Effects of temporal IFNγ exposure on macrophage phenotype and secretory profile: exploring GMP-Compliant production of a novel subtype of regulatory macrophages (MregIFNγ0) for potential cell therapeutic applications.

BACKGROUND: Macrophages are involved in tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis and immunomodulation. Proangiogenic and anti-inflammatory macrophages (regulatory macrophages, Mreg) can be differentiated in-vitro from CD14+ monocytes by using a defined cell culture medium and a stimulus of IFNγ. AIM OF THE STUDY: To scrutinize the potential impact of temporal IFNγ exposure on macrophage differentiation as such exposure may lead to the emergence of a distinct and novel macrophage subtype. METHODS: Differentiation of human CD14+ monocytes to Mreg was performed using a GMP compliant protocol and administration of IFNγ on day 6. Monocytes from the same donor were in parallel differentiated to MregIFNγ0 using the identical protocol but with administration of IFNγ on day 0. Cell characterization was performed using brightfield microscopy, automated and metabolic cell analysis, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, qPCR and secretome profiling. RESULTS: Mreg and MregIFNγ0 showed no differences in cell size and volume. However, phenotypically MregIFNγ0 exhibited fewer intracellular vesicles/vacuoles but larger pseudopodia-like extensions. MregIFNγ0 revealed reduced expression of IDO and PD-L1 (P < 0.01 for both). They were positive for CD80, CD14, CD16 and CD38 (P < 0.0001vs. Mreg for all), while the majority of MregIFNγ0 did not express CD206, CD56, and CD103 on their cell surface (P < 0.01 vs. Mreg for all). In terms of their secretomes, MregIFNγ0 differed significantly from Mreg. MregIFNγ0 media exhibited reduced levels of ENA-78, Osteopontin and Serpin E1, while the amounts of MIG (CXCL9) and IP10 were increased. CONCLUSION: Exposing CD14+ monocytes to an alternatively timed IFNγ stimulation results in a novel macrophage subtype which possess additional M1-like features (MregIFNγ0). MregIFNγ0 may therefore have the potential to serve as cellular therapeutics for clinical applications beyond those covered by M2-like Mreg, including immunomodulation and tumor treatment.

Technical Aspects and Outcome of Multi-Staged and Single-Staged Thoracoabdominal Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair.

PURPOSE: In some cases of endovascular thoracoabdominal or juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair, a thoracic endograft in combination with a fenestrated renovisceral device may be needed in order to create a sufficient proximal landing zone. This study aimed to evaluate the technical aspects and postoperative morbidity of a single- or 2-stage approach. METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in combination with elective fenestrated repair (fenestrated endovascular aortic repair [FEVAR]; fenestrated Anaconda device) from 2015 to 2022 were included in this retrospective bicentric study. Underlying pathologies, aortic morphology, technical details, and postoperative morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: Single-staged ("1S," n=61) and 2-staged ("2S," n=26) interventions were compared. Indications were thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs) (Crawford I-IV) (n=56, 64%) and juxtarenal aneurysms (n=31, 36%). In 2S, the proportion of TAAA was higher than in 1S (2S: 77%, 1S: 59%; p=0.001). In 2S, the covered length of the descending aorta was longer (1S: 128±60 mm, 2S: 202±64 mm; p=0.003). Temporary aneurysm sack perfusion (TASP) was established in 11 (18%) of 1S and 1 (4%) of 2S patients (p=0.079), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage catheter in 48 (79%) of 1S and 19 (73%) of 2S. The rate of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) and the severity of SCI were not different in both groups, with a total of 3 cases of persisting paraplegia. The rate of access complications was higher in 2S (n=6, 23%) than in 1S (n=4, 7%; p=0.027). Postoperative 30 day morbidity did not significantly differ in both groups and neither did 30 day mortality (4.6% in 1S vs 3.8% in 2S; p=0.083). CONCLUSION: The combination of TEVAR and FEVAR using a fenestrated endograft is feasible and safe. Aortic morphology does not change significantly after endovascular repair. A single-staged strategy is feasible with excellent results, especially in Crawford IV, Crawford V, or juxtarenal aneurysms. Two-staged repair is recommended in cases with long aortic coverage and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. Follow-up data are needed to evaluate the long-term stability of the TEVAR/FEVAR interconnection. CLINICAL IMPACT: Our study has revealed the safety and efficacy of the combination of TEVAR and FEVAR in the treatment of TAAAs and juxtarenal aneurysms with compromised supravisceral landing zones. A single-staged concept is not necessary in all cases. Staged procedures may reduce postoperative morbidity in cases with long aortic coverage and higher ASA class.

Evaluation of the MMI Symani® robotic microsurgical system for coronary-bypass anastomoses in a cadaveric porcine model.

The MMI Symani® is a recently approved robotic microsurgical system for surgical procedures in adults. The system enables the surgeon to create microanastomoses. Clinical applications so far include lymphatic vessels surgery and the creation of special flap plastics. The use of the system in coronary arteries has not yet been assessed. The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate the applicability of the Symani® surgical system in the creation of coronary anastomoses a cadaveric porcine model. A total of 12 anastomoses were performed by three senior cardiovascular surgeons on the left main coronary artery of three porcine hearts. Artificial bypasses (diameter 1 mm) were performed to the left main trunk. The anastomoses were performed with the Symani® surgical system. Evaluation included procedure times and anastomosis leakage. All anastomoses could be successfully performed. The procedure time decreased due to the learning curve between the first anastomosis 47:28 ± 5:30 min and the last anastomosis 22:37 ± 3:25 min. The final evaluation of the anastomoses showed excellent results with low leakage. The quality of the anastomosis also improved in relation to the increasing learning curve. The Symani® surgical system could be used to create coronary anastomoses in an acceptable time frame and without technical failures. Hence, the system appears feasible for conventional coronary surgery. Further studies in animal models are mandatory prior to clinical application.

Functional bony entrapment of the dorsalis pedis artery caused by cranial subluxation in the talonavicular joint.

A 66-year-old female presented in the emergency department with Blue-Toe-Syndrome (BTS) and signs of osteitis of her left big toe. Imaging workup of the peripheral vasculature showed no findings. Upon invasive angiography, severe focal stenosis of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) could be seen at the talonavicular joint. Complete regression of the stenosis was inducible by dorsal extension in the ankle joint. Further imaging revealed an underlying subluxation of the talonavicular joint as cause of the arterial compression. Entrapment of the DPA is a rare condition and most often described in relation to connective tissue bands or variant muscular tendons (McCabe et al. 70:213-8, 2021; Weichman et al. 24:113, 2010; Smith et al.58:212-4, 2013; Griffin et al. 20:325-8; 2012). In the presented case, bony compression of the PDA due to cranial subluxation of the talus was seen as the cause of BTS and osteitis of the phalanx of the first toe.

Neoaortoiliac system and cryopreserved human allograft for the treatment of aortic graft infections.

OBJECTIVE: To report and compare neoaortoiliac system reconstruction and cryopreserved human allograft in treating aortic graft infections. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the data of the patients treated for aorto graft infections between January 2015 and May 2021 in our hospital. The clinical data, diagnostic procedures, and surgical options were evaluated. The primary endpoint of this study was the 30-day and 1-year mortality; secondary endpoints were major postoperative complications. RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 31 consecutive patients (28 males; median age 72 years, range, 50-87 years) with aortic graft infection treated with NAIS (n = 20, 65%) or cryopreserved allograft (n = 11, 36%). The clinical presentation included fever attacks in 18 (58%) patients, abdominal pain in 15 (48%) patients, haemodynamic instability in 6 (19%) patients, and haematemesis in 2 (7%) patients. The median operative time of the NAIS was longer than CHA without a statistically significant difference (458 min vs. 359 min, p = .505). The postoperative morbidity for all patients was 81%, with no significant difference between NAIS and CHA groups (85% vs. 73%, p = .638). There was no limb thrombosis of the new reconstructions. Limb loss occurred in 4 (13%) patients, including 2 (10%) NAIS patients and 2 (18%) CHA patients. One NAIS patient developed complications in the form of a distal (femoral) disruption of the vein 15 days after surgery. There were no significant differences between NAIS and CHA groups in ICU stay (12 vs 8 days, .984) but in hospitalization (22 vs 33, p = .033). The most common bacteria isolated were staphylococci strains in 15 (48%). In 13 (36%) patients, candida was positive. The in-hospital 30-day and 1-year mortality for all patients was 16% (5/31) and 29% (9/31), with no significant differences between NAIS and CHA at 30 days (25% vs. 0, p = .133) or 1 year (35% vs. 18%, .429). Five NAIS patients died during the hospital stay; three of them had end-of-life decisions. After a median follow-up of 16 months (1-66 months), 12 (39%) patients died, including 9 patients with NAIS and 3 with CHA reconstructions. The causes of death included overwhelming sepsis in 5 (42%) patients, graft disruption in one (8%) NAIS patient, non-small cell lung cancer in one (8%) patient, COVID-19 in one (8%) patient and unknown causes (8%) in one. CONCLUSIONS: Non-staged neoaortoiliac system reconstruction and cryopreserved human allografts show comparable short- and midterm results for treating aortic graft infections. However, both procedures remain challenging with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Outcomes of Endurant II Stent Graft According to Anatomic Severity Grade Score.

OBJECTIVES: This study's objective was to evaluate Endurant II (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota) stent graft's early and midterm outcomes and compare the results according to the anatomic severity grade (ASG) scores. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients treated with the Endurant II stent graft between January 2013 and May 2021. The patients were divided into 2 independent groups, including those with a low ASG score (score <14) and a high ASG score (score >14). RESULTS: A total of 165 consecutive patients (89% males, age 74±8 years) were included. There were 110 (67%) patients in the low-score group and 55 (33%) patients in the high-score group. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Primary clinical success at 30 days was 100% and at 1 year was 96%. Median operative time was longer in the high-score group with no statistical significance (133 vs 120 minutes, p=0.116). The median dose area product of low-score patients (50.9 Gy·cm2; IQR 22.4-75.5 Gy·cm2) was significantly lower than high-score patients (85.0 Gy·cm2; IQR 46.5-127.9 Gy·cm2) with p=0.025. Median fluoroscopic time was lower in low-score patients (17 minutes; IQR 13-24 minutes) compared with high-score patients (19 minutes; IQR 16-23 minutes) without a significant difference at p=0.148. At a midterm follow-up of 32 months (range 2-63 months), combined complications (29% vs 8%, p<0.001) and implant-related complications (13% vs 4%, p=0.043) were higher in the high-score group. Systemic complications at 30 days were higher in the high-score group without a statistically significant difference (15% vs 11%, p=0.500). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from reintervention was significantly higher in the low-risk group at 1 (97% vs 90%), 2 (96% vs 88%), and 3 years (96% vs 85%) with (p=0.035). The cumulative survival rate was significantly higher in the low-score group than high-score group (p=0.001) at 1 (99% vs 87%), 2 (98% vs 85%), and 3 years (96% vs 82%). CONCLUSIONS: Endurant II endovascular aneurysm repair seems to be safe in both low-score and high-score patients. However, patients in the high-score group showed more implant-related complications and midterm mortalities than those in the low-score group.

Risk factors for elective and urgent open conversion after EVAR-a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the standard procedure for treating infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Various associated complications can lead to open conversion (OC). Thorough follow-up after the procedure is mandatory for the early detection of complications. Persisting perfusion of the aneurysm, a so-called endoleak (EL), paired with structural instability because of aortic wall atrophy and impaired cell functionality induced by EVAR, results in a high risk for aortic rupture. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to detect the risk factors for elective and urgent OC as a result of EVAR-induced pathophysiological changes inside the aortic wall. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective data analysis was performed on all open aortic repairs from January 2016 to December 2020. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Fifty patients were identified as treated by OC for failure of an infrarenal EVAR. The patients were divided into two subgroups, here depending on the urgency of surgery. Statistical analysis of patient characteristics and outcomes was performed. RESULTS: The most common indications for OC were various types of EL (74%), resulting in an aortic rupture in 15 patients. Patients with insufficient or absent follow-up were treated more frequently in an emergency setting (16% vs. 63%). The mortality rate was higher in cases of emergency OC (3% vs. 26%). CONCLUSIONS: Particularly in cases of insufficient or absent follow-up, complications such as EL pose an enormous risk for fatal aortic rupture.

Cannulation of Visceral Vessels Using a Steerable Sheath in Fenestrated and Branched Aortic Endografts.

BACKGROUND: A critical step in the endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms is the cannulation and stenting of renovisceral vessels, especially in cases with a complex anatomy or atherosclerotic lesions. This study aimed to demonstrate the results of renovisceral vessel cannulation using a steerable sheath in fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic procedures (FB-EVAR). METHODS: Patients undergoing elective FB-EVAR for asymptomatic thoracoabdominal or juxtarenal aneurysm at a single tertiary referral center from 2016 to 2019 were included in this study. Underlying pathologies, renovisceral target vessels (TV), technical success (TS), freedom from reintervention (FFR), and TV patency were assessed. Target vessels were categorized as challenging or nonchallenging TV. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (median age 73 (Q1, Q3 (68-80)); 43 male (81%)) who underwent elective FB-EVAR were included. Indications comprised thoracoabdominal aneurysms (Crawford I-IV) (n = 26; 49%), juxtarenal aneurysms (n = 23; 43.5%) and penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU) (n = 4; 7.5%). Two patients (4%) had prior open aortic surgery, and three patients (6%) had undergone a failed standard EVAR before. Of the 196 treated TV, 131 (67%) were categorized as challenging. Cannulation was successful in 194 of 196 vessels (99%). A total of 3 TV (1.5%) showed periprocedural complications. No significant difference was found in the rate of intraoperative complications between challenging versus nonchallenging TV (P = 0.457). One patient died within 30 days of the procedure (1.9%). No stroke or intestinal ischemia occurred. After 12, 24, and 36 months, the survival rate was 87%, 87%, and 81%, respectively. Primary patency after 12 months was 98.6%, and 97.9% of vessels remained FFR during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Transfemoral, retrograde cannulation of renovisceral vessels using a steerable sheath is feasible and safe and provides good mid-term results, especially in cases with challenging renovisceral vessels. The potential complications of antegrade vascular access can be avoided.

Perioperative risk prediction using the POSSUM and V-POSSUM models in symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate risk factors for adverse outcomes and perioperative stroke and death in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis undergoing open endarterectomy (CEA). The second objective was to assess the predictive value of the POSSUM and V-POSSUM models for predicting morbidity and mortality from CEA in symptomatic carotid stenosis. Patients and methods: A retrospective observational study of all patients admitted to a single center who underwent CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis was performed. 320 patients from 1999 to 2013 were included. Postoperative complications, 30-day survival, and stroke rates were recorded. The observed outcomes were compared to the POSSUM and V-POSSUM expected mortality (observed to expected ratio (O:E)). Results: The mean age was 68.1±10.0 years. 215 patients were male (67%). Risk factors for surgical complications were: age, with a higher risk in both groups of less than 60 years and more than 75 years of age (p=0.04), a higher ASA score (p=0.04), and hyperlipidemia (p=0.017). Risk factors for the combined endpoint stroke or death were a higher ASA category (p<0.001), stroke as indication for CEA (p 0.022), and a high degree of stenosis (p=0.019). For POSSUM predicted mortality, there was a good O:E ratio in the two lowest risk groups, but a 2-fold overprediction of death or stroke in the two high-risk strata. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.43-0.73). The V-POSSUM showed a better fit in the high-risk groups, but an underprediction of mortality in the low-risk strata. Conclusions: Age and comorbid conditions are risk factors for adverse outcomes after CEA. The V-POSSUM model is better than POSSUM to predict postoperative death and stroke after CEA in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis and a high preoperative physiological score. In patients with low physiological scores, both POSSUM and V-POSSUM show a limited predictive value.

[Aortic Complications Related to Mycobacterium bovis after Intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guérin Therapy - a Systematic Review]. / Systematische Übersichtsarbeit: aortale Komplikationen nach intravesikaler Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Behandlung.

BACKGROUND: Aortic complications after intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) application are a rare complication of the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The aim of this systematic review was to perform a descriptive analysis of previously published studies and to discuss the particular challenges of diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed (1949-2021) and Web of Science (1900-2021) using the search terms "mycobacterium" OR "bovis" OR "BCG" AND "aorta" OR "aneurysm". In a staged review process, publications with the following inclusion criteria were included in data analysis: original paper, full-text availability in English or German and aortic complication after intravesical BCG instillation. We focused on the analysis of BCG-specific medical history data as well as treatment strategies in relation to patient outcome and the occurrence of graft infections during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 60 individual cases were described in 55 published articles. BCG-induced mycotic aortic aneurysms can occur in all segments of the thoracoabdominal aorta, but the infrarenal aortic segment was most commonly affected (65% of cases). The most common configuration was saccular outpouchings (65%). Concomitant infections in other tissues were typical (65%). Patients with mycotic aneurysm presented with or without consecutive aortic rupture in 28% and 63%, respectively. Diagnosis was based on a combination of pathological and microbiological examinations. A common treatment algorithm was surgical infection treatment (85%) and antitubercular therapy (83%). Performed simultaneously, they resulted in a long-term survival of 81%. Graft infection after initial aortic repair with alloplastic material (n = 40) developed in ten patients (25%) during follow-up. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of mycotic aneurysms or vascular complications after intravesical BCG application is exceptionally challenging and a high level of suspicion is required. Diagnosis is based on obtaining sample material of affected regions and the combination of patient's history, clinical presentation and pathological or microbiological examinations. Currently, no consensus guideline for optimal medical treatment options of aortic complications secondary to BCG instillation exists. The combination of surgical treatment and supportive antitubercular therapy seems to achieve the best results. Since the risk of prosthetic infection after the use of alloplastic materials remains high (25%), we strongly suggest evaluating autologous or allogenic aortic replacement during initial aortic repair.

Use of MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging to Identify Proteomic Signatures in Aortic Aneurysms after Endovascular Repair.

Endovascular repair (EVAR) has become the standard procedure in treating thoracic (TAA) or abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Not entirely free of complications, a persisting perfusion of the aneurysm after EVAR, called Endoleak (EL), leads to reintervention and risk of secondary rupture. How the aortic wall responds to the implantation of a stentgraft and EL is mostly uncertain. We present a pilot study to identify peptide signatures and gain new insights in pathophysiological alterations of the aortic wall after EVAR using matrix-assisted laser desorption or ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). In course of or accompanying an open aortic repair, tissue sections from 15 patients (TAA = 5, AAA = 5, EVAR = 5) were collected. Regions of interest (tunica media and tunica adventitia) were defined and univariate (receiver operating characteristic analysis) statistical analysis for subgroup comparison was used. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that MALDI-MSI is feasible to identify discriminatory peptide signatures separating TAA, AAA and EVAR. Decreased intensity distributions for actin, tropomyosin, and troponin after EVAR suggest impaired contractility in vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, inability to provide energy caused by impaired respiratory chain function and continuous degradation of extracellular matrix components (collagen) might support aortic wall destabilization. In case of EL after EVAR, this mechanism may result in a weakened aortic wall with lacking ability to react on reinstating pulsatile blood flow.

Aortoduodenal fistulas after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and open aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we have reported and compared aortoduodenal fistulas (ADFs) after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) vs after open aortic repair (OAR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients treated for ADFs from January 2015 to May 2020 in our hospital. The clinical data, diagnostic procedures, and surgical options were evaluated. The primary endpoints of the present study were 30-day and 1-year mortality. The secondary endpoints were major postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients (20 men; median age, 69 years; range, 53-82 years) were admitted with ADFs after EVAR (n = 9) or OAR (n = 15). These patients accounted for ∼4.3% of all abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs in our hospital. The median interval from the initial aortic repair and the diagnosis of ADF was 68 months (range, 6-83 months) for the ADF-EVAR group and 80 months (range, 1-479 months) for the ADF-OAR group. Three patients in the ADF-EVAR group had refused surgical treatment owing to their high surgical risk. One patient in the ADF-OAR group had undergone removal of the aortic prosthesis without replacement. Of the remaining 20 patients, 12 (ADF-EVAR group, n = 4; ADF-OAR group, n = 8) had undergone in situ replacement of the aorta and 8 (ADF-EVAR group, n = 2; ADF-OAR group, n = 6) had undergone extra-anatomic reconstruction with aortic ligation. After a mean follow-up of 26 months, no patient had experienced early limb loss. However, one case of rupture of the venous graft (ADF-EVAR), one case of aortic stump blowout (ADF-OAR), and one case of a ureteroarterial fistula with a homograft (ADF-OAR) had occurred. Overall, the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly greater after ADF-OAR (93% vs 33%; P = .036). The most frequent bacteria involved in the blood cultures were Escherichia coli (25% of patients), and Candida spp. (61%) were the predominant pathogens found on intra-abdominal smears. The in-hospital mortality rates for the ADF-EVAR and ADF-OAR group were 22% and 13%, respectively. The corresponding 1 -year mortality rates were 22% and 33%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ADFs after EVAR or OAR have limited overall survival. In addition to the similar therapeutic approaches, we found no significant differences in postoperative mortality between these two uncommon pathologic entities. In our study, the overall postoperative morbidity seemed greater for the ADF-OAR group.

Endovascular and open surgical options in the treatment of uretero-arterial fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: To report and analyze the indications and results of endovascular and open surgical treatment for uretero-arterial fistula. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 25 consecutive patients with uretero-arterial fistulas admitted to our hospital from 2011 to 2020. Endpoints were technical success, freedom from open conversion, stent-graft/graft-related complications, and 30-day and one-year mortality. RESULTS: The study included 25 patients (68% female, n = 17) with 27 uretero-arterial fistulas by bilateral pathologies in two patients. The mean age was 61 ± 11 years (range 35-80). The most common predisposing factors for uretero-arterial fistula were history of pelvic operations for malignancy in 21 patients (84%), radiotherapy in 21 patients (84%), previous pelvic vascular bypass in 2 patients (8%), and iliac aneurysms in 2 patients (8%). On average, the period between the primary pelvic surgery and the diagnosis of uretero-arterial fistulas was 46 months (range 7-255). Twenty patients (80%) underwent endovascular treatment of the uretero-arterial fistulas. The primary technical success of the endovascular treatment was 95%, and the freedom from open conversion was 40% at six months and 30% at one year. Thirteen uretero-arterial fistulas (48%) underwent delayed open conversion due to recurrent bleeding in six cases (46%), stent-graft infection in three cases (23%), or pelvic abscess in four cases (31%). Primary open surgery was applied for five (20%) patients. After a mean follow-up of 34 months, early (<30 days) mortality was 8% (2/25), one-year mortality 16% (4/25), and overall mortality was 24% (6/25). CONCLUSIONS: Uretero-arterial fistula is a late complication of prior pelvic surgery, radiation, and indwelling ureteral stents. Endovascular treatment remains an effective and less invasive modality in controlling the related life-threatening arterial bleeding of the uretero-arterial fistula. Open surgical treatment is still required for patients with local sepsis, previously failed endovascular treatment or infected stent-grafts.

Graft preservation with multi-stage surgical repair of an aortoesophageal fistula after thoracic endovascular aortic repair - A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a rare complication associated with high mortality. Most well established treatment is multi-staged surgery, including removal of infected stent graft, esophageal resection and aortic reconstruction. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report on a case of a 67-year-old patient with AEF and stent graft infection. Stent removal was infeasible due to the critical condition of the patient and history of multiple vascular procedures of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Surgical management included staged right and left thoracotomy, esophagectomy, vacuum therapy (VAC) on stent prosthesis and subsequent graft coverage with omental and pleural flaps, followed by esophageal reconstruction. DISCUSSION: An established and generally accepted treatment approach for graft infections does not exist. Graft explantation and radical surgical debridement is the therapy of choice for prosthetic infections. In comparison to previous literature, our case represents the complexity of the treatment of AEF and its enormous demands on the interdisciplinary medical team. CONCLUSION: Our report shows that in an emergency situation without other surgical options as in our case, it was possible to stabilize the patient through application of vacuum therapy in the infected area, with simultaneous esophagectomy, followed by secondary staged reconstruction with omentoplasty and pleura parietalis flap remaining the graft in situ.