Popliteal artery aneurysms treatments: early midterm results of the use of endovascular stent grafts

Background/aim: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are abnormal bulgings, which account for 70% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. They are usually asymptomatic. In this study, we present our long-term results of endovascular stent grafts in the treatment of PAA in the light of literature data. Material and methods: A total of 63 legs of 63 patients with PAA, who were treated with endovascular techniques in our clinic between July 2010 and July 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent color Doppler ultrasound (DUS), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomography angiography (CTA) to identify the diameter and length of PAAs, vessel tortuosity, the presence and degree of thrombus, and diameter in the healthy landing zone and to visualize tibioperoneal vascular structures. A Viabahn stent graft was inserted in all patients. Results: 57 patients (90.5%) were males with a mean age of 76.35 ± 7 years. 24 patients (38.1%) were symptomatic, while 11 patients (17.5%) had a concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The mean follow-up period was 46.05 ± 25.01 months. The primary patency rate was 79.3%. A graft thrombosis was observed in 13 patients (20.6%) during a mean follow-up period of 8.31 ± 5.91 months. The number of distal arteries was significantly lower in the patients with thrombosis than those without. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of PAA using stentgrafts is safe in selected cases. However, it is reasonable to avoid endovascular treatment due to an increased risk for thrombosis in patients with a low number of patent distal arteries or impaired distal flow.

A New Method for Determining the Level of the Carotid Artery Bifurcation.

Exact localization of the bifurcation of the common carotid artery using skin surface landmarks is important for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including emergency cases. Traditional methods have confirmed their accuracy in only a certain percentage of cases and there are inconsistencies among various publications. The cervical computed tomography-angiographic examinations for any diagnostic purpose between June 2017 and December, 2017 in the authors' hospital were examined. Measurements were performed for (MT-CB) and (MT-SE) distances and the results were recorded [MT = The tip of the mastoid process; CB = common carotid artery bifurcation; SE = sternal extremity of the clavicle]. Cervical computed tomography angiography was found in the records of 91 patients in the 6-month period between June 2017 and December 2017. After exclusion criteria were applied, a total of 116 carotid bifurcation levels on the right and left sides were measured in 58 patients. The mean MT-CB distance was 6.29 ±â€Š0.9 cm (range: 2.9-8.4 cm). The mean distance between MT and SE was 15.3 ±â€Š1.7 cm (range: 9.9-19.0 cm). The (MT-CB): (MT-SE) ratios ranged from 29% to 51% with a mean of 41 ±â€Š4.2% (95% CI: 39.88%-42.10%) and a median of 41.1% (P < 0.05) (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). The distance ratio values did not change significantly according to age and gender (respectively P = 0.341, P = 0.093). These results show that the CB is usually located at two-fifths of the distance from the mastoid tip to the sternal extremity of the clavicle and closer to the mastoid tip.

Endovascular approach in isolated abdominal aortic dissections.

Background Here, we report the mid-term results of endovascular treatment of isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta, which is a very rare pathology. Materials and methods A total of 11 patients (4 males (36.3%) and 7 females (63.6%)) aged 42-72 (mean, 60.3 ± 10.45) years with isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta underwent endovascular stent-graft treatment at our institution between August 2010 and September 2015. Eight patients were symptomatic, and the remaining three were asymptomatic. The asymptomatic patients had aortic aneurysms coexisting with dissection. Eight patients without aneurysm had spontaneous dissections, and the most common symptom was unresponsive abdominal pain. Results The mean abdominal aorta diameter was 46.7 ± 20.6 (range, 31.2-100.9) mm and the mean dissection length was 71.1 ± 47.3 (range, 17-162) mm. Aorto-bi-iliac stent grafts were used in all patients, and were placed successfully under spinal anesthesia in all but one (90.9%) patient. Occlusion developed in one patient due to compression of the aorto-bi-iliac graft. Right-left femoral-femoral bypass was performed in this patient, who could not be placed on the opposite side. In addition, the graft was placed in one patient using the left renal artery chimney technique. No intraoperative mortality occurred, and open surgery was not required. In addition, no death occurred and no additional intervention was required during the mean follow-up period of 25.5 ± 17.1 (range, 6-60) months. Conclusion Limited data regarding endovascular treatment of isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta are available in the literature. Based on data obtained in a limited number of patients, we consider endovascular aortic repair to be a good alternative to surgery due to its low morbidity and mortality rates.

A new percutaneous technique: N-butyl cyanoacrylate adhesive for the treatment of giant saphenous vein insufficiency.

Background We have made a retrospective evaluation of the results of the cyanoacrylate ablation technique which has recently started to be used in the treatment of giant saphenous vein insufficiency today and in which tumescent anesthesia is not required. Methods Giant saphenous vein was treated in 50 patients between September 2015 and September 2016 by using endovenous cyanoacrylate ablation. In the procedure, tumescent anesthesia and varsity socks were not used. Control duplex ultrasound evaluation was performed in the post-procedural 1st, 6th and 12th months. Venous Clinical Severity Score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores were evaluated. Results In the 50 patients who were treated, full closure was observed in giant saphenous vein in 47 (94%) patients in the 12th month control duplex ultrasound. The mean age of the patients was 46.4 (20-70) and 30 (60%) of them were female. The median Venous Clinical Severity Score scores in the 1st, 6th and 12th months were 3, 2 and 1, respectively ( p < 0.001); the median Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores in the 1st, 6th and 12th months were 7, 5 and 4, respectively ( p < 0.001). In the access site, two (4%) patients developed phlebitis and one (2%) developed ecchymosis. However, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and paresthesia were not observed. Conclusion Considering the early period results in the treatment of giant saphenous vein insufficiency, cyanoacrylate ablation makes a more reliable alternative than endovenous thermal ablation methods in that it does not require tumescent anesthesia and it has a low incidence of adverse effects.

Assessment of protective effects of methylprednisolone and pheniramine maleate on reperfusion injury in kidney after distant organ ischemia: a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of tissues is a common problem that cardiovascular surgeons are faced with. Suppression of inflammation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of I/R injury, may reduce this damage. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of methylprednisolone (MP)--a potent anti-inflammatory agent--and pheniramine maleate (FM)--an antihistamine that also has some anti-inflammatory effects--on reperfusion injury of kidneys developing after ischemia of the left lower extremity of rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight randomly selected male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 320 to 370 g were divided into four groups, each consisting of seven rats. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 was the sham group. Rats in group 3 were subjected to I/R and given FM, and rats in group 4 were subjected to I/R and given MP. A tourniquet was applied at the level of the left groin to subjects in group 2 after induction of anesthesia. One hour of ischemia was performed, and no drug was administered. In group 3, half of a total dose of 10 mg/kg FM was administered before ischemia, and the remaining half was given intraperitoneally before reperfusion. In group 4, subjects received a single dose of 50 mg/kg MP intraperitoneally in the 30th minute of ischemia. Kidneys of all subjects were removed after 24 hours. Extracted tissues were investigated regarding histological and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde--the end product of lipid peroxidation as an important indicator of I/R injury--levels were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2 (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde levels were also lower in group 4 than in group 2, but this difference was insignificant (P > 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were found to be significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2 (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference between group 4 and group 2 in terms of these activities. Histological examination demonstrated that both MP and FM had protective effects against I/R injury, but this effect was more potent for FM than for MP. CONCLUSIONS: FM has a protective effect against reperfusion injury in rat kidney after distant organ ischemia.

Retrosternal Deformations after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Using Statistical Shape Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anatomical deformations of the major vascular structures in the retrosternal area caused by adhesions following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study included a total of 40 patients with a previous CABG who were admitted to our emergency unit for any reason and underwent a contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (patient group) and 40 patients without previous cardiac surgery (control group) between January 2018 and November 2019. The retrosternal area was compared between the groups using the statistical shape analysis method. The distance between the sternum and the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery was measured and anatomical deformations of the retrosternal area were examined. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the anatomical structures of the retrosternal area between the patient and control groups (P<0.001). The distance from the midsternal line to the highest point of the pulmonary artery was statistically significantly shorter in the patient group, compared to the control group (P=0.013). The distance from the sternum to the ascending aorta was also shorter in the patient group, although it did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results showed narrowing of the retrosternal area following CABG and a shorter distance from the sternum to the pulmonary artery than the ascending aorta. Based on these findings, surgeons should be cautious about possible injuries in patients requiring cardiac surgery with repeated median sternotomy.

Comparison of pharmacomechanical and surgical interventions for thrombosed native arteriovenous fistulas.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare success and patency rates of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy versus open surgical thrombectomy for thrombosed native arteriovenous fistulas. METHODS: A total of 96 patients (56 males, 40 females; mean age 61±11.7 years; range, 26 to 82 years) with a thrombosed native arteriovenous fistula between January 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (n=42) and open surgical thrombectomy (n=54). Primary failure rate and primary patency rate at 6 and 12 months were recorded. RESULTS: Of 42 patients in the pharmacomechanical thrombectomy group, 41 (98%) had additional interventions, and primary failure occurred in four patients (10%). Primary failure was seen in 15 (28%) patients in the surgical group. The primary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were significantly higher in the pharmacomechanical treatment group than the surgical group (85% vs. 67% and 78% vs. 55%, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy procedure yields higher primary patency rates than open surgical thrombectomy for thrombosed native arteriovenous fistula.

A retrospective comparison analysis of results of drug-coated balloon versus plain balloon angioplasty in treatment of juxta-anastomotic de novo stenosis of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Juxta-anastomotic stenosis is a common issue of arteriovenous fistulas. We aimed to evaluate the results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with drug-coated balloon versus plain balloon for the treatment of juxta-anastomotic stenoses of mature but failing distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with a juxta-anastomotic stenosis of distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula in our clinic between January 2016 and September 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of treatment as drug-coated balloon - percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 44) and plain balloon - percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 43). Intra- and post-procedural data were recorded. Target lesion primary patency rate was evaluated at 6 and 12 months. Of all patients, 48 were females and 39 were males with a mean age of 56.3 ± 10.4 (range, 24-75) years. Both groups had mature fistulas, and the mean age of fistula was 11.3 ± 9.1 months in the drug-coated balloon - percutaneous transluminal angioplasty group and 10.3 ± 8.8 months in the plain balloon - percutaneous transluminal angioplasty group (p = 0.24). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the target lesion stenosis rate and the median lesion length between the groups. Technical and clinical success were achieved in both groups. Target lesion primary patency was similar at 6 months between the two groups (93.1% vs 81.3%, respectively; p = 0.14) but significantly higher for the drug-coated balloon - percutaneous transluminal angioplasty group at 12 months (81.8% vs 51.1%, respectively; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that the use of drug-coated balloon combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an effective treatment for juxta-anastomotic stenoses of mature but failing distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas with significantly improved target lesion primary patency rates and reduced need for juxta-anastomotic reinterventions.