A case of abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as symptomatic disseminated intravascular coagulation treated with endovascular aneurysm repair and postoperative administration of Nafamostat mesylate.

BACKGROUND: Cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm discovered as purpura on the extremities with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are rare. The number of currently established strategies for the control of DIC with aortic aneurysm is limited. CASE PRESENTATION: An 85-year-old woman was referred to the hematology department because of purpura on her shoulder and thigh. Enhanced fibrinolytic-type DIC was diagnosed by a blood test. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed 60-mm abdominal aortic and 42-mm right common iliac aneurysms. We performed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and coiling of the right internal iliac artery with postoperative administration of Nafamostat mesylate. The patient promptly recovered from DIC, and the purpura gradually disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: We safely performed EVAR with postoperative administration of Nafamostat mesylate for an abdominal aortic aneurysms that presented as symptomatic DIC.

Skeletal Muscle Mass Index Reduction Rate as a Prognostic Indicator for Patients Undergoing Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer.

Background/Aim: There have been many studies on skeletal muscle depletion before surgery, and skeletal muscle depletion is a known risk factor for poor prognosis. However, reports on the association between changes in skeletal muscle mass and prognosis after surgery for pancreatic cancer are very few. Patients and Methods: The data of 137 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer between 2005 and 2022 were reviewed. Muscle areas were measured at the third lumbar vertebral level, and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) reduction rates were calculated. Patients were divided into two groups using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis based on the SMI reduction rate with a cutoff of 14% reduction rate. The clinicopathological factors, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups. Survival rates were analyzed both univariately and multivariately to clarify the factors associated with poor prognosis after pancreatectomy. Results: A total of 102 patients met the inclusion criteria. SMI reduction rate ≥14% significantly correlated with advanced age and higher incidence of postoperative complications. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) <40 and SMI reduction rate ≥14% were significantly associated with poor OS. Tumor size ≥3.0 cm, preoperative neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio ≥3.0, and SMI reduction rate ≥14% were significantly associated with poor RFS. Conclusion: The rate of skeletal muscle mass reduction after pancreatic surgery is an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.

A case of difficult-to-diagnose hepatic reactive lymphoid hyperplasia finally diagnosed by using PCR analysis of IgH-gene rearrangements: a case report.

Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) of the liver is extremely rare. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging technology, it is still difficult to distinguish from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we present a case of hepatic RLH mimicking HCC that was postoperatively diagnosed using several imaging modalities. A 78-year-old female was referred to our hospital with a positive hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV Ab) test. Ultrasonography revealed a 13 mm isoechoic lesion in segment 8 of the liver. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) demonstrated arterial hyperintensity and washout during the later phase. On ethoxybenzyl magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI), the lesion was hyperenhanced in the arterial phase and of low intensity in the hepatocyte phase. Although the tumor markers were all within normal limits, the pattern of contrast enhancement of the tumor on CT and MRI was consistent with that of HCC. We performed S8 segmentectomy of the liver. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed dense lymphoid tissue of variable sizes and shapes with expanded germinal centers. Immunohistochemical examination was positive for CD3, CD10 (germinal center), and CD20, and negative for B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2) (germinal center) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of IgH-gene rearrangements revealed polyclonality. Based on these findings, hepatic RLH was diagnosed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. She had a good quality of life after surgery and no liver nodule recurrence was detected at the 4-month medical follow-up. Hepatic RLH is an extremely rare disease and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. This should be considered in the differential diagnosis of single small hepatic tumors. An echo-guided biopsy and careful observation of imaging may help diagnose hepatic RLH, and a PCR analysis of IgH-gene rearrangements would be necessary for the definitive diagnosis of hepatic RLH.

Early Clinical Outcomes of the Active Seal Technology of the AFX Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm System With the VELA Cuff for Patients With a Conical Proximal Neck.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the Active Seal technology employed in the AFX endovascular aortic aneurysm system (AFX), during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) having a conical proximal neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the EVAR for AAA with a conical proximal neck using the AFX was performed at 17 Japanese hospitals between January 2016 and August 2020. The conical proximal neck was defined as a cone-shaped proximal neck, with more than 10% diameter increase within a 15 mm length at the proximal landing zone. All anatomical analyses were performed in the core laboratory, and cases with parallel walls within the proximal neck adequate for the landing zone were excluded from the study. RESULTS: This study included 53 patients, but only 39 patients (mean age, 76.6 ± 6.7 years; 87.0% males; mean aneurysm diameter, 52.0 ± 8.0 mm) were analyzed after being characterized as having a pure conical neck by the core laboratory. The mean proximal neck diameters at the lower renal artery and proximal edge of the aneurysm were 20.0 ± 2.9 mm and 27.5 ± 4.9 mm, respectively. The mean proximal neck length was 21.5 ± 6.0 mm. Instructions for use violations other than the conical neck were observed in 15 patients (38.5%). The VELA cuff was used in all cases; however, additional proximal cuff was required in 9 more cases (23.1%). The Active Seal technology was able to significantly extend the proximal sealing zone from 21.5 ± 6.0 to 26.0 ± 12.2 mm (p = .047). Thirty-six patients completed the 12-month follow-up (one patient was lost to follow-up, and 2 patients died from causes unrelated to the aneurysm), and there were no type-1a and 3 endoleaks with only one reintervention (2.6%) related to type 1b endoleak in the 12-month period. Furthermore, there was no significant enlargement of the proximal neck diameter at 12 months (at 1 month: 20.6 ± 3.4 mm and at 12 months: 21.3 ± 3.8 mm; p = .420). CONCLUSION: The Active Seal technology of the AFX significantly extended the proximal seal zone and no type-1a endoleak and proximal neck dilation was observed in patients with conical proximal neck at 12 months.

Two-year results of endovascular therapy for femoropopliteal artery disease in Japan during the introduction of drug-eluting devices.

Although various devices and strategies were introduced into endovascular therapy, factors associated with chronic outcomes remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to build preliminary data of Japanese femoropopliteal lesions in a period of transition from non-drug to drug technology. This research was a multicenter, prospective, and observational study. A total of 1003 consecutive patients with a mean age of 73.6 ± 8.3 years from 67 institutes were registered from February 2017 to June 2018 in Japan. In addition to the baseline data, angiographic findings affecting primary patency were studied. Lesion length was 16.4 ± 9.6 cm, and chronic total occlusion was found in 42%. Calcified lesions were found in 75% of patients. The 1-year and 2-year freedom from target lesion revascularization were 81% and 75%, respectively, and maximum walking distance showed improvement over the two years (pre; 234 m ± 211 m, 1-year; 402 m ± 241 m, 2-year; 428 m ± 231 m). The independent predictors for primary patency were pre-procedure ankle-brachial index, history of minor amputation, ostium lesion, and drug-coated balloon use. Angiographic analysis revealed that only lesion length and full cover stent were related to primary patency. Two-year freedom from target vessel revascularization was 75% in the Japanese transitional period of drug-eluting devices. Maximum walking distance was improved and well maintained for up to 2-year.

A Rare Case of Dissecting Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.

An asymptomatic dissecting superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysm in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), historically termed Wegener's granulomatosis, is rare. We herein describe a 68-year-old man who was diagnosed with GPA based on a high level of proteinase 3 (PR3)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). One year after remission of GPA, the patient developed pyelonephritis, and his PR3-ANCA level increased again. Computed tomography showed a rapid increase in the size of the dissecting SMA aneurysm. The patient underwent successful endovascular stent-graft repair. At the time of this writing, 3 years had passed since the surgery and the clinical course was good.

Clinical features and prognosis of patients with and without diabetes mellitus undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the clinical features and prognoses of patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent endovascular repair for aortic aneurysm (AA). METHODS: We analyzed the clinical database of a prospective multicenter study, registering 929 patients who underwent their first endovascular AA repair in Japan between January 2016 and June 2018. The baseline characteristics and prognoses (including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events) after repair were compared between the DM and non-DM groups. Prognoses were also compared between the groups after propensity score matching. RESULTS: In total, 226 patients (24.3%) had DM. Compared with non-DM patients, DM patients had higher pack-years of smoking (P = 0.011), higher body mass index (P = 0.009), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P = 0.038), higher triglyceride levels (P = 0.025), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.005). Meanwhile, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure levels showed no significant intergroup difference (all P > 0.05). DM patients had a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (P = 0.016), history of coronary revascularization (P = 0.015), and lower extremity artery disease (P = 0.019). Lesion characteristics and procedures were similar between the groups (all P > 0.05). DM patients had a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events than non-DM patients (both P < 0.001). Subsequent propensity score matching also demonstrated that DM patients had a significantly lower rate of overall survival (P = 0.001) and freedom from cardiovascular events (P = 0.010). The Kaplan-Meier estimates at 1 year for the overall survival were 85.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.9% to 90.5%) and 94.3% (95% CI, 91.7% to 97.0%) for patients with and without DM, respectively. The corresponding estimates for freedom from cardiovascular events were 79.8% (95% CI, 74.5% to 85.5%) and 87.7% (95% CI, 84.2% to 91.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing endovascular AA repair, those with DM had more cardiovascular risk factors. DM patients had a higher incidence rate of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Matching analysis indicated that DM per se would be a risk factor for poor prognoses after AA repair.

A Lotus Root-like Appearance in the External Iliac Artery Detected by Intravascular Ultrasonography.

A lotus root-like appearance on blood vessels is a rare abnormality. The multiple channels within arteries may represent the recanalization or neovascularization of the thrombus. This abnormality is most frequently found in coronary arteries. A 39-year-old woman had a thrombus-like structure in the external iliac artery. We subsequently performed an endovascular treatment six months later due to intermittent claudication. A lotus root-like appearance was found on intravascular ultrasound. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a case of lotus root-like appearance in lower-extremity arteries.

A case of perforation of Meckel's diverticulum with enterolith.

BACKGROUND: Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum with enteroliths is a rare complication. Here, we report a case of perforation of Meckel's diverticulum with one enterolith, which could not be accurately diagnosed by preoperative computed tomography. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old male patient with acute onset of severe abdominal pain and a localized muscle guarding in the right hypochondrium had a solitary stone detected in the right abdomen by radiography. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a saclike outpouching of the small intestine, which contained fluid levels and an enterolith, with a mesenteric inflammatory change in the right paraumbilical area. He was diagnosed with peritonitis due to appendicitis or Meckel's diverticulitis with enterolith, and emergency operation was indicated. The perforated Meckel's diverticulum was identified approximately 30 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. The diverticulum was transected at the base and removed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial for clinicians to thoroughly examine patients and appropriately request investigations that consider perforation of Meckel's diverticulum as a possible diagnosis to facilitate prompt treatment.

Acute median arcuate ligament syndrome after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) can cause severe complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Most of the reported cases of MALS have been diagnosed perioperatively and can be treated efficiently by interventional radiology or division of the median acute ligament (MAL) fibers. CASE REPORT: A 69-year-old woman underwent PD with resection of the SMV for pancreatic head cancer. Intraoperative exploration showed normal anatomy of the celiac trunk. Intraoperative digital palpation revealed normal pulsation of the common hepatic artery after resection of the gastroduodenal artery. On postoperative day (POD) 3, her liver function tests were abnormal, and bloody fluids were found in the drain. Abdominal CT showed necrosis of the pancreatic body and ischemia in the liver secondary to MALS which was not detected in the preoperative CT. Interventional radiology was tried first but failed. Division of the MAL fibers markedly increased the blood flow in the hepatic artery. Resection of the remnant pancreas and spleen was also performed simultaneously. Abdominal CT on POD 20 showed re-occlusion of the celiac artery. She experienced rupture of the gastrojejunostomy site, severe hepatic cytolysis, and choledochojejunostomy stricture thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: This is the third case of MALS that has developed acutely after PD. MALS can cause refractory complications even after MAL release.

Influence of frailty on treatment outcomes after revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear whether frailty adversely affects treatment outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of frailty on CLI patients after revascularization. METHODS: Patients undergoing infrapopliteal revascularization between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The patient was defined as CLI frail when two or more of the following were present: low Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, low skeletal muscle mass index, or nonambulatory status. The primary study end point was 2-year amputation-free survival (AFS). To analyze the diagnostic criteria of frailty, the CLI Frailty Index was compared with a modified Frailty Index using a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve. The secondary end points were occurrence of Clavien-Dindo class IV complications and 30-day or hospital mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 266 patients and 325 limbs underwent infrapopliteal revascularization. The AFS rate 1 year and 2 years after revascularization was 81.8% and 72.9% for the CLI frail- group vs 45.8% and 34.0% for the CLI frail+ group (P < .001), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the CLI Frailty Index (hazard ratio [HR], 2.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-4.32; P < .001) and hemodialysis (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.11-2.69; P = .02) were risk factors for AFS 2 years after revascularization. The CLI Frailty Index area under the curve was 0.72 compared with 0.63 for the modified Frailty Index (P = .01). Only the CLI Frailty Index was found to be a risk factor for morbidity (HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.45-7.27; P = .004) and 30-day or hospital mortality (HR, 6.32; 95% CI, 1.43-43.7; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The CLI Frailty Index is a risk factor for 2-year AFS in CLI patients after revascularization. This result could prove useful for prognostic prediction and decision-making in selection of bypass surgery or endovascular therapy as a first treatment strategy.

Bypass Surgery after Endovascular Therapy for Infrapopliteal Lesion Is Not a Poor Outcome Compared with Initial Bypass Surgery by Vascular Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether prior endovascular therapy (EVT) adversely affects bypass surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate treatment outcomes between initial bypass (bypass-first) and bypass surgery after EVT (EVT-first). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of critical limb ischemia patients undergoing infrapopliteal bypass between November 2006 and December 2015. Graft patency, limb salvage (LS), amputation-free survival (AFS), and overall survival (OS) were examined between bypass-first and EVT-first groups. RESULTS: The subjects in this study were 75 patients and 82 limbs in the bypass-first group and 24 patients and 24 limbs in the EVT-first group. The average age was higher in EVT-first group (P = 0.03). The percentage of inframalleolar bypass was higher in the EVT-first group (P = 0.002). Primary patency at 1 and 2 years was 72.0% and 67.5% for the bypass-first group and 53.1% and 47.2% for the EVT-first group, respectively (P = 0.04). Inframalleolar bypass was a risk factor for lower primary patency (hazard ratio 3.07, 95% confidence interval 1.18-8.51, P = 0.02) in multivariate analysis, while there were no differences in secondary patency, LS, AFS, and OS. CONCLUSIONS: Bypass surgery after EVT has lower primary patency rates in comparison with primary bypass in patients submitted to infrapopliteal revascularization. Although very heterogeneous study population with a lot of bias in the indication of the revascularization, LS, OS and AFS are not affected by previous EVT.

Preoperative risk factors for aneurysm sac expansion caused by type 2 endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the preoperatively definable risk factors which predict the aneurysm sac expansion caused by persistent type 2 endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair. Methods Between 2008 and 2014, retrospective analysis was performed to examine the predictive risk factors for aneurysm sac enlargement caused by persistent type 2 endoleak, which was defined as a continuous endoleak present for more than six months. Aneurysm sac expansion was diagnosed if the maximum transverse diameter increased by 5 mm or more compared with the preoperative measurement. Results During the study period, endovascular aneurysm repair was performed in 211 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and common iliac artery aneurysm. Sac enlargement for type 2 endoleaks was observed in 20 patients (9.5%). The presence of more than five patent lumbar arteries flowing into aneurysm sac in the preoperative computed tomography (hazard ratio, 3.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-10.8; p = 0.017) was a predictive factor for sac expansion caused by persistent type 2 endoleak on Cox regression analysis. The presence of a patent inferior mesenteric artery was not associated with the sac expansion caused by persistent type 2 endoleak. Conclusions The presence of more than five lumbar arteries flowing into the aneurysm sac was a preoperative risk factor for sac expansion caused by persistent type 2 endoleak.

Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy for Infrarenal Aortic Occlusion of TASC II D Classification.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with infrarenal aortic occlusive disease. METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2015, 11 patients with infrarenal aortic occlusion of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II D classification were treated. Procedural results, complications, and midterm results were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The technical success was 81.8%. The procedural time was 118.3 ± 60.9 min, and the median length of hospitalization was 2 days (range, 1-40 days). Contrast-induced nephropathy occurred in 1 patient with EVT, but hemodialysis was not necessary. Primary patency of EVT at 2 years was 100%, and there were no reinterventions. CONCLUSIONS: The endovascular approach for infrarenal aortic occlusion is feasible and midterm patency is favorable.

Popliteal-Peroneal Artery Bypass via the Posterior Approach: A Case Report.

We report the case of a 65-year-old man with critical limb ischemia treated with popliteal-peroneal bypass via the posterior approach and endarterectomy of the P2 popliteal artery. The posterior approach is useful in a number of situations, such as cases of arteriosclerotic disease of the crural arteries, where the target artery is the distal posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery; where the inflow site is the popliteal artery; in cases of a poor-quality greater saphenous vein, limited length of vein, and a preferable lesser saphenous vein; and in reoperation after failed bypass via a medial approach. Vascular surgeons should consider the posterior approach as an alternative procedure in below-knee revascularization.

One-step surgery for acute ischemia of the jejunal loop after pancreatoduodenectomy: report of a case.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is an extensive surgery, and its complications are grave. Acute ischemia of the jejunal loop due to thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and its branches is one of the most dangerous complications that, although rare, if left untreated leads to abdominal sepsis and death of a patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old man underwent PD for pancreatic cancer. On postoperative day 2, the patient developed a severe anemia with hypotension. The computed tomography showed acute ischemia of the jejunal loop due to thrombosis. The emergent surgery was performed. The removal of the ischemic intestine and re-anastomoses of the biliary and pancreatic ducts could be performed all at once because necrosis and inflammation were still very mild in early stage. CONCLUSION: If suspicion for thrombosis of the SMV and its branches is raised, re-laparotomy should be considered. Early re-operation can lead to removal of the ischemic intestine and re-anastomoses in one-step surgery.

Clinical Outcome of Surgical Endarterectomy for Common Femoral Artery Occlusive Disease.

BACKGROUND: Although common femoral artery endarterectomy (CFE) is the standard treatment for occlusive disease of the common femoral artery (CFA), several studies have noted encouraging results for endovascular therapy in this anatomical area. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective multi-center study of 118 consecutive limbs from 111 symptomatic patients undergoing CFE between April 1998 and December 2014 was performed. Seventy-five CFE were performed on limbs for intermittent claudication and 43 CFE were performed for critical limb ischemia (CLI). The prevalence of perioperative complications was higher in patients with CLI than in the claudication patients. The technical success rate was 99% in all cases. The 1- and 5-year primary patency rates were 100% and 100% for claudication and 95% and 95% for CLI, respectively. The assisted-primary patency rates were 100% at both time points in both groups. Freedom from major amputation at 1 and 5 years was 100% and 100% in the claudication patients and 93% and 82% in the CLI patients, respectively. The 1- and 5-year overall survival rates were 97% and 89% in the claudication patients and 69% and 33% in the CLI patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CFE is a safe, effective and durable procedure for occlusive disease of the CFA. This procedure should remain the standard treatment for this anatomical region.

Strategy of Revascularization for Critical Limb Ischemia Due to Infragenicular Lesions-Which Should Be Selected Firstly, Bypass Surgery or Endovascular Therapy?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with peripheral arterial diseases (PADs) due to infra-popliteal (below the knee; BTK) lesions, we often encounter situations requiring the immediate selection of either of two revascularization methods, namely bypass surgery or endovascular therapy (EVT). However, the question of whether endovascular or surgical revascularization should be performed initially for critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients with BTK lesions has not been clarified. To assess the efficacy and durability of EVT or bypass as a first approach, we evaluated the short- and mid-term outcomes of the first revascularizations achieved using EVT (EVT First Group; EVT-first) compared with bypass (Bypass First Group; Bypass-first). To verify the validity of each initial revascularization, we explored factors influencing overall survival (OS) rates using multivariate analyses. METHODS: A total of 169 consecutive BTK revascularization procedures (150 patients) for CLI conducted at our facility between November 2006 and July 2012 were analyzed. Patients undergoing revascularization were divided into two groups (EVT-first or Bypass-first), with 102 patients undergoing endovascular therapy first (EVT-first) and 51 undergoing bypass surgery first (Bypass-first). No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups with respect to preoperative background including age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary arterial disease (CAD), chronic heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular disease, and hemodialysis). Technical success was defined as a single straight-line flow to the ankle after completion angiography of the first revascularization method. Hemodynamic success was defined as a postoperative skin perfusion pressure of the foot exceeding 40 mmHg. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 76.0 years (range, 46-98 years; 65 men and 37 women) and 72.3 years (range, 43-93 years; 35 men and 13 women) in the EVT-first and Bypass-first groups, respectively. Patient follow-up ranged from 1 to 50 months (mean, 15 months). Respective technical and hemodynamic success rates were 96.2% and 66.7% for EVT-first and 100% and 94% for Bypass-first, respectively. Treatment was required an average of 1.5 times for EVT-first and 1.2 times for Bypass-first. Respective rates for other factors examined in the EVT-first and the Bypass-first groups were: major amputation rates 30 days post-procedure, 5.9%, and 3.9%; mortality rates 30 days post-procedure, 3.9%, and 0%; one-year AFS rates, 71.7%, and 79.5%; OS rates, 73.5% and 83.9%; and limb salvage rates, 88.8%, and 91.0%. Multivariate-analysis of all subjects in the two groups revealed that the OS rates were affected by four risk factors as follows: (1) age greater than 80 years, (2) CAD, (3) CHF, and (4) a non-ambulatory limb. CONCLUSION: For patients with CLI due to BTK lesions and whose saphenous veins are in poor condition or are in poor general condition having two or more of the four severe risk factors, the EVT-First procedure is effective and provides durable results. Overall survival in patients with CLI due to BTK lesions is worse when patients have more than two severe risk factors, which is non-ambulatory limb, aged less than 81 years, with CAD or with CHF. (This article is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2014; 23: 766-773.).