Outcomes of Off the Shelf Outer Branched Versus Inner Branched Endografts in the Treatment of Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in the B.R.I.O. (BRanched Inner - Outer) Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare two commercially available off the shelf branched endografts for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, namely the E-nside (Artivion) and Zenith t-Branch (Cook Medical) devices. METHODS: This multicentre retrospective study (2020 - 2023) included patients treated by branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR) for TAAA using the inner branched E-nside or the outer branched t-Branch. Endpoints were 30 day technical success and major adverse events (MAEs) as well as one year freedom from target vessel instability and main endograft instability. RESULTS: The study included 163 patients: 79 (307 target vessels) treated with E-nside and 84 (325 target vessels) with t-branch. Aneurysm extent was I - III in 91 patients (55.8%; 47% of E-nside and 66% of t-Branch) and IV in 72 patients (44.2%; 53% of E-nside and 34% of t-Branch) (p = .011). An adjunctive proximal thoracic endograft was used in 43% of E-nside vs. 69% of t-Branch (p < .001), with less frequent thoracic endografting (14% vs. 76%; p < .001) and shorter length of coverage (p = .024) in extent IV TAAA treated by E-nside. E-nside cases had shorter renal artery bridging lengths (66 ± 17 mm vs. 76 ± 20 mm; p < .010) and less frequent use of a distal bifurcated endograft (53% vs. 80%; p < .001). Comparing 30 day results, the mortality rate was 1% vs. 2% (p = .62), any MAE occurred in 18% vs. 21% (p = .55), the stroke rate was 3% vs. 0% (p = .23), and the elective spinal cord ischaemia rate was 5% vs. 8% (p = .40) for E-nside and t-Branch, respectively. At one year, freedom from target vessel instability was 96 ± 3% for E-nside and 95 ± 3% for t-Branch (p = .58), and freedom from endograft instability was 98 ± 2% vs. 97 ± 3% (p = .46), respectively. CONCLUSION: Both off the shelf devices provided excellent early and one year results. The E-nside may require shorter thoracic aortic coverage and bridging length for the renal arteries, and less frequent implantation of a concomitant proximal thoracic or distal abdominal bifurcated endograft. However, these aspects did not determine significant differences in clinical outcomes.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Access to the First Versus Third Segment of Axillary Artery During Aortic Procedures.

PURPOSE: This article aims at investigating the outcomes of percutaneous access via the first versus third axillary artery (AXA) segments with closure devices during aortic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients receiving percutaneous AXA access closed with Perclose ProGlide device (Abbott, Santa Clara, California) from 2008 to 2021 were included in a retrospective multicenter registry (NCT: 04589962). Efficacy endpoint was the technically successful percutaneous procedure (no open conversion). Safety endpoints were stroke and access complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 reporting standards. The first (AXA1) or third (AXA3) axillary puncture sites were compared. RESULTS: A total of 412 percutaneous AXA accesses were included: 172 (42%) in AXA1 and 240 (58%) in AXA3. Left AXA was catheterized in 363 cases (76% of AXA1 vs 97% of AXA3, p<0.001) and 91% of fenestrated/branched endovascular repair (F/BEVAR) procedures were conducted from the left. A ≥12F internal diameter (ID) sheath was used in 49% of procedures. Open conversion rate was 1%, no major vascular complications occurred, and only one major non-vascular complication was recorded. Primary closure failure occurred in 18 AXA1 (11%) and 32 AXA3 accesses (13%), treated by covered (8.3%) or bare-metal (2.7%) stenting. Bailout stent patency was 100% at median follow-up of 12 months, with 6 of 6 stents still patent after >36 months of follow-up. Stroke rate was 4.4%. An introducer sheath >12F was independently associated with both access complications (p<0.001) and stroke (p=0.005), while a right-side access was associated with stroke only (p=0.034). Even after adjustment for covariates, AXA1 versus AXA3 showed an equal success rate (odds ratio [OR]=0.537, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.011-1.22 for AXA3, p=0.104). The combination of AXA3 and a >10F introducer sheath provided worse outcomes compared with >10F sheaths through AXA1 (OR for success=0.367, 95% CI=0.176-0.767, p=0.008). This was not confirmed for >12F sheaths, associated with similar outcomes (p=0.31 AXA 1 vs AXA 3). CONCLUSION: Major local complications with the percutaneous axillary approach and ≤12F sheaths are infrequent and solvable by complementary endovascular interventions. Stroke risk remains an issue. First and third AXA segments are both amenable for access with good results, but larger sheaths (12F) perform better in AXA1. CLINICAL IMPACT: Percutaneous access with vascular closure devices at the first or third axillary artery (AXA) segments during aortic procedures is burdened by a negligible risk of open conversion. Local complications with the percutaneous axillary approach are infrequent and solvable by complementary endovascular interventions. First and third AXA segments are both amenable to access with excellent results, but larger sheaths (12F) perform better in the wider first AXA segment. In this setting, bailout stenting does not appear to be associated with mid-term stent occlusion.

Could Gender Impact on Immediate and Long-term Carotid Artery Stenting Outcome? Insight from an Italian Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become a valid alternative to carotid endarterectomy in stroke prevention. However, female gender is still considered as an independent risk factor for CAS procedures, potentially limiting immediate and long-term benefits. Aim of present study was to evaluate gender differences in CAS submitted patients from an Italian high-volume center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective monocentric study has been conducted on 568 patients (366 males and 202 females), submitted to CAS, between January 2000 and December 2019. Besides gender sex, clinical anatomical, and procedural data were collected as possible factors determining the outcome, when associated to sex gender itself. Primary endpoint of this study consisted in evaluating the technical and procedural success ratio, and the incidence of major and minor stroke, transient ischemic attack, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) peri-procedurally and at medium and long term, between the male and the female population. Secondary endpoint of this study consisted in evaluating the percentage ratio of minor complications happening peri-procedurally in both genders. RESULTS: Male patients were more likely to be octogenarians, clinical history of coronary artery disease, and smokers, while diabetes was more frequent in female patients. Anatomical and plaque morphology features were not different between the two groups. Technical success was obtained in all but two patients (99,6%), while procedural success was 95% (538/566 patients). During the peri-procedural time, no major stroke, 16 minor strokes (2,81%, 2,45% males vs. 3,45% females, P= 0,48), and 11 transient ischemic attack (2,18% males vs. 1,48% females, P= 0,56) were recorded. At a medium follow-up 57 months, 32 stroke (8 major strokes, 24 minor strokes) episodes (5,6%, males 5,7% vs. females 5,4%, P= 0,88), 24 AMIs (4,2%, males 4,6% vs. females 3,46%, P= 0,5;), 13 restenosis (2,8%, males 2,4% vs. females 1,9%, P= 0,71) and 223 deaths (39,2%, males 34,9% vs. females 47%, P= 0,0048) were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no differences in immediate, and long-term CAS outcomes between gender. Larger, prospective studies are required to assess the real importance and significance of gender in determining CAS procedures' benefit and outcome.

Comparison of Outcomes Following EVAR Based on Aneurysm Diameter and Volume and Their Postoperative Variations.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the impact of bi- and 3-dimensional preoperative aortic morphological features and their immediate postoperative variations on the outcome of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) treated by endovascular exclusion with standard devices (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Double centre retrospective analysis of prospectively collected registry data of EVAR patients. For all patients, preoperative and 30-day computed tomographic angiography images (CTA) were reviewed. Preoperative maximum AAA diameter >59 mm and volume >159 cm3, and any 30-day postoperative increasing at CTA, were considered as potentially influencing the outcome. The outcome measures were: primary technical success; 30-day, 1-year, and mean follow-up reintervention, all-cause and AAA-related mortality rates, and also endoleak-related reinterventions. RESULTS: Three hundred and thrity-three patients were enrolled. Mean preoperative and 30-day AAA diameter and volume were 50.4 mm ± 11.8 vs. 49.1 mm ± 12.1, and 112.9 cm3 ± 79.5 vs. 112.1 cm3 ± 80.5, respectively. Primary technical success was achieved in all cases. At 34.9 months follow-up, cumulative reintervention rate was 12.0%, mortality rates 7.2%, without AAA-related deaths. Endoleak-related reintervention rate was 7.5%. At uni- and multi-variate analysis, preoperative AAA diameter >59 mm, and AAA volume >159 cm3 were significantly associated to reintervention (P = 0.012; P = 0.002), and reintervention and death (P = 0.002; P = 0.001) during follow-up. Additionally, any increase in postoperative AAA diameter or volume was significantly associated with reintervention (P = 0.001, P = 0.001) and reintervention and death (P = 0.006, P = 0.001). Endoleak-related reintervention were also significantly associated with all of the analysed morphological parameters (P = 0.019, P = 0.005, P = 0.005, and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with larger baseline AAA size and volume as well as unfavourable early remodelling of the sac are associated to worse long-term EVAR outcome.

Urgent Mechanical Thrombectomy by Indigo System® in Acute Thrombosed Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Report of Two Cases.

The aim of this study is to report the outcome of immediate and direct revascularization by mechanical thrombectomy in acute limb ischemia due to thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA). Two patients with acute limb ischemia due to PAA thrombosis were admitted at our hospital, and immediately treated by mechanical thrombectomy (Indigo System). The first patient had a complete recanalization after thrombectomy, while the second one required urokinase infusion (12 hr) due to a suboptimal result. After revascularization, both patients were treated by a polytetrafluoroethylene bypass to definitively exclude PAA. Follow-up showed the patency of the femoropopliteal bypass with good distal outflow. In these 2 reported cases, the Indigo System® has proven to be safe and effective, allowing an immediate limb reperfusion, reducing the necessity for thrombolytic drug infusion.

Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment: Long-term Results From a Single-Center Experience in an Unselected Patient Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate early-, mid-, and long-term outcomes in an unselected population of patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with different commercially available off-the-shelf devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a prospectively compiled computerized database on patients presenting an infrarenal AAA treated between January 2008 and December 2015 in a high-volume Italian tertiary referral Center. Demographic, clinical, and specific morphological features were considered as potentially influencing the outcomes and the type of the implanted device. Outcome measures were procedure-related reintervention, AAA-related, and all-cause mortality rates at 30-day, 12-month, and long-term follow-up. Reinterventions considered for the analysis were AAA rupture, graft infection, type I or III endoleaks, type II endoleaks with sac enlargement > 5 mm, graft stenosis or occlusions, procedures related to renal or visceral ischemia, and reintervention for access vessel injury. RESULTS: Of 498 EVAR procedures performed for elective infrarenal AAA treatment during the entire study period, 479 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 73.5 ± 7.34 years (range 51-91), and 416 (86.84%) were men. The mean maximum AAA diameter was 52.02 ± 8.04 mm (range 39-90.2), a maximum AAA diameter ≥59 mm was recorded in 107 patients (22.33%), and an aortic neck length was <10 mm in 137 (28.60%). Technical success was achieved in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 52.97 ± 26.16 months (range 1-120), overall reintervention and death rates were 8.14% and 20.04%, respectively, without AAA-related deaths. At univariate analysis, hypertension was the only demographical variable found to be associated with higher risk of reintervention, P = 0.04 (OR: 2.34; CI 95%: 1.00-5.42). Furthermore, male sex (P = 0.02; OR: 2.62; CI 95%: 1.09-6.27) and chronic renal insufficiency (P = 0.003; OR: 2.08; CI 95%: 1.27-3.42) were associated with higher mortality rates. AAA diameter ≥59 mm was statistically associated with a higher rate of both reintervention and mortality: P < 0.001 (OR: 9.05; CI 95%: 4.52-18.11) and <0.001 (4.00; 2.46-6.49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience seems to suggest that EVAR could be safely and effectively performed in an unselected patients' population, with encouraging results up to a ten-year follow-up.

Endovascular Treatment of an Anterior Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Penetrating Trauma in a Young Patient: Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a case of an 18-year-old woman who developed a delayed pseudoaneurysm of the right anterior tibial artery (ATA), 14 days after a knife accidental trauma. The patient was admitted to our emergency department for acute onset of pain in the right limb after a domestic trauma. At a physical examination, the limb was tense and tender, with a pulsatile mass in the anterior compartment. Femoral, popliteal, and distal pulses were palpable on both limbs. Duplex ultrasound scan (DUS) and computed tomography angiography showed the presence of an ATA pseudoaneurysm. An urgent endovascular treatment was performed under local anesthesia via percutaneous access. Pseudoaneurysm was excluded implanting 2 coronary covered balloon-expandable stents (BeGraft; Bentley Innomed GmbH, Hechingen, Germany). Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day under dual antiplatelet therapy. One- and 13-month scheduled follow-up visits and DUS revealed the presence of a normal pedal pulse, complete pseudoaneurysm exclusion, and patency of the stent grafts and the entire ATA with triphasic waveforms. In conclusion, endovascular treatment of an ATA pseudoaneurysm seems to be a feasible option. Further experience with this technique is needed to validate its safety and long-term patency, especially in young and healthy subjects.

Type 2 Endoleak Incidence and Fate After Endovascular Aneurysms Repair in a Multicentric Series: Different Results with Different Devices?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is describing incidence and fate of type 2 endoleaks (T2ELs) in a multicentric cohort of patients treated by endovascular aneurysms repair using the Ovation device (Endologix) and comparing them with a group treated using the Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates). METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted on 261 patients treated using the Ovation device and 203 using the Excluder. Outcomes were intraprocedural, 30-day, 12-month, and mean time follow-up T2EL incidence and related reinterventions. Patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), ≥3 lumbar arteries (LAs), intrasac thrombus volume, the mean diameter of common and external iliac arteries, external iliac artery stenosis (>70%), diameter ≤5 mm, iliac tortuosity ratio ≤0.5, thrombosis, and calcification were noted and considered as potentially influencing outcomes. RESULTS: Patients of the Ovation group presented significantly more thrombosed, calcified, and tortuous iliac vessels than those in the Excluder group. No significant differences were noted in sac thrombosis, IMA, and LA patency. At completion angiography, T2EL was evident in 57 Ovation and 46 Excluder patients (P = 0.832). At 1 month, it was evident in 33 Ovation group and 28 Excluder group patients (P = 0.726). At 12-month and mean time (30.14 months) follow-up, no differences were evident between the 2 groups (P = 0.940 and 0.951, respectively). The log-rank test showed that the rate of T2EL-related reintervention was not different between the 2 groups (P = 0.46). Regarding anatomical characteristics, a statistically significant difference was not observed between patients presenting or not with T2EL (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Data showed no significant differences in terms of T2EL incidence between the 2 study groups. None of preoperative anatomical features were found to be significantly associated with the appearance of T2EL.

Unexpected Complication of a Nitinol-Constrained Balloon Angioplasty (Chocolate) in Rutherford Class 3 Patient Presenting Challenging Aorto-Iliac Anatomy.

We report an unusual complication of Chocolate nitinol-constraining structure after right superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty. The procedure was performed by vascular surgeons in an operating theater equipped by a portable fluoroscopy unit. Under local anesthesia, by a contralateral approach, a 7F introducer sheath was advanced through the proximal portion of the right common iliac artery. Owing to the severe aorto-iliac vessels calcification, it was not possible to place the introducer sheath into a more distal vessel, as planned. After external iliac artery (EIA) stenting (7 × 80 mm Eluvia), SFA obstruction was intraluminal crossed, and a 6 × 120 mm nitinol-constrained balloon (Chocolate; Medtronic) was advanced in place and inflated. Once the balloon came out, the nitinol-constraining structure was not attached to the balloon surface. Under fluoroscopy, the crashed nitinol mesh was identified at distal edge of previously positioned EIA stent. To prevent mesh migration, it was fixed by covering with a 7 × 40 mm stent. The procedure was then successfully completed, as planned. One-month, postoperative computed tomography angiography showed complete expansion of the stents and no significant residual stenosis (>30%) in EIA, and SFA. Chocolate's mesh was still evident between the stent and the iliac artery wall, in absence of further complications. A 3 months follow-up, patient was still completely asymptomatic for claudication.

Results of AFX Unibody Stent-Graft Implantation in Patients With TASC D Aortoiliac Lesions and Coexistent Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To describe results of AFX unibody stent-graft treatment for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) D aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) with coexistent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 21 consecutive patients (mean age 73.6±6.4 years; 17 men) with TASC D AIOD plus AAA (diameter >3.5 cm) treated electively using the AFX stent-graft. Common iliac artery (CIA) and external iliac artery (EIA) stenosis or occlusion was reported. Outcome measures were technical and clinical success, improvement in ankle-brachial index (ABI), and improvement in Rutherford category. Immediate and midterm patency, AAA exclusion, major adverse events (MAE), and mortality were also evaluated. RESULTS: After AFX deployment (100% technical success), 18 EIAs required adjunctive stenting (none required in the CIA). One patient required a reintervention for closure device failure. At 30-day follow-up, no death or MAE was recorded. Improvement in ABI was registered in all patients (mean 0.91±0.11), with 100% primary patency. At a mean follow-up of 25.2±11.1 months, primary patency was maintained in all cases. No death or amputation occurred; 2 patients had a myocardial infarction. Improvement in ABI was maintained (0.88±0.13) as well as Rutherford category. CONCLUSION: This study examined the use of the AFX unibody stent-graft for the treatment of TASC D AIOD with concomitant AAA. The AFX stent-graft appears to be a safe and effective solution for these complex lesions, with low morbidity and mortality.

Chimney Technique with the INCRAFT® AAA Stent Graft System to Treat Pararenal Aortic Aneurysm in Narrowed Iliac Axes.

To report a case of pararenal aortic aneurysm (PAAA) with narrowed iliac arteries treated by the chimney technique combined with the INCRAFT® AAA stent graft system. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with a 55-mm PAAA. Patient was judged unfit for open repair and for standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) due to its clinical and anatomical requirements. Custom-made fenestrated device (FEVAR) was excluded due to the presence of narrowed and heavily calcified iliac axes. Consequently, patient underwent auspicious endovascular aneurysm repair with the INCRAFT System and chimney grafts in the superior mesenteric artery and both renal arteries. At 12 months' follow-up, patient was in good clinical condition, with preserved renal function. Computed tomographic angiography revealed inceptive shrinkage of the aneurysm with patency of aortic and visceral grafts even in the presence of a low-flow type Ia endoleak. Chimney grafts (CGs) combined with the low-profile INCRAFT System seem to be feasible for treating PAAA, in high-risk patients unfit for standard EVAR or FEVAR devices.

Emergent Treatment of a Ruptured Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Off-Label Rescue Implantation of the Ovation Stent Graft in Nonagenarian Patients.

We report a case of a compassionate treatment of a ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in a 92-year-old patient. The patient was admitted to our emergency department for acute onset of pain irradiating to the back. Computed tomography angiography showed the presence of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with a contained rupture at infrarenal level. Given the presence of a relative healthy visceral aorta, we decided to treat the patient by Ovation (Endologix, Irvine, CA) implantation in an off-label fashion. Procedure was performed by bilateral percutaneous access. Completion angiography showed the good stent-graft apposition with complete aneurysm exclusion. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. The 1-month follow-up confirmed the good procedural result; aneurysm was completely excluded without further thoracic dilatation.

Endovascular Solution of Acute Limb Ischemia Engendered by Persistent Sciatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm due to Stent Fracture.

We report a case of acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to a thromboembolism from a persistent sciatic artery (PSA) pseudoaneurysm precipitated by a fractured stent. Patient, previously treated for ALI by fibrinolysis and stent implantation, presented with a PSA pseudoaneurysm (undetected during first hospitalization), stent fracture (SF), and occlusion of vessels below the knee. Fibrinolysis was performed, restoring direct flow to the foot. A week later, an endovascular procedure was attempted to reline SF and exclude the PSA pseudoaneurysm by deployment of two 13 × 100-mm peripheral endografts (Viabahn; W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). At 1-year follow-up, patient was asymptomatic without further clinical events.

Real-Life Experience with Ovation Stent Graft: Lesson Learned from the First One Hundred Fifty Treated Patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to report immediate and midterm results of an unselected population of patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Ovation stent graft. METHODS: A double-center retrospective study was conducted on a prospectively collected database between 2012 and 2015. One hundred fifty-six elective patients were included. The outcome measures considered for analysis were primary technical success, 30-day and midterm reinterventions, and all-cause and AAA-related mortality rates. The presence of an aortic neck ≤10 mm, and of a noncylindrical aortic neck, as well as a narrowed aortic bifurcation was defined as an aortic bifurcation average diameter (ABaverage) ≤ 18 mm or an ABarea ≤ 20 mm2, and an external iliac artery diameter ≤5 mm was considered as independent factors potentially influencing the outcome. RESULTS: Male patients totaled 128 (82.1%), and mean age was 74.83 ± 6.76 years (range: 56-91). Mean aortic diameter was 57.15 ± 8.77 mm, mean diameter at inferior renal artery level + 13 was 24.44 ± 3.31 mm, and mean aortic neck length was 18.77 ± 8.45 mm. Fifty-four patients (34.6%) had an aortic neck ≤10 mm, and cylindrical aortic neck shape was present in 34 patients (21.8%). Regarding the aortic bifurcation (AB), 31 patients (19.9%) presented ABaverage ≤ 18 mm, and 35 (22.4%) an ABarea ≤ 20 mm2. Technical success was achieved in all cases. At 30-day follow-up, 2 type I endoleaks (1.3%) were detected. One patient was successfully treated endovascularly by proximal aortic cuff implantation, while the other patient refused further treatment. Three-month unscheduled computed tomographic angiography shows endoleak resolution and complete aneurysm seal. One patient suffered from a limb graft occlusion, managed by medical treatment. At a mean follow-up time of 20.4 ± 8.8 (1-60) months, 6 reinterventions were reported, including 2 embolizations for type II endoleak and 4 for iliac and femoral vessel occlusive disease. Log-rank test on preoperative anatomical features showed no significant differences in terms of freedom from reinterventions, and P values were 0.653 for aortic neck length ≤10 mm, 0.309 for noncylindrical aortic neck length shape, 0.520 for ABaverage ≤ 18 mm, 0.604 for ABarea ≤ 20 mm2, and 0.421 for external iliac artery diameter ≤5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience suggests that in an unselected patient population undergoing AAA repair, EVAR by Ovation stent graft can be performed safely with satisfactory immediate and midterm outcomes.

Spontaneous Sealing of a Type Ia Endoleak after Ovation Stent Graft Implantation in a Patient with On-Label Aortic Neck Anatomy.

We report a case of an early type Ia endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm by Ovation Stent Graft implantation and spontaneously resolved without further reintervention. The patient presents a conical aortic neck, but EVAR was performed within the instruction for use proposed by manufactory. At completion angiography, a low-flow type Ia endoleak was present and left untreated. Computed tomographic angiography performed on the third postoperative day showed infolding of the 2 sealing rings. The patient was dismissed without further treatment. At 3-month follow-up, the leak appeared spontaneously sealed with partial expansion of the 2 rings.

Simultaneous Open Surgical Treatment of Aortic Coral Reef and Leriche Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review.

The coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare syndrome commonly referred to a distribution of calcified plaques in the visceral part of the aorta. Because those plaques can cause malperfusion of the lower limbs, visceral ischemia or renovascular hypertension, surgical treatment is recommended. Transaortic endarterectomy is accepted as a standard repair and it is often performed through an extensive thoracoabdominal approach. CRA has been reported in association with polidistrectual atherosclerotic disease, such as Leriche syndrome. When these 2 conditions coexist, surgical invasivity increases raising several issues concerning the type of surgical access and the revascularization techniques. We report the case of a patient with CRA and Leriche syndrome treated by simultaneous aortic endarterectomy and aortibifemoral bypass at our institution. Intervention was performed through left lumbotomy at 10th intercostal space extended by a left pararectal abdominal incision with section of 11th rib. Through extraperitoneal access visceral vessels were isolated. Aortic cross-clamping was performed at supraceliac and infrarenal levels and a longitudinal arteriotomy was performed on the posterolateral wall of visceral aorta for an overall 4-cm extension. Aortic endarterectomy was then performed and complete plaque excision was easily achieved. Superior mesenteric artery angioplasty was then performed by a DeBakey dilator, gaining an optimal backflow. The aortotomy was then closed with running 3-0 polypropylene suture. Subsequently, through a transperitoneal access an aortobi-femoral bypass was performed by a Dacron knitted graft. Postoperative course was uneventful. At a 6-month follow-up, the patient is in good clinical condition with normal patency of visceral vessels.

Preliminary Results from a National Enquiry of Infection in Abdominal Aortic Endovascular Repair (Registry of Infection in EVAR--R.I.EVAR).

BACKGROUND: To preliminary report on epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes in a multicenter series of patients treated for endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) infection and detected by an Italian National enquiry. METHODS: From June 2012, 26 cases of abdominal aortic endograft infection were collected by a National Enquiry and recorded in the Italian National Registry of Infection in EVAR. Cases collected were available for patients submitted to EVAR implantation from January 2004 to June 2013. RESULTS: Mean time from EVAR treatment to infection diagnosis was 20.5 ± 20.3 months (range, 1-72). In 6 cases (23.1%), an aortoenteric fistula (AEF) was detected. Positive microbiologic cultures were found in 20 patients (76.9%). More than 1 infectious agent was found in 6 cases (19.2%). EVAR infection treatment was conservative in 4 cases, endovascular in 2. Endograft excision was performed in 10 cases by conventional treatment (aortic stump + extra-anatomic bypass) and in 10 cases by in situ reconstruction (cryopreserved allograft or rifampin-soaked silver Dacron graft). A 30-day mortality was 38.4% (10 of 26 cases), 3 patients died from 2 to 24 months after infection treatment, accounting for a mean time from infection treatment to death of 1.25 ± 0.62 months. Mortality rates were 50% in all treatment groups. In those survived (13 of 26 cases) recurrence-free follow-up after infection treatment was 27.9 ± 22.4 months (range, 2-74). Four patients with AEF died in the first month after treatment (66.6%). Suprarenal endografts required supraceliac aortic cross-clamping for removal. Supraceliac cross-clamping was burdened by higher mortality rates than infrarenal cross-clamping (71.4% vs. 30.7%). CONCLUSIONS: EVAR infection diagnosis is burdened by extremely high mortality rates. Prospective registries could help monitoring outcomes in EVAR infection patients and, possibly, developing new surveillance protocols in patients at high risk of recurrence.

Persistent auditory hallucinations in out-patients with schizophrenia.

Objectives to estimate the prevalence of persistent auditory hallucinations (AHs) in a group of schizophrenic patients, to evaluate their dimensions and to identify their clinical associated factors. Method This was a cross-sectional study carried-on 144 out-patients followed for schizophrenia, according DSM-IV-TR criteria. The assessment was consisted by the collect of epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data and the use of the Hoffman's auditory hallucinations rating scale (AHRS), and the positive and negative symptoms scale (PANSS). Results The prevalence of persistent AHs (AHRS score ≥ 5) was 40.3%. The mean total score of the AHRS was 10.7±7.8 for all patients and 19.4±7.7 for patients with persistent AHs. The AHs dimensions with higher sub-scores were the number, the influence and the reality of the voices. The PANSS items most related to the AHRS total score were P3 "hallucinatory activity", G1 "somatic concerns", G4 "tension" and the G5 "mannerisms and posture disorders". The clinical associated factors with persistent AHs after multivariate analysis were the absence of tobacco consumption, the hallucinatory onset of disorders, the notion of previous hospitalization and the continuous course. Conclusion Our results support the multidimensionality of AHs and confirm the existence of inter individual differences in the characteristics of these hallucinations. Persistent AHs were associated with poor prognosis, requiring more effective therapeutic strategies.

Preoperative Intrasac Thrombus Load Predicts Worse Outcome after Elective Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of two-dimensional and three-dimensional preoperative morphologic features analyzed on computed tomography (CT) angiography on midterm outcome in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) treated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using a prospectively collected database. Morphologic features considered as potentially influencing outcomes were maximum aortic diameter, thrombus area, overall aneurysm volume, and intrasac thrombus volume. Outcome measures were all perioperative and midterm AAA-related reinterventions and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Investigators reviewed 191 preoperative CT angiography scans. Mean maximum aortic diameter was 58 mm; thrombus area, 49.6%; aortic volume, 159.36 cm(3); and thrombus volume, 58.6%. Technical success was achieved in all cases. No reintervention was required in the perioperative period, and there was no perioperative mortality. At a mean follow-up of 32 months ± 16.8 (range, 3-66 mo), mortality rate was 9.4%, AAA-related death was 0, and reintervention rate was 8.9%. Causes of reintervention included type I endoleak (n = 3 [1.6%]), type II endoleak (n = 7 [3.7%]), type III endoleak (n = 1 [0.5%]), endograft limb thrombosis (n = 4 [2.1%]), and access vessel thrombosis (n = 2; 1%). Greater thrombus area (> 60%) and thrombus volume (> 59%) were predictors for reintervention (P = .005 and P = .0034). Greater maximum aortic diameter (> 59 mm) and aortic volume (> 159 cm(3)) were related to higher reintervention rate without statistical significance (P = .62 and P = .12). Aortic volume was a predictor of any adverse event, reintervention, and all-cause mortality after EVAR (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombus area and volume are related to higher rates of reintervention. Maximum aortic diameter was related to a higher reintervention rate, but this was not significant.