Multicentre International Registry of Open Surgical Versus Percutaneous Upper Extremity Access During Endovascular Aortic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate access failure (AF) and stroke rates of aortic procedures performed with upper extremity access (UEA), and compare results of open surgical vs. percutaneous UEA techniques with closure devices. METHODS: A physician initiated, multicentre, ambispective, observational registry (SUPERAXA - NCT04589962) was carried out of patients undergoing aortic procedures requiring UEA, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, aortic arch, and thoraco-abdominal aortic endovascular repair, pararenal parallel grafts, renovisceral and iliac vessel repair. Only vascular procedures performed with an open surgical or percutaneous (with a suture mediated vessel closure device) UEA were analysed. Risk factors and endpoints were classified according to the Society for Vascular Surgery and VARC-3 (Valve Academic Research Consortium) reporting standards. A logistic regression model was used to identify AF and stroke risk predictors, and propensity matching was employed to compare the UEA closure techniques. RESULTS: Sixteen centres registered 1 098 patients (806 men [73.4%]; median age 74 years, interquartile range 69 - 79 years) undergoing vascular procedures using open surgical (76%) or percutaneous (24%) UEA. Overall AF and stroke rates were 6.8% and 3.0%, respectively. Independent predictors of AF by multivariable analysis included pacemaker ipsilateral to the access (odds ratio [OR] 3.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 - 12.1; p = .026), branched and fenestrated procedure (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2 - 9.6; p = .019) and introducer internal diameter ≥ 14 F (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.1 - 20.7; p = .001). Stroke was associated with female sex (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.3 - 9.0; p = .013), vessel diameter > 7 mm (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1 - 13.8; p = .037), and aortic arch procedure (OR 7.3, 95% CI 1.7 - 31.1; p = .007). After 1:1 propensity matching, there was no difference between open surgical and percutaneous cohorts. However, a statistically significantly higher number of adjunctive endovascular procedures was recorded in the percutaneous cohort (p < .001). CONCLUSION: AF and stroke rates during complex aortic procedures employing UEA are non-negligible. Therefore, selective use of UEA is warranted. Percutaneous access with vessel closure devices is associated with similar complication rates, but more adjunctive endovascular procedures are required to avoid surgical exposure.

Heterogeneous Characteristics of Patients with Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Systematic Review of Therapeutic Solutions.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular repair of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) has emerged as an alternative to open surgery, but direct comparisons are limited. The aim of the study was to compare clinical outcomes of endovascular and open repair for IAAA according with specific clinical characteristics. METHODS: We performed a literature review of reports describing patients who had open or endovascular repair for IAAA. A literature search was performed in June 2022 by 2 investigators who conducted a review of papers reported in PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database. The strings "Inflammatory aneurysm" and "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms" were used. There was no language restriction and screened reports were published from March 1972 to December 2021. We identified 2,062 patients who had open (1,586) or endovascular repair (476) for IAAA. Primary outcomes were operative mortality and morbidity. Secondary outcomes were complications during follow-up (mean follow-up: 48 months). Propensity score matching was performed between patients who had open or endovascular surgery. RESULTS: In Western countries, propensity-weighted postoperative mortality (in-hospital) (1.5% endovascular vs. 6% open) and morbidity rates (6% vs. 18%) were significantly lower in patients who had endovascular repair (P < 0.0001); patients with larger aneurysm (more than 7 cm diameter), signs of active inflammation, and retroperitoneal rupture of the aneurysm had better outcomes after endovascular repair than after open surgery. Hydronephrosis was present in 20% of the patients. Hydronephrosis regressed in most patients when signs of active inflammation were present suggesting an acute onset of the hydronephrosis itself (fever, elevated serum C Reactive Protein) either after endovascular or open surgery. Long-standing hydronephrosis as suggested by the absence of signs of active inflammation rarely regressed after endovascular surgery despite associated steroid therapy. During a mean follow-up of 48 months, propensity-weighted graft-related complications were more common in patients who had endovascular repair (20% vs. 8%). For patients from Asia, short-term and medium-term results were similar after open and endovascular repair. IAAAs related with aortitis were more common in Asia. In Western countries, IAAAs were commonly associated with atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IAAA represent a heterogeneous population, suggesting biological differences from continent to continent; conservative therapy and endovascular or open surgery should be chosen according to the patient clinical condition. Endovascular repair presents advantages in patients with signs of active inflammation and contained rupture of the IAAA and larger aneurysms. Hydronephrosis, without signs of active inflammation, rarely regresses after endovascular repair associated with steroid therapy. Further studies are needed to establish the long-term results of endovascular repair.

Late onset infection of covered and bare metal arterial stents.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to present the case of a late covered iliac stent late infection and report a comprehensive literature review on diagnosis and outcomes in this setting. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed through MedLine by two independent reviewers from 1990 to 2020 on reported cases of arterial stent late onset infection over arterial stents. The data about on the risk factors, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were selected as pertinent for the analysis, totalling 24 patients including the indexed case. Infection occurred at a median of 22 months postoperatively (range 2-120 months) over a bare metal stent in 66.7% (n 16) of cases versus 33.3% (n 8) over a covered stent. Clinical presentation included local symptoms (local pain, oedema, petechiae or skin rash) in 21 (87.5%) cases and non-specific systemic symptoms (fever, sepsis, chills and leucocytosis) in 8 cases (33.3%). In 4 cases (16.7%), patients presented with haemorrhagic shock upon arterial rupture. The bacteria most frequently encountered were S. aureus (54.2% of cases). Several factors were supposed to be responsible for the infection including among which procedure-related (non-aseptic technique, lack of prophylactic antibiotics and repetitive punctures at the access site) or related to pre-existing patient's clinical conditions (immunosuppression, diabetes and concurrent infection) have been considered responsible for the infection. Treatment consisted in antibiotics alone (2 patients, 8.3%) or in association with surgical explant, both with or and without revascularization (n 21, 87.5%). In one case, an endovascular coiling was performed. Complications occurred in 29.2% (n 7) of cases and included the need for amputation, bowel resection, endocarditis, pulmonary failure or pneumonia. Overall, three patients (12.5%) died from a septic shock or multi-organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular stent infection is a rare but fearsome condition associated with high morbidity and mortality.

3D-Arterial analysis software and CEUS in the assessment of severity and vulnerability of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: a comparison with CTA and histopathology.

PURPOSE: Our purpose is to assess Multiparametric Ultrasound (MPUS) efficacy for evaluation of carotid plaque vulnerability and carotid stenosis degree in comparison with Computed Tomography angiography (CTA) and histology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 3D-Arterial Analysis is a 3D ultrasound software that automatically provides the degree of carotid stenosis and a colorimetric map of carotid plaque vulnerability. We enrolled 106 patients who were candidates for carotid endarterectomy. Prior to undergoing surgery, all carotid artery plaques were evaluated with Color-Doppler-US (CDUS), Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and 3D Arterial analysis (3DAA) US along with Computerized Tomographic Angiography (CTA) to assess the carotid artery stenosis degree. Post-surgery, the carotid specimens were fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin solution, embedded in paraffin and used for light microscopic examination to assess plaque vulnerability morphological features. RESULTS: The results of the CTA examinations revealed 91 patients with severe carotid stenoses with a resultant diagnostic accuracy of 82.3% for CDUS, 94.5% for CEUS, 98.4% for 3DAA, respectively. The histopathological examination showed 71 vulnerable plaques with diagnostic accuracy values of 85.8% for CDUS, 93.4% for CEUS, 90.3% for 3DAA, 92% for CTA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of CEUS and 3D Arterial Analysis may provide a powerful new clinical tool to identify and stratify "at-risk" patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease, identifying vulnerable plaques. These applications may also help in the postoperative assessment of treatment options to manage cardiovascular risks.

A multistage combined approach to promote diabetic wound healing in COVID-19 era.

When diabetes mellitus is not properly controlled with drugs and a healthy lifestyle, it exposes patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease or critical limb ischaemia (CLI) to the most serious complications, in particular lower limb ulcers. Surgical or endovascular treatments represent the first line of intervention; in addition, the adequate management of ulcers can guarantee not only a faster wound healing but also the improvement of the patient's prognosis. To speed up this process, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other advanced moist wound dressing have been proposed. During Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many patients with CLI and diabetes mellitus had difficult access to advanced treatments with a significant reduction in life expectancy. We report the cases of patients with non-healing ulcers and CLI treated with an empiric multistage approach after successful endovascular revascularisation; the postoperative course was eventful in all patients, and foot ulcers are currently in an advanced state of healing. The association between adequate revascularisation, systemic anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic therapy with the multistage advanced medications ensures healing of ulcers, limb salvage, and improvement of patient prognosis.

iTalian RegIstry of doUble inner branch stent graft for arch PatHology (the TRIUmPH Registry).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess early and midterm results after endovascular aortic arch repair using a double inner branch stent graft (DIBSG) in patients with aortic arch aneurysm or dissection unfit for open surgery. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2018, there were 24 patients with aortic arch disease who were treated with a single model of a DIBSG (Terumo Aortic, Glasgow, United Kingdom) in nine Italian cardiovascular centers. We investigated technical success, mortality, occurrence of major complications, and need for reintervention in a multicenter, nonrandomized, retrospective fashion. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 16.7%. Cerebrovascular events occurred in 25% of patients and major strokes in 12.5%. Two patients experienced a retrograde dissection (8.3%), whereas none reported any type I or type III endoleak. During a mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 1-60 months), one patient died of a nonaortic cause and one reported a nonarch-related major stroke. No late secondary intervention was needed during the follow-up. Excluding from the analysis the first six patients treated until 2014 as part of the learning curve, in-hospital mortality, major stroke, and retrograde dissection rates were 11.1%, 11.1%, and 5.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular aortic arch repair using this model of DIBSG is feasible, and results are acceptable for a new technique in a high-risk subset of patients. Operative mortality suffers the effect of a learning curve, whereas midterm aorta-related survival is promising. Endovascular repair of aortic arch disease with a DIBSG should always be considered to give high-risk patients a chance of repair. Large-scale studies are needed to assess the long-term durability of this technique.

Spontaneous Deep Femoral Artery False Aneurysm Simulating a Neoplasm: A Rare Case and Literature Review.

A 70-year-old woman presented to our attention with a painless pulsating mass at the level of the upper left thigh without any previous history of trauma, arterial surgery, or puncture of the femoral artery. Duplex ultrasound showed a nodular angiomatous-like formation with deep venous compression; computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance imaging reported the presence of capsulated lesion vascularized by muscular branch of deep femoral artery (DFA). The patient underwent surgical excision of a very rare thrombized DFA branch false aneurysm. Spontaneous DFA false aneurysm, although rare, will be considered in absence of trauma or vascular catheterization or previous aneurysmal rupture.

True Aneurysm of the Inferior Thyroid Artery: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Aneurysms of the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) are extremely rare and potentially determine severe sequelae. We report a case of true ITA aneurysm in a 45-year-old Caucasian woman treated with endovascular embolization; postoperative course was uneventful and, at 6-month follow-up, the aneurysm is completely thrombized. A systematic review of the literature has been also performed to identify the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics and diagnostic and operative options of this disease. Size alone is not able to predict the fate of the aneurysm and an aggressive treatment seems to be justified because of the high risk of complications in case of rupture. In an emergency setting, the endovascular procedures associated to hematoma evacuation or open surgery should be rapidly performed to save patient life.

Spot Stenting of Supra-aortic Branch Vessels for Residual Type A Dissection.

The purpose of this report was to describe the exclusion of the false lumen in a residual type A aortic dissection (TAAD) by the deployment of 2 covered stents: one in the right common carotid artery (RCCA) and one in the left subclavian artery (LSA). A 77-year-old female, already treated with ascending aorta replacement for acute TAAD, was referred to our center for a 97-mm post-dissection arch aneurysm. A computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed false lumen patency by reperfusion from secondary tears located at the level of RCCA and LSA. No primary aortic tear was noted. Under local anesthesia and by transfemoral percutaneous approach, the tears at the level of RCCA and LSA were covered by a 9-mm Viabahn stent graft (Gore, Flagstaff, AZ), and a 10-mm V-12 stent graft (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany), respectively. The false lumen was finally occluded by the deployment of a 6-mm vascular plug at the level of LSA re-entry tear, by left transbrachial puncture. The procedure was completed uneventfully. Twelve-month CTA showed exclusion of the false lumen, patency of all supra aortic trunks, and initial shrinkage of the aneurysm. Spot stenting of secondary re-entry tears, already described for visceral branches, seems to be safe and effective also for supra-aortic trunks in selected patients.

A Steerable Sheath to Deploy Hypogastric Bridging Stent by Contralateral Femoral Approach in an Iliac Branch Procedure after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Aneurysmal degeneration of distal landing zones after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can be a potential cause of late failure of this technique. Aneurysmal degeneration of common iliac arteries increases the risk of rupture of the iliac aneurysm itself as well as of the abdominal aortic aneurysm owing to aneurysm's reperfusion as a type Ib endoleak. Reoperation consists in plugging and covering the internal iliac artery (IIA), by extension into the external iliac artery, or preservation of antegrade flow in IIA by iliac branch devices (IBDs) or sandwich technique. The management of common iliac aneurysms after EVAR with the purpose of preserving antegrade flow into IIA generally requires a brachial or axillary access. However, this approach may be theoretically associated with local or systemic complications. We report a case of IBD implantation after EVAR, using a steerable sheath for IIA bridging stent deployment via contralateral femoral approach.

Color Doppler Ultrasound with Superb Microvascular Imaging Compared to Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Angiography to Identify and Classify Endoleaks in Patients Undergoing EVAR.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) with superb microvascular imaging (SMI) compared to contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT) multislice angiography (64 slices), and angiography required for therapeutic reasons, for follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: From March 2014 to May 2015, 57 patients treated with EVAR were evaluated with CT, CEUS, CDUS, SMI, and angiography in cases requiring treatment. Evaluation included sac diameter, stent-graft integrity, identification, and classification of endoleaks. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and negative and positive predictive values were evaluated for each modality of endoleak identification. RESULTS: Eight endoleaks (16.3%), all type II, were documented. Sensitivity of CT, CEUS, CDUS and SMI was 88%, 100%, 63%, and 75%, respectively. Specificity of CT, CEUS, CDUS, and SMI was 100%, 100%, 96%, and 98%, respectively With SMI, CDUS sensitivity significantly increased, whereas specificity did not register great differences. CONCLUSIONS: SMI was more accurate than CDUS but less accurate than CEUS and CT to identify endoleaks after EVAR. SMI could be concretely used in the follow-up phase to increase CDUS accuracy especially in patients who cannot be studied with CEUS or CT.

Growth factors and experimental arterial grafts.

BACKGROUND: The production of growth factors from several experimental arterial conduits was determined. METHODS: We implanted 105 experimental arterial grafts that were 1 cm long in the abdominal aorta of Lewis rats (average weight, 250 g). Five different types of grafts were analyzed: arterial isografts, vein grafts, arterial allografts, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts with normal or decreased compliance. Animals were killed humanely 4 weeks after surgery and the production of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1 was analyzed. RESULTS: Myointimal hyperplasia (MH) was evident in vein grafts, arterial allografts, and PTFE grafts, but not in arterial isografts. Growth factor production was increased for grafts prone to develop MH like vein, PTFE grafts, and arterial allografts. PDGF and bFGF were increased significantly for PTFE and vein grafts, but not for arterial allografts. The importance of bFGF and PGDF was confirmed by the capability of antibody to PDGF and to bFGF to reduce the mitogenic activity of smooth muscle cells, in vivo and in vitro, for PTFE and vein grafts, but not for arterial allografts, in which a predominant role was played by interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α. CONCLUSIONS: Agents able to neutralize this increased production of growth factors, either directly or by competition with their receptors, can prevent MH formation.

Percutaneous gluteal artery access to embolize false lumen of type B aortic dissection in marfan patient.

This case study presents an innovative endovascular approach using percutaneous gluteal artery access for embolizing the false lumen of a type B aortic dissection in a patient with Marfan syndrome. Following multiple complex surgeries, the patient developed an enlarging thoraco-abdominal aneurysm, necessitating an urgent intervention branched endoprosthesis despite persisting false lumen perfusion. Doppler ultrasound-guided percutaneous gluteal access was utilized for spiral-coil embolization of the false lumen. Successful embolization and exclusion of the aneurism, confirmed by follow-up angiography and computed tomography scans, demonstrated the technique's efficacy and safety. This approach underscores the need for innovative solutions addressing complex vascular pathologies in patients with Marfan.

High-Grade Infection after Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patient with Recent COVID-19 Hospitalization.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global healthcare landscape has undergone significant transformations, particularly impacting the management of complex medical conditions such as aortic aneurysms. This study focuses on a 76-year-old female patient with a history of extensive cardiovascular surgeries, including aortic valve replacement, Bentall operation, and Frozen Elephant Trunk procedure, who presented with a type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm post-COVID-19 recovery. A comprehensive frailty assessment using the Modified Frailty Index and a two-phase endovascular approach for aneurysm treatment, considering the patient's frailty and complex medical history was performed. Upon successful aneurysm management, the patient's postoperative course was complicated by COVID-19 reinfection and Enterococcus faecalis superinfection, highlighting the increased risk of bacterial superinfections and the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in COVID-19 patients. The study underscores the necessity of vigilant postoperative surveillance and a multidisciplinary approach in managing such complex cases, highlighting the importance of personalized care strategies, integrating cardiovascular and infectious disease management, and adapting healthcare practices to the unique challenges of the pandemic. This case contributes to the evolution of knowledge on managing aortic aneurysms in the COVID-19 era, advocating for patient-centric treatment approaches and continuous research into long-term patient outcomes.

Education and Information to Improve Adherence to Screening for Breast, Colorectal, and Cervical Cancer-Lessons Learned during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between adherence to cancer screening programs and earlier diagnosis of the 14 most common types of cancers in the adult population, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. National data concerning number of admissions and operations in Italy for adult patients admitted with oncologic problems during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to 2022) and in the pre-pandemic period (2015 to 2019) were analyzed. We selected 14 types of cancer that present the most common indications for surgery in Italy. This study included 1,365,000 adult patients who had surgery for the 14 most common types of cancer in the period 2015-2022, and interviews concerning adherence rates to screening for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer were conducted for 133,455 individuals. A higher decrease in the number of operations for the 14 types of cancer (-45%) was registered during the first three acute phases of the pandemic, and it was more evident for screenable cancers like breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer (p < 0.001). During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of screened individuals for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer decreased by 33.8% (from 7,507,893 to 4,969,000) and the number of diagnoses and operations for these three types of cancer decreased by 10.5% (from 107,656 to 96,405). The increase and return to normality of the number of screened individuals in the last year of the pandemic (2022) and in the first post-pandemic year (2023) was associated with a return to the pre-pandemic levels of diagnoses and operations. The adherence rates were lower for individuals living in rural areas, with low socio-economic status, and unmarried persons; however, the most statistically significant factor for reduced adherence was a lower level of educational attainment. Free screening through nationally organized programs reduced social disparities. There were no significant differences between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods for several types of cancers (stomach, esophagus, pancreas, liver) that are diagnosed for the occurrence of symptoms and for which nationally organized programs might increase the possibility of earlier diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. Education, information, and appropriate expenditure for preventive care have the potential to reduce cancer mortality. Nationally organized screening programs for several types of cancers, which are often detected for the occurrence of symptoms, may increase the possibility of diagnosis at earlier stages.

Long-Term Results of Surgical Treatment for Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare disease of the lower limbs, mainly affecting young patients, due to extrinsic compression of the neurovascular bundle at the popliteal fossa. The aim of this study was to describe our experience during a median 15-year period. METHODS: Patients treated for PAES in our institution from 1979 to 2024 were included. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients with a total of 78 limbs were treated. Duplex ultrasound with active maneuvers was performed in all limbs (100%). Angiography was performed in almost all patients (97.4%), computed tomography angiography in 56 (71.8%), and magnetic resonance angiography in 22 (28.2%). Concerning surgical treatment, musculotendinous section was performed in 60 limbs (76.9%), and autologous venous bypass was achieved in 18 limbs (23.1%). The rates for freedom from target lesion revascularization-meaning that no significant stenosis or occlusion during follow-up required revascularization-and 15-year primary patency were 92.4% and 98%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Long-term results of surgical treatment for PAES seem to be very satisfying. Myotomy with or without arterial reconstruction using venous bypass can lead to good patency at 15 years of follow-up.

Open Surgical Conversion of Popliteal Endograft Infection: Case Reports and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of popliteal aneurysms (PA) has increased in the last few years, quickly becoming the main treatment performed in many vascular centers, based on the acceptable and promising outcomes reported in the literature. However, endograft infections after endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair (EPAR) are the most dangerous complications to occur as they involve serious local compromise and usually require open surgical conversion and device explantation to preserve the affected extremity. CASE REPORT: We report two patients who were admitted to the emergency room of our hospital for pain and edema in the lower leg. Both patients had undergone exclusion of a ruptured PA a few years before by endovascular graft. CTA testing showed a significant volume of fluid-corpuscular collection related to perianeurysmal abscess collection in both cases. Blood cultures and drained material cultures were positive for Staphylococcus capitis in the first case and S. aureus in the second. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered for 10 days, then patients underwent an open surgical conversion with the complete explantation of endovascular material and a femoro-popliteal bypass using an autologous vein in the first case and a biological bovine pericardium prosthesis in the second case. The infective department of our hospital had defined a discharged specific antibiotic therapy for each patient, based on intraoperative microbiological samples. Furthermore, we have examined the literature and found six more cases described in case report articles that refer to popliteal graft infections by different microorganisms, mostly presenting acute limb ischemia as the first symptom and suggesting endograft explantation with open conversion and autologous vein bypass as the commonest therapeutic choice. CONCLUSIONS: The open surgical conversion of popliteal endograft infection is the best strategy to manage peripheral infection after an endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair procedure.