Actualización de biomarcadores para la detección precoz de isquemia intestinal / Update on biomarkers for early detection of intestinal ischemia

La isquemia intestinal asocia una elevada mortalidad debida principalmente a un retraso en el diagnóstico. Sibien el angio tC es una herramienta sensible y específica, suele transcurrir demasiado tiempo hasta su realizacióndebido a una presentación clínica poco específica. en este tiempo la isquemia intestinal puede progresar a estadiosirreversibles con afectación sistémica. La obtención de biomarcadores precisos y de elevación precoz acortaría eltiempo diagnóstico de esta patología, lo que disminuiría su mortalidad asociada. Se sabe que las moléculas usadastradicionalmente, entre ellas el lactato, no tienen buena capacidad diagnóstica. no obstante, se ha observado unaelevada sensibilidad con el uso del esteroisómero D del lactato y la procalcitonina para detectar colitis isquémicatras cirugía de aorta, al tiempo que se recomienda valorar los niveles de dímero D para descartar isquemia mesen-térica aguda en pacientes con dolor abdominal. Otras moléculas con un potencial rendimiento diagnóstico sonla proteína ligadora de ácidos grasos intestinales (I-FaBp) y el péptido similar al glucagón de tipo 1 (GLp-1), aúnen investigación.(AU)

Intestinal ischemia associates high mortality rates, mainly due to a delay in diagnosis. although computed tomog-raphy angiography (Cta) remains a sensitive and specifi c tool, it usually takes quite long until it is done, due to anunspecific clinical presentation. In this time lapse, intestinal ischemia may progress to an irreversible stage withsigns of systemic failure. the acquisition of precise and early detection biomarkers for the disease would shortenthe time to diagnosis and hence its associated mortality. It is acknowledged that those molecules which have beenclassically used-lactate amongst them-do not have a proper diagnostic capacity. nevertheless, the D stereoisomerof lactate and procalcitonin have shown high sensitivity for detection of ischemic colitis after open aortic surgery,while D-dimer measurement is recommended to rule out acute mesenteric ischemia in patients with abdominalpain. Other molecules with a potential for diagnostic yield are intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-FaBp) andglucagon-like peptide-1 (GLp-1), still under investigation.(AU)

Incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair / Incidencia y factores de riesgo de hernia incisional tras la cirugía abierta del aneurisma de aorta abdominal

Introduction: Incisional hernia (IH) is common after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Recent studies reported incidence rates higher than previously stated. The aim of this study was to quantify the IH incidence after open AAA surgery. The secondary outcome was to identify the risk factors associated with the development of an IH. Methods: Retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who underwent an open repair of AAA, from January 2010 to June 2018, at our institution. Patients were free of abdominal wall hernias at the moment of inclusion in the study. Data were extracted from electronic records: baseline characteristics, surgical factors, and postoperative events. Computed tomography (CT) scans performed during follow-up were analyzed. Results: A total of 157 patients were analysed. The IH incidence after open repair of AAA was 46.5% (73 patients). The median time for IH development was 24.43 months (IQR: 10.40–45.27), while the median follow-up time was 37.20 months (IQR: 20.53–64.12). The risk factors linked to IH were: active (HR: 4.535; 95% CI: 1.369–15.022) or previous smoking habit (HR: 4.652; 95% CI: 1.430–15.131), chronic kidney disease (HR: 2.007; 95% CI: 1.162–3.467) and previous abdominal surgery (HR: 1.653; 95% CI: 1.014–2.695). Conclusion: The incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair affected a high proportion of the intervened patients. Previous abdominal surgery, chronic kidney disease, and smoking habit were independent factors for the development of an incisional hernia. (AU)

Introducción: La hernia incisional (HI) tras la cirugía abierta del aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) es común. Estudios recientes muestran incidencias superiores a las consideradas anteriormente. El objetivo es evaluar la incidencia de HI tras la cirugía abierta del AAA. El objetivo secundario fue evaluar los factores de riesgo de HI. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos sometidos a cirugía abierta del AAA de enero de 2010 a junio de 2018 en nuestro centro. Todos los pacientes estaban libres de hernias de pared abdominal en el momento de la cirugía. Se analizaron los datos de la historia clínica electrónica: características basales, factores quirúrgicos y eventos postoperatorios. Se analizaron también los estudios de tomografía computarizada durante el seguimiento. Resultados: Se analizaron 157 pacientes. La incidencia de HI tras la cirugía abierta del AAA fue del 46,5% (73 pacientes). La mediana de tiempo para el desarrollo de HI fue de 24,43 meses (RIC 10,40-45,27), con una mediana de seguimiento de 37,20 meses (RIC 20,53-64,12). Los factores de riesgo asociados fueron: tabaquismo activo (HR 4,535; IC 95% 1,369-15,022) o hábito tabáquico previo (HR 4,652; IC 95% 1,430-15,131), enfermedad renal crónica (HR 2,007; IC 95% 1,162-3,467) y cirugía abdominal previa (HR 1,653; IC 95% 1,014-2,695). Conclusiones: La HI tras la cirugía abierta del AAA afectó a un gran número de pacientes intervenidos. La cirugía abdominal previa, la enfermedad renal crónica y el hábito tabáquico fueron factores de riesgo independientes de HI. (AU)

Incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernia (IH) is common after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Recent studies reported incidence rates higher than previously stated. The aim of this study was to quantify the IH incidence after open AAA surgery. The secondary outcome was to identify the risk factors associated with the development of an IH. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who underwent an open repair of AAA, from January 2010 to June 2018, at our institution. Patients were free of abdominal wall hernias at the moment of inclusion in the study. Data were extracted from electronic records: baseline characteristics, surgical factors, and postoperative events. Computed tomography (CT) scans performed during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were analysed. The IH incidence after open repair of AAA was 46.5% (73 patients). The median time for IH development was 24.43 months (IQR: 10.40-45.27), while the median follow-up time was 37.20 months (IQR: 20.53-64.12). The risk factors linked to IH were: active (HR: 4.535; 95% CI: 1.369-15.022) or previous smoking habit (HR: 4.652; 95% CI: 1.430-15.131), chronic kidney disease (HR: 2.007; 95% CI: 1.162-3.467) and previous abdominal surgery (HR: 1.653; 95% CI: 1.014-2.695). CONCLUSION: The incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair affected a high proportion of the intervened patients. Previous abdominal surgery, chronic kidney disease, and smoking habit were independent factors for the development of an incisional hernia.

Incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernia (IH) is common after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Recent studies reported incidence rates higher than previously stated. The aim of this study was to quantify the IH incidence after open AAA surgery. The secondary outcome was to identify the risk factors associated with the development of an IH. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who underwent an open repair of AAA, from January 2010 to June 2018, at our institution. Patients were free of abdominal wall hernias at the moment of inclusion in the study. Data were extracted from electronic records: baseline characteristics, surgical factors, and postoperative events. Computed tomography (CT) scans performed during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were analysed. The IH incidence after open repair of AAA was 46.5% (73 patients). The median time for IH development was 24.43 months (IQR: 10.40-45.27), while the median follow-up time was 37.20 months (IQR: 20.53-64.12). The risk factors linked to IH were: active (HR: 4.535; 95% CI: 1.369-15.022) or previous smoking habit (HR: 4.652; 95% CI: 1.430-15.131), chronic kidney disease (HR: 2.007; 95% CI: 1.162-3.467) and previous abdominal surgery (HR: 1.653; 95% CI: 1.014-2.695). CONCLUSION: The incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair affected a high proportion of the intervened patients. Previous abdominal surgery, chronic kidney disease, and smoking habit were independent factors for the development of an incisional hernia.

The Potential Relation Between polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts after Open Reconstructions for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Perigraft Seromas.

BACKGROUND: The presence of sac enlargement after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) open repair, a condition usually called perigraft seroma (PGS), nearly always has a benign behavior. Some theories implicated for PGS formation include coagulation abnormalities, fibroblast inhibition, low-grade infection, or improper graft handling. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including patients treated for AAA in 2 academic vascular surgery departments from 2007 to 2014, where 1 center preferably used polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts whereas the preference of other center was mostly Dacron graft. The definition of PGS was conceived as a fluid collection around the graft on CT scan imaging with a radiodensity ≤25 Hounsfield units, reaching at least 30 mm in diameter and beyond the third postoperative month. Analysis was performed between patients with and without PGS. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients met the inclusion criteria: 42 received Dacron and 36 PTFE grafts. Twenty-three (29.5%) patients accomplished the PGS diagnosis. Having a PTFE graft was the strongest factor for PGS formation on multivariate analysis. The medium seroma size was 42 mm (range, 30-90.6 mm) and the mean time from AAA repair to PGS detection was 26 months (range, 4-106 months). Three patients of the 23 with PGS required surgical repair, all of them were successfully treated: 2 by endovascular means and the remaining with explantation and Dacron reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: PGS formation is not an unusual complication after open reconstructions for AAA treatment. This is especially true for PTFE grafts, and thus, closer follow-up is warranted if using this material. Treatment is clearly needed when symptoms appear; however, preventive strategies with either endovascular relining or reopen reconstructions require an individual approach counterbalancing benefits versus risk of the procedures.

Systematic Review on the Use of Physician-Modified Endografts for the Treatment of Aortic Arch Diseases.

BACKGROUND: The total endovascular approach is in current evolution, and many series have described variable outcomes for branched technology, chimney techniques, or fenestrated repair; and even a combination of some of them. We aim to describe the current outcomes on physician-modified endograft for the treatment of arch diseases. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for this systematic review. The search was applied to MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We used the following search terms in all possible combinations: home-made, physician-modified, surgeon-modified, on-table modification, hand-made, endograft, endovascular, aortic arch, and TEVAR: a thorough search of the English-language literature published until March 2020 was performed to identify studies using physician-modified endograft for the treatment of arch diseases. Only studies with treatment of 3 patients or more and with a minimum of 6-month follow-up were enrolled in the systematic review, whereas case reports were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Six articles participated in the systematic review after the exclusions, including a total of 239 patients for analysis. Four high-volume centers provided data including a high rate of single fenestrations in zone 2, accounting for nearly 70% of the cases. About 80.3% were males, and 67.4% received urgent treatment mainly for acute/subacute dissection (64.4%). Thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or postdissection arch aneurysm was the second leading cause of treatment with 25.9%. There was a technical success of 93.7% reaching up to 98.3% when additional procedures were performed. The 30-day mortality, stroke/transient ischemic attack, paraplegia, and stent-induced new entry rates were 2.9%, 2.1%, 0.4%, and 0.4%, respectively; whereas, overall mortality of the study was 4.6% at a mean follow-up of 33.2 ± 14.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Endograft modification for aortic arch diseases' treatment demonstrates to be safe and highly effective, especially for aortic dissections needing single zone 2 fenestrations. Although outcomes achieved in the study seem encouraging, these are achieved at high-volume experienced centers, thus, they need to be judiciously evaluated, whereas proctoring may be a good alternative if one patient may benefit from the technique in an unexperienced center.

Fracaso renal agudo tras el uso de trombectomía farmacomecánica en la trombosis venosa aguda / Acute renal failure after the use of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy in acute venous thrombosis

La trombectomía farmacomecánica (TFM) ha demostrado disminuir la incidencia de síndrome postrombótico tras la trombosis venosa profunda (TVP), reduciendo comorbilidades, costes asociados e ingresos hospitalarios. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 23 años, sin antecedentes de interés, que debuta con fracaso renal agudo (FRA) tras TFM por TVP en miembro superior. Revisamos la literatura publicada hasta la actualidad referente a FRA tras el uso del sistema de TFM para el tratamiento de TVP. El riesgo de FRA tras TFM es considerable, y aunque el pronóstico sea por lo general benigno, dicha complicación debería ser advertida en la lista de posibles complicaciones asociadas a la TFM. Se ha de insistir en la adecuada hidratación preoperatoria y posoperatoria, limitando los tiempos de trombectomía mecánica y cuantificando el efluente obtenido para reducir el posible daño nefrológico. Enfatizamos la prudencia al indicar TFM en mujeres jóvenes y delgadas

Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (FMT) has proven to decrease the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome after deep vein thrombosis (DVT), reducing comorbidities, associated costs and hospital admissions. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman, without medical history of interest, who debuts with acute kidney injury (AKI) after TFM due to upper limb DVT. We review the literature published to date regarding AKI after the use of the FMT system for the treatment of DVT. The risk of AKI after FMT is considerable and although usually benign, this complication should be listed as possible complication after FMT. It is necessary to insist on adequate pre and postoperative hydration by limiting mechanical thrombectomy times and quantifying the effluent obtained to reduce possible nephrological damage. We emphasize prudence when indicating FMT in young and slim females

Pelvic radiation therapy as a potential risk factor for ischemic colitis complicating abdominal aortic reconstruction.

A 78-year-old man with a 56-mm juxtarenal aneurysm and previous pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer (3 years earlier) who was disease free during follow-up received elective aortoaortic bypass suprarenal clamping through a transperitoneal approach. After the patient experienced initial abdominal pain and diarrhea, a computed tomography scan showed mild sigmoid inflammation, and the patient received conservative treatment. One month after discharge, the patient underwent urgent laparotomy and bowel and sigmoid resection for an enterocutaneous fistula. At 6-month follow-up, he has recovered, although a bowel stoma remains.

Predictors of inadequate EndoAnchors aortic wall penetration for the Endosutured therapy in hostile neck patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of EndoAnchors is increasing; however, not much about appropriate use in terms of aortic wall penetration (AWP) is described. We aim to evaluate the procedural and anatomical conditions related with borderline (b) or absence (ab) of AWP when checked on first CT-scan after the Endosutured aortic repair (ESAR) for hostile neck anatomies (HNA). METHODS: This study with NCT04100499 is a single center prospective evaluation of patients receiving EndoAnchors for prevention or treatment of a proximal EVAR failure. AWP was evaluated on first CT-scan and findings correlated with neck anatomical features and procedural data. The sum of borderline and absence of AWP was considered as Inadequate - In-AWP (failure). Adjunctive procedures, reinterventions, all-cause mortality, absence of type Ia EL and aneurysm related mortality are also described. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were treated during the study period and 43 high-surgical risk patients were finally included in the study for analysis with at least one HNA criteria (58%) and associating two in 21% or even three in 21%. A total of 250 EndoAnchors were deployed at a median 6 (range, 4-10) per case. From those, 31 (12.5%) achieved b-AWP and 11 (4.4%) ab-AWP, meaning 42 (16.8%) EndoAnchors with In-AWP. Univariate-analysis showed being an occasional user and a therapeutic case as predictor for at least one and more failures. The only predictor on multivariate analysis for two or more EndoAnchors with In-AWP was being an occasional user. Cumulative-survival and freedom from type-Ia EL at 2-years was 84% and 95%; respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of the ESAR therapy should be validated according to their aortic wall penetration checked on first CT-scan. EndoAnchors use in HNA should not be considered an easy approach for the endovascular technique, especially for therapeutic cases. An individual and specific case analysis counterbalancing inadequate use of the device in unexperienced users should be evaluated against the increased risk of proximal failure as in standard EVAR alone during HNA treatment.

Adapting Vascular Surgery Practice to the Current COVID-19 Era at a Tertiary Academic Center in Madrid.

BACKGROUND: The epidemic potential of coronavirus infection is now a reality. Since the first case detected in late 2019 in China, a fast worldwide expansion confirms it. The vascular patient is at a higher risk of developing a severe form of the disease because of its nature associating several comorbid states, and thus, some vascular surgery communities from many countries have tried to stratify patients into those requiring care during these uncertain times. METHODS: This is an observational study describing the current daily vascular surgery practice at one tertiary academic hospital in Madrid region, Spain-one of the most affected regions worldwide due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We analyzed our surgical practice since March 14th when the lockdown was declared up to date, May 14th (2 months). Procedural surgical practice, organizational issues, early outcomes, and all the troubles encountered during this new situation are described. RESULTS: Our department is composed of 10 vascular surgeons and 4 trainees. Surgical practice has been reduced to only urgent care, totaling 50 repairs on 45 patients during the period. Five surgeries were performed on 3 COVID-19-positive patients. Sixty percent were due to critical limb ischemia, 45% of them performed by complete endovascular approach, whereas less than 10% of repairs were aorta related. We were allocated to use a total of 5 surgical rooms in different locations, none our usual, as it was converted into an ICU room while performing 50% of those repairs with unusual nursery staff. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 outbreak has dramatically changed our organization and practice in favor of urgent or semiurgent surgical care alone. The lack of in-hospital/ICU beds and changing nursery staff changed the whole availability organization at our hospital and was a key factor in surgical decision-making in some cases.

Evaluation of EndoAnchor Aortic Wall Penetration After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Purpose: To analyze aortic wall penetration of Heli-FX EndoAnchors after use in seal zones in the aortic arch or descending thoracic aorta during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Materials and Methods: From May 2014 to May 2019, 25 patients (mean age 70.5±10 years; 16 women) were treated with TEVAR and adjunctive use of the Heli-FX device in 3 academic vascular surgery departments. Computed tomography scans were retrospectively reviewed to determine the location [arch or descending thoracic aorta (DTA)] of the EndoAnchors and the adequacy of aortic wall penetration, defined as adequate (≥2 mm), partial (<2 mm), or inadequate wall penetration (including loss). Endoleaks, reinterventions, and mortality were assessed. Results: A total of 161 EndoAnchors were deployed (median 7 per patient, range 4-9). Twenty-two EndoAnchors were place in the arch (zones 0-2) and 139 in the DTA (zones 3-5). A larger proportion of arch deployments (27%) had suboptimal penetration compared with the DTA (6.5%; p<0.005), resulting in a 91% adequate wall penetration rate for the series overall. Three EndoAnchors were lost (and only 1 retrieved) in 3 different patients, with no additional morbidity; thus, an overall deployment success rate of 88% was achieved. At a mean follow-up of 16.6±14 months, 4 patients required 5 (successful) reinterventions, including one for a type Ia endoleak treated with chimney TEVAR. One patient died 10 months after treatment due to endograft infection, without an opportunity for surgical correction. Conclusion: EndoAnchors have a higher risk of maldeployment in the arch, though this may be attributable to the small learning curve experience in this location. The best aortic wall penetration for this series was in the DTA, where EndoAnchors proved useful for distal endograft fixation during TEVAR.

Partial Renal Coverage after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair with Suprarenal Fixation Seems Not to be Associated with Early Renal Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to achieve optimal seal during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) may produce partial coverage of the lowest renal artery and in some cases even occlusion. This coverage might alter the renal ostial flow, which could finally affect renal function. We sought to evaluate the incidence of renal ostium coverage and its possible effects on renal function. METHODS: All patients undergoing elective EVAR with suprarenal fixation devices between January 2014, and December 2017, at our institution were identified. Patients with preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA), as well as the preoperative, postoperative, and one year postintervention creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were included in the present study. Patients in hemodialysis, with a preoperative eGFR <30 mL/min, urgent EVAR, neck adjunctive procedures, excessive aortic thrombus, or procedure-related reintervention were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients received EVAR for aortoiliac aneurysmatic pathologies between January 2014, and December 2017. Forty-three of them met the inclusion criteria having a median follow-up of 18.8 months (range; 12.0-53.9). Twenty-six (60.5%) patients presented at least one criterion of hostile neck condition and 23 (53.5%) had a preoperative eGFR <60 mL/min. The average distance from the proximal endograft fabric to the lower renal artery was 1.5 mm (range, 0.0-6.0) while a total of 15 renal ostia (34.9%) suffered unintended partial coverage (range, 20 to 75% of the renal ostium) in the postoperative CTA. Nine of these patients (60%) had a hostile neck condition. Eight patients (18.6%) suffered significant deterioration (>20% of the eGFR), 27 patients (62.8%) maintained their renal function and 8 (18.6%) presented an improvement of the eGFR in the latest available blood sample. Renal function impairment showed no significant association with renal ostium coverage (P = 0.561), hostile neck condition (P = 0.973), or the diameter of the renal artery (P = 0.835). In the subgroup analysis, patients with the eGFR <60 mL/min did not show significantly greater renal function deterioration (P = 0.568). CONCLUSIONS: Partial renal coverage is not an uncommon phenomenon occurring in one-third of the treated patients. However, it was not associated with renal function impairment in the early term. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results in the long haul.

¿Existe aún la zona de no stent? Resultados iniciales de stenting en arteria poplítea en pacientes con isquemia crítica / Does the non-stent area still exist? Preliminary results of popliteal artery stenting in patients with critical limb ischemia

INTRODUCCIÓN: la enfermedad aterosclerótica en la región femoropoplítea es la principal causa de isquemia crónica de miembros inferiores. Existen diversos tipos de tratamiento quirúrgico -abierto, convencional o endovascular para su tratamiento. El sector poplíteo ha sido una zona conflictiva para el uso de stent debido a su alta carga de estrés mecánico. MÉTODO: estudio retrospectivo observacional monocéntrico en el tratamiento de isquemia crítica con el uso de un stent dual de nitinol y fluoropolímeros en cualquier porción de la arteria poplítea entre enero de 2012 y enero de 2017. La indicación del stent fue fallo del tratamiento endovascular de la angioplastia (disección, reestenosis o recoil). Realizamos seguimiento clínico y ecográfico a 3, 6 y 12 meses. Se evalúa permeabilidad primaria, secundaria, salvamento de miembro y mortalidad. RESULTADOS: se incluyen 19 pacientes -8 hombres (42,1%) y 11 mujeres (57,9%), con una edad media de 77,4 años y características basales habituales. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 8 meses (rango 1-66 meses). Durante el seguimiento, la permeabilidad primaria a 3 meses fue de 94,7% y de 88% a 6 y 12 meses. La permeabilidad secundaria a 3 meses fue del 100% y de 92,9% a 6 y 12 meses. La tasa libre de amputación fue de 92,9% al año de seguimiento. La supervivencia al año fue del 72%. CONCLUSIÓN: el stent dual de nitinolfluoropolímeros impregnado en heparina es una buena opción terapéutica para la isquemia crítica en el sector poplíteo después de fallo con angioplastia, ya que demuestra altas tasas de permeabilidad y supervivencia del miembro en pacientes con isquemia crítica. Es necesario validar los resultados a medio y largo plazo para valorar la posibilidad de stenting primario en este sector

INTRODUCTION: femoropopliteal atheroscletoric disease is the main cause of chronic limb ischemia. There are different types of surgical treatment, open by pass or endovascular. Due to high mechanical stress the popliteal artery has always been considered a no-stent zone. METHOD: observational retrospective one-center study in the treatment of patients with critical limb ischemia (Rutherford-Baker grade 3-5) treated with dual stent along popliteal artery between January 2012 and January 2017. Indication of the stent was primary angioplasty failure (arterial dissection, re-stenosis or recoil). We performed follow-up with ultrasonography at 3, 6 and 12 months. We describe primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage and mortality. RESULTS: we collected 19 patients, 8 men (42.1%) and 11 women (57.9%), 77.4 years of mean age. The median of follow-up was 8 months (range 1-66 months). Primary patency was 94.7% at 3 months and 88% at 6 and 12 months. Secondary patency was 100% at 3 months and 92.9% at 6 and 12 months. The limb salvage rate was 92.9% at 1 year. Survival rate was 72% for the first year. CONCLUSION: dual stent of nitinol and fluoropolymers impregnated with heparin seems to be a good option in patients with critical limb ischemia associating popliteal artery lesions. It has high patency and limb salvage rates. Despite that, it is necessary to validate these results in medium and long term

Symptomatic Aortic Bare-Metal Stent Fracture after PETTICOAT Technique for Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Aortic bare-metal stent rupture is an exceptional complication, associated with high risk of aorta rupture and death. We describe a successful endovascular approach for a symptomatic aortic bare-metal stent fracture after the provisional extension to induce complete attachment (PETTICOAT) technique. METHODS: A 53-year-old man with a complicated type B aortic dissection (visceral malperfusion) was treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and "PETTICOAT" technique. The 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up scans showed progressive aortic remodeling. After 15 months from the initial procedure, the patient was admitted to the emergency department with severe thoracic pain and two syncopal episodes. Urgent angio-computed tomography (CT) showed bare-metal stent rupture and aortic dilatation to 45 mm at the site of stent fracture. RESULTS: He was urgently treated with TEVAR to cover the entire length of the bare-metal stent under local anesthesia and motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. If signs of medullary ischemia are observed in the MEP register, a carotid-subclavian bypass was planned. At 12 months of follow-up, the patient remains asymptomatic. CT scan at 1 month and 12 months showed no signs of endoleak and aortic remodeling to 40 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Although unusual, this case demonstrates the possibility of material fatigue/failure and highlights the need of close imaging follow-up after TEVAR for treatment of aortic diseases.

Expanded Suitability of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms for Total Endovascular Repair Using the Endurant Endograft and Heli-FX EndoAnchors.

PURPOSE: To assess if the suitability of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) can be expanded by combining the Endurant stent-graft with the Heli-FX EndoAnchors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of 90 patients (mean age 73.2±9 years; 87 men) with RAAA admitted between January 2014 and January 2018 in 2 tertiary care centers were analyzed in a 3-dimensional workstation. Anatomical features of the aneurysms according to the instructions for use (IFU) for the Endurant endograft were evaluated and expansion of treatment with Heli-FX EndoAnchors was assessed. RESULTS: Neck length <10 mm was present in 41 (45.6%) patients; 5 had neck diameters outside the IFU and 45 (50.0%) had conical necks. Thrombus and calcium were absent in 63 (70.0%) and 73 (81.1%), respectively. In the study cohort, 44 (48.9%) patients met all the neck criteria, although overall IFU compliance was found in only 35 (38.9%) patients due to iliac-related issues in 21 patients. The adjunctive use of EndoAnchors in the entire study group would enhance the therapeutic range to an additional 24 patients, 8 of whom would need an associated iliac procedure. This represents an expansion of the total EVAR approach from 48.9% to 75.6% of cases if some iliac issues are overcome and from 38.9% to 56.7% without correcting iliac deficiencies. CONCLUSION: The main reason of being unfit for endovascular treatment in this series was neck length <10 mm. Based on this analysis, nearly 40% of RAAA patients would have been candidates for EVAR based on the IFU neck criteria for the Endurant stent-graft. This suitability could be nearly doubled with the use of EndoAnchors and correction of unsuitable iliac anatomy. The use of EndoAnchors has the potential to offer a significant benefit in the endovascular treatment of RAAA patients.

Descending Aorta Rupture after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Embolization.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of rupture of the descending aorta after aortic migration during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: An 85-year-old man with a severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent elective TAVR, which complicated with embolization into the ascending aorta. While repositioning into the descending aorta, the procedure complicated with aortic rupture. RESULTS: The patient required urgent thoracic intravalve stent-graft implantation (thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR]). Reintervention with other stent graft was required 2 days after initial procedure as proximal rupture was again diagnosed. Patient was discharged 50 days later because of other medical complications. He remains stable at 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR is a valid and safe option in the treatment of iatrogenic acute aortic rupture due to TAVR.