Editor's Choice - Assessment of International Outcomes of Intact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair over 9 Years.

BACKGROUND: Case mix and outcomes of complex surgical procedures vary over time and between regions. This study analyses peri-operative mortality after intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in 11 countries over 9 years. METHODS: Data on primary AAA repair from vascular surgery registries in 11 countries for the years 2005-2009 and 2010-2013 were analysed. Multivariate adjusted logistic regression analyses were carried out to adjust for variations in case mix. RESULTS: A total of 83,253 patients were included. Over the two periods, the proportion of patients ≥80 years old increased (18.5% vs. 23.1%; p < .0001) as did the proportion of endovascular repair (EVAR) (44.3% vs. 60.6; p < .0001). In the latter period, 25.8% of AAAs were less than 5.5 cm. The mean annual volume of open repairs per centre decreased from 12.9 to 10.6 between the two periods (p < .0001), and it increased for EVAR from 10.0 to 17.1 (p < .0001). Overall, peri-operative mortality fell from 3.0% to 2.4% (p < .0001). Mortality for EVAR decreased from 1.5% to 1.1% (p < .0001), but the outcome worsened for open repair from 3.9% to 4.4% (p = .008). The peri-operative risk was greater for octogenarians (overall, 3.6% vs. 2.1%, p < .0001; open, 9.5% vs. 3.6%, p < .0001; EVAR, 1.8% vs. 0.7%, p < .0001), and women (overall, 3.8% vs. 2.2%, p < .0001; open, 6.0% vs. 4.0%, p < .0001; EVAR, 1.9% vs. 0.9%, p < .0001). Peri-operative mortality after repair of AAAs <5.5 cm was 4.4% with open repair and 1.0% with EVAR, p < .0001. CONCLUSIONS: In this large international cohort, total peri-operative mortality continues to fall for the treatment of intact AAAs. The number of EVAR procedures now exceeds open procedures. Mortality after EVAR has decreased, but mortality for open operations has increased. The peri-operative mortality for small AAA treatment, particularly open surgical repair, is still considerable and should be weighed against the risk of rupture.

Early and Long-term Outcome after Open Surgical Suprarenal Aortic Fenestration in Patients with Complicated Acute Type B Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the early and long-term mortality and morbidity as well as to reveal risk factors influencing the long-term prognosis in patients with complicated acute type B aortic dissection (CABAD) undergoing open surgical suprarenal aortic fenestration (OSSAF). METHODS: Fifty-two patients with CABAD, defined as (impending) rupture, acute enlargement of the false lumen, malperfusion, and/or unrelenting back pain or uncontrollable hypertension despite maximum medical therapy were treated with by surgical repair between 2002 and 2008. Ten patients with (impending) rupture had aortic graft replacement, while 42 (33 men, mean age 55 ± 11 years) had OSSAF. Follow up visits were scheduled at 1, 3-6 and 12 months after the surgery and annually thereafter. Clinical examination and computed tomography angiography findings were investigated at baseline and at subsequent visits. RESULTS: The indications for OSSAF were acute enlargement of the false lumen in four (10%), malperfusion in 17 (40%) (11 lower extremity [26%], 6 visceral [14%]), and unrelenting back pain or uncontrollable hypertension in 21 cases (50%). The 30 day mortality was 21.4% (2 multiple organ failure, 2 heart failure, 3 pneumonia, 1 intestinal necrosis, 1 major hemorrhage). The mean follow up was 84 ± 40 months. The 5 year survival was 70.6%. Eight patients (19%) died during the follow up period (6 aortic ruptures, 2 myocardial infarctions). None of the patients became paraplegic after the surgery. Further surgery or stenting was indicated in nine cases (21%). CONCLUSIONS: OSSAF has been performed with an acceptable early mortality and low paraplegia rate, but late mortality is frequently related to aortic rupture. Stentgraft coverage of the primary entry tear decreases late aortic related deaths, but suprarenal fenestration remains an option for cases not suitable for endovascular techniques.

Regional differences in statistical geometry of endothelial dense granules in human extremity veins.

OBJECTIVES: Leg and arm human veins are exposed to different gravitational stresses. We investigated if there is difference in the amount and geometry of secretory vesicles in their endothelium. METHODS: Superficial small vein segments were removed during vascular operations for electromicroscopic analysis. Vesicular area/total endothelial cross-sectional area was determined by computer-based morphometry. Long and short axes of granule cross sections were measured by image analyzing software. RESULTS: Vesicular density in all samples was 2.26 ± 0.34%. There was no significant difference between the vesicular densities of upper extremity and leg. The shape of the vesicles was more frequently elongated in leg than in arm sections (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The density of the vesicles does not depend on vascular region or orthostatic load. Ellipticity of these granules is significantly different in areas exposed to different gravitational stresses. This might contribute to the differences of thrombotic and hemodynamic properties of leg and upper body veins.

The level of complement C3 is associated with the severity of atherosclerosis but not with arterial calcification in peripheral artery disease.

AIM: Recent evidences show correlations between atherosclerosis and the serum level of third component of complement (C3). However, there is less data on the connection of C3 and the severity of atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of serum C3 levels with atherosclerosis and arterial calcification in patients with chronic lower extremity atherosclerosis. METHODS: In a single centre cross-sectional study 103 patients and 109 healthy controls were examined. Sera were analyzed for C3. To identify the severity of atherosclerosis and calcification, ankle-brachial Doppler index, angiographic Bollinger score, arterial calcification score and carotid intima-media thickness was determined. RESULTS: Serum level of C3 was significantly higher in the lower extremity atherosclerosis group than in healthy patients (P=0.00004). In the patient group, serum level of C3, C4 was significantly and inversely associated with ABI (r=-0.246, P=0.014), (r=-0.259, P=0.011). C3 inversely correlates with Bollinger score (r= -0.357, P=0.028). Among our patients no correlation was found between C3 levels and CS (P=0.672, r=-0.046) or between C3 levels and carotid IMT (r=0.104, P=0.351). The serum levels of different complement components were associated with C-reactive protein, Hba1c, peptide-C and insulin. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that C3 serum levels are associated with ABI and angiographic parameters of atherosclerosis, but do not relate to the severity of calcification.

Decreased plasma nociceptin/orphanin FQ levels after acute coronary syndromes.

Foregoing researches made on the N/OFQ system brought up a possible role for this system in cardiovascular regulation. In this study we examined how N/OFQ levels of the blood plasma changed in acute cardiovascular diseases. Three cardiac patient groups were created: enzyme positive acute coronary syndrome (EPACS, n = 10), enzyme negative ACS (ENACS, n = 7) and ischemic heart disease (IHD, n = 11). We compared the patients to healthy control subjects (n = 31). We found significantly lower N/OFQ levels in the EPACS [6.86 (6.21-7.38) pg/ml], ENACS [6.97 (6.87-7.01) pg/ml and IHD groups [7.58 (7.23-8.20) pg/ml] compared to the control group [8.86 (7.27-9.83) pg/ml]. A significant correlation was detected between N/OFQ and white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT), creatine kinase (CK), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and cholesterol levels in the EPACS group.Decreased plasma N/OFQ is closely associated with the presence of acute cardiovascular disease, and the severity of symptoms has a significant negative correlation with the N/OFQ levels. We believe that the rate of N/OFQ depression is in association with the level of ischemic stress and the following inflammatory response. Further investigations are needed to clarify the relevance and elucidate the exact effects of the ischemic stress on the N/OFQ system.

Serum fetuin-A levels inversely correlate with the severity of arterial calcification in patients with chronic lower extremity atherosclerosis without renal disease.

AIM: Fetuin-A is a hepatic glycoprotein that inhibits extraosseous calcification. Lower serum fetuin-A concentration was associated with severe arterial calcification in patients with end stage renal disease. We evaluated the association of serum fetuin-A levels and the severity of atherosclerosis in patients with peripheral vascular disease having normal renal function. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study among 93 chronic atherosclerotic patients with lower extremity vascular disease, systemic atherosclerosis and calcification was assessed by ultrasound (carotid intima-media thickness/IMT/, calcification at the abdominal aorta, carotid and femoral bifurcations, aortic and mitral valves) and angiography (Bollinger score). Standard serum markers of inflammation, diabetes, renal function, ankle-brachial indexes and traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis were noted and Fontaine classification was applied for the severity of symptoms. RESULTS: The patients mean (SD) age was 59.95 (7.61) years, 78% were men, 35% had diabetes. Serum fetuin-A level showed significant negative correlation with ultrasound calcification score (P=0.018, r=-0.257) and Bollinger angiographic score (P=0.035, r=-0.347). Fetuin-A did not correlate with IMT or Fontaine classification. Fetuin-A also showed significant correlation with albumin, transferrin and hemoglobin A1c (r=0.287, 0.305 and 0.219, respectively at P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed the association between fetuin-A and calcification score (OR: 3.03, CI: 1.05-8.7), P=0.039) independent of traditional risk factors. CONCLUSION: Our data show that serum fetuin-A levels inversely correlate with the severity of atherosclerosis in nonuremic patients with symptomatic chronic lower limb ischemia. These data support a putative protective role for fetuin-A in the development of arterial calcification.

Cryopreserved homograft and autologous deep vein replacement for infrarenal aorto and iliaco-femoral graft infection: early and late results.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the early and late results of aortic replacement using cryopreserved homografts and autologous deep veins for infected infrarenal prosthetic reconstructions and the influence of type of bacteria on the mortality. METHODS: Thirty-three patients were treated from 30 March 1994 to 01 September 2008 for aorto-femoral or iliaco-femoral graft infections with homografts (HG:19) or autologous deep veins (DV:14). The diagnosis was based on physical signs, bacteriological tests and computed tomography(CT) scans. We obtain cryopreserved homografts from our non-profit vessel bank, deep veins were harvested before the arterial reconstruction. Patients were followed by clinical examination and ultrasound. RESULTS: The infections occurred 47.78 ± 20 months after the primary operations; 45% of the infections were caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Treatment indications included seven aortoduodenal fistula (21.2%) and six septic para-anastomotic bleedings (18.2%). There were six in-hospital deaths (18.2%). All the deceased patients had Gram-negative bacteria in cultures and pluribacterial infections. No patient died with single staphylococcus, streptococcus or MRSA infection. At three years freedom from reinfection was 100% in DV group and 82% (CI:0.56-0.92) in the homograft group. Survival after three years was 71% (CI:0.48-0.88) in HG group and 79% (CI:0.49-0.94) in DV group. The difference is not significant. CONCLUSION: For infrarenal graft infection homograft replacement or deep vein implantation is durable method and eradicate late reinfection. The in-hospital mortality is significantly higher in patients with aortoduodenal fistulas with Gram-negative organisms regardless of the conduit used for aortic replacement.

Generalized alterations in the biomechanical properties of large veins in non-thrombotic thrombophilic young patients.

AIM: In young, post-thrombotic patients, venous distensibility is decreased not only in the affected lower limb, but also in the contralateral limb and in the jugular vein when compared to age-matched control subjects. In the present study, we investigated venous wall mechanical properties in young, asymptomatic thrombophilic patients. METHODS: Eleven young (24+/-0.4 years) control subjects and 9 age-matched patients (21.1+/-1.8 years) with proven thrombophilic molecular defects, but without any signs or history of previous deep vein thrombosis, were compared. Anterolateral and mediolateral diameters of the common femoral, axillary and internal jugular veins were measured by ultrasonography in situ. Pressure alterations were induced by altering body positions and by pressure-controlled Valsalva tests. Distensibility was calculated from diameter and pressure changes. RESULTS: In thrombophilic patients, resting diameter of both the common femoral and of internal jugular veins at low transmural pressure was larger than those for the control subjects. Distensibility, however, was significantly less when high pressures were applied. Alterations in diameter of the axillary vein were minimal. CONCLUSION: Our measurements suggest that there are generalized changes in venous mechanical properties in thrombophilic patients even before the appearance of thrombotic processes. These biomechanical alterations of the venous wall and/or surrounding connective tissue are similar to those found in connection with aging and in post-thrombotic patients. The pathological mechanisms behind these processes are unknown.

The role of autologous antebrachial arteriovenous fistula in the strategy of access planning for chronic uremic patients on hemodialysis.

AIM: The number of arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation increases worldwide. Haemodialysis is more effective, patients live longer, and they need more access operations. The optimal strategy for the order and sequence of the different type and localization of AV fistulas remains obscure. Based on internationally acclaimed guidelines, autogenous access should be performed whenever possible and the first operation of choice is the radiocephalic fistula at the wrist, the second type is the elbow fistula. The area between the standard exposures means also good access area and its usage is not emphasized properly. Our aim was to study the short and long-term the results of autologous forearm fistulas. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2005 we performed 1018 AV shunts in an academic tertiary care centre. Ninety-seven autologous antebrachial AV shunts were performed. The average follow-up time was 31.3 months. We examined the patency rate and its connection with different variables such as diabetes mellitus, acute or chronic operative situations, indications for surgery, diameter and quality of the vein. RESULTS: The primary patency rates were 93%, 79.5% and 61.2% at the end of years 1, 2 and 6, respectively. The patency rate was not significantly affected by any of the examined variables mentioned above. CONCLUSION: The patency rate of the autologous antebrachial AV shunt is comparable to the wrist and elbow fistulas, so our results support the practice of performing fistula at this atypical localization. Proximal autologous fistulas and prosthetic graft implantation could be postponed, this way valuable time could be saved for the uremic patients.

[Anatomical and extra-anatomical reconstructions in aorto-iliac occlusive diseases]. / Anatomikus és extraanatomikus rekonstrukciók az arteria iliaca rendszer occlusiv betegségeiben.

PURPOSE: In the case of the aorto-iliac arteries occlusion there are two different operative reconstructive possibilities. As an anatomical reconstruction the open desobliteration of the iliaca arteries, the retrograde half-closed desobliteration or the aorto/ilio-femoral bypasses can be mentioned. As an extraanatomical solution ilio/femoro-femoral crossover bypass can be implanted. We compared the results of these two types of operations. PROCEDURE: Between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 1999 at the Cardiovascular Surgical Department of the Semmelweis University Budapest 239 primary, reconstructive operations were done because of the iliac arteries occlusion. We made 175 anatomical and 64 extraanatomical operations. We controlled the results of this operation in this retrospective study. RESULTS: Since the operation 12 patients died, most of them because of cardial reasons. Hundred sixty seven survival patients could be involved in the study. There was no significant difference regarding the age and the Fontaine stadium of the patients in the two groups. Two-third of the patients underwent anatomical, the others extraanatomical operations. The patency rate in the anatomical group was 92.8%, with the extraanatomical patients 90%. In the view of the postoperative function after the anatomical reconstruction the claudication distance was longer. There were two limb amputations, one of them because of distal progression of the atherosclerosis, in the other case the reason was reocclusion of the graft. DISCUSSION: In this study we examined patients who underwent an operation about 3 years ago. The preoperative stadium of the two non-selected groups was similar. The postoperative patency rate was quite similar, but the postoperative function after the anatomical reconstruction was significantly better. In our opinion the results of the two different types of the reconstruction used by proper indication were the similarly satisfactory.

[Cryopreserved homografts in arterial reconstructions]. / Homograft beültetéssel végzett artériás rekonstrukciók.

The use of cryopreserved homologous vessels (CHV) in arterial reconstructions is indicated in cases when no suitable autologous material is available and the use of prosthetic grafts is contraindicated. In the presentations authors overview their 4 years' experiences with homografts in case of aneurysms and lower limb obliterative arterial disease. Forty four CHV grafts were implanted in 41 patients from May 1997 to May 2001. Following explantation and preparation the grafts are treated in a special preservation solution containing 10% DMSO, antibiotic and antimycotic drugs. Using a cryostat the graft packages get deep frozen and are stored in fluid nitrogen, therefore these grafts are available even after years. Donor and patient data are recorded and processed following strict bacteriological examination. No postoperative immunosuppression therapy was administered. Twenty six greater saphenous veins, 12 superficial femoral arteries, 2 iliac arteries, 3 aortic bifurcations and one thoracic aorta segment were used as graft material--24 grafts were implanted in femoro-crural, 7 in distal femoro-popliteal, 2 in proximal femoro-popliteal, 2 in ilio-femoral, 2 in femoro-femoral crossover, one in aorto-femoral, 3 in bifemoral and one in aorto-aortic position. Successful redo surgery was performed in case of graft occlusion in 6 cases, 11 limbs were amputated because of failed thrombectomy. One patient underwent surgery due to a pseudoaneurysm at the diaphysis of a femoro-crural graft, this case is presented in details. The three year graft and limb patency were 23% and 64% subsequently following infrainguinal reconstructions, graft reocclusion occurred in 17 cases, 11 limbs were amputated. Eight patients died in 30 days following CHV implantations, the causes of death were septic bleeding in 4 cases, acute myocardial infarction in 2 cases and cardiorespiratory insufficiency in 2 cases. According to the authors' results and to the literature based on well defined indication use of cryopreserved homologues vessels are a good choice for vascular reconstruction in cases, when implantation of biologic material is essential for restoring circulation.

[Thrombolytic therapy as pretreatment before vascular operations and radiologic interventions]. / Ersebészeti és intervencionális radiológiai beavatkozások elókészítése trombolízis alkalmazásával.

The authors describe their 60 cases of thrombolysis with steptokinase (SK). Thrombolysis was required in 55 patients because of arterial, while in 5 patients because of venous side thrombosis. The 73% of the patients with arterial occlusion where thrombolysis was applied belonged Fountain stage IV, while 27% to Fountain stage III. Graft occlusion occurred in 60% of all cases and the acute or subacute thrombosis of the native vessels required thrombolysis in 40%. The thrombolysis alone was sufficient in 26 patients, while it was completed with PTA in 9, with PTA and implantation of stent in 1 and with vascular surgical procedure in 10 cases. Reconstruction surgery was the final solution in 4 patients, for whom the thrombolysis was inadequate. Amputation was unavoidable in 8 cases. The thrombolysis therapy was successful in 77% in our experience. The high number of hemorrhagic complications was due to the bleeding of puncture hole. It needed surgical suture in 10 cases.

[Treatment options for complications in vascular surgery]. / Az érsebészeti szövódmények kezelési lehetóségei.

The authors processed the patients' data of the last 10 years and present their experience in treating septic complications in the field of vascular surgery. They analyzed the therapeutic possibilities and reviewed the literature. They suggest the following treatment alternatives for the infection related complications, that they consider the best options these days: 1. Identification of the causative agent by microbiologic methods and determination of the antibiotic susceptibility. 2. In the cases of occluded grafts it is recommended to remove the whole graft and to apply a suction-irrigation drainage. 3. In the cases of patent grafts: (a) If the infections starts in the immediate postoperative period it is suggested to spare the graft, open the wound, perform debridement and apply a suction-irrigation drainage. (b) Late suppurations, confined to the trunk of the graft without affecting the anastomoses, requires extensive debridement and lavage, and the graft could be left in place. (c) Anastomosis infection calls for graft removal, in situ reconstruction and suction-irrigation drainage in one setting. (d) Extraanatomic bypass is indicated when culture proves bacteria producing extraprotease enzymes because in these cases the incidence of repetitive septic bleedings are significantly higher, so in situ reconstructions are not recommended.

[Primary leiomyosarcoma of vascular origin in the groin causing lower extremity venous compression]. / Alsó végtagi vénás kompressziós tüneteket okozó éreredetú leiomyosarcoma az inguinális régióban.

A soft tissue tumor causing left lower extremity swelling in a 43 years old female was detected in the left inguinal region and resection was performed at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest. Histologic examination revealed primary leiomyosarcoma of vascular origin. On the base of this case attention is called to this rare disease, which has poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and complete resection plays key role in the treatment of leiomyosarcoma and may improve survival.

[Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome]. / Térdhajlati veróér leszorítása.

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) is an uncommon congenital anomaly. It arises due to compression of the popliteal artery by tendomuscular structures often combined with an anomalous position of the artery. Mostly young men are suffering of this disease. There are four common variations of this anomaly. We report on a 14 year old patient who had an acute 24 hours duration right leg ischemia caused by PAES. Using a posterior approach to the popliteal artery, following division of the accessory slip of gastrocnemius muscle we performed an arteriotomy and a floating thrombus was removed. The artery was reconstructed by direct continuous suture. One year postoperatively the boy has no complaints, peripheral pulse is palpable.

[Ruptured aneurysm of the common hepatic artery]. / Arteria hepatica communis aneurysma ruptura.

The rupture of aneurysm of the common hepatic artery is a rare disease with high mortality. Differential diagnosis and surgical treatment is difficult, which is often worsened by the condition of the seriously ill patient and the lack of time. The authors report a successfully treated case summarizing the diagnostic and therapeutic options and point out the recent changes in etiology.

Biliary tract complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A multicenter study of 148 biliary tract injuries in 26,440 operations.

BACKGROUND: The higher risk of biliary tract injury is considered the most significant disadvantage of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A national multicenter retrospective study was performed to determine the frequency, etiology, and treatment of biliary tract injuries between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1994. Follow-up was by questionnaire. RESULTS: Some 148 biliary tract complications were observed during 26,440 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. There was no significant correlation found between the number of LCs performed in one institute and the incidence of biliary tract injuries and postoperative bile leakage, but in the 2nd year of practice, the incidence of both complications decreased. In institutes with more conversions, more cases of bile leakage were also observed. A significant positive relationship was found between biliary tract injuries and postoperative bile leaks. There was no significant relationship between usage of intravenous and intraoperative cholangiography and ERCP. In univariant analysis of the type of injury, the primary treatment modality did not affect the outcome of injury or entail the necessity of reoperation. Obscure anatomy leads to significantly more main bile duct injuries. According to multivariant analysis, the outcome is significantly influenced unfavorably by the necessity of repeated interventions and advanced age. CONCLUSIONS: The definitely higher risk of bile duct injury mentioned in early studies was not confirmed.