Long-term Results of Totally Laparoscopic Aortobifemoral Bypass.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to estimate the long-term results and patency rates of totally laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass in aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). METHODS: All 87 patients who received a laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass for AIOD on an intention to treat basis between October 2003 and October 2013 were identified. All operations were performed by the same surgical team using a totally laparoscopic technique. Demographic, pre-operative, peri-operative, and follow up variables were collected and analyzed. Patients were followed up at 1 month post-operatively and annually thereafter. Patency rates were calculated in accordance with published patency reporting standards. RESULTS: The median age was 57 years (range 40-78 years). The conversion rate was 20.6% overall. The thirty-day post-operative mortality was 1.1%. Six patients required early re-intervention. There were no graft infections. The median length hospital stay was 6 days (range 4-39 days). The mean follow up was 58.0 months (range 1-133 months). Graft limb based primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were respectively 96.1%, 98.1% and 99.4% at 1 year, and 83.0%, 92.0% and 97.0% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Totally laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass is a safe alternative to open surgery in selected patients, with excellent long-term patency rates, albeit at the cost of a steep learning curve.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis with microplasmin for acute peripheral arterial occlusion (PAO): an exploratory study.

AIM: We performed an open-label, dose-ascending, single-centre, Phase IIa study to explore the safety and efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with microplasmin for infrainguinal arterial or bypass occlusions. METHODS: Patients who presented with acute occlusions were subsequently treated with an intrathrombus infusion of five ascending doses of microplasmin: 0.3 mg/kg/h for 4 hours; 0.45 mg/kg/h for 4 hours; 0.6 mg/kg/h for 4 hours; 0.9 mg/kg/h for 4 hours or 0.6 mg/kg/h for 6 hours. Repeat angiograms were obtained to assess the degree of clot lysis. The primary outcome was complete thrombolysis defined as >95% thrombus volume reduction at the end of the microplasmin infusion. Safety evaluation included bleedings, adverse events and coagulation biomarkers. RESULTS: Complete thrombolysis was obtained in 3 of the 19 treated patients at the end of microplasmin infusion. Thrombus volume reduction between 50% and 95% was achieved with all dosing regimens. Clinically significant distal embolization occurred in 8 patients. One major and two non-major bleedings occurred. Microplasmin depleted α2-anti-plasmin and decreased fibrinogen. CONCLUSION: Intrathrombus infusion of microplasmin for 4 or 6 hours resulted in significant clot lysis. Distal embolization appeared the most important limitation.

Laparoscopic versus open approach for aortobifemoral bypass for severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease--a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate differences between open and laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease on postoperative morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: A multicentre randomised controlled trial. METHODS: Between January 2007 and November 2009, 28 patients with severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (TASC II C or D) were randomised between laparoscopic and open approach at one community hospital and one university hospital (TASC = Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus on the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease). RESULTS: The operation time was longer for the laparoscopic approach (mean 4 h 19 min (2 h 00 min to 6 h 20 min) vs. 3 h 30 min (1 h 42 min to 5 h 11 min); p = 0.101)). Nevertheless, postoperative recovery and in-hospital stay were significantly shorter after laparoscopic surgery. Also oral intake could be restarted earlier (mean 20 h 34 min (6 h 00 min to 26 h 55 min) vs. 43 h 43 min (19 h 40 min to 77 h 30 min); p = 0.00014)) as well as postoperative mobilisation (walking) (mean 46 h 15 min (16 h 07 min to 112 h 40 min) vs. mean 94 h 14 min (66 h 10 min to 127 h 23 min); p = 0.00016)). Length of hospitalisation was shorter (mean 5.5 days (2.5-15) vs. mean 13.0 days (7-45); p = 0.0095)). Visual pain scores and visual discomfort scores were both lower after laparoscopic surgery. Also return to normal daily activities was achieved earlier. There were no major complications in both groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease is a safe procedure with a significant decrease in postoperative morbidity and in-hospital stay and earlier recovery.

Arterioureteral fistula. An unusual cause of aortofemoral bypass infection. A case report.

We report a case of arterioureteral fistula after aortobifemoral bypass surgery and prolonged bilateral double J stents due to ureteral stenosis. A 70-year-old woman presented with a non-tender mass in the left groin and a single episode of haematuria 2 months earlier. A Computed Tomography (CT) revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the left distal suture of the graft. Surgical repair was performed. Because of suspicion of infection the entire aortobifemoral graft was removed and replaced by an autologous venous aortofemoral bypass to the right groin and femorofemoral crossover bypass from the right to the left. During surgery an arterioureteral fistula could be visualized. The urologists performed a left nephroureterectomy of the afunctional left kidney. The further postoperative course was uneventful during the 10 months of follow up.

Stent graft infection in the lower limb.

BACKGROUND: Poor wound healing can occur after limb amputation. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a patient with a persistent fistula after below-knee amputation. The fistula is maintained due to an infected stent graft. After removal of the stent graft and adequate antibiotic treatment the wounds healed and extended amputation was avoided. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of stent graft infection is challenging and requires aggressive treatment to prevent further amputation.

Embolization of an internal iliac artery aneurysm after image-guided direct puncture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of embolization of internal iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA) after percutaneous direct puncture under (cone-beam) computed tomography (CT) guidance. METHODS: A retrospective case series of three patients, in whom IIAA not accessible by way of the transarterial route, was reviewed. CT-guided puncture of the IIAA sac was performed in one patient. Two patients underwent puncture of the IIAA under cone-beam CT guidance. RESULTS: Access to the IIAA sac was successful in all three patients. In two of the three patients, the posterior and/or anterior division was first embolized using platinum microcoils. The aneurysm sac was embolized with thrombin in one patient and with a mixture of glue and Lipiodol in two patients. No complications were seen. On follow-up CT, no opacification of the aneurysm sac was seen. The volume of one IIAA remained stable at follow-up, and the remaining two IIAAs decreased in size. CONCLUSION: Embolization of IIAA after direct percutaneous puncture under cone-beam CT/CT-guidance is feasible and safe and results in good short-term outcome.

Treatment of mycotic aneurysms with involvement of the abdominal aorta: single-centre experience in 44 consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVE: To review our management of mycotic aneurysms involving the abdominal aorta over the past 2 decades to assess the safety and efficacy of in-situ and extra-anatomic repair combined with antibiotic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1990 to August 2008, 44 patients with a mycotic aneurysm involving the abdominal aorta were treated at our University Hospital. For all patients, we recorded the aetiology, clinical findings and anatomic location of the aneurysm, as well as bacteriology results, surgical and antibiotic therapy and morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-one (47.7%) of the mycotic aneurysms had already ruptured at the time of surgery. Free rupture was present in nine patients (20.5%). Contained rupture was observed in 12 patients (27.3%). Urgent surgery was performed in 18 cases (40.9%). Revascularisation was achieved by in-situ reconstruction in 37 patients (84.1%), while extra-anatomic reconstruction was performed in six patients (13.6%). One patient (2.3%) was treated with a combined in-situ and extra-anatomic reconstruction. In one case (2.3%), endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was performed. In-hospital mortality was 22.7%, 50% in the extra-anatomic reconstruction group and 18.9% in the in-situ repair group. One-third (33.3%) of our patients, who presented with a ruptured mycotic aneurysm died in the peri-operative period. This mortality was 13% in the patient-group presenting with an intact aneurysm. Of the 34 surviving patients, 12 patients (27.3% of surviving patients died after discharge from our hospital. In half of these patients, an acute cardiac event was to blame. Three patients (8%) showed re-infection after in-situ reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Management of mycotic aortic aneurysms remains a challenging problem. The results of surgery depend on many factors. In our experience, in-situ repair remains a feasible and safe treatment option for patients who are in good general condition at the time of surgery.

Conversion during laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass: a failure?

OBJECTIVES: To study the impact of conversion on postoperative recovery, morbidity and mortality in laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database. METHODS: Between November 2002 and December 2006, 139 patients were treated for severe AIOD with a laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass at one community and one university hospital. Demographic data, operative data, postoperative recovery data, morbidity and mortality were recorded and analysed according to a conversion and a non-conversion group. RESULTS: Conversion was needed in 13.7% of the patients. Morbidity was 16.5%-14.2% in the non-conversion group and 31.8% in the conversion group. Systemic morbidity was significantly higher in the conversion group (31.6% vs.10%; p=0.002), but only one patient had incomplete recovery; local morbidity was comparable in both groups (10.5% vs. 5.8%; p=0.337). Mortality rate was 2.2%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery is a safe procedure for the treatment of AIOD. The outcome of patients after conversion is not affected in the way that it could be an impediment to start a laparoscopic procedure. Conversion in time is a safe way to overcome the learning curve.

Outcome of carotid artery stenting at 2 years follow-up: comparison of nitinol open cell versus stainless steel closed cell stent design.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and ultrasound outcome of carotid artery stenting at 2-year follow-up in patients treated with open-cell nitinol stents versus patients treated with closed cell stainless steel stents. METHODS: This was a non-randomized, retrospective study including 123 patients in whom 132 carotid stent-procedures were performed. Nine patients were treated bilaterally. All patients presented with severe asymptomatic (80%) or symptomatic (>70%) carotid artery stenosis and were treated by carotid angioplasty and stent placement with or without filter embolic protection system. Follow-up consisted of physical evaluation at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months and assessment of the stent patency by ultrasound examination at 6, 12 and 24 months after the stent procedure. RESULTS: In 72 procedures a closed cell stainless steel stent was implanted, in the remaining 60 procedures an open cell nitinol stent was placed. In 8 patients with a stainless steel stent (11%) and in 6 patients with a nitinol stent (10%) a stroke occurred during the follow-up period (P=0.79). Ultrasound examination revealed an in-stent restenosis of 50% to 80% in the stainless steel group (N.=9, 15%) and in the nitinol group (N.=10, 17%) (P=0.7). CONCLUSIONS: At 2-year follow-up after carotid artery stenting, there is no difference in clinical outcome or in stent patency among patients treated with open versus closed cell design stents. Subsequently the type of carotid stent design does not seem to impact the overall midterm outcome after carotid artery stenting.

PEPE II--a multicenter study with an end-point heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft for above and below knee bypass surgery: determinants of patency.

AIM: The Propaten European Product Evaluation (PEPE II) study was a product evaluation intended to characterize the performance of the GORE PROPATEN vascular graft in above-knee (AK) and below-knee bypass (BK) surgery. METHODS: This prospective multicenter trial enrolled 142 patients with peripheral arterial disease. In 87 patients AK and in 52 patients BK bypasses (including 15 femorocrural) were implanted (67.6% males, 32.4% females). RESULTS: The one-year overall primary and secondary patency rates were 80% and 84.7%, respectively. Overall limb salvage rate at 12-months was 96.2%. The primary patency rate for AK bypasses was 82.7%, for BK femoro-popliteal bypasses 74.2% and for BK tibial-peroneal bypasses 79.4%. Secondary patency rates were 87.3%, 78.8% and 85.1%, respectively. Primary patency rates decreased depending on the number of patent run-off vessels (three 84.3%, two 80.8%, one 73.3%). Subgroup analysis showed that female patients had a significantly higher primary patency rate for BK bypasses (95.5% vs. 67.8%, P=0.037 ) compared to male patients. Subgroup analysis comparing patients younger and older than 70 years did not show a statistically significant difference in patency rates. Twenty-one patients underwent 42 reinterventions after bypass surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Present data show that the end-point heparin-bonded polytetrafluoroethylene graft yields patency rates comparable to those obtained with other graft material in above-knee locations. The encouraging results for BK bypasses suggests that this graft is an excellent option for small diameter vascular reconstructions when autologous vein is unavailable.

Endovascular aneurysm repair or open surgery for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm with involvement of both common iliac arteries?

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) involving the entire common iliac arteries requires proximal coil embolisation of both internal iliac arteries and extension of the stent graft into the external iliac arteries (type E according to the Eurostar classification). A potential complication of this treatment is pelvic ischemia. Therefore, this type of aneurysm is a relative contra-indication for EVAR. In this case-report we describe a hybrid procedure preserving antegrade circulation in one of the internal iliac arteries in a patient with a type E aneurysm who was unfit for open surgery.

Textiloma complicated by abscess-formation, three years after surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

This report deals with a late complication of open surgery for inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm. A surgical sponge was retained and three years later, the patient presented with acute onset of back pain. Radiological evaluation by means of abdominal plain film and CT-scan, respectively revealed metallic wires projecting in the left hypochondrium and a rounded hypodense mass-lesion located retroperitoneally above the left kidney, containing the metallic wires and presenting with a contrast-enhancing peripheral rim, corresponding to abscess-formation around the retained sponge. The patient was treated by surgical retrieval of the sponge and drainage of the abscess. The aim of this report is to highlight the importance of both abdominal plain film and CT-scan in the detection of a potential textiloma after aortic surgery, even in case of late clinical presentation.

The learning curve of totally laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass for occlusive disease. How many cases and how safe?

OBJECTIVES: Totally laparoscopic aortic surgery is appealing. However, the adoption of this technique in the broad vascular world is hampered by the steep learning curve and the fear of exposing patients to excessive morbidity and mortality. We assessed how many patients should be treated to overcome this learning curve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The first 50 patients treated with totally laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass for severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease were followed prospectively. Operative variables such as operative time, aortic clamping time, amount of blood loss, conversion to laparotomy etc were recorded (as well as 30-day mortality and morbidity). To discover a turning point we used the technique of sliding averages. These data were compared with the mortality and morbidity as predicted by POSSUM and P-POSSUM. RESULTS: A clear turning point, with improved operative variables, was seen after 20-30 patients. Mortality and morbidity were not higher than predicted by POSSUM and P-POSSUM. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the intuition of most people involved in laparoscopic aortic surgery that the learning curve could be set at 25-30 cases. However, patients are not exposed to excessive morbidity and mortality during this learning curve.

Chronic contained rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as a Grynfeltt lumbar hernia. A case report.

We report a unique case of chronic contained thoraco-abdominal aneurysm rupture presenting as a Grynfeltt lumbar hernia. A 79-year-old man presented with backpain and a bluish swelling in the left lumbar region in the presence of a non tender aortic aneurysm. CT scan confirmed contained rupture of a type IV thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm. The peri-aortic haematoma protruded through the lumbar wall causing a Grynfeltt lumbar hernia. The aneurysm was replaced through a thoraco-phreno-lumbotomy. The patient survived and is doing well six months postoperatively.

Cerebral ischemia after filter-protected carotid artery stenting is common and cannot be predicted by the presence of substantial amount of debris captured by the filter device.

PURPOSE: Protected carotid artery stent placement is currently under clinical evaluation as a potential alternative to carotid endarterectomy. The current study was undertaken to determine the incidence of new ischemic lesions found on diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) in nonselected patients after protected carotid artery stent placement using a filter device and to determine the potential relationship between these new ischemic lesions and the presence or absence of a clear amount of debris captured by the neuroprotection filter device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nonrandomized cohort of 52 patients (40 men, 12 women) presenting with carotid occlusive disease underwent protected carotid artery stent placement using a filter device. DWI obtained 1 day before stent placement was compared with that obtained 1 day after stent placement. In addition, the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of debris captured by the filter device during the carotid stent placement procedure was assessed. RESULTS: Neuroprotected carotid stent placement was technically successful in all 53 procedures but was complicated by a transient ischemic attack in 3 patients (5.6%). In 22 patients (41.5%), new ischemic lesions were found on DWI, and in 21 filter devices (39.6%), a substantial amount of atheromatous plaque and/or fibrin was found. No clear relationship between the presence of debris captured by the filter device and new lesions detected by DWI was found (P = .087; odds ratio 3.067). CONCLUSION: Neuroprotected carotid artery stent placement will not avoid silent cerebral ischemia. Systematic microscopic analysis of debris captured by the filter device has no predictive value for potential cerebral ischemia after carotid artery stent placement.

Hand-assisted laparoscopy versus conventional median laparotomy for aortobifemoral bypass for severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease: a prospective randomised study.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that hand-assisted laparoscopy for aortofemoral bypass for severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease reduces morbidity with earlier recovery of bowel function and shorter in-hospital stay. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (TASK C/D) without history of major abdominal surgery necessitating an aortobifemoral bypass were randomised between a hand-assisted laparoscopic (HALS) approach and a conventional medial laparotomy. Operative data, early recovery data, quality of life and vascular outcome were analysed. RESULTS: No significant differences in operative data were found. Fluid and solid diet were resumed earlier (28.8 hrs vs. 76.9 hrs; p = 0.016) (45.6 hrs vs. 105.6 hrs; p = 0.02) and in-hospital stay was shorter (7.5 vs. 8.9 days; p = 0.005) in the HALS group. Six weeks post-operatively social functioning measured by the SF-36 survey score was better in patients randomised to HALS (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: HALS is a less invasive approach for aortofemoral bypass.

Chronic-contained rupture of an infected aneurysm of the abdominal aorta due to Listeria monocytogenes.

We report a case of chronic-contained rupture of an infected aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, from which Listeria monocytogenes was cultured. The diagnosis of rupture and retroperitoneal mass was made by computed tomography, whereas FDG -PET diagnosed vessel wall inflammation. The infectious nature only became apparent at surgery.

ERK2 activation in arteriolar and venular murine thrombosis: platelet receptor GPIb vs. P2X.

The functional significance of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) activation was investigated during shear induced human platelet aggregation (SIPA) in vitro and during shear controlled thrombosis in vivo in intestinal arterioles and venules of wild type (WT) and transgenic (TG) mice with platelet-specific overexpression of human P2X(1) (TG). In SIPA, ERK2 was rapidly phosphorylated during GPIb stimulation, its activation contributing to SIPA for 50%, independently of P2X(1) regulation. Thrombotic occlusion of injured arterioles occurred considerably faster in TG (4.3 +/- 2.3 min) than in WT (38 +/- 8 min) arterioles, but occlusion times in TG (19 +/- 12) and WT (48 +/- 4.5 min) venules differed less. Both the alphabeta-meATP triggered desensitization of platelet P2X(1), as well as P2X(1) antagonism by NF279 or NF449 prolonged mean occlusion to about 75 min in WT and 65 min in TG arterioles, but venular occlusion times were less affected. Preventing ERK2 activation by U0126 prolonged occlusion times in TG (41 +/- 10 min) and WT (51 +/- 17) arterioles more than in TG (46 +/- 5 min) and WT (56 +/- 6 min) venules, uncovering a role for ERK2 in shear controlled thrombosis. Antagonism of GPIb by a recombinant murine von Willebrand factor (VWF)-A1 fragment prolonged occlusion times to comparable values, ranging from 55 to 58 min, both in TG and WT arterioles and venules. Further inhibition strategies, combining VWF-A1, U0126 and NF449 in WT and TG mice and resulting in occlusion in various time windows, identified that inhibition by VWF-A1 largely abrogated the ERK2 contribution to thrombosis. In conclusion, P2X(1) and ERK2 both participate in shear stress controlled thrombosis, but ERK2 activation is initiated predominantly via GPIb-VWF interactions.

Fibromuscular dysplasia of the superior mesenteric artery--case report and review of the literature.

Fibromuscular dysplasia is a multifactorial arteriopathy most commonly affecting the renal and carotid arteries. In this report we present a case of visceral artery involvement, causing occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk and resulting in visceral ischemia. Treatment consisted of superior mesenteric artery reimplantation. Visceral artery FMD can present as occlusive or aneurysmal disease and treatment depends on patient characteristics and symptoms.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass for occlusive disease. Early and mid-term results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the early and mid-term results of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for aorto-iliac reconstruction. DESIGN: Prospective survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2002 and January 2004, 46 patients received an aortobifemoral bypass for advanced occlusive disease by HALS. RESULT: There was one conversion to open surgery. Mortality was 4.5%. The median return to solid oral diet took 36 h (24-182), the median hospital stay was 5 days (3-26). Primary patency rate at 1 year was 97.5%. The incidence of incisional hernia was 19.5%. CONCLUSIONS: HALS aorto-iliac reconstruction should be considered as a minimal invasive technique with good early and mid-term results.