A rare presentation of a common carotid artery occlusion.

Background: A common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) is very rare and the clinical features of CCAO have rarely been described. Since the blood supply of the eye and orbit is derived from the internal carotid artery, a CCAO may present with various ophthalmological symptoms, ranging from incidental findings to complete visual loss but also other neuro-ophthalmological abnormalities. Case report: A 61-year-old woman presented with acute monocular vision loss and an elevation deficit of the right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed delayed filling of both the retinal and choroidal vasculature, without occlusion/embolisms of the retinal arteries. Vascular imaging showed a right CCAO. Conclusion: CCAO has a variable presentation. In patients with acute unilateral visual loss a CCAO should be considered, especially when ocular motility deficits are present. Fluorescein angiography examination can aid in the localization and diagnosis of the vascular insult. Urgent referral for a systemic work-up is essential.

Embolization therapy for type 2 endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: imaging-based predictive factors and clinical outcomes on long-term follow-up

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical, radiological, and clinical outcomes after type 2 endoleak (T2EL) embolization in patients with a growing aneurysm sac after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Additionally, to determine clinical and imaging-based factors for outcome prediction after embolization of a T2EL. METHODS: A single-institution, retrospective analysis was performed of 60 patients who underwent a T2EL embolization procedure between September 2005 and August 2016 to treat a growing aneurysm sac diameter following EVAR. The patients' electronic medical records and all available pre- and post-embolization imaging were reviewed. Statistical analysis methods included logistic regression models for binary outcomes, proportional odds models for ordinal outcomes, and linear regression models for continuous outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the overall survival probability. RESULTS: Technical, radiological, and clinical success rates after T2EL embolization were 95% (n = 57), 26.7% (n = 16), and 76.7% (n = 46), respectively. Persistent aneurysm sac expansion was found in 31 patients (51.7%). Unsharp or blurred T2EL delineation on pre-interventional computed tomography (CT) was a predictive factor for a post-embolization persistent visible endoleak and persistent growth of the aneurysm sac (P = 0.025). Median survival after T2EL embolization was 5.35 years, with no difference observed between patients with persistent sac expansion compared with patients with stable or decreased sac diameter. CONCLUSION: Progression of the aneurysm sac diameter was observed in half the study patients, despite technically successful T2EL embolization. Unsharp or blurred T2EL delineation on pre-interventional CT seemed to be an imaging-based predictor for a persistent T2EL and progressive aneurysm sac growth after embolization.

The influence of narrow aortic bifurcation on limb graft patency: a two-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Narrow aortic bifurcation (NAB) has been considered as a potential risk factor for graft limb thrombosis after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to compare mid- and long-term outcome of EVAR in patients with NAB and standard aortic bifurcation (SAB). METHODS: Data from patients receiving EVAR were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. In case of angiographic limb stenosis (>50%), additional stenting was performed. Patients with a NAB (≤20mm) were included in the NAB group, the remaining patients in the SAB group. Primary endpoints were limb thrombosis rate and technical success. RESULTS: A total of 902 patients were included; 18.3% (N.=165/902) in the NAB and 81.7% (N.=737/902) in the SAB group. Mean follow-up time was 43 months (range 0-198 months). Bilateral stenting of the aortic bifurcation was performed in 2.7% (N.=27/902), 8.5% (N.=14/165) in the NAB and 1.4% (N.=10/737) in the SAB group (P=0.001). Limb thrombosis was found in 2.8% (N.=25/902), 3.6% (N.=6/165) in the NAB and 2.6% (N.=19/737) in the SAB group (P=0.55). Technical success was 97.8%, 98.8% in the NAB and 97.6% in the SAB group (P=0.33). Device related reintervention rate was 16% (N.=144/902), 15.2% in the NAB and 16.1% in the SAB group (P=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Standard EVAR could safely be performed in patients with NAB (≤20mm) when a low threshold for additional stenting was applied. This resulted in no significant higher incidence of limb thrombosis. Additional stent deployment did not increase the complication rate.

Long-term outcome results after endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair with the bifurcated EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term outcome of patients presenting with an aortic, aortoiliac, or isolated common iliac aneurysm treated with the bifurcated EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis. Furthermore, potential differences in late outcome results between the original- and low-permeability endoprosthesis were analyzed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 182 patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with the EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis between June 1998 and October 2015 in an academic, tertiary care center for aortic disease was performed. Patient follow-up was from 3 to 20 years (mean follow-up of 6.9 years). Primary end points were overall survival and reintervention-free survival. Secondary end points were device-related complications, endoleaks, and reinterventions. RESULTS: Overall survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 72.8%, 42.1%, and 12.2%, respectively, with no aneurysm-related mortality and no difference in overall survival between the original- vs low-permeability endoprosthesis group (P = .617). Freedom from type I endoleak at 5 years was 94.8%. No new type I endoleak was detected beyond the 5-year follow-up mark. No type III endoleak was identified. Reintervention-free survival was 83.6%, 66.7%, and 66.7% at 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-up, respectively. There was a significant difference in intervention-free survival between the original- vs low-permeability endoprosthesis group (P = .029) and after the 5-year follow-up mark. In addition, patients with the low-permeability endoprosthesis showed significantly fewer device-related complications (P = .002) and endoleaks (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular aneurysm repair using the EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis is effective and durable on long-term follow-up, with acceptably low device-related complications and reinterventions. The low-permeability endoprosthesis was associated with significantly fewer new device-related complications and endoleaks after 5 years of follow-up.

Povidone Iodine Disinfection Associated with Hypothyroidism and Potentially Contributing to Prolonged Kidney Failure.

OBJECTIVES: To report a case of povidone-iodine (PVP-I, Iso-Betadine®) disinfection of lower leg fasciotomy wounds resulting in iodide absorption and possibly contributing to hypothyroidism and prolonged kidney injury. DESIGN: Case report. Setting. Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), university hospital. Patients. A 13-year-old patient presenting with prolonged oligoanuric kidney failure and unexplained primary hypothyroidism three weeks after severe abdominal sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction and major rhabdomyolysis due to bilateral lower leg compartment syndrome, necessitating moderate size fasciotomies, disinfected daily with PVP-I. Interventions. Interruption of PVP-I exposure and initiation of thyroid hormone substitution. Measurements and Main Results. Hypothyroidism was revealed during diagnostic work-up for persistent hypertriglyceridemia. Thyroxine (T4) (4.0 mg/L) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) (64 ng/L) were moderately low, yet thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (16.8 mIU/L) was fourfold the maximal normal range value. This pattern, atypical for prolonged critical illness-related hypothyroidism, prompted interruption of PVP-I exposure and initiation of thyroid hormone substitution. Urinary production and creatinine clearance recovered during the following days, and one week later, intermittent renal replacement therapy could be terminated, suggesting that PVP-I toxicity and/or hypothyroidism may have contributed to the persistent renal failure three weeks after resolved septic shock and rhabdomyolysis. Elevated serum and urinary anion gap normalized simultaneously, but this evolution of rather nonspecific indices could be multifactorial. CONCLUSION: PVP-I is a commonly used broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent for prevention and treatment of wound infections. Toxic complications due to PVP-I absorption, after disinfection of extended thermal injuries larger than 20% of the body surface, have been described. In critically ill children, however, toxic effects of PVP-I may occur due to repeated disinfection of less extended wounds. Proposed screening strategies include: monitoring of the volumes of PVP-I applied daily; of the thyroid function, the serum, and/or urinary anion gap and the urinary iodide concentrations. These strategies, however, remain to be validated. This case report should be a wake-up call for daily integration of wound management in the clinical evaluation of critically ill patients.

A Five-Year Computed Tomography Follow-up Study of Proximal Aortic Neck Dilatation After Endovascular Aortic Repair Using Four Contemporary Types of Endograft.

OBJECTIVE: This study analysed the progression of proximal aortic neck diameter in patients with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms, treated by endovascular aortic repair using four different, contemporary types of endograft. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of four cohorts of 30 patients presenting with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms and treated with endovascular aortic repair using four different types of contemporary endografts, namely Endurant® (Medtronic), Excluder® (W.L. Gore), Zenith® (Cook Medical) and Ovation® (Endologix) endografts. Patients' demographics and aortic aneurysm measurements, including suprarenal aortic, proximal infrarenal neck and maximum aortic aneurysmal diameter, were gathered from the patients' electronic medical records, pre- and post-interventional computed tomography studies, respectively. Diameter measurements were modelled as a function of endograft type; an interaction test was used to test whether the evolutions over time were different between the four types of endograft. RESULTS: Suprarenal aortic diameter increased over time (P = 0.0235) and maximum aortic aneurysm diameter decreased over time (P = 0.0008) in the four types of endograft. The progressive increase in proximal neck diameter from preoperative baseline up to five years of follow-up was 1.20 mm for Endurant (P = 0.0054), 1.72 mm for Ovation (P = 0.0006), 1.14 mm for Excluder (P = 0.0102) and 2.83 mm for Zenith (P < 0.0001), respectively. Five patients (4%) presented with a late-type 1a endoleak: Endurant (n = 1); Ovation (n = 2) and Zenith (n = 2). CONCLUSION: All endografts were associated with a progressive dilatation of the proximal aortic neck over a time interval of five years and may be associated with late-type 1a endoleak.

Reviving the debate: Articular cartilage preservation during disarticulation at the lower limb? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The need for preservation(P) or removal(R) of articular cartilage during disarticulations remains unanswered. METHODS: Medline database was used to conduct a systematic review regarding all types of minor disarticulations and some types of major disarticulations in patients with diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease or trauma related disarticulations. Fisher-exact statistical test was used to perform calculations for the entire group as for subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 444 disarticulations at the Chopart joint, ankle and knee were included (P = 255 vs. R = 189). There was no difference in wound healing, functionality and mortality. Reamputation rate was lower in the P-group (9.4% vs. 16.9%). Infection rate was not significantly different. Differences in reamputations (R = 10.6% vs. P = 1.0%) and infections (R = 4.4% vs. P = 22.6%) were only present for the ankle subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in wound healing, functionality and mortality between the preservation and removal of articular cartilage in the lower limb.

Overall survival and factors predicting long-term outcome after thoracic aortic endovascular repair.

PURPOSES: To assess overall survival and to determine factors predicting outcome after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of 212 consecutive patients (165 men and 47 women; mean age 64 years) who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair in a tertiary referral center for aortic disease. Main indications were true thoracic aortic aneurysm (n = 58; 27.6%), traumatic aortic rupture (n = 33; 15.7%), anastomotic pseudoaneurysms (n = 23; 10.9%), chronic type B aortic dissection (n = 22; 10.5%), and symptomatic, acute type B dissection (n = 21; 10.0%). In 79 patients (37.3%), a hybrid procedure, including supra-aortic rerouting, was performed. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for overall survival and Cox regression models were used for univariable analysis of the association between risk factors and survival. RESULTS: Proximal landing zones were predominantly zone 3 (n = 66; 31.3%), zone 2 (n = 63; 29.9%), and zone 1 (n = 38; 18%). In-hospital mortality was n = 18 (8.5%). Overall survival was 79.6%, 65.9%, and 51.1% at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively; better overall survival was shown for traumatic aortic rupture, anastomotic pseudoaneurysms, and chronic posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms (p < 0.05). Clinical risk factors influencing overall survival include prior coronary bypass surgery, atrial flutter, arterial hypertension, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and associated abdominal aortic aneurysm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is an effective treatment option for various thoracic aortic diseases with highest survival rates for traumatic aortic rupture and anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. Several clinical parameters are identified as risk factors for overall survival.

The impact of type 1a endoleak on the long-term outcome after EVAR.

OBJECTIVE: Endoleaks remains a major determinant of outcome after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term impact of proximal type 1 endoleak encountered at the case end of the EVAR procedure or during follow-up. METHODS: All patients treated with EVAR between February 2001 and August 2017 in our institution were included. Data were collected retrospectively. A descriptive analysis of subgroups with type 1a endoleak at case end or with type 1a endoleak first encountered during follow-up was performed. RESULTS: In total, 468 patients were included for analysis. At the case end of the EVAR procedure, in 5.3% (25/468) of patients, a type 1a endoleak was seen. In 72% of cases (18/25) the type 1a endoleak spontaneously disappeared on the first follow-up computed tomography angiography and never recurred. At the end of the follow-up period, no patient in this subgroup died with a type 1a endoleak on follow-up. In 3.4% (16/468) of all cases, a type 1a endoleak was encountered for the first time during follow-up. In 87.5% (14/16) of these cases, reintervention was performed. Two patients died with a persisting type 1a endoleak during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should differentiate between the type 1a endoleak at the case end and the type 1a endoleak first occurring during follow-up. For type 1a endoleak at the case end, expectant management can be adopted. Delayed type 1a endoleak seen during follow-up rarely seals spontaneously and needs reintervention in the majority of cases.

Predictive Factors of Operative Need in Medically Managed Type B Aortic Dissections.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal degeneration of medically managed type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can be a life-threatening condition. Preventive thoracic endovascular aorta repair (TEVAR) in patients at risk could potentially be beneficial. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors for late aneurysmal dilatation after TBAD. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 82 patients with medically managed acute TBAD for a minimum of 14 days. Relevant demographic, biochemical, and radiographic variables at presentation were studied. The aortic dissection risk calculator tool developed by Sailer et al., predicting the risk of adverse events after aortic dissection based on demographic and radiographic variables at presentation, was tested retrospectively. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 36 months (range 13-68), 25 (30.5%) patients underwent surgery (92% TEVAR). A larger initial aortic and false lumen diameter as well as a greater distal extension of the dissection was associated with higher need for surgery (respectively, P = 0.003, P = 0.004, and P = 0.001). We observed higher growth rates of maximum aortic diameter in patients with a greater distal extension of the dissection, larger false lumen diameters and false lumen outflow, and entry tears located at the inner aortic arch (respectively, P = 0.001, P = 0.005, P = 0.001 and P = 0.014). No significant correlations could be found for the risks provided by the calculator tool. CONCLUSIONS: The initial maximum aortic diameter of TBAD is a key predictor for aortic growth. Furthermore, the distal extension of the dissection also seems to play an important role in late aneurysmal degeneration. However, we were not able to confirm the added value of the risk calculator tool in our study group.

Late hematogenous seeding and infection of a femoropopliteal Omniflow II bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Omniflow II is promoted as an infection-resistant vascular graft. It is used to treat vascular graft infection; nevertheless, early graft infection has been reported.Report: A 71-year-old patient was treated with an Omniflow II bypass for a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer. Seven months postoperatively, late infection occurred secondary to hematogenous spread from a persistent foot infection. CONCLUSION: We report on the first case of late infection of an Omniflow II vascular graft caused by hematogenous spread. Despite promising results of the Omniflow II graft in the treatment of vascular graft infection, late infection may not be avoided.

Gentamicin Containing Collagen Implants and Groin Wound Infections in Vascular Surgery: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Multicentre Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of gentamicin containing collagen implants in the reduction of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing an inguinal incision for vascular surgery. METHODS: Prospective blinded randomised controlled multicentre trial (RCT), performed in four hospitals in The Netherlands and Belgium. This study included 288 patients who underwent an inguinal incision for primary arterial repair (femoral endarterectomy, femorofemoral or femoropopliteal bypass, aortobifemoral bypass, thrombectomy, embolectomy, endovascular aneurysm repair) between October 2012 and December 2015. Patients were randomised to receive a gentamicin implant (study group) or no implant (control group). The calculated sample sizes of 304 patients per group were not reached. Primary outcome was SSI incidence after six weeks. Secondary outcomes were time to onset of infection, length of hospital stay, allergic reactions, treatment with antibiotics, need for re-admission, re-operation and mortality. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one patients were allocated to the study group (mean age 69 ± 9.2 years) and 137 patients were allocated to the control group (mean age 70 ± 10.4 years). Both groups were homogeneous regarding baseline and intra-operative characteristics. Gentamicin implants did not result in a significant overall reduction of SSIs in the study group (7% vs. 12%, p = .17). In a post hoc analysis comparing two study sites with low (<10%) and two study sites with high (>10%) infection rates in the control group, gentamicin implants significantly reduced SSIs in high risk centres (22% vs. 1%, p < .001), whereas there was no significant effect in low risk centres (13% vs. 7%, p = .30). There were no allergic reactions and all secondary outcomes were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Gentamicin implants did not result in a significant overall reduction of SSIs in this RCT. Gentamicin implants did reduce the incidence of SSIs in high risk centres and may be a valuable adjunct to improve outcomes in such vascular centres with a high incidence of wound infections. However, the limitation of not reaching the calculated sample sizes should be considered.

Mid- to Long-Term Outcome Results of the Ovation Stent Graft.

BACKGROUND: To report mid-term to long-term outcome data for endovascular aortic repair using the Ovation stent-graft system (Endologix, Santa Rosa, CA) in a single university center. METHODS: All patients treated with the Ovation stent graft between February 2012 and January 2019 were included. Patient demographics, anatomical and operative details, as well as follow-up data including complications, need for further interventions, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients (93% males; mean age, 74.5 years) were treated with the Ovation stent graft. The median maximal aortic diameter was 60 mm (range, 36-100). Sixty-two of 74 patients (83.8%) were considered to have a hostile neck. About 33% had a (reversed) conical neck, 59% had circumferential neck calcification (>50%), and 39% had significant neck thrombus (>50%). Technical success rate was 91.89%. Despite additional measures, 4 patients had a persistent type Ia endoleak on completion angiography, of which 3 disappeared on the first postoperative computed tomography angiography. Mean follow-up duration was 31.62 months ± 21.3 (range, 0-72.74 months). Twenty-four patients had a follow-up time of at least 36 months. Freedom from reintervention at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 92.7%, 90.8%, 80.1%, and 80.1%, respectively. Estimated freedom from mortality at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 96.8%, 95.0%, 87.3%, and 68.5%, respectively. No late type Ia or type III endoleak was detected during follow-up. No aneurysm-related mortality was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Our mid- to long-term experience with the Ovation stent-graft system demonstrates safe and durable results without late type Ia or type III endoleak.

A comprehensive report of long-term outcomes after catheter-directed thrombolysis for occluded infrainguinal bypass grafts.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the technical and short- and long-term clinical outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with urokinase for occluded infrainguinal bypass grafts. In addition, factors associated with technical success and amputation-free survival were assessed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients treated with catheter-directed urokinase-based thrombolysis for occluded infrainguinal bypass grafts was conducted between January 2000 and December 2015. Demographics, procedural data, and short- and long-term outcome data, including patency rates of the bypasses, limb salvage, and overall survival, were collected. Statistical models for clustered data were applied to assess predictive factors. RESULTS: In 177 patients, 251 CDTs were performed on 204 bypasses. In 209 procedures (83.3%), the occluded bypass was reopened; clinical disappearance of ischemic symptoms occurred after 157 procedures (62.6%). Premature cessation of thrombolysis occurred in 33 procedures (13.2%), and periprocedural and postprocedural complications were noted in 91 patients (36.3%). Factors associated with long-term limb salvage are fewer vascular interventions before CDT (P = .0003), higher number of patent outflow vessels before start of CDT (P < .0001), and higher number of patent outflow vessels after CDT (P < .0001). The 1- and 5-year patency rates of bypasses after successful CDT were 64.6% and 48.9%; amputation-free survival after 1 year, 5 years, and 7 years was 81.5%, 71.3%, and 70.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical success after CDT was observed in 62% of procedures with an associated complication rate of 36%. Patent outflow vessels before and after CDT are factors associated with long-term limb salvage. Amputation-free survival after 5 years is 71.3%.

Thrombosis of a portal vein aneurysm: a case report with literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Portal vein aneurysm is an unusual vascular dilatation of the portal vein. The etiology, diagnosis and management are ill-defined. METHODS: A case of a portal vein aneurysm complicated with complete thrombosis is presented with a literature review providing an overview of the etiology, clinical presentation and management. RESULTS: Portal venous aneurysms represent approximately 3% of all venous aneurysms with a reported prevalence of 0.06%. The reported incidence is on the rise with increasing use of modern imaging techniques in clinical practice. Usually, portal vein aneurysms are incidental findings and patients are asymptomatic. They can be congenital or acquired and portal hypertension represents the most frequent cause of the acquired version. Various complications such as biliary tract compression, portal vein thrombosis, and rupture can occur. Treatment options are conservative management or surgery. Surgical treatment is currently reserved for symptomatic patients with severe abdominal pain, symptoms of pressure effect or with expanding aneurysms, and/or complications such as thrombosis or rupture. CONCLUSION: Conservative management seems the best option in the majority of patients. A multidisciplinary approach discussing the best option on a case-by-case base in light of their individual underlying risk and symptoms is advised.

Technical Note: Dissection Flap Perforation with Use of a TIPS-Needle During Fenestrated Endografting for Post-dissection Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Fenestrated/branched thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (F/Br-TEVAR) is a new minimal invasive treatment option for patients with post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. This specific pathology is challenging to F/Br-TEVAR, especially when target vessels originate from the false lumen. Crossing from the true lumen into the false lumen to catheterize such target vessels may prove cumbersome in the usually thickened dissection flap. TECHNIQUE: We describe a bailout technique when standard catheterization techniques fail, by using a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)-needle to perforate the dissection flap. The fenestration is subsequently dilated using balloon angioplasty to allow for insertion and deployment of the bridging stent graft. CONCLUSION: When other catheterization techniques fail in vessel originating from the false lumen, TIPS-needle perforation of the dissection flap is a useful bailout tool.

Endovascular Treatment of Isolated Degenerative Superficial Femoral Artery Aneurysm.

Isolated degenerative superficial femoral artery (SFA) aneurysms are rare. One hundred forty-two cases are described in literature. Threshold for operative management varies in literature. In literature, only 10 cases are treated in an endovascular way. We present a case of a 77-year-old patient who presented with nonhealing wounds on the right foot. Duplex ultrasound revealed an isolated aneurysm of the SFA on the right side as a source of emboli. The patient was treated in an endovascular way with a covered stent graft. The procedure was complicated by embolization in the peroneal artery as a single outflow vessel. An overview of endovascular treatment of SFA aneurysms in literature is discussed.