A case report of bilateral persistent sciatic artery: Bilateral aneurysm with thromboembolism of the right lower extremity.

RATIONALE: Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly. The sciatic artery, which normally regresses to become the inferior gluteal artery during fetal development, persists as a direct branch of the internal iliac artery. PATIENT CONCERN: We report a 78-year-old female who was admitted due to sudden pain, numbness, and loss of sensation in the right lower limb. DIAGNOSES: Acute thromboembolism in the right leg, bilateral PSA, and bilateral aneurysm. INTERVENTIONS: After the super-selective embolization, lower limb arterial thrombolysis treatment was performed. After symptom relief, a computed tomography angiography was conducted to clarify the vascular variations. OUTCOMES: After relief of lower limb embolism, long-term antiplatelet therapy was administered. LESSONS: When performing an ultrasound examination of PSA, careful identification of the arterial anatomy, evaluation of blood flow, assessment of surrounding structures, comparison between sides, and correlation with clinical symptoms are crucial to accurately diagnose this rare vascular anomaly.

Endovascular Treatment of Flow-Limiting Iliofemoral Stenosis Improves Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients With HFpEF by Reducing Aortic Pulsatile Load.

BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that there is a high prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in patients with peripheral artery disease. We hypothesized that endovascular treatment (EVT) of flow-limiting peripheral stenosis improves left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. METHODS: Thirty patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction according to Heart Failure Association-preserved ejection fraction score who were scheduled for EVT or angiography were investigated at baseline, the day after EVT (n=25) or angiography (control, n=5), and at 4 months follow-up. Peripheral hemodynamics were determined by the total peripheral resistance, common femoral artery flow, and ankle brachial index. Aortic function was measured by arterial compliance, augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity. Aortic pulsatile load was estimated as the characteristic impedance of the proximal aorta and the magnitude of wave reflection (reflection coefficient). LV mass index, LV mean wall thickness, and systolic and diastolic function were assessed using echocardiography. Patient-centered outcomes were treadmill walking distance and New York Heart Association class. RESULTS: After EVT, peripheral hemodynamics changed significantly with a decrease in total peripheral resistance and an increase in common femoral artery flow and ankle brachial index. Aortic function improved after EVT, with significantly reduced augmentation index and pulse wave velocity and increased compliance immediately and at follow-up, resulting in a reduction in aortic pulsatile load (characteristic impedance of the proximal aorta and reflection coefficient). Concurrently, LV diastolic function improved after EVT compared with control, acutely and at follow-up, with increased septal and lateral e´ velocities and decreased E/e´ and left atrial volume index. The LV mass index and LV mean wall thickness decreased at follow-up. The New York Heart Association class and treadmill walking distance improved post-EVT at follow-up. Augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, and arterial compliance were identified as independent contributors to E/e´. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of flow-limiting iliofemoral stenosis reduces aortic pulsatile load and concurrently lowers total peripheral resistance. This beneficial effect is associated with an acute and sustained improvement of left ventricular diastolic function. REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02728479.

Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm after bone biopsy managed with endovascular coil embolisation.

Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is a routinely performed procedure, with the preferred site being the posterior superior iliac crest. Uncommonly, it may be complicated by haemorrhagic complications, especially in patients with coagulopathy. Here, we present a case of pelvic haematoma following a BMB due to the injury of the right internal iliac artery. Endovascular embolisation was performed on an urgent basis to manage this complication. The bleeding stopped following the embolisation.

Vessel-based CTA-image to spatial anatomy registration using tracked catheter position data: preclinical evaluation of in vivo accuracy.

Electromagnetic tracking of endovascular instruments has the potential to substantially decrease radiation exposure of patients and personnel. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo accuracy of a vessel-based method to register preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) images to physical coordinates using an electromagnetically tracked guidewire. Centerlines of the aortoiliac arteries were extracted from preoperative CTA acquired from five swine. Intravascular positions were obtained from an electromagnetically tracked guidewire. An iterative-closest-point algorithm registered the position data to the preoperative image centerlines. To evaluate the registration accuracy, a guidewire was placed inside the superior mesenteric, left and right renal arteries under fluoroscopic guidance. Position data was acquired with electromagnetic tracking as the guidewire was pulled into the aorta. The resulting measured positions were compared to the corresponding ostia manually identified in the CTA images after applying the registration. The three-dimensional (3D) Euclidean distances were calculated between each corresponding ostial point, and the root mean square (RMS) was calculated for each registration. The median 3D RMS for all registrations was 4.82 mm, with an interquartile range of 3.53-6.14 mm. A vessel-based registration of CTA images to vascular anatomy is possible with acceptable accuracy and encourages further clinical testing. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study shows that the centerline algorithm can be used to register preoperative CTA images to vascular anatomy, with the potential to further reduce ionizing radiation exposure during vascular procedures. KEY POINTS: Preoperative images can be used to guide the procedure without ionizing intraoperative imaging. Preoperative imaging can be the only imaging modality used for guidance of vascular procedures. No need to use external fiducial markers to register/match images and spatial anatomy. Acceptable accuracy can be achieved for navigation in a preclinical setting.

Clinical Outcomes of Transradial vs Nontransradial Aortoiliac Endovascular Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of radial-specific equipment has made transradial (TR) aortoiliac (AI) endovascular therapy (EVT) more convenient. OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to investigate the perioperative outcomes of the TR approach in patients undergoing AI EVT for symptomatic peripheral artery disease. METHODS: The COMFORT (Contemporary Strategy for Aortoiliac Intervention) registry was a prospective, multicenter, observational study enrolling patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease undergoing AI EVT between January 2021 and June 2023. The primary outcome was perioperative complications, whereas the secondary outcomes included core laboratory-evaluated residual stenosis >30%, time to hemostasis, time to ambulation, 30-day patency, and 30-day limb symptoms. These outcomes were compared between TR and non-TR AI EVT after propensity score matching. RESULTS: The TR approach was selected for 231 of the 947 patients (24.3%). The TR approach was chosen more in patients with a higher ankle-brachial index, chronic total occlusion, aortic lesion, bare nitinol stent implantation, and plain angioplasty, whereas it was chosen less in patients with dialysis, a history of AI EVT, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, bilateral calcification, and simultaneous infrainguinal EVT (all P < 0.05). After propensity score matching, the incidence of perioperative complications did not differ significantly between the groups (TR group: 6.0% vs non-TR group: 5.1%; P = 0.69). The proportions of residual stenosis, 30-day patency, and 30-day limb symptoms were not significantly different (all P > 0.05); however, the time to hemostasis and the time to ambulation were shorter in the TR group (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Non-TR AI EVT and TR AI EVT using radial-specific equipment were associated with a similar risk of perioperative complications. The TR approach helps shorten the time required for hemostasis and ambulation.

Accuracy of the surgical execution of virtually planned deep circumflex iliac artery flaps and their appropriateness for masticatory rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Tumorous diseases of the jaw demand effective treatments, often involving continuity resection of the jaw. Reconstruction via microvascular bone flaps, like deep circumflex iliac artery flaps (DCIA), is standard. Computer aided planning (CAD) enhances accuracy in reconstruction using patient-specific CT images to create three-dimensional (3D) models. Data on the accuracy of CAD-planned DCIA flaps is scarce. Moreover, the data on accuracy should be combined with data on the exact positioning of the implants for well-fitting dental prosthetics. This study focuses on CAD-planned DCIA flaps accuracy and proper positioning for prosthetic rehabilitation. METHODS: Patients post-mandible resection with CAD-planned DCIA flap reconstruction were evaluated. Postoperative radiograph-derived 3D models were aligned with 3D models from the CAD plans for osteotomy position, angle, and flap volume comparison. To evaluate the DCIA flap's suitability for prosthetic dental rehabilitation, a plane was created in the support zone and crestal in the middle of the DCIA flap. The lower jaw was rotated to close the mouth and the distance between the two planes was measured. RESULTS: 20 patients (12 males, 8 females) were included. Mean defect size was 73.28 ± 4.87 mm; 11 L defects, 9 LC defects. Planned vs. actual DCIA transplant volume difference was 3.814 ± 3.856 cm³ (p = 0.2223). The deviation from the planned angle was significantly larger at the dorsal osteotomy than at the ventral (p = 0.035). Linear differences between the planned DCIA transplant and the actual DCIA transplant were 1.294 ± 1.197 mm for the ventral osteotomy and 2.680 ± 3.449 mm for the dorsal (p = 0.1078). The difference between the dental axis and the middle of the DCIA transplant ranged from 0.2 mm to 14.8 mm. The mean lateral difference was 2.695 ± 3.667 mm in the region of the first premolar. CONCLUSION: The CAD-planned DCIA flap is a solution for reconstructing the mandible. CAD planning results in an accurate reconstruction enabling dental implant placement and dental prosthetics.

Prevalence of internal iliac artery anatomical variants in a Mexican population.

The internal iliac artery arises as a terminal extension of the common iliac artery and supplies blood to the pelvic region. This study aims to identify the anatomic variations of the internal iliac artery (IIA) in a Mexican population sample. This is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. A total of 81 angiographies via the femoral artery approach performed on patients undergoing various medical procedures were included. Variations in the IIA branching patterns were identified by evaluating the angiographic images and grouped according to Adachi's classification into five types (I-V). A total of 139 hemipelvises were analyzed (78 right and 61 left). The frequencies of each type of variation were as follows: Type I (71.2%), Type II (10.79%), Type III (0 cases), Type IV (0.7%), Type V (12.94%), and unclassified (4.31%). The most frequent anatomical variants of the IIA in the western Mexican population sample were Type I, followed by Types V and II. Even though Type V is rare in most populations, it was the second most frequent variant in this study. Understanding the variants of the IIA branching pattern is necessary for performing invasive procedures in the pelvic region with precision and minimizing complications.

Prospective evaluation of automated vascular analysis for ilio-femoral artery lesions before and after percutaneous endovascular aortic repair.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the differences between pre- and postoperative access conditions in percutaneous endovascular aortic repair (PEVAR). METHODS: Between December 2021 and October 2023, PEVAR was performed on 61 patients using the Perclose ProStyle (Abbott Vascular). Enhanced computed tomography and ankle-brachial index tests were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. The inner diameter and area of the iliofemoral artery were automatically measured, and the pre- and postoperative values were compared (114 legs). The same analysis was performed on 12 legs with previous groin operations; open surgical EVAR was performed in 9 legs, an endarterectomy of the femoral artery in 1, and a femoropopliteal bypass in the other leg. RESULTS: All patients were discharged without surgical site infections, lymphatic fistulas, or retroperitoneal haematomas. There were no significant differences between the pre-and postoperative inner diameter and inner area of the external iliac artery and common femoral artery. There were no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative ankle-brachial index tests. In 12 legs with a previous groin operation, the postoperative ankle-brachial index tests and inner diameter and area of the external iliac artery and common femoral artery were statistically equal to the preoperative values. CONCLUSIONS: This study can support the safety of percutaneous endovascular aortic repair, even in patients with redo groin operations.

Resection of uterine arteriovenous fistula with temporary occlusion of the internal iliac arteries: Case series and literature review.

RATIONALE: Uterine arteriovenous fistula (UAVF) is a rare vascular abnormality that can cause severe and potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. Uterine artery embolization is a common treatment that may affect ovarian and uterine perfusion and cause fertility problems. We herein report our experience treating 2 patients with UAVF who underwent resection after temporary occlusion of both internal iliac arteries. PATIENT CONCERNS: Both patients presented with a large UAVF after incomplete miscarriages in the second trimester. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a UAVF measuring 3.6 × 2.6 × 2.1 cm over the myometrium of the posterior uterine in case 1, and a UAVF of 7.1 × 4.1 × 4.5 cm was identified in case 2. DIAGNOSIS: Uterine arteriovenous fistula, retained products of conception. INTERVENTIONS: The patients underwent resection of UAVF with temporary occlusion of the internal iliac arteries and hysteroscopic removal of the retained products of conception. OUTCOMES: Intraoperative bleeding were minimal. Neither patient exhibited abnormal uterine bleeding at the 6-month follow-up. Follow-up ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed normal uterine myometrium and endometrium and no residual disease. LESSONS: UAVF resection after temporary occlusion of the internal iliac arteries is a promising treatment approach for UAVF. This technique can reduce intraoperative bleeding and remove the potential hemorrhage-related lesion while preserving fertility.

Bilateral Persistent Sciatic Artery - An Infrequent Occurrence: A Case Report with Review of Literature.

A persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly with an extremely low incidence of about 0.04%-0.06%. It is due to the persistence of the embryological axial limb artery, representing a continuation of the internal iliac artery into the thigh through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis muscle and down the thigh alongside the sciatic nerve. In normal embryologic development of the lower limb, the axial artery normally regresses after week 12. Persistent sciatic artery is often asymptomatic until a complication develops, it can be classified into two types, complete and incomplete. PSA can cause serious lower limb complications such as acute or critical limb ischemia.

RésuméUne artère sciatique persistante (APS) est une anomalie vasculaire congénitale rare avec une incidence extrêmement faible d'environ 0,04 % à 0,06 %. Cela est dû à la persistance de l'artère axiale embryologique des membres, représentant une continuation de l'artère iliaque interne dans la cuisse à travers la grande foramen sciatique sous le muscle piriforme et le long de la cuisse le long du nerf sciatique. Dans le développement embryologique normal de la partie inférieure membre, l'artère axiale régresse normalement après la semaine 12. L'artère sciatique persistante est souvent asymptomatique jusqu'à ce qu'une complication se développe, elle peut être classés en deux types, complets et incomplets. Le PSA peut entraîner des complications graves des membres inférieurs telles qu'une ischémie aiguë ou critique des membres.

Multicenter CT Image-Based Anatomic Assessment of Patients with Aortoiliac Aneurysm Undergoing Endovascular Repair with Iliac Branch Devices.

BACKGROUND: The Global Iliac Branch Study (NCT05607277) is an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study of anatomic predictors of adverse iliac events (AIEs) in aortoiliac aneurysms treated with iliac branch devices (IBDs). METHODS: Patients with pre-IBD and post-IBD computed tomography imaging were included. We measured arterial diameters, stenosis, calcification, bifurcation angles, and tortuosity indices using a standardized, validated protocol. A composite of ipsilateral AIE was defined, a priori, as occlusion, type I or III endoleak, device constriction, or clinical event requiring reintervention. Paired t-test compared tortuosity indices and splay angles pretreatment and post-treatment for all IBDs and by device material (stainless steel and nitinol). Two-sample t-test compared anatomical changes from pretreatment to post-treatment by device material. Logistic regression assessed associations between AIE and anatomic measurements. Analysis was performed by IBD. RESULTS: We analyzed 297 patients (286 males, 11 females) with 331 IBDs (227 stainless steel, 104 nitinol). Median clinical follow-up was 3.8 years. Iliac anatomy was significantly straightened with all IBD treatment, though stainless steel IBDs had a greater reduction in total iliac artery tortuosity index and aortic splay angle compared to nitinol IBDs (absolute reduction -0.20 [-0.22 to -0.18] vs. -0.09 [-0.12 to -0.06], P < 0.0001 and -19.6° [-22.4° to -16.9°] vs. -11.2° [-15.3° to -7.0°], P = 0.001, respectively). There were 54 AIEs in 44 IBDs in 42 patients (AIE in 13.3% of IBD systems), requiring 35 reinterventions (median time to event 41 days; median time to reintervention 153 days). There were 18 endoleaks, 29 occlusions, and 5 device constrictions. There were no strong associations between anatomic measurements and AIE overall, though internal iliac diameter was inversely associated with AIE in nitinol devices (nAIE, nitinol = 8). CONCLUSIONS: Purpose-built IBDs effectively treat aortoiliac disease, including that with tortuous anatomy, with a high patency rate (91.5%) and low reintervention rate (9.1%) at 4 years. Anatomic predictors of AIE are limited.

Kidney Transplant for a Patient With Inferior Vena Cava and Abdominal Aorta Abnormalities.

Here, we describe an interesting case of a patient with the duplication of inferior vena cava, high-positioned bifurcation of the abdominal aorta with transposition of iliac arteries, and right renal aplasia associated with end-stage renal disease who underwent kidney transplant. In this case, the patient with anorectal malformations with a vaginal fistula was prepared and underwent a kidney transplant. During the surgery, we discovered duplicated inferior vena cava and transposed iliac arteries. After the surgery, computed tomography angiography revealed the inferior vena cava duplication with the 2 connections between the right and left inferior vena cava with the formation of an anomalous circle, high-positioned bifurcation of the abdominal aorta at the level of the L2 vertebral body, and transposition of right and left iliac arteries. Also, we observed the right kidney aplasia and absence of blood circulation in the left native kidney. In our case, a delayed diagnosis of pyelonephritis resulted in the progression to end-stage renal disease that necessitated a kidney transplant, during which we found these anomalies. We confirmed the asymptomatic course of these anomalies, diagnosed only during radiological imaging or surgical intervention. Patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract should undergo complete investigations before surgical decisions. Diagnosis of this pathology in the preoperative period, especially in transplant patients, will alert the surgery team in advance of the operation and allow preparation for the intraoperative difficulties that are typically associated with anomalies such as inferior vena cava transposition or aplasia.

An Asymptomatic Sigmoid Colonic Fistula Arising from a Large Aneurysm of the Internal Iliac Artery Was Discovered during a Medical Examination.

The rupture of an internal iliac artery aneurysm in the colon is a rare but potentially fatal complication. We report a rectal fistula of an asymptomatic internal iliac artery aneurysm that was discovered incidentally during a medical examination. A 77-year-old man presented at a local hospital for a general medical examination. Although the blood reports revealed severe anemia, the patient did not complain of any associated symptoms including dizziness and hematochezia. Moreover, there was no palpable mass in the patient's abdomen, and there was no evidence of hematochezia, as the patient had been using a bidet. Interestingly, computed tomography (CT) revealed a large right internal iliac artery aneurysm. There was a suspicious finding of a fistula within the colon in the CT, but it was undetected in the preoperative sigmoidoscopy. Furthermore, operative findings showed a protruding retroperitoneal mass adhering to the mesentery of the sigmoid colon. During aneurysm resection, the presence of a fistula was unclear. However, a fistula tract, devoid of any infectious bacteria such as tuberculosis, was found in the specimen after colon resection. After a recovery period of approximately one week, the patient was discharged from the hospital without any unusual findings on the post-operative CT. Sigmoid colonic fistulas arising from iliac artery aneurysms are rare. Also, diagnosis may be delayed in special circumstances wherein a patient routinely uses a bidet.

Recurrent Salmonella bacteraemia and right internal iliac artery endarteritis in a splenectomised patient.

A man in his mid-70s with a complex medical history, including splenectomy, presented with fever and rigours. Workup revealed Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium bacteraemia and right internal iliac artery endarteritis. Two weeks following a 6-week course of antibiotics, he had a recurrence of Salmonella bacteraemia requiring an extended course of treatment.

Spring coil displacement after interventional embolization of severe pelvic fracture: a case report.

Haemorrhagic shock, which arises as a complication of pelvic fracture subsequent to severe trauma, represents a perilous state. The utilization of interventional endovascular haemostasis assumes a pivotal role in the management of patients with vascular injury following pelvic fracture. This article reports the treatment of a patient with pelvic fracture caused by a serious work-related vehicle accident. Despite the implementation of timely blood and fluid transfusion to combat shock, the application of aortic balloon obstruction, and interventional iliac artery embolization for haemostasis, the patient's condition failed to display any discernible improvement. Repeat angiography further revealed a displacement of the interventional embolization material, and the patient subsequently died of multiple organ failure. The occurrence of spring coil displacement is infrequent, but the consequences thereof are considered grave, necessitating meticulous discernment in the selection of haemostatic materials for this type of patient. The diagnostic and therapeutic processes encompassing the particular case described here were analysed and are discussed with the objective of augmenting the efficacy and success rate of treatment modalities for patients in similar circumstances.

Editor's Choice - Covered Stents Versus Bare Metal Stents in the Treatment of Aorto-iliac Disease: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the comparative safety and efficacy of covered stents (CS) and bare metal stents (BMS) in the endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac disease in patients with peripheral arterial disease. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was conducted adhering to the PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA for Individual Participant Data 2015 guidelines. REVIEW METHODS: A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published by December 2023 was performed. The primary endpoint was primary patency. Certainty of evidence was assessed via the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. RESULTS: Eleven studies, comprising 1 896 patients and 2 092 lesions, were included. Of these, nine studies reported on patients' clinical status, with 35.5% classified as Rutherford 4 - 6. Overall primary patency for CS and BMS at 48 months was 91.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.1 - 99.0%) (GRADE, moderate) and 83.5% (95% CI 70.9 - 98.3%) (GRADE, low). The one stage individual participant data meta-analyses indicated a significant risk reduction for primary patency loss favouring CS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.58, 95% CI 0.35 - 0.95) (GRADE, very low). The 48 month primary patency for CS and BMS when treating TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C and D lesions was 92.4% (95% CI 84.7 - 100%) (GRADE, moderate) and 80.8% (95% CI 64.5 - 100%) (GRADE, low), with CS displaying a decreased risk of patency loss (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.27 - 0.57) (GRADE, moderate). While statistically non-significant differences were identified between CS and BMS regarding technical success, 30 day mortality rate, intra-operative and immediate post-operative procedure related complications, and major amputation, CS displayed a decreased re-intervention risk (risk ratio 0.59, 95% CI 0.40 - 0.87) (GRADE, low). CONCLUSION: This review has illustrated the improved patency of CS compared with BMS in the treatment of TASC C and D lesions. Caution is advised in interpreting overall primary patency outcomes given the substantial inclusion of TASC C and D lesions in the analysis. Ultimately, both stent types have demonstrated comparable safety profiles.

Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest Score is a Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Predictor After Aortoiliac Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest (MICA) is a validated self-explanatory score applied in cardiac or noncardiac surgeries. This study aims to assess the predictive value of the MICA score for cardiovascular events after aortoiliac revascularization. METHODS: This prospective cohort underwent elective aortoiliac revascularization between 2013 and 2021. Patients' demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were registered. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the MICA score using optimal binning. Survival analysis to test for time-dependent variables and multivariate Cox regression analysis for independent predictors were performed. RESULTS: This study included 130 patients with a median follow-up of 55 months. Preoperative MICA score was ≥6.5 in 41 patients. MICA ≥6.5 presented a statistically significant association, with long-term occurrence of acute heart failure (HR = 1.695, 95% CI 1.208-2.379, P = 0.002), major adverse cardiovascular events (HR = 1.222, 95% CI 1.086-1.376, P < 0.001), and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.256, 95% CI 1.107-1.425, P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression confirmed MICA as a significant independent predictor of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (aHR = 1.145 95% CI 1.010-1.298, P = 0.034) and all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.172 95% CI 1.026-1.339, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The MICA score is a quick, easy-to-obtain, predictive tool in identifying patients with a higher risk of postaortoiliac revascularization cardiovascular events, such as acute heart failure, major adverse cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Additional research for the validation of the MICA score in the context of aortoiliac revascularization and specific interventions is necessary.

Supra-Inguinal Inflow for Distal Bypasses Have Acceptable Patency and Limb Salvage Rates.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data evaluating outcomes of lower extremity bypass (LEB) using supra-inguinal inflow for revascularization of infra-inguinal vessels. The purpose of this study is to report outcomes after LEB originating from aortoiliac arteries to infra-femoral targets. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2020) was queried for patients undergoing LEB from the aortoiliac arteries to the popliteal and tibial arteries. Patients were stratified into 3 cohorts based on outflow targets (above-knee [AK] popliteal, below-knee [BK] popliteal, and tibial arteries). Perioperative and 1-year outcomes including primary patency, amputation-free survival (AFS), and major adverse limb events (MALEs) were compared. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the independent prognostic factors of outcomes. RESULTS: Of 403 LEBs, 389 (96.5%) originated from the external iliac artery, while the remaining used the aorta or common iliac artery as inflow. In terms of the distal target, the AK popliteal was used in 116 (28.8%), the BK popliteal in 151 (27.5%), and tibial vessels in 136 (43.7%) cases. BK popliteal and tibial bypasses, compared to AK popliteal bypasses, were more commonly performed in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (69.5% and 69.9% vs. 48.3%; P < 0.001). Vein conduit was more often used for tibial bypass than for AK and BK popliteal bypasses (46.3% vs. 21.9% and 16.3%; P < 0.001). In the perioperative period, BK popliteal and tibial bypass patients had higher reoperation rates (16.9% and 13.2% vs. 5.2%; P = 0.02) and lower primary patency (89.4% and 89% vs. 95.7%; P = 0.04) than AK bypass patients. At 1 year, compared with AK popliteal bypasses, BK and tibial bypasses demonstrated lower primary patency (81.9% vs. 56.7% vs. 52.4%, P < 0.001) and freedom from MALE (77.6% vs. 70.2% vs. 63.1%, P = 0.04), although AFS was not significantly different (89.7% vs. 90.6% vs. 83.8%, P = 0.19).On multivariable analysis, compared with AK popliteal bypasses, tibial bypasses were independently associated with increased loss of primary patency (hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.51, P = 0.04). Subanalysis of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia demonstrated significantly higher primary patency in the AK popliteal cohort at discharge and 1 year, but no difference in AFS or freedom from MALE between the cohorts at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LEB with supra-inguinal inflow appear to have acceptable rates of 1-year patency and limb salvage in patients at high risk of bypass failure. Tibial outflow target was independently associated with worse primary patency but not with MALE or AFS.