Transbrachial Artery as Single or Combined Approach for Complex Interventions in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the transbrachial approach as a single or combined procedure for complex interventions in peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: Between March 2011 and April 2021, 169 patients with PAD underwent endovascular therapy via the transbrachial approach as a single or dual procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of adverse events at the brachial puncture site. All demographic, clinical, and perioperative data were acquired from electronic medical records and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Brachial artery access was used alone and in combination in 87 and 82 patients, respectively. Patients in the combined-approach group underwent more intraoperative stent implantations and had more vascular closure devices (VCD). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertension was an independent factor for higher rates of brachial puncture site adverse events (odds ratio, 4.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-16.97; P = 0.016). Brachial artery access-site complications occurred in 26 patients, including 6 (23.1%) major and 20 (76.9%) minor entry-site complications. Entry-site complications were observed in 21 (16.8%) and 5 (11.4%) patients assigned to manual compression and VCD groups, respectively. There were no significant intergroup differences in the incidence of major or minor complications. Interestingly, patients assigned to the VCD group did not experience major entry-site complications. CONCLUSIONS: The transbrachial approach, as a single or combined procedure, is a safe alternative to complex interventions in patients with PAD. Complications of brachial access progressively decrease with improved blood pressure control.

A Novel Endovascular Robotic System for Treatment of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease: First-in-Human Experience.

BACKGROUND: To assess the feasibility and first-in-human experience of a novel endovascular robotic system for treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: Between November 2021 and January 2022, consecutive patients with obstructive lower extremity PAD and claudication (Rutherford 2-5) with >50% stenosis demonstrated on angiography were enrolled in this study. Lower extremity peripheral arterial intervention was performed using the endovascular robotic system, which consisted of a bedside unit and an interventional console. The primary endpoints were technical success, defined as the successful manipulation of the lower extremity peripheral arterial devices using the robotic system, and safety. The secondary endpoints were clinical success, defined as 50% residual stenosis at the completion of the robot-assisted procedure without major adverse cardiac events and radiation exposure. RESULTS: In total, 5 patients with PAD were enrolled in this study (69.2±6.0 years; 80% men). The novel endovascular robotic system successfully completed the entire procedure of endovascular treatment of lower extremity PAD. Conversion to manual operation, including advancement, retracement, rotation of the guidewires, catheters, sheaths, deployment, and release of the balloons and stent grafts, was not necessary. We achieved the criteria for clinical procedural and technical success in all patients. No deaths, myocardial infarctions, or ruptures occurred in the period up to 30 days after the procedure, and no device-related complications were observed. The robotic system operator had 97.6% less radiation exposure than that at the procedure table, with a mean of 1.40±0.49 µGy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the robotic system. The procedure reached technical and clinical performance metrics and resulted in significantly lower radiation exposure to the operators at the console compared with that at the procedure table. CLINICAL IMPACT: There were some reports about several robotic systems used in the peripheral arterial disease, but no robotic system was able to perform entire procedure of endovascular treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD).To solve this problem, we designed a remote-control novel endovascular robotic system. It was the first robotic system that can perform entire procedure of endovascular treatment of PAD worldwide. A novelty retrieval report about this is provided in the supplementary materials.The robotic system is compatible with all commercial endovascular surgical devices currently available in the market, including guidewires, catheters and stent delivery systems. It can perform all types of motion, such as forward, backward, and rotation to meet the requirements of all types of endovascular procedures. During the operation, the robotic system can perform these operations in a fine-tuned manner, so it is easy to cross the lesions, which is the key factor influencing the success rate of the operation. In addition, the robotic system can effectively reduce the exposure time to radiation, thereby reducing the risk of occupational injury.

Sex-related differences in the effect of rotational thrombectomy for thrombus-containing lower limbs ischemic lesions.

BACKGROUND: To assess the immediate effect and factors affecting the efficacy of rotational thrombectomy (RT) in patients with thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions. METHODS: Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: RT and RT+ CDT (Catheter-directed thrombolysis). The RT group included patients in whom intraoperative thrombus aspiration was successful, while the RT + CDT group included patients in whom intraoperative thrombus aspiration was less effective and remedial CDT treatment was used. The primary outcome was the immediate effect of RT on thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions. RESULTS: From May 2015 to July 2021, 170 patients (113 men, 57 women; mean age, 74.0 years) with thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions were treated in our centre. Of these patients, 113 received RT only, while 57 received RT + CDT. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of age, disease duration, or comorbidities, but a higher proportion of male patients and higher preoperative plasma D-dimer levels (1.23 vs. 0.84; p = .017) was observed in the RT + CDT group. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of diagnosis, lesion characteristics, lesion location, or lesion length. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.098-6.410; p = .030) and poor distal runoff (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.439-5.988; p = .003) were associated with higher rates of additional CDT. Male patients also had a significantly longer onset time, more thrombotic occlusions, and a greater frequency of in-stent restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: RT alone or with CDT is a feasible primary treatment option for thrombus debulking. Sex significantly influences the effect of RT on thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions.

HCMV-miR-US33-5p promotes apoptosis of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting EPAS1/SLC3A2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD), increased vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis has been found. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-miR-US33-5p was significantly increased in the plasma of patients with AAD. However, the roles of miR-US33-5p in human aortic VSMC (HA-VSMC) apoptosis remain to be elucidated. METHODS: In the current study, cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, cell proliferation by CCK-8 assay, and differentially expressed genes by RNA sequencing. Luciferase reporter assay was used for binding analysis between miR-US33-5p and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1), and EPAS1 and amino acid transporter heavy chain, member 2 (SLC3A2). The enrichment degree of SLC3A2 promoter DNA was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting were performed for measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, respectively. RESULTS: It was found that HCMV infection inhibited proliferation but promoted HA-VSMC apoptosis by upregulating HCMV-miR-US33-5p. Transfection of HCMV-miR-US33-5p mimics the significant effect on several signaling pathways including integrin signaling as shown in the RNA sequencing data. Western blotting analysis confirmed that HCMV-miR-US33-5p mimics suppression of the activity of key factors of the integrin signal pathway including FAK, AKT, CAS, and Rac. Mechanistic study showed that HCMV-miR-US33-5p bound to the 3'-untranslated region of EPAS1 to suppress its expression, leading to suppression of SLC3A2 expression, which ultimately promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. This was confirmed by the findings that silencing EPAS1 significantly reduced the SLC3A2 expression and inhibited proliferation and key factors of integrin signal pathway. CONCLUSIONS: HCMV-miR-US33-5p suppressed proliferation, key factors of integrin signal pathway, and EPAS1/SLC3A2 expression, but promoted HA-VSMC apoptosis. These findings highlighted the importance of HCMV-miR-US33-5p/EPAS1/SCL3A2 signaling and may provide new insights into therapeutic strategies for AAD.

Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection Involving the Left Subclavian Artery by Castor Stent Graft: A Multicentre Prospective Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The left subclavian artery (LSA) origin can be intentionally covered by stent grafts, to provide adequate proximal landing zones during thoracic endovascular repair for Stanford type B aortic dissections (TBADs). To preserve the LSA, a novel single branched stent graft, named "Castor" was designed and a clinical trial conducted to investigate its suitability. METHODS: From April 2013 to March 2015, 73 patients with TBAD were treated by Castor stent grafts at 11 Chinese tertiary hospitals as part of a single arm prospective clinical trial. There were 50 acute (<2 weeks [68.5%]) and 23 chronic aortic dissections (>2 weeks [31.5%]). RESULTS: The technical success rate was 97% (n = 71/73). The two failures were caused by occlusion of the branch section of the stent graft. There were four intra-operative endoleaks (two type Ia, two type B from the LSA). The endoleak rate was 5% (n = 4/73). There was one in hospital death and no major complications. The median follow up time was 61 months (range 48-72 months). The mortality was 5% (n = 4/73) within one year and 7% within six years (n = 5/73). Two deaths were of unknown cause and three were not related to the aorta. Two new entry tears were found on the proximal or distal edge of the stent graft and were retreated endovascularly. Six occlusions of the branch section of the Castor stent graft were found, and the follow up patency rate of the branch section was 93% (n = 63/68). Two intra-operative endoleaks were left during follow up and eventually disappeared according to the latest computed tomography angiograms. CONCLUSION: For patients with TBADs needing anchoring proximal to the origin of LSA, the Castor single branched stent graft may provide an easily manipulated, safe, and effective endovascular treatment.

Six-month results of stenting of the femoropopliteal artery and predictive value of interleukin-6: Comparison with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association of pre- and postinterventional serum levels of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at the six-month evaluation of restenosis after stenting of the femoropopliteal artery. METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with steno-occlusive femoropopliteal artery disease of Rutherford category III or IV who underwent stent implantation were included. Six-month patency was evaluated with color-coded duplex ultrasound. The association of in-stent restenosis with interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at baseline, and 24-h postintervention was assessed with a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In-stent restenosis was found in 15 patients (22.1%) within six months. Interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly increased at 24-h postintervention compared to their preintervention values (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Interleukin-6 values at baseline (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.23; p = 0.044) and 24-h postintervention (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.06; p < 0.001) were independently associated with six-month in-stent restenosis. Twenty-four-hour postinterventional high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were also found to be related to restenosis (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.26; p = 0.006), but high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at baseline did not show an independent association with in-stent restenosis (odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.35, 1.80; p = 0.667). Smoking, diabetes mellitus, and cumulative stent length were other parameters associated with an increased risk for in-stent restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Femoropopliteal artery angioplasty with stent placement induces an inflammatory response. Interleukin-6 is a powerful independent predictor of intermediate-term outcomes for stenting of the femoropopliteal artery, suggesting that its predictive value may be superior to that of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Impact of high blood pressure variability on the occurrence of acute type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Acute type B aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency, and hypertension is believed to be an important predictor of aortic dissection; the impact of blood pressure variability on the onset and development of aortic dissection has attracted increasing attention. METHODS: A total of 120 acute type B aortic dissection patients and 57 hypertensive patients without aortic dissection were consecutively enrolled and retrospectively reviewed between January 2013 and November 2015. There were 60 acute type B aortic dissection patients in both high and low blood pressure variability groups. RESULTS: Blood pressure variability showed higher diagnostic value than hypertension in aortic dissection, and the best threshold of blood pressure variability is 5.71 mmHg. By performing multivariable logistic regression, we found that the history of hypertension was likely to be a risk factor of blood pressure variability (95% CI: 1.155-6.422, P = 0.022). Nine patients from high blood pressure variability group and two from low blood pressure variability group (χ2 = 4.90, P = 0.027) received emergency surgery within 24 hours after admission. The presence of multiple tears (>2, 55.0% vs. 45.0%, P = 0.001), configuration of the false lumen (spiral false lumen) (50.0% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.001), the diameter of the false lumen (49.6 ± 15.0 mm vs. 37.6 ± 10.8 mm, P < 0.001), the false/true lumen ratio (1.53 ± 1.02 vs. 0.929 ± 0.733, P < 0.001), and the number of visceral arteries involved (1.75 ± 0.942 vs. 0.800 ± 0.927, P < 0.001) showed significant differences between high and low blood pressure variability groups. Nine (30%) patients from the high blood pressure variability group showed a maximum diameter of false lumen over 60 mm, while none was found in the low blood pressure variability group. CONCLUSIONS: High blood pressure variability, the presence of multiple tears (>2), the configuration of false lumen, the diameter of the false lumen, false/true lumen ratio, and the number of visceral arteries involved were independent risk factors for acute type B aortic dissection.

Systematic review of endovascular repair of ascending aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular repair has been used in selected ascending aortic dissection patients judged unfit for direct open surgery. However, the selective criteria and the results of endovascular repair of ascending aortic dissection, and the potential risk factors of adverse events were still obscure. The aim of this study was to summarize the published data linking endovascular therapy for ascending aortic dissection. METHODS: Studies reporting endovascular repair of ascending aortic dissections were identified by searching PubMed and Embase databases in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, and by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved articles. All available data were pooled and the subgroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of nine studies were identified according to the inclusion criteria. The overall technical success was 91.7%. The mean period of follow-up was 34.7 months. The early mortality within 30 days and late mortality during the follow-up were 10.3% and 19.0%, respectively. The incidence of endoleak was 14.3%. In the subgroup analysis, we found that female and oversizing >10% were risk factors of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled results suggested that endovascular repair of ascending aortic dissection was feasible, promising, and inspiring. The selection of endovascular therapy should be cautious based on preoperative evaluation. Application of different strategies for different ascending lesions should be considered. The dedicated endograft for ascending aorta is desperately needed before broader application of endovascular repair for ascending aortic pathologies can be achieved.

Recanalization of native superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion after failed femoropopliteal bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the outcomes of endovascular recanalization for native superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusion (CTO) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) after femoropopliteal bypass failure with limited surgical revascularization options. BACKGROUND: Endovascular recanalization of native artery occlusions has been recently used as a new alternative for threatened limbs after bypass graft occlusion. The feasibility and efficacy has not been widely reported. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 45 consecutive patients (45 limbs) undergoing endovascular recanalization of native SFA occlusion following failed femoropopliteal bypass between June 2010 and December 2016. RESULTS: All limbs had Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus class C (26.7%, 12/45) or D (73.3%, 33/45) lesions with a mean lesion length of 29.8 cm. The technical success rate was 95.6% (43/45 limbs). The ABI showed a significant increase from 0.3 ± 0.1 pre-procedure to 0.7 ± 0.1 post-procedure (P < 0.01). Two early (<30 days) below-knee amputations due to acute thrombotic ischemia occurred during perioperative period and resulted in one death due to myocardial infarction. The mean follow-up was 42.7 months (1-62 months). Two patients were lost to follow up. The primary patency rates at 12 and 36 months were 54% and 51%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 12 and 36 months were 78% and 61%, respectively. Limb salvage rate was 95% and amputation-free survival rate was 88% at both 12 and 36 months. CONCLUSION: Recanalization of native SFA CTO due to failed femoropopliteal bypass offers a feasible and safe alternative to surgical reconstruction with acceptable limb salvage.

Endovascular Treatment for Iliofemoral Vein Thrombosis with Composite Stents.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the applicability of endovascular treatment for iliofemoral vein thrombosis with composite stents. METHODS: Between September 2013 and August 2016, 29 consecutive patients underwent endovascular therapy with composite stents for iliofemoral vein thrombosis and were followed up at our institution. All the patients with acute or chronic iliofemoral vein thrombosis enrolled in this study were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography and diagnosed by venography. Treatment measures and related complications were recorded, and cumulative stent patency was assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Patients with acute iliofemoral vein thrombosis (n = 7) were successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis treatment, balloon angioplasty, and stents, whereas patients (n =  = 22) with chronic deep vein thrombosis were treated successfully by balloon angioplasty and stent only. Among all patients, 2 stents were inserted in 25 patients, whereas 3 stents were deployed in 4 patients. Endovascular treatment for iliofemoral vein thrombosis with laser-cut stents combined with Wallstents showed primary patency of treated limbs at 6, 12, and 24 months was 96.6%, 93.1% and 93.1%, respectively. Mean duration of follow-up was 23 months, and there was no occurrence of contralateral vein thrombosis during follow-up by ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral vein thrombosis was successfully recanalized by endovascular therapy with composite stents, and there was no occurrence of contralateral vein thrombosis by ultrasound during follow-up.

Postoperative glucocorticoid enhances recovery after endovascular aortic repair for chronic type B aortic dissection: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been chosen as a less invasive alternative for type B aortic dissections (TBADs). However, the therapeutic effect of TEVAR has been challenged by postoperative adverse events, which were induced by inflammatory response. Glucocorticoids have been widely used because of the powerful and effective anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, the prognostic effect of glucocorticoids after TBAD patients underwent TEVAR remains unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the potential effect of postoperative glucocorticoids on the prognosis of TEVAR for TBADs. METHODS: A total of 92 chronic TBADs patients underwent TEVAR with epidural anesthesia between June 2012 and June 2014 was retrospectively reviewed. The patients were stratified into dexamethasone (DXM) and non-dexamethasone group (N-DXM). The indications for TEVAR were as following: malperfusion (n = 28); contained or impending rupture (n = 17); persistent intractable chest/back pain (n = 32); refractory hypertension (n = 15). RESULTS: No 30-day mortality and incision infection occurred in each group. The postoperative pain score on the second day was significantly higher in N-DXM group (3.60 ± 0.21 versus 4.83 ± 0.32, P = 0.001). The differences of white blood cell, body temperature and heart rate were pronounced in both groups judged by the peak values (13.01 ± 0.58 × 10(9)/L versus 10.04 ± 0.61 × 10(9)/L, 37.67 ± 0.08 °C versus 37.92 ± 0.09 °C and 89.06 ± 1.21 bpm versus 95.95 ± 1.70 bpm, P = 0.002, 0.04 and 0.001, respectively). The white blood cells in DXM group significantly increased on the second and third postoperative day (P = 0.009 and 0.023), while the body temperature and heart rate showed an apparent decline on the second (P = 0.001 and 0.028), third (P = 0.007 and 0.005) and fourth postoperative days (P = 0.024 and 0.018). However, the changes of false lumen volumes and the endoleak incidence at 3-month follow-up were comparable in the two groups. No significant difference of post-implantation syndrome was observed either. CONCLUSIONS: Although postoperative prophylactic glucocorticoids administration was unable to influence mortality, incision infection or the change of false lumen volumes, it enabled to enhance the recovery of vital signs and alleviate the postoperative pain. A prospective, randomized controlled trial has been registered (NCT02523300), which will be warranted before prophylactic administration of glucocorticoids after TEVAR procedure could be recommended in the clinical work.

Potential risk factors of re-intervention after endovascular repair for type B aortic dissections.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the potential risk factors of re-intervention after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). BACKGROUND: TEVAR has been chosen as a less invasive alternative for Type B aortic dissections (TBADs); however, the potential risk factors of re-intervention remain unclear. METHODS: A total of 252 TBADs patients initially treated with TEVAR between September 1998 and July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The indications for the initial TEVAR were 32 aorta enlargement (24 chronic), 71 malperfusion, 46 rupture (32 chronic), 67 refractory pain (54 chronic), and 44 refractory hypertension (38 chronic). The patients were stratified into single-intervention group and multi-intervention group. RESULTS: The mean age was 54.1 years with 81.7% of male. We found the time from symptom onset to TEVAR was longer in multi-intervention group (17 vs. 112.5 days, P = 0.006). Higher proportions of chronic dissection and smoking occurred in multi-intervention group (53.9% vs. 79.2% and 43.9% vs. 70.8%, P = 0.018 and 0.012, respectively). The differences of oversizing, operation time, contrast medium dose, and blood loss between the groups were significant (13.8 ± 2.4% vs. 16.4 ± 2.9%, 92.5 vs. 196 minutes, 110 vs. 210 ml, 100 vs. 300 ml; P < 0.001, <0.001, =0.002, and =0.003, respectively). The mortality within 30 days was 2.4% and the rates of stoke, paraplegia and retrograde dissection were 3.6%, 5.6% and 0.8%, respectively. The most common reasons of re-intervention were endoleaks, new dissections and incomplete thrombosis of the false lumen. CONCLUSIONS: we concluded that chronic phase, smoking and too big oversizing were potential risk factors of re-intervention.

Effectiveness of Viabahn in the Treatment of Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusive Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Viabahn stent-graft in the treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusive disease. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the Viabahn for SFA lesions. Studies were stratified according to controlled vs uncontrolled design and analyzed using random-effects models. Outcomes are reported as the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Four prospective randomized controlled trials, one retrospective controlled study, and 9 uncontrolled studies were identified. RESULTS: In controlled studies, primary patency with the Viabahn was superior to other interventions at 1 year (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.82, p<0.001) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) improvement was greater at 6 months (mean difference 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09, p=0.01) compared with other interventions. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a lower incidence of stent fracture in lesions with >15-cm stented lengths. In uncontrolled studies, ABI improvement was consistently superior at all measurement points during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that the Viabahn stent-graft is a safe and effective option for symptomatic SFA lesions. Prospective multicenter randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the sustained efficacy of the Viabahn device.

Endovascular therapy for long-segment atherosclerotic aortoiliac occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective nonrandomized study investigated the outcomes of endovascular therapy for long-segment atherosclerotic aortoiliac occlusion. METHODS: From May 2008 to January 2013, 20 patients (one woman and 19 men; mean age, 66.1 years; range, 43-89 years) underwent stent implantation, with or without catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), for long-segment aortoiliac occlusion (>10 mm). RESULTS: The technical success rate was 95% (19 of 20). No in-hospital mortality was recorded. Aortic thrombus was successfully eliminated with CDT in four patients before percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting. Retroperitoneal hemorrhage occurred in one patient, who refused further endovascular surgery. Another 15 patients were treated with PTA and stenting. Postoperative ankle-brachial indexes increased significantly from preoperative values (P < .05). Seventeen patients showed clinical improvement from baseline by an average of 2.5 Rutherford categories. The mean follow-up interval was 17.6 months (range, 4-39 months). The primary patency rates were 93.3% ± 6.4% at 6 months, 83% ± 11.3% at 18 months, and 66.4% ± 17.4% at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Through brachial and femoral artery puncture, PTA, stenting, and CDT, endovascular therapy is feasible for complete long-segment infrarenal aortic occlusion, with lower complication rates and favorable midterm patency.

Multiple overlapping uncovered stents as an alternative flow-diverting strategy in the management of peripheral and visceral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to report on the midterm outcome of multiple overlapping uncovered stents in the treatment of peripheral and visceral aneurysms, and analyze the possible factors affecting the treatment efficacy. METHODS: Data of patients who were regularly followed up over 24 months were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistics were applied to present aneurysm thrombosis process and diameter change at each follow-up point, and a comparison with the baseline level was performed. Patients were divided into a totally thrombosed (TT) group and a residual perfusion (RP) group according to the sac thrombosis ratio (thrombus volume to sac volume ratio) at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Aneurysm shrinkage in the two groups was compared to explore the effect of the initial RP on the treatment outcome. Patients were also grouped based on their aneurysm morphology (saccular/fusiform). The aneurysm sac thrombosis speed (time to thrombosis) and diameter decrease (DD) ratio (percentage of DD) were compared between the two groups to understand the influence of aneurysm shape on the treatment efficacy. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients treated, the initial 37 patients (25 male; average age, 55.5 ± 13.0 years) were enrolled into this study. Technical success rate was 100%. All patients were regularly followed up. At 24 months, 94.6% aneurysms (35/37) were TT, and the maximum aneurysm diameter decreased from 36.5 ± 9.7 mm preoperatively to 23.6 ± 7.7 mm (P < .001). Overall clinical success rate (complete thrombosis and shrinkage/stabilization of the aneurysm without aneurysm-related mortality) reached 94.6% in the study cohort. Most side branches (31/33) covered by the bare stent stayed patent during follow-up. Initial sac RP at 3, 6, and 12 months might not fully affect the final aneurysm DD ratio (TT group: 0.37 ± 0.09, 0.35 ± 0.09, and 0.35 ± 0.09; compared with the RP group: 0.33 ± 0.09, 0.36 ± 0.11, and 0.36 ± 0.13; P = .153, .964, and .418, respectively). At 3 and 6 months follow-up, saccular aneurysms (n = 29) seemed to have a faster thrombosis speed compared with fusiform aneurysms (78.1 ± 26.8% and 83.9 ± 21.8% vs 47.0 ± 24.4% and 63.9 ± 22.6%; P = .004 and .013, respectively), but there was no significant difference in aneurysm shrinkage ratio at 24 months between the two groups (0.36 ± 0.10 vs 0.33 ± 0.06; P = .357). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple overlapping uncovered stents could be a feasible option for the endovascular treatment of peripheral and visceral aneurysms. Neither the aneurysm shape nor the initial sac RP would affect the midterm treatment outcome. Further validation of this technique is required to substantiate these results.

Endovascular SilverHawk directional atherectomy for thromboangiitis obliterans with occlusion of the popliteal artery.

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), also known as Buerger disease, is a nonatherosclerotic segmental inflammatory disease of small and medium-sized arteries of the distal extremities occurring predominantly in young men who are long-term tobacco smokers. We treated 2 patients who presented with TAO involving popliteal and tibial arteries. Directional atherectomy with a SilverHawk device was used to recanalize the arteries without major complications. During follow-up conducted using computed tomography or sonography, we observed that the treated vessels remained patent. These cases report illustrate the feasibility and immediate effectiveness of endovascular SilverHawk directional atherectomy in TAO patients with occlusion of the popliteal arteries.

Endovascular stent placement for treatment of spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SIDSMA) is a rare condition often associated with a poor prognosis. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy of endovascular treatment of SIDSMA with stenting and investigate the possible therapeutic mechanisms involved. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all patients undergoing endovascular treatment of SIDSMA from January 2009 to December 2011. Patient demographics, history, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, image characteristics, endovascular treatments, and follow-up outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with symptoms were treated. All except 1 patient (23 of 24, 96%) underwent successful stent placement (16 with single stent and 7 with overlapping stents). A total of 30 stents (4 balloon-expanded and 26 self-expanding) were placed during the procedures. In the perioperative period and during follow-up, symptom relief was achieved in 20 (83%) patients, and abdominal pain remained unchanged in 4 (17%). No death or serious complications occurred. The median length of hospital stay and follow-up was 3.25 ± 2.23 days (range 2-7 days) and 13.15 ± 8.27 months (range 6-23 months), respectively. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed 6 months postoperatively revealed stent patency in 23 cases (100%), false lumen patency in 5 cases (22%), and new development of dissection in the SMA distal to the stent in 1 case (4%). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of false lumen patency between patients treated with a single stent and those treated with overlapping stents, and between patients with and without symptom relief (P > 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: For symptomatic SIDSMA patients without intra-abdominal hemorrhage and intestinal infarction, endovascular stent placement is a feasible treatment choice with a high success rate and good clinical outcome. Overlapping stenting may be proposed for patients with aneurysmal dilation. False lumen patency may occur in some cases during follow-up, but it does not affect improvement of SIDSMA symptoms.

Restrictive bare stent for prevention of stent graft-induced distal redissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Stent graft-induced distal redissection (SIDR) is one of the major concerns in the durability of endovascular repair for complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection. The characteristics and means of prevention of this complication remain unknown. METHODS: From April 1997 to March 2010, 674 patients with type B aortic dissections were treated primarily by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) at our center. Criteria for inclusion in this study were treatment primarily with TEVAR and an estimated mismatch rate (ratio of distal diameter of stent graft to long diameter of true lumen) greater than 120%. By this protocol, 465 patients were included in this study and were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 266 patients were treated in the acute phase, and 199 were treated in the chronic phase. RESULTS: A total of 311 patients were treated with standard TEVAR and 154 patients with TEVAR + restrictive bare stent (RBS). The preoperative mismatch rate (measured as the preoperative long diameter of the true lumen at the level of the intended distal end of the stent graft) of the SIDR was significantly higher than that of the non-SIDR (192.7 ± 54.9% vs 131.9 ± 10.4%; P ＜ .05). The follow-up mismatch rate of the SIDR was significantly higher than that of the non-SIDR (145.4 ± 34.6 vs 120.3 ± 16.1; P ＜ .05). Compared with the standard TEVAR, TEVAR + RBS was associated with a lower incidence of SIDR (0% vs 2.9%; P = .033) and less secondary intervention (3.9% vs 9.3%; P = .040). Placement of the RBS significantly expanded the true lumen at the level of the descending aorta with the narrowest true lumen and at the level of the distal end of the stent graft. CONCLUSIONS: The mismatch between the distal diameter of the stent graft and the diameter of the compressed true lumen seems to be the major factor in the occurrence of SIDR. Placement of an RBS, as an adjunctive technique to TEVAR, could reduce the incidence of SIDR. On the basis of early- to midterm observations, RBSs may improve morphological remodeling of the dissected aorta at certain levels.

Endovascular management of pararenal aortic aneurysms with multiple overlapping uncovered stents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at evaluating the safety and efficacy of a porous stent system consisting of multiple overlapping uncovered stents in the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms with vital branches. METHODS: Data of all patients with aortic aneurysms treated in our center with multiple overlapping uncovered stents between February 2010 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details, and follow-up outcomes were documented. Technical success was defined as successful deployment of the stents to target locations without procedure-related complications. Clinical success was characterized by complete shrinkage or stabilization of the aneurysm, preservation of vital branches, and absence of major complications. Patients were grouped, according to rapidity of aneurysm thrombosis, into fast-thrombosis group (complete thrombosis of aneurysmal sac was achieved in ≤6 months) and a delayed-thrombosis group (>6 months required for complete thrombosis). Possible factors affecting the speed of thrombosis were analyzed statistically with the Fisher exact test and the t-test. RESULTS: This porous stent system was used to treat 34 patients (23 men, 11 women; mean age, 65.7 years). Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). Regular follow-up over 6 months was achieved in 29 patients (mean length of follow-up, 11.4 months). Complete thrombosis of the aneurysm sac within 12 months was observed in 24 patients (83%). Aneurysm shrinkage was documented in seven patients (24%) and stabilization in 21 (72%). All branch arteries covered by bare stents stayed patent during follow-up. The overall clinical success rate reached 97% in the follow-up group. Risk factors for delayed thrombosis included fewer stents implanted (P = .013), longer sac entrance (P = .043), and use of antiplatelet medication (P = .040). CONCLUSIONS: An alternative method of management of complicated aortic aneurysm appears to be feasible using overlapping bare stents, which may prevent aneurysm growth while preserving vital branches. The short-term outcome of our study seems encouraging but is not sufficient to draw a robust conclusion. Further hemodynamic and clinical studies are warranted to evaluate long-term efficacy.

Multiple overlapping bare stents for endovascular visceral aneurysm repair: a potential alternative endovascular strategy to multilayer stents.

BACKGROUND: Multilayer stent has become a new endovascular strategy for visceral artery aneurysm repair. However, its use was not allowed in some areas, such as China. This study evaluates an alternative method: multiple overlapping bare stents for repairing visceral artery aneurysms. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with celiac artery aneurysm (n = 2), splenic artery aneurysm (n = 8), hepatic artery aneurysm (n = 3), superior mesenteric artery aneurysm (n = 6), and renal artery aneurysm (n = 5) were treated with 2 to 4 overlapping bare stents. Long-term results, including clinical achievement ratio and target artery patency, were followed up with computed tomographic angiography. RESULTS: Insertion of overlapping bare stents was successful in all patients. Five aneurysms (21%) were totally excluded 3 months after operation, increasing to 12 (50%) and 20 (83%) aneurysms with total isolation at 6 and 12 months' follow-up, respectively. The clinical achievement ratios of multiple overlapping bare stents on splenic artery aneurysms, hepatic artery aneurysms, renal artery aneurysms, celiac artery aneurysms, and superior mesenteric artery aneurysms were 75%, 100%, 80%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. All cases combined had 100% target artery patency. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary experience showed that repair using multiple overlapping bare stents seemed to be a potential alternative strategy for treating visceral artery aneurysm, resulting in target artery patency. However, the exact mechanism requires further study and more cases should be involved.