patency, and overall survival in 720 days were 71%, 72%, 89%, and 75%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed no association between the variables analyzed for AFS. There was no graft late infection nor pseudoaneurysmal degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an autologous conduit proved to be an effective and safe procedure with low incidence of postoperative cardiovascular complications and high rates of AFS in patients with CLTI. Also, this suggests that arm veins can be an interesting and suitable autologous alternative conduit for iliofemoral reconstructions, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided or when it is not available.

Real life outcomes of infrapopliteal endovascular and surgical bypass intervention for chronic limb threatening ischaemia in GLASS stages II and III

OBJETIVE: Great efforts have been made to determine when choosing between bypass surgery or angioplasty as first-time revascularization in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Endovascular therapy predominates despite limited evidence for their advantage. The purpose of this observational cohort study, was to investigate outcomes after open and endovascular infrapopliteal revascularization in extensive infrainguinal arterial disease. METHODS: The medical records of 1427 patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization exclusively for CLTI in the period of January 2014 to February 2019 were reviewed. After detailed analysis, only infrapopliteal revascularizations classified as GLASS stage II or III were considered, resulting in 326 procedures. There were 127 patients who underwent endovascular therapy and 199 patients who underwent bypass graft surgery (BGS). The primary endpoints included amputation-free survival (AFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included the analyses of multiple factors related to long-term AFS. RESULTS: Regarding the primary endpoint, AFS were 75.2% and 65.2% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Overall survival at 1 and 3 years were 91.2% and 83.1%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the hazard of the combined endpoint of major amputation or death was higher following bypass surgery than after endovascular therapy (HR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.13-2.89; P= .013). After either revascularization method, TASCII femoropopliteal D was associated with a higher risk of amputation or death (HR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10-2.58; P= .015). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed no association between the variables analysed for AFS. CONCLUSIONS: CLTI patients submitted to infrapopliteal revascularization and classified as GLASS II and III had satisfactory AFS and OS rates after indivualized team conference decision. Furthermore, the revascularization modality (endo or open) did not influence the results of AFS.

Late Outcomes of Elective Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Tertiary Low-Volume Hospital in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to report early and long-term results of elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a tertiary low-volume hospital in Brazil. METHODS: Between October 2006 and May 2017, 120 patients underwent elective EVAR for infrarenal aortic aneurysm. The interventions were reviewed retrospectively, focusing on 30-day mortality, long-term survival, and freedom from reintervention. Late outcomes were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. RESULTS: The follow-up's median and interquartile range was 3 (1-5) years. Overall, most patients were males (75%) and the median age was 74 years. Mostly patients were at a high risk for intervention (79.1%) and the majority was classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists III (53.3%). Preoperative aneurysm diameter median was 60 mm, interquartile range was 52.7-69. As per the postoperative aneurysm sac evolution, the number of patients with a reduction, stabilization, or an increase was 93 (77.5%), 18 (15%), and 9 (7.5%), respectively. The 30-day mortality was 6.6% and no late aneurysm-related deaths were identified. The overall incidence of late endoleaks was 24.1%, with the predominance of type II (23.3%), followed by type IA (0.8 %). Secondary interventions were necessary for 9 patients (7.5%). The 6-year analyses revealed freedom from reintervention and overall survival of 87.9% and 57.7%, respectively. The Cox regression analyses identified age > 75 years as an adverse factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.5; P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, EVAR in a low-volume center was associated with high 30-day mortality, but satisfactory long-term results were identified.

Eversion Endarterectomy of the External Iliac Artery in Treating Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in TASC II C and D Iliofemoral Occlusive Disease

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of iliofemoral occlusive disease is a challenging approach, especially for TransAtlantic Inter-Society C and D lesions. Therefore, the revascularization procedure in such situations is preferably performed by bypass graft surgery with synthetic materials. The purpose of this study is to report the feasibility and mid-term results of eversion endarterectomy of the external iliac artery (EEEIA), as an alternative autologous option. METHODS: Retrospective study with 18 EEEIA performed between September 2015 and February 2020, exclusively for chronic limb-threatening ischemia treatment in patients with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection and inadvisable for endovascular treatment. Demographic, clinical variables and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. The main end points are: amputation-free survival (AFS) and 30-day mortality. Secondary end points include: primary patency (PP), cumulative patency (CP), overall survival (OS), and postoperative surgical complication. Kaplan­Meier analysis was used to estimate cumulative time of outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.8 ± 8.3 years, with predominance of men. The median follow-up period was 1012 days, 95% confidence interval [119, 1365] days. Most had Rutherford 5 (n = 13, 72.2%) and mean ankle brachial index was 0.38 ± 0.22. The PP, CP, AFS, and OS in 730 days were 81%, 92%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. There was no 30-day mortality or postoperative surgical infection. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral reconstruction through EEEIA is an effective surgical procedure with good patency rates, AFS and OS. In addition, it can be considered an useful and safe option, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided.

Emergency endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms in COVID-19 times.

In this paper, we describe a case series of four patients who were admitted with emergencies related to aortic aneurysms over a 3-day period and were treated with endovascular repair. The first patient was an 81-year-old female with a history of abdominal pain and a ruptured aortic aneurysm diagnosed by AngioCT-scan. The second patient was a 63-year-old male with a history of oral digestive bleeding and an AngioCT-scan showing an aortoenteric fistula. The third patient was a 77-year-old female with sudden-onset abdominal pain and ruptured right common iliac aneurysm. The fourth patient presented with abdominal pain and an AngioCT-scan showed aortic rupture. All four patients were discharged with no major complications or surgical mortality. These case series show that despite the Covid-19 pandemic situation, since elective surgeries decreased, vascular emergencies have increased.

Relatamos uma série de casos de quatro pacientes consecutivos, admitidos com emergências relacionadas a aneurismas aortoilíacos em um período de 3 dias e submetidos a tratamento endovascular. A primeira paciente, do sexo feminino, com 81 anos e com histórico de aneurisma da aorta, apresentou dor abdominal iniciada nos últimos 12 dias. O segundo paciente era do sexo masculino, com 63 anos e foi admitido com hematêmese 3 dias antes da admissão, com angiotomografia demonstrando fistula aortoentérica. A terceira paciente, do sexo feminino e com 77 anos, foi admitida com quadro de ruptura de aneurisma da artéria ilíaca comum direita. O quarto paciente consecutivo apresentou dor abdominal iniciada 2 semanas antes da internação e aneurisma roto da aorta. Todos os quatro pacientes apresentaram emergências aortoilíacas e receberam alta sem complicações maiores ou mortalidade cirúrgica. O relato desta série de casos demonstra que, apesar da situação pandêmica da COVID-19, uma vez que as cirurgias eletivas diminuíram, as urgências vasculares aumentaram.

Eversion Endarterectomy of the External Iliac Artery in Treating Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in TASC II C and D Iliofemoral Occlusive Disease.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of iliofemoral occlusive disease is a challenging approach, especially for TransAtlantic Inter-Society C and D lesions. Therefore, the revascularization procedure in such situations is preferably performed by bypass graft surgery with synthetic materials. The purpose of this study is to report the feasibility and mid-term results of eversion endarterectomy of the external iliac artery (EEEIA), as an alternative autologous option. METHODS: Retrospective study with 18 EEEIA performed between September 2015 and February 2020, exclusively for chronic limb-threatening ischemia treatment in patients with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection and inadvisable for endovascular treatment. Demographic, clinical variables and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. The main end points are: amputation-free survival (AFS) and 30-day mortality. Secondary end points include: primary patency (PP), cumulative patency (CP), overall survival (OS), and postoperative surgical complication. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate cumulative time of outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.8 ± 8.3 years, with predominance of men. The median follow-up period was 1012 days, 95% confidence interval [119, 1365] days. Most had Rutherford 5 (n = 13, 72.2%) and mean ankle brachial index was 0.38 ± 0.22. The PP, CP, AFS, and OS in 730 days were 81%, 92%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. There was no 30-day mortality or postoperative surgical infection. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral reconstruction through EEEIA is an effective surgical procedure with good patency rates, AFS and OS. In addition, it can be considered an useful and safe option, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided.

Emergency endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms in COVID-19 times / Tratamento endovascular das emergências dos aneurismas aortoilíacos em tempos de COVID-19

Abstract In this paper, we describe a case series of four patients who were admitted with emergencies related to aortic aneurysms over a 3-day period and were treated with endovascular repair. The first patient was an 81-year-old female with a history of abdominal pain and a ruptured aortic aneurysm diagnosed by AngioCT-scan. The second patient was a 63-year-old male with a history of oral digestive bleeding and an AngioCT-scan showing an aortoenteric fistula. The third patient was a 77-year-old female with sudden-onset abdominal pain and ruptured right common iliac aneurysm. The fourth patient presented with abdominal pain and an AngioCT-scan showed aortic rupture. All four patients were discharged with no major complications or surgical mortality. These case series show that despite the Covid-19 pandemic situation, since elective surgeries decreased, vascular emergencies have increased.

Resumo Relatamos uma série de casos de quatro pacientes consecutivos, admitidos com emergências relacionadas a aneurismas aortoilíacos em um período de 3 dias e submetidos a tratamento endovascular. A primeira paciente, do sexo feminino, com 81 anos e com histórico de aneurisma da aorta, apresentou dor abdominal iniciada nos últimos 12 dias. O segundo paciente era do sexo masculino, com 63 anos e foi admitido com hematêmese 3 dias antes da admissão, com angiotomografia demonstrando fistula aortoentérica. A terceira paciente, do sexo feminino e com 77 anos, foi admitida com quadro de ruptura de aneurisma da artéria ilíaca comum direita. O quarto paciente consecutivo apresentou dor abdominal iniciada 2 semanas antes da internação e aneurisma roto da aorta. Todos os quatro pacientes apresentaram emergências aortoilíacas e receberam alta sem complicações maiores ou mortalidade cirúrgica. O relato desta série de casos demonstra que, apesar da situação pandêmica da COVID-19, uma vez que as cirurgias eletivas diminuíram, as urgências vasculares aumentaram.

Analysis of the results of endovascular and open surgical treatment of acute limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term estimates of limb salvage and survival in patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) receiving open surgery or endovascular revascularization. METHODS: This was a retrospective consecutive cohort study of patients with ALI who underwent open surgery or endovascular treatment at the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual (São Paulo, Brazil), between July 2010 and July 2016. The overall mortality, limb salvage, and survival rates at 720 days were analyzed in both the open surgery (group 1) and endovascular treatment (group 2) groups. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were admitted for a limb salvage procedure. The mean follow-up period was 822 ± 480.5 days. All of the analyses were performed at 720 days. Of the 69 patients, 46 (66.6%) were in group 1 and 23 (33.4%) in group 2. The clinical characteristics were similar between the groups, except for higher rates of chronic kidney disease (P = .04) and arrhythmia (P = .01) in group 1. Group 1 had a higher postoperative ankle-brachial index (P = .03). Concerning the Rutherford classification, group 1 had a higher prevalence of Rutherford IIB ALI (P = .003). The preoperative creatine kinase level was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (780 [range, 198-6546] mg/dL and 245 [65-78] mg/dL, respectively). A creatine kinase level >200 mg/dL was seen in 65.2% and 47.8% of patients in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P = .028). The limb salvage and overall survival estimates at 720 days were similar between group 1 and group 2 (79.2% vs 90.6% [P = .27] and 53% vs 60.8% [P = .45], respectively). The overall mortality rate was 10.1% (seven patients) within the first 30 days, and it was higher in group 1 (six patients [13.0%]; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Both open surgery and endovascular procedures are safe treatments of patients with ALI, with acceptable limb salvage and survival rates. No previous study has suggested the preferred treatment of ALI. However, based on this study and the overall literature, endovascular treatment may be the preferred treatment of patients with Rutherford I and IIA ALI; open surgery may be the best option for ALI due to arterial embolism and for Rutherford IIB acute arterial thrombosis because of a greater urgency to restore blood flow.

Evaluation of the BASIL Survival Prediction Model in Patients Undergoing Infrapopliteal Interventions for Critical Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Survival prediction models are clinical tools that help professionals make the best treatment decisions. In the treatment of critical limb ischemia, several scoring methods have emerged; however, many are limited because they are not reproducible in different populations. This study analyze the Bypass versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischemia of the Leg survival prediction model (BASIL SPM), exclusively in patients who underwent infrapopliteal (InfraPo) revascularization for the treatment of critical limb ischemia. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort, patients who underwent InfraPo interventions during a 4-year period (2009-2013) were consecutively included, according to the primary intervention (endovascular or open repair), irrespective of combined treatment in the femoropopliteal and InfraPo segments. Performance of the BASIL SPM was determined using the area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic curve. Additionally, secondary patency, limb salvage, and overall survival were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 32.7 ± 23.8 months. In the total patient group (n = 134), the mean age was 72 ± 8.6 years (range, 46-91 years), and the main associated comorbidities were hypertension (85.8%) and diabetes mellitus (76.8%). Regarding differences between the groups, patients in the endovascular group (n = 100) were older (73 vs. 69.5; P = 0.033) and more frequently stratified as high risk (61% vs. 38.2%; P = 0.030) than the open repair group (n = 34). The area under the curve (95% confidence interval [CI]) using the BASIL SPM at 6, 12, and 24 months was 0.499 (95% CI: 0.344-0.657), 0.508 (95% CI: 0.353-0.629), and 0.549 (95% CI: 0.420-0.678), respectively. In the total patient group, the 36-month secondary patency, limb salvage, and overall survival were 31.5%, 81.1%, and 65.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The BASIL SPM was a poor predictor of life expectancy in this patient cohort.

Factors associated with outcome of endovascular treatment of iliac occlusive disease: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (ET) of iliac occlusive disease (IOD) is well established in literature. Use of stents in IOD has achieved long-term limb salvage and patency rates similar to those of open surgery, with lower morbidity and mortality rates. OBJECTIVES: To report the long-term outcomes, particularly limb salvage and patency rates, of ET for IOD and the factors associated with these outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with IOD who underwent iliac angioplasty (IA), between January 2009 and January 2015. Patients with critical limb ischemia or incapacitating claudication were included. RESULTS: In total, 48 IA procedures were performed in 46 patients, with an initial technical success rate of 95.83%. Failure occurred in two patients, who were excluded, leaving 44 patients and 46 IA. The primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival rates at 1200 days were 88%, 95.3%, 86.3%, and 69.9%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression revealed that the primary patency rate was significantly worse in patients with TASC type C/D than in patients with TASC type A/B (p = 0.044). Analysis of factors associated with major amputation using Cox regression showed that the rate of limb loss was greater in patients with TASC type C/D (p = 0.043). Male gender was associated with reduced survival (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: TASC type C/D was associated with a higher number of reinterventions and with worse limb loss and primary patency rates. Male gender was associated with a worse survival rate after ET of IOD.

CONTEXTO: O tratamento endovascular da doença oclusiva ilíaca (DOI) é bem estabelecido. O uso de stents nas angioplastias ilíacas (AI) alcançou estimativas de salvamento de membro e perviedade similares às de cirurgias abertas, porém com menor morbimortalidade. OBJETIVOS: Demonstrar os desfechos clínicos a longo prazo, principalmente as estimativas de salvamento de membro (ESM) e perviedade, do tratamento endovascular da DOI e os fatores associados. MÉTODO: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva e consecutiva incluindo pacientes com DOI e isquemia crítica ou claudicação limitante submetidos a AI entre janeiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2015. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 48 AI em 46 pacientes, com uma taxa de sucesso técnico inicial de 95,83%. Ocorreu falha técnica em dois pacientes, os quais foram excluídos da análise, restando 44 pacientes e 46 AI. As estimativas de perviedade primária, perviedade secundária, ESM e sobrevida aos 1.200 dias foram de 88%, 95,3%, 86,3% e 69,9%, respectivamente. A regressão de Cox univariada e multivariada revelou que a perviedade primária foi pior em pacientes com classificação TASC C/D do que em pacientes TASC A/B (p = 0,044). Quando analisamos os fatores associados à amputação maior, verificou-se que lesões TASC tipo C/D (p = 0,043) apresentaram piores resultados. O sexo masculino foi associado com sobrevida reduzida (p = 0,011). CONCLUSÕES: Classificação TASC tipo C/D foi associada a um maior número de reintervenções, maior perda de membro e piores estimativas de perviedade primária. O sexo masculino foi associado a uma pior sobrevida.

Factors associated with outcome of endovascular treatment of iliac occlusive disease: a single-center experience / Fatores associados com os desfechos clínicos do tratamento endovascular da doença oclusiva ilíaca: experiência de um único centro

Abstract Background Endovascular treatment (ET) of iliac occlusive disease (IOD) is well established in literature. Use of stents in IOD has achieved long-term limb salvage and patency rates similar to those of open surgery, with lower morbidity and mortality rates. Objectives To report the long-term outcomes, particularly limb salvage and patency rates, of ET for IOD and the factors associated with these outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with IOD who underwent iliac angioplasty (IA), between January 2009 and January 2015. Patients with critical limb ischemia or incapacitating claudication were included. Results In total, 48 IA procedures were performed in 46 patients, with an initial technical success rate of 95.83%. Failure occurred in two patients, who were excluded, leaving 44 patients and 46 IA. The primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival rates at 1200 days were 88%, 95.3%, 86.3%, and 69.9%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression revealed that the primary patency rate was significantly worse in patients with TASC type C/D than in patients with TASC type A/B (p = 0.044). Analysis of factors associated with major amputation using Cox regression showed that the rate of limb loss was greater in patients with TASC type C/D (p = 0.043). Male gender was associated with reduced survival (p = 0.011). Conclusions TASC type C/D was associated with a higher number of reinterventions and with worse limb loss and primary patency rates. Male gender was associated with a worse survival rate after ET of IOD.

Resumo Contexto O tratamento endovascular da doença oclusiva ilíaca (DOI) é bem estabelecido. O uso de stents nas angioplastias ilíacas (AI) alcançou estimativas de salvamento de membro e perviedade similares às de cirurgias abertas, porém com menor morbimortalidade. Objetivos Demonstrar os desfechos clínicos a longo prazo, principalmente as estimativas de salvamento de membro (ESM) e perviedade, do tratamento endovascular da DOI e os fatores associados. Método Estudo de coorte retrospectiva e consecutiva incluindo pacientes com DOI e isquemia crítica ou claudicação limitante submetidos a AI entre janeiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2015. Resultados Foram realizadas 48 AI em 46 pacientes, com uma taxa de sucesso técnico inicial de 95,83%. Ocorreu falha técnica em dois pacientes, os quais foram excluídos da análise, restando 44 pacientes e 46 AI. As estimativas de perviedade primária, perviedade secundária, ESM e sobrevida aos 1.200 dias foram de 88%, 95,3%, 86,3% e 69,9%, respectivamente. A regressão de Cox univariada e multivariada revelou que a perviedade primária foi pior em pacientes com classificação TASC C/D do que em pacientes TASC A/B (p = 0,044). Quando analisamos os fatores associados à amputação maior, verificou-se que lesões TASC tipo C/D (p = 0,043) apresentaram piores resultados. O sexo masculino foi associado com sobrevida reduzida (p = 0,011). Conclusões Classificação TASC tipo C/D foi associada a um maior número de reintervenções, maior perda de membro e piores estimativas de perviedade primária. O sexo masculino foi associado a uma pior sobrevida.

The Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy In Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia Following Lower Limb Angiography.

Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with CLI and to assess their outcomes. Between May 2013 and May 2014, a prospective and observational study was conducted with 107 patients admitted exclusively for CLI treatment. The main outcomes included hemodialysis independence (HI) and overall survival (OS), as assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves. Overall, there was a predominance of males (57%), with a mean age of 70.5 (10.7) years. The incidence of CIN was 35.5%, and chronic kidney failure was the only factor associated with elevated risk of this condition (relative risk [RR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval = 1.17-3.09; P = .017). The median follow-up was 645 days, and in 720-day analyses, patients who experienced CIN had worse HI (81.2% vs 96.3%; P = .0107) and OS (49.5% vs 66.3%; P = .0463). The current study found a high incidence of CIN in patients with CLI after DSA. This renal impairment was associated with a worse prognosis in terms of survival.

Percutaneous implantation of a unibody endograft to treat non-aneurysmal aortoiliac disease.

This case-series report describes the use of an Endologix AFX® stent graft for the treatment of non-aneurysmal aortic disease. Over a period of 26 months, this device was successfully implanted in six patients with aortic bifurcation < 15 mm to treat critical limb ischemia secondary to dissection, ulcer, or coarctation.

Carotid Plaque Morphology in Asymptomatic Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the morphology of carotid plaques, as evaluated using duplex ultrasound (DUS) with computer-assisted analysis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we analyzed 148 carotid artery plaques in asymptomatic patients. Data were obtained via clinical and laboratory examinations, and DUS was performed by a single operator. All plaques were scanned in a longitudinal fashion, and the best segment was selected, recorded, and evaluated using dedicated software. The main software-based analyses included gray-scale median (GSM) measurements and carotid plaque morphology histograms. RESULTS: MetS was identified in 51.8% of patients. Comparisons of patients with MetS and patients without MetS indicated that the former patients used more classes of antihypertensive drugs (2.49 vs. 1.93; P = 0.004) and were treated with statins for a longer period (71.08 vs. 49.17 months; P = 0.003). Most patients of both types exhibited moderate carotid artery stenosis ranging from 50% to 69% (n = 62; 37.3%), and MetS was not associated with an increased prevalence of severe carotid artery stenosis. The mean GSM was greater in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group (74.18 vs. 61.63; P = 0.012). The histogram analysis revealed that there were lower quantities of blood and fat (2.91 vs. 3.88; P = 0.006; 10.21 vs. 15.08; P = 0.004, respectively) and more fibrous tissue (19.93 vs. 14.55; P = 0.015) in the carotid plaques of patients with MetS than in the carotid plaques of patients without MetS. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that MetS did not affect the stenosis grade or did it lead to unstable carotid plaques.

Results of bypass graft surgery after prior angioplasty in critical limb ischaemia treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of primary bypass graft surgery (BGS) compared to BGS after failed angioplasty (PTA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2014, we performed 136 BGSs exclusively for the treatment of critical limb ischaemia. Two cohorts were identified: 1) primary BGS (n = 102; group I), and 2) BGS after prior PTA (n = 34; group II). Data were analysed retrospectively and the primary endpoints were the rates of secondary patency, amputation-free survival, freedom from major adverse outcomes (graft occlusion, amputation, or death), and overall survival, which were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable with a predominance of Rutherford's category 5 ischaemic lesions (73.3 %). Most patients had extensive TASC D athe-rosclerotic disease (83.6 %), and the main conduit was the greater saphenous vein (58.1 %). The mean follow-up time was 36.2 months. The 3-year secondary patency rates were better for group I (64.3 % vs 49.6 %; P = 0.04). During the same period, the amputation-free survival rates were similar between the groups (77.4 % vs 74.5 %; P = 0.59). For multivariate Cox regression analysis, BGS after prior PTA was the only factor associated with re-intervention for limb salvage (hazard ratio = 2.39; CI 95 % = 1.19 - 4.80; P = 0.02). At the 3-year point, there were no differences in the overall survival rates (72.6 % vs 70 %; P = 0.97), but the proportion of patients without adverse outcomes was higher in group I (37.3 % vs 13.4 %; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Although secondary patency was better after primary BGS, the amputation-free and overall survival rates support the use of BGS after prior PTA.

Advantages of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography over computed tomography for the detection of persistent type II endoleak after embolization: A case report.

The aim of this case report is to describe the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the detection of a type II endoleak after prior embolization with Onyx. A 74-year-old male patient with hypertension previously underwent endovascular repair of a 7.1-cm infrarenal aortic aneurysm. CT angiography surveillance revealed a type II endoleak associated with aneurysm sac expansion. Selective transarterial embolization of the endoleak was performed, but it was not possible to detect the persistent endoleak using CT angiography because of image artifacts caused by Onyx. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography enabled us to detect the persistent endoleak in this patient. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:522-526, 2016.

Concept of Angiosome Does Not Affect Limb Salvage in Infrapopliteal Angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of the "angiosome" concept in patients with critical limb ischemia treated with infrapopliteal angioplasty, analyzing limb salvage, secondary function, and survival rates between those treated with and without reference to the concept of the angiosome (groups 1 and 2, respectively). METHODS: This was a retrospective, consecutive cohort study that evaluated 95 patients with critical limb ischemia who underwent infrapopliteal angioplasty at the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, São Paulo State Public Servants' Hospital, Brazil, between January 2009 and January 2013. Of the total 92 patients (109 limbs) who underwent angioplasty, 48 (52.2%) patients were in group 1 and 44 (47.8%) patients were in group 2. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups 1 and 2 in terms of the location, lesion severity, or active infection of the infrapopliteal angioplasty. However, groups 1 and 2 differed in their postoperative ankle-brachial indices, which were 0.95 ± 0.18 and 0.85 ± 0.18, respectively (P = 0.001). The estimates of limb salvage were similar in groups 1 and 2 (87% and 92.3%, respectively, at 360 days; P = 0.241). The analysis of secondary function did not differ between the 2 groups (65.1% and 58.3%, respectively, within 360 days; P = 0.92). Operative mortality was 8.3% in group 1 and 8% in group 2 (P = 0.60), and survival at 360 days was 78.5% in group 1 and 78.3% in group 2 (P = 0.86), which were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found no evidence to support revascularization based on the concept of the angiosome in preference to revascularization of the artery that is most amenable to endovascular treatment for limb salvage and secondary function.

Comparison between a new computer program and the reference software for gray-scale median analysis of atherosclerotic carotid plaques.

PURPOSE: To compare a new dedicated software program and Adobe Photoshop for gray-scale median (GSM) analysis of B-mode images of carotid plaques. METHODS: A series of 42 carotid plaques generating ≥50% diameter stenosis was evaluated by a single observer. The best segment for visualization of internal carotid artery plaque was identified on a single longitudinal view and images were recorded in JPEG format. Plaque analysis was performed by both programs. After normalization of image intensity (blood = 0, adventitial layer = 190), histograms were obtained after manual delineation of plaque. Results were compared with nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test and Kendall tau-b correlation analysis. RESULTS: GSM ranged from 00 to 100 with Adobe Photoshop and from 00 to 96 with IMTPC, with a high grade of similarity between image pairs, and a highly significant correlation (R = 0.94, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: IMTPC software appears suitable for the GSM analysis of carotid plaques.