Editor's Choice - Long Term Outcomes After Invasive Treatment of Carotid Artery Stenosis: a Longitudinal Study of German Health Insurance Claims.

OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of observational data including long term outcomes after invasive treatment for carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: This retrospective study used nationwide insurance claims from the third largest provider in Germany, DAK-Gesundheit. Patients who underwent inpatient carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) between 1 January 2008 and 31 May 2017 were included. The Elixhauser comorbidity scores from longitudinally linked hospital episodes were used. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log rank test were used to determine long term stroke free survival. Multivariable regression models were developed to adjust for confounding. RESULTS: A total of 22 637 individual patients (41.6% female, median age 72.5 years) were included, of whom 15 005 (66.3%) were asymptomatic and 17 955 (79.3%) underwent CEA. After a median of 48 months, 5 504 any stroke or death events were registered. The mortality rate varied between 0.4% (CEA for asymptomatic stenosis) and 2.1% (urgent CAS for acute stroke patients) at 30 days, and between 4.1% and 8.4% at one year, respectively. The rate for any stroke varied between 0.6% (CEA for asymptomatic stenosis) and 2.5% (CAS for symptomatic patients) at 30 days, and between 2.5% and 6.4% at one year, respectively. The combined rate for any stroke and mortality at one year was 6.3% (CEA for asymptomatic stenosis), 8.7% (CAS for asymptomatic stenosis), and 12.5% (urgent CAS for acute stroke patients). After five years, the overall stroke rate was 7.4% after CEA and 9.0% after CAS. In adjusted analyses, both older age and van Walraven comorbidity score were associated with events, while treatment of asymptomatic stenosis was associated with lower event rates. CONCLUSION: The current study revealed striking differences between previous landmark trials and real world practice. It further suggested excess deaths among invasively treated asymptomatic patients.

Bridging vascular physiology to vascular medicine: an integrative laboratory class.

Vascular diseases of the legs are highly prevalent and constitute an important part of medical curricula. The understanding of these diseases relies on strongly interwoven aspects of vascular physiology and vascular medicine. We aimed to connect these within a horizontally integrated laboratory class on vascular physiology of the leg that was designed in cooperation between the departments of physiology and vascular surgery. Conceptually, we applied examination techniques of vascular medicine to visualize physiological parameters that are altered by the most frequent diseases. This facilitates integrative discussions on malfunctions, trains diagnostic skills, and bridges to vascular medicine. In four experiments, we use oscillometry and impedance venous occlusion plethysmography to address key aspects of the arterial and venous system of the legs: 1) arterial pulse wave, 2) arterial systolic blood pressure, 3) venous capacitance and venous outflow, and 4) reactive hyperemia. After the experiments, physiological vascular function, the associated diseases, their impact on the recorded parameters, and diagnostic options are discussed. To allow reproduction, we describe the course structure and the experimental setup in detail. We present the experimental data of a cohort of medical students and document learning success and student satisfaction. All experiments were feasible and provided robust data on physiologically and clinically relevant vascular functions. The activity was perceived positively by the students and led to a substantial improvement of knowledge. With this work, we offer a template for reproduction or variation of a proven concept of horizontally integrated teaching of vascular physiology of the leg.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article presents an integrative laboratory class on vascular physiology bridging to vascular medicine. The four experiments rely on oscillometry and venous occlusion plethysmography. We describe in detail this new class regarding structure, experimental setup, and experimental procedure, and we give insight into the applied materials. Moreover, we present the experimental data of 74 students and a quantitative evaluation of the students' learning success and acceptance.

Experimental Atherosclerosis Research on Large and Small Animal Models in Vascular Surgery.

Animal models have significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms of atherosclerosis formation and the evaluation of therapeutic options. The current focus of research is on preventive strategies and includes pharmacologic and biologic interventions directed primarily against smooth-muscle cell proliferation, endovascular devices for recanalization and/or drug delivery, and an integrated approach using both devices and pharmacobiologic agents. The experience over many decades with animal models in vascular research has established that a single, ideal, naturally available model for atherosclerosis does not exist. The spectrum ranges from large animals such as pigs to small animal experiments with genetically modified rodents such as the ApoE-/- mouse with correspondingly differently pronounced changes in their lipid and lipoprotein levels. The development of transgenic variants of currently available models, e.g., an ApoE-deficient rabbit line, has widened our options. Nevertheless, an appreciation of the individual features of natural or stimulated disease in each species is of importance for the proper design and execution of relevant experiments.

Incidence, predictors, and outcomes of spinal cord ischemia in elective complex endovascular aortic repair: An analysis of health insurance claims.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine predictors and outcomes associated with spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after elective fenestrated or branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or aortic dissection. METHODS: Health insurance claims data of Germany's third largest insurance provider, DAK-Gesundheit, were used to investigate SCI in elective F/BEVAR performed between 2008 and 2017. The International Classification of Diseases and German Operation and Procedure Classification System were used. We stratified the results into F/BEVAR with one or two (AAA) vs three or more (TAAA) fenestrations or branches. RESULTS: A total of 877 patients (18.9% female; 5.8% with SCI) matching the inclusion criteria were identified during the study period. SCI occurred more often after F/BEVAR of TAAA vs AAA (10.7% vs 3.0%; P < .001). SCI was associated with female sex in the AAA group (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-11.15; P = .014) and with cardiac arrhythmias in the TAAA group (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.24-7.06; P = .013). Compared with patients without SCI, SCI patients were more likely to suffer from drug use disorders (eg, opioids, cannabinoids, sedatives) in the TAAA group (17.6% vs 2.1%; P < .05). After F/BEVAR of TAAA, the occurrence of SCI was associated with higher 90-day mortality (14.7% vs 1.1%; P < .05), longer postoperative hospital stay (22 vs 9 days; P < .05), and severe adverse events, such as acute respiratory insufficiency (44.1% vs 12.7%), acute renal failure (35.3% vs 11.3%), and pneumonia (29.4% vs 4.9%; all P < .05). In adjusted analyses, SCI was associated with worse long-term survival after F/BEVAR for TAAA (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.37-4.73; P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: Female AAA patients and TAAA patients with cardiac arrhythmias are at highest risk for development of SCI after F/BEVAR. The occurrence of this event was strongly associated with higher major complication rates and worse short-term and long-term survival. This emphasizes a need to further illuminate the value of spinal cord protection protocols in F/BEVAR.

Editor's Choice - Long Term Survival after Femoropopliteal Artery Revascularisation with Paclitaxel Coated Devices: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the survival of patients after use of paclitaxel coated devices (PCX), as a recent meta-analysis of randomised trials reported higher mortality in patients treated with PCX balloons and stents METHODS: A retrospective health insurance claims analysis of patients covered by the second largest insurance fund in Germany, BARMER, was used to identify index femoropopliteal arterial interventions between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018. To ensure first PCX exposure, patients with prior deployment of PCX were excluded. The study cohort was stratified into patients with chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) and intermittent claudication (IC), then into balloons vs. stents cohorts. Within each stratum PCX were compared with uncoated devices. Propensity score matching was used to balance the study groups. Survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. RESULTS: There were 37 914 patients (mean age 73.3 years; 48.8% female) included in the study. The annual proportion of PCX use increased from 3% to 39% during the study period for CLTI and from 4% to 48% for IC (both p < .001). Paclitaxel coated balloons and stents were associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.90), amputation free survival (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.91), and freedom from major cardiovascular events (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.89) vs. uncoated devices at five years for CLTI. In IC cohort, mortality was significantly lower after using drug coated balloons (DCB) (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.99) or combined DCB and drug eluting stents (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.98). CONCLUSION: In this large health insurance claims analysis, rapid adoption of PCX, higher long term survival, better amputation free survival, and lower rates of major cardiovascular events were seen after their use for the treatment of CLTI.

Ten Years of Urgent Care of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in a High-Volume-Center.

BACKGROUND: The urgent treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) remains a challenging condition with devastating morbidity and mortality. Available studies are often limited due to a significant selection bias. This study aims to illuminate real-world evidence using comprehensive data from electronic health records, registries, postmortem findings, and administrative data on all consecutively treated patients presenting with rAAA at a tertiary care center. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study covering consecutively treated patients with rAAA between 2009 and 2018. All noninvasive treatments, fatalities, and invasive repairs were included. Information on patient's characteristics, prehospital, and inpatient care was gathered. Short-term outcomes and long-term survival were analyzed for relevant subgroups. RESULTS: In total, 139 patients with rAAA (median age 75 years and 20.9% females, 79.9% infrarenal) were treated increasingly frequent by endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) when compared to open-surgical aortic repair (OSR) during the study period (16.7% in 2009 to 33.3% in 2018, P < 0.05). The rate of patients who had been turned down for rAAA repair was 10.8%, and the overall in-hospital mortality was 43.2%. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were similar for EVAR and OSR, although patients treated by OSR presented with a lower mean Glasgow Coma Scale during the prehospital (12.7 vs. 14.3) and inpatient care (12.7 vs. 14.4) (both P < 0.001), higher rates of intubation (12.8% vs. 10.9%, P < 0.001), lower systolic blood pressure (115 mm Hg vs. 127 mm Hg, P = 0.042), and more often had a cardiac arrest before the operation (14.1% vs. 2.3%, P < 0.001). Higher patient's age (Odds Ratio, OR 1.09; Hazard Ratio, HR 1.06), history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR 5.30; HR 2.64), higher serum creatinine (OR 1.81; HR 1.31), and occurrence of colonic ischemia (OR 11.31; HR 2.82) were significantly associated with higher odds of dying in hospital and in the longer term, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed comparable outcomes following OSR and EVAR, although hemodynamically unstable patients were more likely to be treated by OSR. This study also confirmed the impact of colonic ischemia as a devastating complication following rAAA repair emphasizing the need for further reflection by the vascular community.

Cervical Debranching in the Endovascular Era: A Single Centre Experience.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Debranching of the supra-aortic arteries is a common practice either as part of a hybrid treatment of aortic arch pathology or owing to arterial occlusive disease. Results of the debranching techniques have not been reported frequently. METHODS: This was a retrospective single centre study of all consecutive patients with cervical debranching procedures as part of hybrid aortic arch repair. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2017, 201 patients underwent 211 cervical debranching procedures in a tertiary centre. Mean ± SD patient age was 67.7 ± 10.7 years (70.6% males; n = 142/201) and mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.3 ± 5. In 78.7% of the cases carotid-subclavian bypass was performed alone (n = 166/211) followed by transposition of the subclavian artery to the ipsilateral carotid (n = 17/211; 8.1%) and in 28 cases (13.3%) a combination of procedures was performed. Twenty-four cases (11.4%) were complicated with local bleeding and 21 cases required re-intervention (10.4%). Nineteen patients (9.5%) developed local peripheral neurological damage post-operatively. Eight patients (3.8%) developed a chylous fistula and five (2.4%) presented with a local wound infection. One patient (0.5%) developed a bypass graft infection. The thirty day mortality was 7.6% (n = 16/211): one death occurred after isolated debranching without thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR; 0.5%). Whether the hybrid procedures were undertaken in a single stage (simultaneous TEVAR and cervical debranching) or two stage fashion appeared to have a significant impact on 30 day mortality (single stage n = 9/60 [15%] vs. debranching alone or two stage hybrid procedures n = 7/144 [4.9%]; p = .018). The major stroke incidence was 4.3% (n = 9/211); no strokes occurred after isolated debranching. Stroke was correlated with longer operating times (odds ratio [OR] 1.006; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000-1.011; p = .045) and higher BMI (OR 1.195; 95% CI 1.009-1.415; p = .039). Mean ± SD follow up was 15 ± 17 months (range 0-89 months). Primary cumulative graft patency during follow up was 98.1% (n = 207/211) and secondary patency was 100%. CONCLUSION: The results of cervical debranching procedures showed not only excellent patency rates, but also a significant rate of local complications. Carotid-subclavian bypass appeared to be safer with significantly fewer post-operative complications. Staged hybrid procedures also seemed to be safer.

Cortical thickness and cognitive performance in asymptomatic unilateral carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated changes of cortical thickness and its association with cognitive performance in patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis without ischemic brain lesions. METHODS: We studied 25 patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis ≥50% and 25 age-matched controls. All subjects underwent T1-weighted MRI, and cortical thickness was measured in 33 regions of interest in each hemisphere, as well as in brain regions belonging to the vascular territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). General linear mixed models were fitted to the dependent variable cortical thickness. Cognitive assessment comprised the Stroop Test and Trail Making Test B. RESULTS: In the linear mixed model, presence of carotid stenosis had no effect on cortical thickness. There was a significant interaction of stenosis and region with a trend towards lower cortical thickness in the MCA region on the side of carotid stenosis. Patients with carotid stenosis performed significantly worse on the Stroop test than controls, but there was no correlation with cortical thickness. CONCLUSION: In patients with carotid stenosis without ischemic brain lesions, neither a clear pattern of reduced cortical thickness nor an association of cortical thickness with cognitive function was observed. Our data do not support the hypothesized association of cortical thinning and cognitive impairment in carotid stenosis.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 regulates neointimal growth in a humanized model for restenosis.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to define a role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) in the arterial injury response of a human artery. The hypotheses were tested that injury induces an expansion of S1PR1-positive cells and that these cells accumulate toward the lumen because they follow the sphingosine-1-phosphate gradient from arterial wall tissue (low) to plasma (high). METHODS: A humanized rat model was used in which denuded human internal mammary artery (IMA) was implanted into the position of the abdominal aorta of immunosuppressed Rowett nude rats. This injury model is characterized by medial as well as intimal hyperplasia, whereby intimal cells are of human origin. At 7, 14, and 28 days after implantation, grafts were harvested and processed for fluorescent immunostaining for S1PR1 and smooth muscle α-actin. Nuclei were stained with 4',6-diamidine-2'-phenylindole dihydrochloride. Using digitally reconstructed, complete cross sections of grafts, intimal and medial areas were measured, whereby the medial area had virtually been divided into an outer (toward adventitia) and inner (toward lumen) layer. The fraction of S1PR1-positive cells was determined in each layer by counting S1PR1-positive and S1PR1-negative cells. RESULTS: The fraction of S1PR1-postive cells in naive IMA is 58.9% ± 6.0% (mean ± standard deviation). At day 28 after implantation, 81.6% ± 4.4% of medial cells were scored S1PR1 positive (P < .01). At day 14, the ratio between S1PR1-positive and S1PR1-negative cells was significantly higher in the lumen-oriented inner layer (9.3 ± 2.1 vs 6.0 ± 1.0; P < .01). Cells appearing in the intima at day 7 and day 14 were almost all S1PR1 positive. At day 28, however, about one-third of intimal cells were scored S1PR1 negative. CONCLUSIONS: From these data, we conclude that denudation of IMA specifically induces the expansion of S1PR1-positive cells. Based on the nonrandom distribution of S1PR1-positive cells, we consider the possibility that much like lymphocytes, S1PR1-positive smooth muscle cells also use S1PR1 to recognize the sphingosine-1-phosphate gradient from tissue (low) to plasma (high) and so migrate out of the media toward the intima of the injured IMA.

Fenestrated-branched endografts and visceral debranching plus stenting (hybrid) for complex aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the immediate postoperative and midterm outcome of complex aortic aneurysm treatment necessitating four-vessel revascularization with either a total endovascular approach (fenestrated-branched stent graft [FBSG]) or a hybrid technique of visceral debranching plus stenting. METHODS: The clinical data of consecutively treated patients presenting with a complex aortic aneurysm that necessitated four-vessel revascularization between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 98 patients (65 men [68%]) with a mean age of 70.65 ± 4 years who presented with aortic aneurysm (Crawford type I, 12; type II, 18; type III, 12; type IV, 24; type V, 6; and juxtarenal and suprarenal, 26) and were treated with either FBSG (76/98 [77.5%]) or hybrid repair (22/98 [22.4%]). Twenty-six patients were symptomatic (16, pain; 10, contained rupture). The mean maximum aneurysm diameter was 65 ± 15 mm, and 53% of the patients had a prior aortic intervention. In FBSG-treated patients, 15 off-the-shelf multibranched stent grafts, 3 surgeon-modified fenestrated stent grafts, and 58 custom-made devices tailored to the patient's anatomy were used. Four fenestrations, four branches, and their combination were used in 38 cases, 30 cases, and 8 cases, respectively. A total of 304 target vessels were addressed, with technical success rate of 96% (292/304). In most hybrid cases (18/22 [82%]), a two-stage procedure was undertaken. All target vessels were successfully revascularized with 88 bypasses. The 30-day mortality was 15.3% (15/98), and the early target vessel occlusion was 9.1% (2 in FBSG, 7 in hybrid). After multivariate analysis, type of procedure (hybrid) was independently associated with higher early mortality (odds ratio, 6.3; P = .01). The morbidity was mainly attributed to pulmonary complications (16.3%), lower extremity weakness (16.3%), mesenteric ischemia (6.1%), dialysis on discharge (6.1%), and complete paraplegia (4.3%). Acute renal failure (2.6% vs 18%; P = .03) and mesenteric ischemia (3% vs 23%; P = .001) presented more commonly in the hybrid group. The mean follow-up was 16.4 ± 5 months, and the mortality rate was 19.4% (12% in the FBSG group vs 45% in the hybrid group; P = .05). The graft and stent graft patency rate was 87.8% (three branches and nine bypasses were occluded). CONCLUSIONS: FBSG and hybrid technique seem to be feasible treatment options for complex aortic aneurysms that necessitate four-vessel revascularization. FBSG may be associated with lower mortality and morbidity rates in comparison to the hybrid procedure. FBSG should be the treatment of choice for complex aneurysms in patients with comorbidities, whereas hybrid repair should be considered for acute cases unsuitable for endovascular repair.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Colonic Ischaemia in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Colonic ischaemia (CI) is a severe complication following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, leading to high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of CI following AAA repair. METHODS: National claims from Germany's third largest insurance provider, DAK-Gesundheit, were used to investigate CI after intact (iAAA) and ruptured (rAAA) AAA repairs. Patients undergoing endovascular (EVAR) or open surgical (OSR) repairs between January 2008 and December 2017 were included in the study. RESULTS: There were 9145 patients (8248 iAAA and 897 rAAA) undergoing EVAR or OSR procedures and the median follow up was 2.28 years. Most patients were male (79.2% iAAA, 79.3% rAAA); the median age was 73.0 years (iAAA group) and 76.0 years (rAAA group). Overall, CI occurred 97 (1.2%) times after iAAA and 95 (10.6%) after rAAA. In univariable analyses CI occurred less often after EVAR than after OSR (0.6% vs. 3.7%; p < .001). Acute post-operative renal and respiratory insufficiencies were also related to the occurrence of CI (p < .001). CI was associated with greater in hospital mortality (42.2% vs. 2.7% for iAAA, 64.2% vs. 36.3% for rAAA; p < .001) and lower long-term survival for iAAA (Kaplan-Meier analysis). In multivariable analyses, rAAA (odds ratio [OR] 5.59), and higher van Walraven comorbidity score (OR 1.09) were independently associated with greater risk of CI occurrence. EVAR use (OR 0.30) was protective. EVAR use remained protective in stratified analyses within iAAA (OR 0.32) and rAAA (OR 0.26). CONCLUSION: Post-operative CI after AAA repair is not common but is associated with worse in hospital outcomes and lower long-term survival. EVAR was protective after both rAAA and iAAA repairs. When discussing the treatment of AAA with patients the protective effect of EVAR should be considered. Future studies should validate predictive scores and advance preventive strategies.

Gender differences in abdominal aortic aneurysm therapy - a systematic review.

This article analyses if and to what extent gender differences exist in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) therapy. For this purpose Medline (PubMed) was searched from January 1999 to January 2018. Keywords were: "abdominal aortic aneurysm", "gender", "prevalence", "EVAR", and "open surgery of abdominal aortic aneurysm". Regardless of open or endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, women have a higher rate of complications and longer hospitalizations compared to men. The majority of studies showed that women have a lower survival rate for surgical and endovascular treatment of abdominal aneurysms after both elective and emergency interventions. Women receive less surgical/interventional and protective medical treatment. Women seem to have a higher risk of rupture, a lower survival rate in AAA, and a higher rate of complications, regardless of endovascular or open treatment. The gender differences may be due to a higher age of women at diagnosis and therapy associated with higher comorbidity, but also because of genetic, hormonal, anatomical, biological, and socio-cultural differences. Strategies for treatment in female patients must be further defined to optimize outcome.

Systematic review of laparoscopic ligation of inferior mesenteric artery for the treatment of type II endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is frequently caused by persistent flow from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). The aim of this study was to assess the perioperative and midterm efficacy of laparoscopic ligation of the IMA for treatment of endoleak. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane databases and key references were searched with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology for studies reporting on laparoscopic ligation of the IMA for treatment of type II endoleak after EVAR. RESULTS: Eight case studies and one study of a retrospective nature were identified. In total, 20 patients (18 men; mean age, 73.6 ± 2 years; with a mean abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter of 64.3 ± 10 mm) who underwent post-EVAR laparoscopic ligation of the IMA for type II endoleak were analyzed. The mean time from EVAR until intervention ranged from 6 to 18 months. All but one patient were asymptomatic; in 9, the aneurysm sac was enlarged, and in 11, the endoleak was considered persistent without sac enlargement. The mean procedural duration was 99 ± 24 minutes, with technical success rate of 90% (18/20); in two cases, the patients were successfully reoperated on laparoscopically in 24 hours. The mean hospitalization was 3.6 ± 1.2 days, with 0% (0/20) perioperative and 30-day mortality. No patient underwent open conversion or showed signs of intestinal ischemia. During follow-up of 32.6 ± 12 months, 13 of 20 patients had aneurysm sac regression, whereas the rest had a stable sac diameter without evidence of persistent type II endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ligation of the IMA for treatment of type II endoleak after EVAR is a feasible and safe technique in specialized centers with high technical success rate and good midterm outcomes.

Evaluation of 68Ga-Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II Ligand Positron Emission Tomography for Clinical Molecular Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque Neovascularization.

OBJECTIVE: Intraplaque neovascularization contributes to the progression and rupture of atherosclerotic lesions. Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) is strongly expressed by endothelial cells of tumor neovasculature and plays a major role in hypoxia-induced neovascularization in rodent models of benign diseases. We hypothesized that GCPII expression may play a role in intraplaque neovascularization and may represent a target for imaging of atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to determine frequency, pattern, and clinical correlates of vessel wall uptake of a 68Ga-GCPII ligand for positron emission tomographic imaging. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Data from 150 patients undergoing 68Ga-GCPII ligand positron emission tomography were evaluated. Tracer uptake in various arterial segments was analyzed and was compared with calcified plaque burden, cardiovascular risk factors, and immunohistochemistry of carotid specimens. Focal arterial uptake of 68Ga-GCPII ligand was identified at 5776 sites in 99.3% of patients. The prevalence of uptake sites was highest in the thoracic aorta; 18.4% of lesions with tracer uptake were colocalized with calcified plaque. High injected dose (P=0.0005) and obesity (P=0.007) were significantly associated with 68Ga-GCPII ligand accumulation, but other cardiovascular risk factors showed no association. The number of 68Ga-GCPII ligand uptake sites was significantly associated with overweight condition (P=0.0154). Immunohistochemistry did not show GCPII expression. Autoradiographic blocking studies indicated nonspecific tracer binding. CONCLUSIONS: 68Ga-GCPII ligand positron emission tomography does not identify vascular lesions associated with atherosclerotic risk. Foci of tracer accumulation are likely caused by nonspecific tracer binding and are in part noise-related. Taken together, GCPII may not be a priority target for imaging of atherosclerotic lesions.

Initial experience with a new quantitative assessment tool for fluorescent imaging in peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative evaluation in peripheral artery disease (PAD) by common vascular diagnostic tools is limited by open wounds, medial calcinosis or an altered collateral supply of the foot. Indocyanine green fluorescent imaging (ICG-FI) has recently been introduced as an alternative tool, but so far a standardized quantitative assessment of tissue perfusion in vascular surgery has not been performed for this purpose. The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate a new software for quantitative assessment of tissue perfusion in patients with PAD using indocyanine green fluorescent imaging (ICG-FI) before and after peripheral bypass grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Indocyanine green fluorescent imaging was performed in seven patients using the SPY Elite system before and after peripheral bypass grafting for PAD (Rutherford III-VI). Visual and quantitative evaluation of tissue perfusion was assessed in an area of low perfusion (ALP) and high perfusion (AHP), each by three independent investigators. Data assessment was performed offline using a specially customized software package (Institute for Laser Technology, University Ulm, GmbH). Slope of fluorescent intensity (SFI) was measured as time-intensity curves. Values were compared to ankle-brachial index (ABI), slope of oscillation (SOO), and time to peak (TTP) obtained from photoplethysmography (PPG). RESULTS: All measurements before and after surgery were successfully performed, showing that ABI, TTP, and SOO increased significantly compared to preoperative values, all being statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for TTP (p = 0.061). Further, SFI increased significantly in both ALP and AHP (P < 0.05) and correlated considerably with ABI, TTP, and SOO (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to ABI and slope of oscillation (SOO), the ICG-FI technique allows visual assessment in combination with quantitative assessment of tissue perfusion in patients with PAD. Ratios related to different perfusion patterns and SFI seem to be useful tools to reduce factors disturbing ICG-FI measurements.

Complete Antegrade Transapical Deployment of a Branched Aortic Arch Endograft: A Porcine Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: To describe and prove the concept of a technique for complete transapical deployment of a single-branch aortic arch endograft in a porcine model. METHODS: Eight domestic pigs underwent antegrade transapical delivery of a single-branch arch endograft, including a mating stent-graft to the innominate artery. Technical feasibility, operating time, radiation parameters, and hemodynamic changes were studied according to a standardized protocol during baseline (T0), after establishing the transapical access and through-and-through wire (T1), and after stent-graft deployment (T2). Myocardial and cerebral blood flow status was assessed using fluorescent microspheres (FM) and transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) monitoring. RESULTS: Transapical access, introduction and deployment of the endograft, side branch catheterization, and deployment of the mating stent-graft were feasible in 6 of 8 animals. One animal died due to irreversible heart rhythm disorders and one due to accidental graft rotation during deployment, resulting in unintended coverage of the innominate artery. The mean operating and fluoroscopy times were 223±11 minutes and 27.2±6.3 minutes, respectively. During introduction and deployment of the stent-graft, transient aortic valve insufficiency occurred in all animals. Hemodynamic stability recovered within 10 minutes after retrieval of the delivery system in all animals. The innominate artery was patent, with unchanged TTFM measurements throughout the procedure. FM evaluation revealed stable cerebral blood flow. CONCLUSION: An antegrade transapical access to the aortic arch for implantation of a single-branch endograft is feasible in a porcine model with reversible impact on hemodynamic measures during deployment. Transapical access allows deployment of a complex endograft through a single large-bore access site in a porcine model.

Gender differences in patients with carotid stenosis.

This overview analyses gender differences in prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors and therapy in patients with carotid stenosis in a systematic review. Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death in Western society, where about 20% of cases are triggered by a carotid stenosis or occlusion, which occurs more frequently in men than in women. The stroke-protective effect of carotid endarterectomy is greater in men. Men have lower peri-procedural stroke and death rates. Particularly men with carotid stenosis and a life expectancy of at least 5 years benefit from surgical treatment. Also, the recurrence rate of ipsilateral stroke 5 years after initial surgery is lower in men than in women. It is not yet fully clarified whether there are significant gender differences regarding the outcome after endovascular versus surgical treatment. Gender differences in the outcome of carotid artery repair may be caused by biological, anatomical (smaller vessel diameter in women) or hormonal differences as well as a protracted development of atherosclerotic changes in women and different plaque morphology. Moreover, women are on average older at the time of surgery and their surgical treatment is often delayed. To reduce the risk of stroke and to improve treatment outcome especially for women, further research on gender differences and their causes is mandatory and promising.

Results of the Gore Hybrid Vascular Graft in Challenging Aortic Branch Revascularization during Complex Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged organ ischemia during complex aortic surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A novel hybrid graft (Gore Hybrid Vascular Graft) as composite of expanded polytetrafluorethylene vascular prosthesis that has a section reinforced with nitinol was investigated for feasibility and effectiveness during aortic repair. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients treated with the hybrid vascular graft (HVG). Indication for graft implantation was surgeon's preference for branch revascularization in challenging aortic repair. RESULTS: Within 26 months, 25 Gore HVGs and 17 conventional grafts were implanted in 12 patients (age, 73 years; range, 33-79 years, 8 men). Eleven patients were treated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and one for aortoiliac aneurysm (elective = 6, urgent = 6). Nine visceral debranching procedures, 2 Crawford procedures, and 1 repair of an internal iliac aneurysm were performed. The distribution of HVG use was left renal artery = 10, right renal artery = 9, superior mesenteric artery = 4, celiac trunk = 1, and internal iliac artery = 1. Time to restore visceral blood flow during visceral debranching was 7 ± 4 min for the Gore HVG vs. 12 ± 6 min for conventional grafts (P < 0.01).Technical success was achieved in all cases. At 12 months of median follow-up, cumulative patency of the HVGs was 96%. CONCLUSIONS: The Gore HVG offers a new, simplified, and time-sparing technique for visceral anastomoses during complex aneurysm repair. However, long-term results are still lacking and need to be awaited.

Jaundice as a Rare Indication for Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Compression of adjacent anatomic structures by an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can result in a variety of symptoms. We describe the case of an 88-year-old Caucasian woman with jaundice, elevated laboratory parameters for extrahepatic and intrahepatic cholestasis, and concomitant juxtarenal AAA compressing the liver hilum. Following exclusion of other common causes for cholestasis, the patient was considered to have a symptomatic AAA. Open abdominal aortic surgery revealed a contained rupture and was repaired. Obstructive jaundice secondary to a compromising AAA is a rare condition and to the best of our knowledge has not been reported to date.