Aneurysm-related Death Research Articles

Population-Based Study of Incidence of Acute Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms With Projected Impact of Screening Strategy.

BackgroundCurrent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening in men age 65 might have limited impact on overall AAA death rates if incidence is moving to older ages. Up-to-date population-based studies of age-specific incidence, risk factors, and outcome of acute AAA are needed to inform screening policy.Methods and ResultsIn a prospective, population-based study (Oxfordshire, UK, 2002–2014), the incidence and outcome of acute AAA events were determined. Based on population projections and current incidence trends, the impact of screening strategies in the UK was estimated. Over the 12-year period, 103 incident acute AAA events occurred in the study population of 92 728. Incidence/100 000/year was 55 in men ages 65 to 74 years, but increased to 112 at 75 to 85 and 298 at ≥85, with 66.0% of all events occurring at age ≥75 years. Incidence at ages 65 to 74 was highest in male smokers (274), with 96.4% of events in men <75 years occurring in ever-smokers. Extrapolating rates to the UK population, using trial evidence of screening efficacy, the current UK screening program would prevent 5.6% of aneurysm-related deaths (315 200 scans/year: 1426/death prevented, 121/year-of-life saved). Screening only male smokers age 65 and then all men at age 75 would prevent 21.1% of deaths (247 900 scans/year; 297/death prevented, 34/year-of-life saved). By 2030, 91.0% of deaths will occur at age ≥75, 61.6% at ≥85, and 28.6% in women.ConclusionsGiven that two thirds of acute AAA occurred at ≥75 years of age, screening older age groups should be considered. Screening nonsmokers at age 65 is likely to have very little impact on AAA event rates.

SS2. Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (F/B-EVAR) Outcomes for Type II and III Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms (TAAAs)

The aim of this study was to evaluate technical and clinical outcomes of fenestrated(F)/branched (B) endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Data from 354 high-risk patients (Table) enrolled in a physician sponsored-investigational device exemption trial (2004-2013) undergoing F/B-EVAR for type II and III TAAA were evaluated. Technical success, perioperative clinical outcomes, and midterm outcomes (36 months) for branch patency, reintervention, aneurysm-related death, and all-cause mortality were analyzed. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and assessed using Kaplan-Meier, univariate, and multivariable analysis. F/B-EVARs incorporating 1305 fenestration/branches were implanted, with 96% of target vessels successfully stented. On completion aortography, 3.7% patients had a type I or III endoleak (EL). Procedure duration (6.0 ± 1.7 vs 5.5 ± 1.6 hours, P < .01) and hospital stay (13.1 ± 10.1 vs 10.2 ± 7.4 days, P < .01) were longer for type II TAAA. Perioperative mortality trended higher in type II repairs (7.0% vs 3.5%, P = .14). Permanent spinal cord ischemia and renal failure requiring hemodialysis occurred in 4.0% and 2.8% of patients, respectively. Eighteen branches required reintervention for stenosis; and celiac, superior mesenteric artery and renal artery patency at 36 months was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94%-0.99%), 99% (95% CI, 0.97%-1.0%), and 96% (95% CI, 0.94%-0.99%), respectively. Forty-two patients required reintervention for a branch-related EL, four for type Ia EL, and three for type Ib EL. At 36 months, freedom from aneurysm-related death was 91% (95% CI, 0.88%-0.95%), and freedom from all-cause mortality was 57% (95% CI, 0.50%-0.63%). Aneurysm extent (P < .01), age (P < .01), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < .05) negatively affected survival. F/B-EVAR is a robust treatment option for patients at increased risk for conventional repair of extensive TAAAs. Technical success and branch patency are excellent, but several patients will require reintervention for branch-related endoleak. Aneurysm extent portends higher risk of perioperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. Additional efforts are needed to improve outcomes and understand the utility of this treatment option in the general TAAA population.TableDemographics of patients undergoing type 2 and 3 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repairTotal (N = 354)Type2 (n = 128)Type 3 (n = 226)P valueMale gender270 (76.3%)82 (64.1%)188 (83.2%)<.001Age (years)73.5 ± 8.471.9 ± 8.074.4 ± 8.4.003Smoking status.765 Never27 (8.1%)11 (9.2%)16 (7.5%) Former248 (74.5%)90 (75.0%)158 (74.2%) Current58 (17.4%)19 (15.8%)39 (18.3%)Cardiac disease155 (43.8%)43 (33.6%)112 (49.6%).004Diabetes52 (14.7%)14 (10.9%)38 (16.8%).133Renal failure.459 Hemodialysis9 (2.5%)2 (1.6%)7 (3.1%) CRI66 (18.6%)21 (16.4%)45 (19.9%)COPD109 (30.8%)42 (32.8%)67 (29.6%).535Prior aneurysmSurgery153 (43.2)58 (45.3%)95 (42%).55 EVAR18 (5.1%)2 (1.6%)16 (7.1%).023 TEVAR25 (7.1%)21 (16.4%)4 (1.8%)<.001 AAA95 (26.8%)30 (23.4%)65 (28.8%).277 TAA27 (7.6%)14 (10.9%)13 (5.8%).077AAA, Abdominal aortic aneurysm; CRI, chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine >2.0); EVAR, endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; TAAA, thoracic aortic aneurysm; TEVAR, thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Open table in a new tab

A review of follow-up outcomes after elective endovascular repair of degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Long-term outcomes of elective thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are not well defined. A review of the literature on the follow-up outcomes of elective TEVAR for degenerative TAA resulted in 22 relevant articles. Two- and five-year freedom from aneurysm-related death varied between 93.0% and 100.0%, and 82.4% to 92.7%, respectively. Two-year and five-year all-cause survival ranged between 68.0% and 97.2% and 47.0% to 78.0%, respectively. Follow-up ranged between 17.3 and 66.0 months. Most common endograft-related complication was endoleak, with reported rate between 1.4% and 14.8% during six months up to five years of follow-up. Endovascular reinterventions were reported in 0.0-32.3%, secondary open surgery was needed in 0.0% to 4.7% during follow-up. Aneurysm-related survival rates after elective TEVAR for degenerative TAA are acceptable. However, reported incidences of endograft-related complications vary considerably in the literature, but the majority can be managed with conservative treatment or additional endovascular procedures.

The effect of endovascular treatment on isolated iliac artery aneurysm treatment and mortality

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are rare, but potentially fatal. The effect of recent trends in the use of endovascular iliac aneurysm repair (EVIR) on isolated iliac artery aneurysm-associated mortality is unknown. We identified all patients with a primary diagnosis of iliac artery aneurysm in the National Inpatient Sample from 1988 to 2011. We examined trends in management (open vs EVIR, elective and urgent) and overall isolated iliac artery aneurysm-related deaths (with or without repair). We compared in-hospital mortality and complications for the subgroup of patients undergoing elective open and EVIR from 2000 to 2011. We identified 33,161 patients undergoing isolated iliac artery aneurysm repair from 1988 to 2011, of which there were 9016 EVIR and 4933 open elective repairs from 2000 to 2011. Total repairs increased after the introduction of EVIR, from 28 to 71 per 10 million United States (U.S.) population (P < .001). EVIR surpassed open repair in 2003. Total isolated iliac artery aneurysm-related deaths, due to rupture or elective repair, decreased after the introduction of EVIR from 4.4 to 2.3 per 10 million U.S. population (P < .001). However, urgent admissions did not decrease during this time period (15 to 15 procedures per 10 million U.S. population; P = .30). Among elective repairs after 2000, EVIR patients were older (72.4 vs 69.4 years; P = .002) and were more likely to have a history of prior myocardial infarction (14.0% vs 11.3%; P < .001) and renal failure (7.2% vs 3.6%; P < .001). Open repair had significantly higher rate of in-hospital mortality (1.8% vs 0.5%; P < .001) and complications (17.9% vs 6.7%; P < .001) and a longer length of stay (6.7 vs 2.3 days; P < .001). Treatment of isolated iliac artery aneurysms has increased since the introduction of EVIR and is associated with lower perioperative mortality, despite a higher burden of comorbid illness. Decreasing iliac artery aneurysm-attributable in-hospital deaths are likely related primarily to lower elective mortality with EVIR rather than rupture prevention.

Mid-term clinical outcomes and morphological changes after endovascular aneurysm repair of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms: a single-center experience

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been suggested as treatment for inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA), but the actual clinical and radiological outcomes need to be evaluated. To report morphological changes in EVAR of IAAAs. Ten male patients (mean age, 67 years; range, 54-78 years) with IAAA were treated with EVAR using endovascular stent-grafts between March 2001 and January 2012. We retrospectively compared computed tomography angiography (CTA) images taken immediately (30 days after the EVAR), short-term (up to 1 year), and mid-term (beyond 1 year) to CTA images taken before the EVAR. Clinical success was defined as successful deployment of the stent-graft without a type I or III endoleak. Morphologic responses of IAAA to EVAR were reviewed by measuring the changes in aneurysm sac maximum diameter (mm), periaortic fibrosis (PAF) thickness (mm), and PAF enhancement (Hounsfield units [HU] on delayed CTA) on serial images. Ten IAAA patients treated with EVAR were followed for a mean of 42 months (range, 7-129 months). No aneurysm-related deaths were observed during the follow-up of 10 patients. Primary clinical success was achieved in seven patients, assisted primary clinical success in one patient, and secondary clinical success in two patients. Aneurysm sac maximum diameter decreased in all patients (mean percentage reduction of 7.6%, 8.5%, and 17.3% in immediate, short-term, and mid-term follow-up CTA, respectively). PAF thickness decreased in eight patients (10.4%, 16.8%, and 27.2% regression upon follow-up). PAF enhancement decreased in nine patients and increased in one patient (mean percentage decrease of 13.0%, 27.3%, and 40.8% upon follow-up). Treatment of IAAA with EVAR was effective and reduced aneurysmal sac diameter and the extent of PAF with acceptable morbidity.

Initial Single-Center Experience with the Ovation Stent-Graft System in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Application to Challenging Iliac Access Anatomies

To present our preliminary results with the Ovation(™) abdominal stent-graft system in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with narrow (≤7 mm) or angulated iliac vessels. From April 2012 to January 2014, 42 patients (97% men; mean age, 71 years; range, 55-89 years) with AAAs of 55.5 mm (50-79 mm) were treated with the Ovation device. Primary end points included technical success and freedom from early secondary interventions, any type of endoleak, and aneurysm-related death. Limb occlusion was studied with respect to iliac access diameter and angulation. Iliac angulation between 90° and 120° or <90° was considered moderate or severe, respectively. The postoperative follow-up was 7.8 ± 4.6 months (mean ± standard deviation). Infrarenal neck angulation was 26° ± 26°. AAA neck length and diameter were 27.3 ± 10.5 and 24.1 ± 3.2 mm, respectively. Forty-five percent of patients had at least 1 vessel of ≤7-mm diameter, and almost half of patients (24 of 44) had at least 1 iliac artery of moderate or severe angulation. Technical and treatment success were 100% and 95%, respectively. No stent-graft migration or type I, III, or IV endoleaks occurred. Type II endoleaks were identified in 5 patients, leading to sac enlargement in 2 and necessitating an embolization attempt that was unsuccessful in 1 case. No limb occlusion occurred, irrespective of the iliac diameter or angulation. Our 1-year results of the Ovation stent-graft system demonstrate excellent safety and effectiveness. The easy navigation through highly angulated and stenosed iliac vessels ensures high technical success in cases of challenging iliac anatomy. Follow-up is ongoing.

Outcomes of persistent intraoperative type Ia endoleak after standard endovascular aneurysm repair

This study analyzed outcomes for patients with persistent intraoperative type Ia endoleaks after standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The study group was identified from a consecutive cohort of 209 patients undergoing EVAR in a tertiary center in the United Kingdom during a 2-year period. Data prospectively collected on departmental computerized databases were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome parameters were defined as freedom from type Ia endoleak, EVAR-related reintervention, aneurysm rupture, and aneurysm-related mortality. A completion angiogram identified 44 patients (21%) as having a type Ia endoleak, and 33 (75%) had a persistent endoleak after intraoperative adjunctive procedures, including repeated balloon moulding, aortic cuff extension, and Palmaz stent (Cordis, Miami Lakes, Fla) deployment. In the 11 patients (25%) whose endoleak was successfully abolished intraoperatively, there was no recurrence of type Ia endoleak or secondary intervention to treat type 1a endoleak during a median follow-up period of 27 months. Of the 33 patients with persistent endoleak, 31 (94%) demonstrated resolution of the endoleak on first surveillance computed tomography angiography. One patient was lost to follow-up. Embolization of the endoleak in another patient was successful using Onyx (Micro Therapeutics, Inc, Irvine, Calif) 8 days after the initial procedure. No type Ia endoleak was identified after this on any surveillance imaging, and the patient was alive 28 months later with a stable aneurysm size. In the rest of the patients, no recurrence of the endoleak in any subsequent imaging was noticed, and no secondary intervention was required during follow-up. No aneurysm-related deaths occurred, and 91% of the patients had a stable or shrinking aneurysm. Despite adjunctive intraoperative maneuvers, persistent type Ia endoleaks can be relatively common. Our study indicates that they may be observed in selected patients. Further research is required to investigate the natural course and management of type Ia endoleaks identified intraoperatively.

Evolution of gender-related differences in outcomes from two decades of endovascular aneurysm repair

Women have been under-represented in trials that set guidelines for the management of aortic aneurysms. Several studies reported inferior outcomes in women compared with men after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We investigated the relationship between gender and outcomes after EVAR. A total of 1380 consecutive patients underwent elective EVAR from 1992 to 2012. Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables by gender were analyzed from a prospective database. The cohort comprised 214 women (15.5%) and 1166 men (84.5%). Women were older than men at repair (77.8 vs 74.5 years, P < .001) and had less cardiac disease (P = .005). They had shorter (19.8 ± 12.9 vs 26.3 ± 14.7 mm; P < .001) more angulated aortic necks (38.8° ± 16.1° vs 31.2° ± 14.7°; P < .001) and fewer iliac aneurysms (P = .002). Women had more arterial reconstructions (iliac conduits, P = .006; thrombolysis and thrombectomy, P = .013; patch angioplasty, P < .001; endarterectomy, P < .001), more perioperative complications (16.9% vs 9.1%; P = .001), and more in-hospital days (4.1 vs 3.4 days; P = .029). Perioperative mortality was equivalent (women: 2% vs men: 2.3%; P = .73). Mean follow-up was 30.9 months. Women and men experienced equivalent aneurysm-related deaths and overall survival. Survival curve analysis showed endoleaks were more likely to develop in women than men (P = .005); however, there was no difference in rates of arterial reinterventions required for each gender during the follow-up period. Female gender is associated with more periprocedural complications, adjunctive arterial procedures, and increased endoleaks but does not affect long-term reinterventions or survival. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the effect of gender on outcomes. These data should be considered when selecting EVAR for men and women.

Endovascular Repair versus Open Repair for Isolated Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

PurposeTo compare the outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with those of open repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAA).Materials and MethodsWe compared the outcomes of 114 patients with DTAA and proximal landing zones 3 or 4 after TEVAR to those of 53 patients after conventional open repairs. Thirty-day and late mortality were the primary endpoints, and early morbidities, aneurysm-related death, and re-intervention were the secondary endpoints.ResultsThe TEVAR group was older and had more incidences of dissecting aneurysm. The mean follow-up was 36±26 months (follow-up rate, 97.8%). The 30-day mortality in the TEVAR and open repair groups were 3.5% and 9.4% (p=0.11). Perioperative stroke and paraplegia incidences were similar between the groups [5.3% vs. 7.5% (p=0.56) and 7.5% vs. 3.5% (p=0.26), respectively]. Respiratory failure occurred more in the open repair group (1.8% vs. 26.4%, p<0.01). The incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis was higher in the open repair group (1.8% vs. 9.4%, p<0.01). The cumulative survival rate was higher in the TEVAR group at 2 to 5 years (79.6% vs. 58.3%, p=0.03). The free from re-intervention was lower in the TEVAR group (65.3% vs. 100%, p=0.02), and the free from aneurysm-related death in the TEVAR and open repair groups were 88.5% and 86.1% (p=0.45).ConclusionTEVAR is safe and effective for treating DTAAs with improved perioperative and long-term outcomes compared with open repair.

Durability and survival are similar after elective endovascular and open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in younger patients

The role of endovascular repair (EVAR) of aortic aneurysms in young patients is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes and reintervention rates in patients 60 years of age or younger who underwent elective open or endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected vascular surgery database at a university-affiliated medical center was performed to identify all patients who underwent elective repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2000 and 2013 and were 60 years of age or younger at the time of the repair. Preoperative anatomic measurements were performed and compared with instructions for use (IFU) criteria for the endografts. The study cohort comprised 169 patients 60 years of age or younger (mean age, 56.7 ± 2.8 years) who underwent elective repair (119 open repair, 50 EVAR). Patients treated with open repair and EVAR had similar comorbidities, except that EVAR patients were more likely to have hypertension (P = .03) and poor left ventricular function (P = .04). The open repair group had significantly larger suprarenal (P = .004) and infrarenal (P = .005) neck angles, shorter neck lengths (P < .001), and larger maximum aneurysm diameter (P = .02) compared with the EVAR group. Only five patients (13%) in the EVAR group did not meet all IFU criteria. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 1.8% (0% EVAR, 2.5% open repair; P = .56). Overall mean life expectancy was 11.5 years (9.8 years EVAR, 11.9 years open repair; P = .09). The 1-year (98% EVAR, 96% open repair), 5-year (86% EVAR, 88% open repair), and 10-year (54% EVAR, 75% open repair) survival did not differ between EVAR and open repair (P = .16). Long-term survival (78% EVAR, 85% open repair; P = .09) and reintervention rates (12% EVAR, 16% open repair; P = .80) did not differ. No late aneurysm rupture or aneurysm-related deaths were observed. The most common causes of long-term mortality were malignant disease and cardiovascular events. Reinterventions in the open repair group were exclusively laparotomy related (incisional hernia repairs), whereas all reinterventions in the EVAR group were aortic related, including one conversion to open repair. After elective aneurysm repair, younger patients have a moderate life expectancy related to malignant disease and cardiovascular health. EVAR offers durability and long-term survival similar to those with open repair in these younger patients as long as aneurysm anatomy and IFU are adhered to.

Durability and Survival Are Similar Following Elective Endovascular and Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Younger Patients

The role of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in young patients is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes and reintervention rates in patients aged ≤60 years who underwent elective open or EVAR of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. All patients aged ≤60 years who underwent elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair between 2000 and 2013 were identified during a retrospective review of our center’s prospectively maintained database. Preoperative anatomic measurements were performed and compared with endografts’ instructions for use (IFU) criteria. A total of 169 patients aged ≤60 years (mean age, 56.7 ± 2.8 years) underwent elective repair (119 open, 50 EVAR). Patients treated with open repair and EVAR had similar comorbidities, except EVAR patients were more likely to have hypertension (P = .03) and poor left ventricular function (P = .04). The open repair group had significantly more angulated suprarenal (P = .004) and infrarenal neck angles (P = .005), shorter neck lengths (P < .001) and larger maximal aneurysm diameter (P = .015) compared with the EVAR group. Only five patients (10%) in the EVAR group did not meet all IFU criteria. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 1.8% (0% EVAR, 2.5% open, P = .56). Overall mean life expectancy was 11.5 years (9.8 years EVAR, 11.9 years; P = .09). One-year (98% EVAR, 96% open), 5-year (86% EVAR, 88% open), and 10-year (54% EVAR, 75% open) survival did not differ between EVAR and open (P = .16). Long-term survival (78% EVAR, 85.1% open; P = .09) and reintervention rates (12% EVAR, 15.8% open; P = .805) did not differ. No late aneurysm rupture or aneurysm-related deaths were observed. The most common causes of long-term mortality were malignancy and cardiovascular events. Reinterventions in the open group were exclusively access related (incisional hernia repairs), whereas all reinterventions in the EVAR group were aortic related, including one conversion to open repair. With adherence to IFU criteria, EVAR results in similar durability and long-term survival compared with open repair in young patients aged ≤60 years. Long-term mortality in these young patients is related to malignancy and cardiovascular events, not aortic events or reinterventions.

Surgical and medical management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECCAs) are extremely rare with limited information about management options. Our purpose was to review our institution's experience with ECCAs during 15 years and to discuss the presentation and treatment of these aneurysms. A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with ECCAs from 1998 to 2012 was performed. Symptoms, risk factors, etiology, diagnostic methods, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed. During the study period, 141 aneurysms were diagnosed in 132 patients (mean age, 61 years; 69 men). There were 116 (82%) pseudoaneurysms and 25 (18%) true aneurysms; 69 (49%) aneurysms were asymptomatic, whereas 72 (52%) had symptoms (28 painless masses; 10 transient ischemic attacks; 10 vision symptoms; 9 ruptures; 8 strokes; 4 painful mass; 1 dysphagia; 1 tongue weakness; 1 bruit). Causes of true aneurysms included fibromuscular dysplasia in 15 patients, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in three, Marfan syndrome in one, and uncharacterized connective tissue diseases in two. Of 25 true aneurysms, 11 (44%) were symptomatic; 15 (60%) true aneurysms underwent open surgical treatment, whereas 10 (40%) were managed nonoperatively. Postoperative complications included one stroke during a mean follow-up of 31 months (range, 0-166 months). No aneurysms managed nonoperatively required intervention during a mean follow-up of 77 months (range, 1-115 months). Of 116 pseudoaneurysms, 60 (52%) were symptomatic; 33 (29%) pseudoaneurysms underwent open surgery, 18 (15%) underwent endovascular intervention, and 65 (56%) were managed medically. Pseudoaneurysm after endarterectomy (28 patients; 24%) presented at a mean of 82 months from the surgical procedure. Mean follow-up for all aneurysms was 33.9 months. One (0.7%) aneurysm-related death occurred (rupture treated palliatively). No patient undergoing nonoperative management suffered death or major morbidity related to the aneurysm. Nonoperative management was more common in asymptomatic patients (71%) than in symptomatic patients (31%). ECCAs are uncommon and may be manifested with varying symptoms. All segments of the carotid artery are susceptible, although the internal is most commonly affected. Open surgical intervention was more common in patients with symptoms and with true aneurysms. Patients with pseudoaneurysms were more likely to undergo endovascular intervention. Nonoperative treatment is safe in selected patients.

Standard endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with very short proximal necks using the Endurant stent graft

This study evaluated and compared the midterm results of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with the Endurant (Medtronic Inc, Santa Rosa, Calif) stent graft system in off-label use in patients with short (<10 mm) proximal aortic necks and in patients treated according to device-specific instructions for use. This was a case-control (2:1) single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data performed between September 2008 and December 2012. Analysis identified 19 elective patients with short (<10 mm) proximal necks and mild angulations (≤45°) treated with the Endurant stent graft and 38 patients matched for age, sex, and aneurysm diameter with proximal aortic necks ≥10 mm in length who met the instructions for use. End points included technical and clinical success and freedom from any secondary intervention, any type of endoleak, and aneurysm-related death. The short-neck group was a mean ± standard deviation age of 71.7 ± 8.9 years, 84% were men, and their mean infrarenal aortic neck length was 6.1 ± 1.2 mm. Mean suprarenal and infrarenal angles were 110° ± 10.4° and 170° ± 15.4°, respectively. Aortic neck diameters were similar between the groups (26.6 ± 3.8 vs 25.7 ± 3.7 mm; P = .36). Primary technical success was achieved in all cases. Off-label patients were more likely to require additional proximal cuff deployment to successfully obtain a seal (21% vs 3%; P = .04). The two patient groups were similar in rates of perioperative mortality, morbidity, and complications. Mean follow-up of 24 ± 12 months revealed no differences in clinical success, freedom from reintervention, and aneurysm-related death. No type I endoleaks were observed in either group during the follow-up period. The Endurant stent graft system applied off-label in patients with very short aneurysm necks (<10 mm) with mild angulation showed acceptable treatment results. These midterm results might suggest its use in carefully selected patients with very short neck anatomy. Long-term data are needed to verify the observed durability of the Endurant stent graft.

Results of the ANCHOR prospective, multicenter registry of EndoAnchors for type Ia endoleaks and endograft migration in patients with challenging anatomy

Proximal attachment site complications continue to occur after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR), specifically type Ia endoleak and endograft migration. EndoAnchors (Aptus Endosystems, Sunnyvale, Calif) were designed to enhance endograft proximal fixation and sealing, and the current study was undertaken to evaluate the potential benefit of this treatment. During the 23-month period ending in December 2013, 319 subjects were enrolled at 43 sites in the United States and Europe. EndoAnchors were implanted in 242 patients (75.9%) at the time of an initial EVAR procedure (primary arm) and in 77 patients with an existing endograft and proximal aortic neck complications (revision arm). Technical success was defined as deployment of the desired number of EndoAnchors, adequate penetration of the vessel wall, and absence of EndoAnchor fracture. Procedural success was defined as technical success without a type Ia endoleak at completion angiography. Values are expressed as mean± standard deviation and interquartile range. The 238 male (74.6%) and 81 female (25.4%) subjects had a mean age of 74.1± 8.2years. Aneurysms averaged 58± 13 (51-63) mm in diameter at the time of EndoAnchor implantation (core laboratory measurements). The proximal aortic neck averaged 16± 13 (7-23) mm in length (42.7%<10mm and 42.7% conical) and 27± 4mm (25-30mm) in diameter; infrarenal neck angulation was 24± 15 (13-34) degrees. The number of EndoAnchors deployed was 5.8± 2.1 (4-7). Technical success was achieved in 303 patients (95.0%) and procedural success in 279 patients (87.5%), 217 of 240 (89.7%) and 62 of 77 (80.5%) in the primary and revision arms, respectively. There were 29 residual type Ia endoleaks (9.1%) at the end of the procedure. During mean follow-up of 9.3± 4.7months, 301 patients (94.4%) were free from secondary procedures. Among the 18 secondary procedures, eight were performed for residual type Ia endoleaks and the others were unrelated to EndoAnchors. There were no open surgical conversions, there were no aneurysm-related deaths, and no aneurysm ruptured during follow-up. Use of EndoAnchors to treat existing and acute type Ia endoleaks and endograft migration was successful in most cases. Prophylactic use of EndoAnchors in patients with hostile aortic neck anatomy appears promising, but definitive conclusions must await longer term follow-up data.

Periprocedural and long-term outcomes of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in cardiology practice.

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has recently been made a class I indication in the treatment of AAA. In comparison to the conventional open surgical treatment, endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) is associated with equivalent long-term morbidity and mortality rates. Vascular surgeons perform majority of EVAR. There are no reports for the long-term results of this intervention performed by interventional cardiologists. We present one of the first reports of periprocedural and long-term outcomes of EVAR performed by interventional cardiologists. Retrospective chart review on patients with attempted EVAR between September 2005 and January 2011 was performed. Included cases were all consecutive patients who had attempted EVAR by interventional cardiologists. During the study period EVAR was attempted in 170 patients, with 27% being women. The mean age was 74 years (range 52-93). The endovascular graft placement was successful in 96% (163/170) of patients. Procedure failures were more common in women (6 of 46 vs 1 of 124, P = 0.003). The 30-day mortality was 1.8 % (3 of 170). In patients with successful EVAR the mean follow-up was 30 months and mean length of hospital stay was 3.5 ± 3.2 days. Major periprocedural complications were noted in 9% patients (15 of 167). During follow-up, six patients (3.5%) required re-intervention and additional 16 patients died with no aneurysm related deaths. EVAR primarily performed by interventional cardiologists demonstrates high periprocedural and long-term success rates. A higher EVAR failure rate has been observed in women.

PS22 Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Are Outcomes Improving?

aneurismal arch involvement (n 1⁄4 3 [21%]), residual arch dissections after ascending aortic repair (n 1⁄4 2 [14%]), post-traumatic aneurysm (n 1⁄4 1 [7%]), and type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with arch involvement (n 1⁄4 1 [7%]). A total of 22 aortic arch vessels (brachiocephalic trunk, 7; left common carotid artery, 11; bovine arch, 2; left subclavian artery [LSA], 2) were targeted. The left LSA was intentionally covered in 12 cases and preoperatively revascularized in nine. Successful endograft implantation was achieved in all cases. Two early postoperative deaths occurred (one retroperitoneal hematoma and stroke, and one unclear cause). Further major complications included a major stroke with significant early clinical improvement, one delayed transient paraplegia, and one Vascular Plug dislocation. The mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 36 2 and 116 8 days, respectively. At 8 6 7 months of follow-up, the cumulative survival was 79%, with no aneurysm-related death or reinterventions. One type II endoleak is managed conservatively and one patient with persistant false lumen perfusion is planned to undergo endograft extension. Conclusions: FBSG present a feasible and safe therapeutic alternative for repair of aortic arch pathologies in high-risk patients.

Clinical, microbiologic, and outcome analysis of mycotic aortic aneurysm: the role of endovascular repair.

Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is an infrequent but devastating form of vascular disease. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a major medical center to identify independent risk factors for MAA and to provide opinions about treating it. The study population consisted of 43 patients who had had 44 MAAs over a period of 15 y. All of the patients had positive blood cultures, radiologic findings typical of MAA, and clinical signs of infection (leukocytosis, fever, and elevated C-reactive protein). The mean age of the patients was 63.8±10.6 y and the mean period of their follow up was 35.7±39.3 mo. Twenty-nine patients with MAAs underwent traditional open surgery, 11 others received endovascular stent grafts, and four MAAs were managed conservatively. The most frequent causative pathogens were Salmonella (36/44 patients [81.8%]), in whom organisms of Salmonella serogroup C (consisting mainly of S. choleraesuis) were identified in 14 patients, organisms of Salmonella serogroup D were identified in 13 patients, and species without serogroup information were identified in nine patients. The overall mortality in the study population was 43.2% (with an aneurysm-related mortality of 18.2%, surgically related mortality of 13.6%, and in-hospital mortality of 22.7%). Shock is a risk factor for operative mortality. Misdiagnosis and treatment of MAA as low back pain, co-existing connective-tissue disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and Salmonella serogroup C-associated bacteremia are risk factors for aneurysm-related death. Endovascular repair should be considered as an alternative option to the open repair of MAA.

Endovascular management of chronic post-dissection aneurysms.

Open repair is still the gold standard in acute type A dissection. Endovascular repair is advocated for complicated acute type B dissections. Recent evidence also supports the role of endovascular repair in a larger proportion of uncomplicated acute type B dissections. The role of endovascular repair in chronic post-dissection aneurysms, however, is still unclear. Most commonly, post-dissection aneurysms involve the thoracoabdominal aorta, making the use of fenestrated/branched stent-grafts to achieve complete aneurysm exclusion mandatory. These fenestrated/branched stent-grafts have been used with success in atherosclerotic thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). In chronic post-dissection aneurysms, however, additional technical challenges arise. The usually narrow true lumen makes the use of branches more tedious and overall planning difficult. A second technical challenge relates to the fact that visceral branches can also originate from the false lumen. In such cases, perforation of the stiff chronic dissection flap is required to obtain access to the vessel. During the period January 2010 to November 2013, 17 patients (13 males, mean age 65±7.8 years) with chronic thoracoabdominal aneurismal degeneration following acute dissection were treated in our department with the use of fenestrated/branched stent-grafts. Technical success was achieved in all cases (100%). Perioperative mortality was two (11.8%) patients. One patient died due to multiple organ failure and one due to cardiac failure. No case of paraplegia was observed. During a 12-month median follow-up (range, 4-28 months) no aneurysm-related deaths were observed. Reintervention was required in three cases to repair a type Ib endoleak from a side branch. Endovascular treatment with fenestrated/branched stent-grafts is feasible for chronic post-dissection aneurysms. Standard thoracic stent-grafting is an option in a minority of patients, when the aneurysm is limited to the thoracic segment. Fenestrated and branched devices can successfully be used for aneurysms extending to the thoracoabdominal aorta.

Dutch experience with the fenestrated Anaconda endograft for short-neck infrarenal and juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

In the past decennium, the management of short-neck infrarenal and juxtarenal aortic aneurysms with fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has been shown to be successful, with good early and midterm results. Recently, a new fenestrated device, the fenestrated Anaconda (Vascutek, Renfrewshire, Scotland), was introduced. The aim of this study was to present the current Dutch experience with this device. A prospectively held database of patients treated with the fenestrated Anaconda endograft was analyzed. Decision to treat was based on current international guidelines. Indications for FEVAR included an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with unsuitable neck anatomy for EVAR. Planning was performed on computed tomography angiography images using a three-dimensional workstation. Between May 2011 and September 2013, 25 patients were treated in eight institutions for juxtarenal (n = 23) and short-neck AAA (n = 2). Median AAA size was 61 mm (59-68.5 mm). All procedures except one were performed with bifurcated devices. A total of 56 fenestrations were incorporated, and 53 (94.6%) were successfully cannulated and stented. One patient died of bowel ischemia caused by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. On completion angiography, three type I endoleaks and seven type II endoleaks were observed. At 1 month of follow-up, all endoleaks had spontaneously resolved. Median follow-up was 11 months (range, 1-29 months). There were no aneurysm ruptures or aneurysm-related deaths and no reinterventions to date. Primary patency at 1 month of cannulated and stented target vessels was 96%. Initial and short-term results of FEVAR using the fenestrated Anaconda endograft are promising, with acceptable technical success and short-term complication rates. Growing experience and long-term results are needed to support these findings.

Rapamycin Limits the Growth of Established Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 4-8% of men older than 60 years. No pharmacologic strategies limit disease progression, aneurysm rupture, or aneurysm-related death. We examined the ability of rapamycin to limit the progression of established experimental AAAs. AAAs were created in 10-12-week-old male C57BL/6J mice via the porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) infusion method. Beginning 4 days after PPE infusion, mice were treated with rapamycin (5mg/kg/day) or an equal volume of vehicle for 10 days. AAA progression was monitored by serial ultrasound examination. Aortae were harvested for histological analyses at sacrifice. Three days after PPE infusion, prior to vehicle or rapamycin treatment, aneurysms were enlarging at an equal rate between groups. In the rapamycin group, treatment reduced aortic enlargement by 38%, and 53% at 3 and 10 days, respectively. On histological analysis, medial elastin and smooth muscle cell populations were relatively preserved in the rapamycin group. Rapamycin treatment also reduced mural macrophage density and neoangiogenesis. Rapamycin limits the progression of established experimental aneurysms, increasing the translational potential of mechanistic target of rapamycin-related AAA inhibition strategies.