Aortoiliac Aneurysms Research Articles

Ruptured Complex Aortoiliac Aneurysm in an Elderly Patient With a Kidney Transplant Presenting With Sciatica.

Background: Common iliac artery aneurysms are uncommon, with an estimated incidence of less than 0.01% in adults and accounting for only 1% of all intra-abdominal aneurysms. While the risk of rupture is approximately 5%, it increases significantly to 29% once the aneurysm reaches 4 cm. Similarly to abdominal aortic aneurysms, common iliac artery aneurysms often develop silently, remaining asymptomatic in about 70% of cases. This report describes the treatment of a patient with a kidney transplant who underwent endovascular repair of a ruptured left common iliac artery aneurysm with a concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm and a focal aneurysm of the right renal artery origin. Case Description: A 78-year-old male patient with a kidney transplant presented with left sciatica symptoms and was found to have a contained rupture of a 10 x 7 cm left common iliac artery aneurysm with a concomitant 8 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm and a focal 1.8 cm aneurysm of the right renal artery origin. He underwent an endovascular aneurysm repair with an Aorto-Uni-iliac stent graft and a concomitant right-to-left femoral-femoral bypass using 8 mm ringed PTFE graft and ligation of left external iliac artery to prevent retrograde flow into the left common iliac artery aneurysm. At 3-year follow-up, patient remains stable with a functioning kidney transplant and excluded aneurysms with no evidence of endoleak. Conclusion: This report describes the endovascular repair of a ruptured left common iliac artery aneurysm conducted under local anesthesia in a patient with a renal transplant and complex aneurysm anatomy. The calcification pattern observed on a non-contrast CT scan was effectively used for surgical planning, leading to a successful aneurysm repair while preserving kidney transplant function.

Postdissection Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Aneurysm Open Repair: A Surgical Technique Description and Systematic Review of the Literature

BackgroundPost-dissection abdominal aortic aneurysms (pDAAA) may develop in up to 7% of patients affected by aortic dissection. However, there is no consensus on the optimal management. Different endovascular and open surgical techniques have been reported. This case-series describes the open surgical technique employed at a tertiary vascular surgery center to manage this complex pathology to allow future treatment of the visceral aorta if needed. A systematic review of the relevant literature on surgical and endovascular management of pDAAA was conducted. MethodConsecutive patients surgically treated at a single center for pDAAA metachronous to a Stanford type A or type B aortic dissection from January 2018 to March 2023 were retrospectively retrieved. The surgical technique we employed entails the use of large-diameter bifurcated grafts (≥ 9 mm branches) with longer main body, fenestration of the septum at renal arteries ostia and landing on a common femoral artery in case of small caliber iliac arteries (< 8 mm) to provide a suitable landing zone and access route for future endovascular thoracoabdominal repair in case of subsequent aneurysmal degeneration. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were major complications, late mortality, aortic-related mortality, and aortic-related reinterventions. Then, a systematic review of the literature until March 2023 was conducted. ResultsFive patients were included, all males with a mean age of 61 years. 30-day mortality was 0. One patient suffered from post-operative acute kidney injury and acute distress respiratory syndrome, and another one underwent repeat laparotomy for abdominal seroma. The mean follow-up was 44 months with no aortic-related reinterventions to date. One patient died from non-aortic-related causes 9 months after surgery. ConclusionsOpen repair of pDAAA appears to be an effective treatment in selected patients, with low mortality rates, and technical choices should consider future endovascular treatment of the thoracoabdominal aorta.

The Enzen Trial: Analysis of EVAR Endoprosthesis Zenith and Endurant for Infrarenal Aortoiliac Aneurysms Regarding Outcomes, Endoleaks, and Reinterventions.

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the outcomes regarding endoleaks, reinterventions, and death related to aneurysm complications in patients submitted to endovascular repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortoiliac aneurysm (AAA) using Endurant II (Medtronic) and Zenith Flex (Cook) endografts. This was a prospective, consecutive cohort study of patients with AAA who underwent EVAR between January 2019 and December 2022. Two groups of patients were evaluated: Group Endurant (patients submitted to EVAR with the use of Endurant II) and Group Zenith (patients submitted to EVAR with the use of Zenith Flex). A total of 156 patients were evaluated. Group Zenith (67 patients, 42.9%) and Group Endurant (89 patients, 57.1%). The perioperative mortality was 5.1%, eight patients (six patients Group Zenith, and two patients Group Endurant, p=0.054). There were 28 patients (17.9%) submitted to urgent repair of the aneurysm (expansion or rupture), with no differences among the groups. There were 36 cases (23.1%) of later endoleak, with a higher incidence in Zenith group (23 patients, 34.3%) than Endurant group (13 patients, 14.6%, p=0.002), most of them Type II endoleak (21 patients, 13.4%). There were 12 cases of Type I endoleak, also with a higher prevalence in Zenith group (13.4%) than Endurant group (3.4%, p=0.002). Moreover, regarding limb graft occlusion (LGO), there were nine patients (5.8%), with a higher prevalence in Zenith group (9%) than Endurant group (3.4%, p=0.045). The overall survival in a Kaplan-Meier at 720 days was 82.3% in the Zenith group and 89.1% in the Endurant group, with no statistical significance among the groups (p=0.09). The freedom from reintervention rates in a Kaplan-Meier at 720 days was 82.8% in the Zenith group and 93.2% in the Endurant group (p=0.001). In this present study, Zenith endograft had higher rates of endoleaks, aneurysms related mortality, LGO and reinterventions than patients submitted to Endurant II endografts. The linear regression analysis showed that the presence of endoleaks, type of endograft device (Zenith graft) and limb graft occlusion were related to higher reintervention rates. In this present study, Zenith endograft had higher rates of endoleaks, aneurysms related mortality, limb graft occlusions and reinterventions than patients submitted to Endurant II endografts. The main impact and the innovation that this article provides is an opportunity to evaluate and choose the best endograft suitable for the patient with AAA during EVAR.

Arteriovenous Fistula Caused by Ruptured Abdominal Aortoiliac Aneurysm.

Teaching point: A ruptured aorto-iliac aneurysm, complicated by an iliac arteriovenous fistula, is rare but has a possibly fatal outcome and requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Early Experience With the Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) in Managing Iliac Aneurysms.

Aim The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE) devices and to examine their short-term outcomes. Materials and methods This was a descriptive, retrospective observational study involving 15 patients diagnosed with either aortoiliac or isolated iliac artery aneurysms and treated with an IBE device. Data were collected for patients who received IBE devices at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, United Kingdom, from February 2020 to May 2023. Results Most patients presented with asymptomatic aneurysms; 86.7% (n = 13) had bilateral common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms. The mean diameter of the CIA was 38.7 ± 8.8 mm, and the mean diameter of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was 39.8 ± 23 mm. For the indications of IBE use, 60% (n = 9) of the patients had iliac aneurysms reaching the intervention threshold, 20% (n = 3) had AAA reaching the threshold, and 20% (n = 3) had aortoiliac aneurysms reaching the threshold. The majority of patients underwent bilateral femoral access (86.7%; n = 13), while 13.3% (n = 2) required both femoral and brachial access. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Aside from 20% (n = 3) of cases where the sac size remained static, the majority of patients (80%; n = 12) experienced sac regression. All patients were free from buttock claudication. A type II endoleak was observed in 33.3% (n = 5) of patients. No reinterventions were reported. The mean primary patency was 30.9 ± 0.7 months, and the follow-up period ranged from 12 to 36 months. Conclusions IBEs are an effective medical device, demonstrating a high rate of technical success, minimal need for additional procedures, and a low incidence of complications while maintaining a satisfactory rate of primary patency.

Influence of Proximal Fixation on Aneurysm Neck Evolution after Endovascular Treatment of Infrarenal Aneurysms

We analyzed the long-term influence of fixation systems on proximal aortic neck (PAN) evolution by comparing 2 late-generation endoprostheses, Endurant (Medtronic Vascular, Minneapolis, Minn) with suprarenal fixation (SRF) and Excluder (W.L Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) with infrarenal fixation (IRF). Our retrospective observational study included consecutive patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for aorto-iliac aneurysms (2011-2020). Primary end points: neck enlargement and freedom from significative PAN enlargement (5mm). Secondary end points: neck-related reintervention, endoleaks and graft migration. Results were reported following the Society of Vascular Surgery reporting standards. 139 patients were included (97 in SRF group and 42 in IRF group). A difference in growth at 10mm caudal to lowest renal artery at 2years follow-up was found (mean growth of 1.92±3.38mm in SRF and 0.16±6.86mm in IRF; P<0.001). A tendency to a major growth in SRF at 4years follow-up at the lowest renal artery (1.27±3.36mm vs. 0.63±2.2mm; P=0.06), 5mm distal to lowest renal artery (2.17±3.52mm vs. 0.94±2.76mm; P=0.001) and 10mm distal to lowest renal artery (2.65±3.86mm vs. 1.12±1.5mm; P<0.001) was shown. Freedom from PAN enlargement was 96.65% and 88.20% in SRF and 100% and 94.4% in IRF at 2 and 4years follow-up respectively (log rank 0.041). A greater incidence of type II endoleaks in IRF was observed (40.48% vs. 15.46%; P=0.001). Oversizing >15% showed to be a risk factor of PAN enlargement (odds ratio 6.85; 95% confident interval: 1.67-28.4; P=0.007). A small but significative percentage of patients after EVAR show a progressive PAN enlargement, being significatively greater in SRF, without increasing neck-related complications 4years after graft deployment.

Endovascular repair for infra-renal aortic aneurysms with supra-renal fixation endoprosthesis: Results and outcomes.

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the outcomes regarding endoleaks, reinterventions, and death related to aneurysm complications in patients submitted to endovascular repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortoiliac aneurysm (AAA) using Endurant II (Medtronic) and Zenith Flex (Cook) endografts. This was a prospective, consecutive cohort study of patients with AAA who underwent EVAR with the use of Endurant II stent graft and Zenith Flex endograft. A total of 156 patients submitted to EVAR were evaluated. The perioperative mortality was 5.1%, 8 patients. The median clinical follow-up period was 760 ± 80 days. There were 28 patients (17.9%) submitted to urgent repair of the aneurysm (symptomatic expansion or rupture) and 128 patients (82.1%) submitted to elective repair. There were 36 cases (23.1%) of later endoleak and most of them are Type II endoleaks (21 patients, 13.4%). There were 12 cases of Type I endoleak. Moreover, regarding limb graft occlusion (LGO), there were 9 patients (5.8%). The overall survival rate in Kaplan-Meier analysis at 720 days was 84.8% in the total cohort. The freedom from reintervention rate in Kaplan-Meier analysis at 720 days was 92.7% in the total cohort. The linear regression analysis for survival rates showed that chronic kidney disease (p = .03; hazard ratio (HR) = 2.82, CI = 1.07-4.44) was the only factor related to poorer survival rates in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The linear regression analysis showed that the presence of endoleaks (p < .001, HR = 6.69, CI = 2.26-8.48) and limb graft occlusion (p < .001, HR = 8.02, CI = 1.60-9.99) were related to reintervention in both univariate and multivariate analyses. In this present study, supra-renal fixation endograft devices were safe and efficient in treating AAA, with satisfactory results and no renal compromise. The linear regression analysis showed that the presence of endoleaks and limb graft occlusion were related to higher reintervention rates in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Multicenter CT Image-Based Anatomic Assessment of Patients with Aortoiliac Aneurysm Undergoing Endovascular Repair with Iliac Branch Devices

ObjectiveThe Global Iliac Branch Study (NCT05607277) is an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study of anatomic predictors of adverse iliac events (AIE) in aortoiliac aneurysms treated with iliac branch devices (IBDs). MethodsPatients with pre- and post-IBD CT imaging were included. We measured arterial diameters, stenosis, calcification, bifurcation angles, and tortuosity indices using a standardized, validated protocol. A composite of ipsilateral AIE was defined, a priori, as occlusion, type I or III endoleak, device constriction, or clinical event requiring reintervention. Paired t-test compared tortuosity indices and splay angles pre- and post-treatment for all IBDs and by device material (stainless steel and nitinol). Two-sample t-test compared anatomical changes from pre- to post-treatment by device material. Logistic regression assessed associations between AIE and anatomic measurements. Analysis was performed by IBD. ResultsWe analyzed 297 patients (286 males, 11 females) with 331 IBDs (227 stainless steel, 104 nitinol). Median clinical follow-up was 3.8 years. Iliac anatomy was significantly straightened with all IBD treatment, though stainless steel IBDs had a greater reduction in total iliac artery tortuosity index and aortic splay angle compared to nitinol IBDs (absolute reduction -.20 [-.22 to -.18] versus -.09 [-.12 to -.06], P<.0001 and -19.6° [-22.4° to -16.9°] versus -11.2° [-15.3° to -7.0°], P=.001, respectively). There were 54 AIEs in 44 IBDs in 42 patients (AIE in 13.3% of IBD systems), requiring 35 reinterventions (median time to event 41 days; median time to reintervention 153 days). There were 18 endoleaks, 29 occlusions, and five device constrictions. There were no strong associations between anatomic measurements and AIE overall, though internal iliac diameter was inversely associated with AIE in nitinol devices (nAIE,nitinol=8). ConclusionsPurpose-built iliac branch devices effectively treat aortoiliac disease, including that with tortuous anatomy, with a high patency rate (91.5%) and low reintervention rate (9.1%) at four years. Anatomic predictors of AIE are limited.

Single-Center Mid-term Experience with E-Liac Branched Device from Artivion®

IntroductionThe use of iliac branch device (IBD) is increasing due to the less invasive character and accumulated experience of physicians in this endovascular technique. Clinical data regarding the E-liac stent graft from Artivion®, however, are scarce. This study shows the mid-term outcomes of the E-liac stent graft from a large single centre. MethodsPatients treated with IBD for (aorto-)iliac aneurysms between September 2015 and December 2022 with follow-up in our centre were included. (Post)operative (technical success, reintervention, 30-day mortality) and mid-term outcomes (endoleak, reintervention, hypogastric patency, mortality) were analysed. ResultsSixty-three patients (60 male, median age 70 years (IQR 66-;76)) were treated with 82 E-liac stent grafts for aorto-iliac aneurysms with a median follow-up of 38 months (IQR 22-51). The technical success rate was 95%. 97.6% of the interal iliac arteries remained patent during follow-up. No 30-day mortality was encountered. During follow-up one patient had an endoleak type 1b of both hypogastric arteries, however the patient refused additional interventions. One other patient had a type 2 endoleak with contained rupture. Paliative treatment was chosen because of the patient's severe comorbidities. One (1.6%) IBD-related reintervention was performed with relining of the stent graft. Secondary patency of the interal iliac artery was 95.1% and the mortality was 25.4% during follow-up. ConclusionsThis study shows high technical success rates for the E-liac stent graft, with corresponding good mid-term outcomes. The E-liac stent graft is a feasible, safe and effective stent graft in the treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms.

Percutaneous Retrograde Trans-Gluteal Embolization of Type 2 Endoleak Causing Iliac Aneurysm Enlargement after Endovascular Repair: Case Report and Literature Review.

Late type II endoleaks (T2ELs) arising from the internal iliac artery (IIA) may present during follow-up after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of aortoiliac aneurysm and may warrant embolization if enlargement of the aneurysmal sac is demonstrated. When coverage of the IIA ostium has been made due to extensive iliac disease, access options can be challenging. Different treatment options have been reported over recent years, and a careful selection of the best one must be made based on the characteristics of each case. The present study reports a simple and reproducible sheathless percutaneous superior gluteal artery (SGA) access and provides a discussion based on a review of the existing literature on this topic.

Image-based assessment of aortoiliac aneurysm anatomical characteristics in patients from the global iliac branch study

ObjectiveEndovascular repair is the preferred treatment for aortoiliac aneurysm, with preservation of at least one internal iliac artery recommended. This study aimed to assess pre-endovascular repair anatomical characteristics of aortoiliac aneurysm in patients from the Global Iliac Branch Study (GIBS, NCT05607277) to enhance selection criteria for iliac branch devices (IBD) and improve long-term outcomes.MethodsPre-treatment CT scans of 297 GIBS patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair were analyzed. Measurements included total iliac artery length, common iliac artery length, tortuosity index, common iliac artery splay angle, internal iliac artery stenosis, calcification score, and diameters in the device's landing zone. Statistical tests assessed differences in anatomical measurements and IBD-mediated internal iliac artery preservation.ResultsLeft total iliac artery length was shorter than right (6.7 mm, P = .0019); right common iliac artery less tortuous (P = .0145). Males exhibited greater tortuosity in the left total iliac artery (P = .0475) and larger diameter in left internal iliac artery's landing zone (P = .0453). Preservation was more common on right (158 unilateral, 34 bilateral) than left (105 unilateral, 34 bilateral). There were 192 right-sided and 139 left-sided IBDs, with 318 IBDs in males and 13 in females.ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive pre-treatment iliac anatomy analysis in patients undergoing endovascular repair with IBDs, highlighting differences between sides and sexes. These findings could refine patient selection for IBD placement, potentially enhancing outcomes in aortoiliac aneurysm treatment. However, the limited number of females in the study underscores the need for further research to generalize findings across genders.

Early results of transcatheter electrosurgical aortic septotomy for endovascular repair of chronic dissecting aortoiliac aneurysms

ObjectiveEndovascular repair of chronic dissecting aortoiliac aneurysms is challenging given the rigid septum, compressed true lumen (TL), and target vessels frequently originating in the false lumen. We have used transcatheter electrosurgical aortic septotomy (TEAS) before stent graft implantation under intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fusion guidance. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of TEAS during complex endovascular repair of dissecting aneurysms. MethodsFrom 2021 to 2023, 17 patients underwent TEAS. The primary end point was technical success, with secondary end points of proximal and distal seals, target vessel instability, aortic and iliac TL and cross-sectional area (CSA) expansion, and aortic-related death. During the procedure, the aortic septum is crossed through a pre-existing entry or via electrocautery-activated 0.018-in. Astato XS20 wire (Asahi-Intecc) under IVUS and fusion guidance. The penetrated wire is then snared in the false lumen and pulled through the ipsilateral femoral access. A 1-cm length of the middle of the Astato wire coating is kinked in a three-sided polygonal configuration, denuded the inner surface of the wire using a no. 15 blade, and positioned at the apex of the septum. Both ends of the Astato wire are insulated with 0.018-in. microcatheters, and the back end of the wire is denuded and connected to cautery. Gentle traction is applied to the wire, and short bursts of electrocautery cutting are applied at 60 to 80 W. ResultsThe technical success of the septotomy was 100%. No incidence of visceral or lower extremity malperfusion, vascular injury, or distal embolization occurred. Of the 17 patients, 4 underwent thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair, 2 underwent endovascular aortic repair, and 11 underwent fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair after septotomy. All target vessels were successfully stented. A distal landing zone seal with exclusion of the false lumen was achieved in 16 of the 17 patients (94.1%). One patient required embolization of the false lumen of the celiac artery after septotomy. The TL mean diameter and CSA of the descending thoracic aorta after septotomy was expanded by 7.01 ± 1.9 mm (relative mean diameter expansion, 42.3%; P < .0001) and 2.71 ± 0.4 cm2 (relative mean CSA expansion, 57.3%, P<.0001). For patients who required septotomy through the common iliac arteries, the mean TL was expanded by 8.1 ± 3.7 mm (relative mean diameter expansion, 76%; P < .0001) and 1.76 ± 0.91 cm2 (relative mean CSA expansion, 209%; P < .0001). The 1-year freedom from target vessel instability was 91%. ConclusionsThe use of IVUS and fusion-guided TEAS offers a promising technique to facilitate TL expansion and false lumen exclusion in chronic dissecting aortic aneurysms before repair. The durability and long-term outcomes of this technique in a larger cohort remain to be elucidated.

Upside-Down Gore Excluder as an Endoprosthesis for Aortoiliac Aneurysm Exclusion: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

The upside-down configuration of a Gore Excluder contralateral leg endoprosthesis has been used to overcome diameter differences in the endovascular treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms. Our goal was not to describe the technique but to study the applicability and safety. Patients were retrospectively enrolled. The indication and details of the procedure were at the discretion of the treating physicians. A case report form was completed including baseline characteristics, indication for treatment, procedural data, and outcomes during follow-up. A total of 31 subjects were enrolled with a range of indications, including 3 patients treated in the emergency setting (9.7%). In 64.5% (n=20), it was a primary intervention for a common iliac aneurysm (n=10), internal iliac aneurysm (n=4), or abdominal aortic aneurysm (n=6). In 11 subjects (35.5%), treatment was performed after previous aortoiliac interventions, including anastomotic iliac artery aneurysm (n=5), type III endoleak (n=3), and endograft thrombus (n=3). Median follow-up was 13 months (range=1-142 months). During follow-up, 2 patients required an upside-down contralateral leg-related secondary intervention, one for an occlusion and another for a type Ia endoleak. There was no type Ib or III endoleak, and no migration, kinking/stenosis, or conversion to open repair was observed. The aneurysm-related mortality was 3.3% (n=1). An upside-down contralateral leg is a valuable technique that can be used to achieve adequate aneurysm exclusion or resolve complications. It is associated with a limited number of complications. This article studies the use of an upside-down iliac endograft. We describe a wide range of indications in which this previously published technique has been applied. In elective and acute settings and as primary and revision intervention an upside-down iliac endograft was performed successfully. Furthermore, follow-up data is presented showing the effectiveness of the technique. Knowledge of this procedure is a valuable addition to the skillset of every interventionalist.

Endovascular Repair and Prognosis of Patients with Brucella abortus Infection-Induced Aorto-Iliac Aneurysm.

To establish the endovascular repair and prognosis of patients with aorto-iliac aneurysm and Brucella abortus infection. From September 2018 to September 2021, seven cases of Brucella abortus infection with aorto-iliac aneurysm were treated by the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedure. Clinical and imaging data were collected to evaluate the therapeutic results, including body temperature, blood culture, imaging manifestations, stent patency and endoleak during the postoperative and follow-up periods. Except for one patient who died of acute hematemesis and hematochezia just after the admission, seven patients were treated successfully. The aneurysms were completely excluded, and all stent grafts were patent. Patients were followed up for 12-32 months, with an average follow-up of 18.5 ± 9.1 months. There were no cases of endoleak, infection recurrence, gluteal muscle ischemia or spinal cord ischemia during the follow-up period. It is feasible to treat Brucella abortus-infected aneurysms with the EVAR procedure. The results were optimistic in the short and medium-term. The application of sensitive antibiotics before and after the operation is the cornerstone of endovascular therapy. However, the long-term results require further follow-up.

Influence of aortic bifurcation in iliac limbs patency in endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms

Influence of aortic bifurcation in iliac limbs patency in endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms

MT18 Endovascular Management of Iliac and Aorto-Iliac Aneurysms and Impact on Morbidity/Mortality in France: A French National Insurance Claims Database Analysis (SNDS)

MT18 Endovascular Management of Iliac and Aorto-Iliac Aneurysms and Impact on Morbidity/Mortality in France: A French National Insurance Claims Database Analysis (SNDS)

Navigating Challenges in the Endovascular Treatment of Asymptomatic Aortoiliac Aneurysms: A 10-Year Comparative Analysis.

Treating an abdominal aortoiliac aneurysm (AAIA) with endovascular methods can be challenging when the internal iliac artery (IIA) is involved. Embolizing the IIA and extending the limb to the external iliac artery (IIAE + EE) to prevent a type 2 endoleak may lead to pelvic ischemic complications. To avoid these complications, strategies that preserve the IIA, such as the bell-bottom technique (BBT) and the iliac branch device (IBD), have been proposed. This study aims to compare the outcomes of these three endovascular approaches for AAIA. Between January 2010 and December 2019, 174 patients with asymptomatic AAIA were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. They were divided into two groups: 81 patients underwent non-IIAE procedures, and 93 patients underwent IIAE procedures. The iliac limb study group consisted of 106 limbs treated with the BBT, 113 limbs treated with the IIAE + EE, and 32 limbs treated with the IBD. The primary outcomes included the 30-day mortality rate and intraoperative limb complications. The secondary outcomes included postoperative pelvic ischemia, freedom from reintervention, and the overall 10-year survival rate. There was no significant difference in the perioperative mortality rate between the non-IIAE group (0%) and the IIAE group (2.1%), p = 0.500. The intraoperative limb complications did not differ significantly between the BBT limbs (7.5%), the IIAE + EE limbs (3.5%), and the IBD limbs (3.1%) groups, p = 0.349. The incidence of buttock claudication was significantly greater in the bilateral IIAE + EE group compared to the unilateral IIAE + EE and non-IIAE groups (25%, 11%, and 2.5%, p-value < 0.004), and was similar to the incidence of buttock rest pain with skin necrosis (15%, 0%, and 0%, p < 0.001). During the 10-year follow-up, the BBT limbs group had a significantly lower rate of iliac limb reintervention free time than the IIAE + EE limbs and the IBD limbs groups (88.7%, 98.2%, and 93.8%, p = 0.016). There was no significant difference in the overall 10-year survival rate between the non-IIAE and IIAE groups (51.4% vs. 55.9%, p = 0.703). The early and late mortality rates were similar between the non-IIAE and IIAE groups. Preserving the IIA is recommended to avoid pelvic ischemic complications. Considering the higher rate of reintervention in the BBT group, the IBD strategy may be preferred for AAIA.

The Outcome of Sac Filling With Fibrin Sealant and Gentamicin After Endovascular Aortic Repair of Brucella-Related Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

This study aimed to analyze the experience of our center and assess the efficacy of sac filling with fibrin sealant (FS) and gentamicin after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in patients with Brucella-related aorto-iliac artery aneurysms. All patients who received sac filling with FS and gentamicin after EVAR for Brucella-related aorto-iliac artery aneurysms between March 2019 and September 2022 were reviewed. Before and after sac filling with FS and gentamicin, aneurysm sac thrombosis and endoleak were evaluated using a preloaded catheter to monitor immediate repair outcome. Short- to mid-term outcomes were assessed by the incidence of vascular graft infection (VGI), all-cause mortality, maximum aneurysm diameter, aneurysm sac thrombosis, and other adverse events. There were 14 patients with Brucella-related aorto-iliac artery aneurysms who underwent sac filling with FS and gentamicin after EVAR. Perioperative death due to myocardial infarction in 1 patient resulted in a postoperative all-cause mortality rate of 7.1% (1/14). All patients received anti-Brucella drugs for a median of 6.0 (range: 3-12) months postoperatively. During a median follow-up period of 15.0 (range 0.5-36) months, the absolute and sagittal maximum diameters of the aorto-iliac aneurysm sac were significantly smaller than preoperation (from 46.3 ± 17.0 to 27.2 ± 16.3 mm, P<.001, and from 39.2 ± 13.1 to 24.0 ± 13.8 mm, P<.001). Two of these patients had a postoperative disappearance of the pseudoaneurysm. One patient was reintervened for bilateral femoral artery bypass surgery. Except for sac filling with gentamicin, all patients received anti-brucella medication for a median of 6.0 (range: 3-12) months. There were no allergic reactions, nephrotoxicity, endoleak, recurrence, VGI, aorta-related or infection-related deaths during the perioperative period and follow-up. Sac filling with FS and gentamicin adjunctive to EVAR, with targeted drug delivery to the sites of Brucella-related aorto-iliac artery aneurysm infection lesions, may be an effective solution to control pseudoaneurysm infection and rupture. Previous Brucella-associated aorto-iliac artery aneurysms have been limited to case reports. This study significantly increased the number of Brucella-associated aorto-iliac aneurysms by 19.7% (14/71) and extended the follow-up to 3 years. In this retrospective study of 14 patients with Brucella-associated aorto-iliac aneurysms treated endovascularly with fibrin sealant and gentamicin for sac filling and targeted administration to infection-related aneurysms, there were no aneurysm-related deaths or infection-related complications and may be an effective solution for controlling aneurysm infection and rupture. And, this approach is an attractive treatment for moving away from long-term dependence on antibiotics but still needs further evaluation.

Association of polypharmacy scores with the long-term survival of patients with intact aortoiliac aneurysms and indication for repair

Objective/BackgroundOur study analyzed the relationship between two polypharmacy scores (addition of chronic prescribed drugs [ACPDs] and Rx-Risk Comorbidity Index) and survival in patients with an intact abdominal aortic and/or common iliac aneurysm (AAA). MethodsConsecutive retrospective, single-center cohort of patients attended for an intact AAA with indication for repair from 2008 to 2021. Demographic data, Charlson Comorbidity Index, AAA treatment, ACPD, and Rx-Risk polypharmacy scores were recorded at baseline. Main outcomes were the 5-year and long-term survival rates. The statistical analysis included Cox regression, area under the curve, and continuous net reclassification index. ResultsA total of 424 patients with AAA were evaluated (median age: 76 years; 92.2% male, median Charlson index 2), of whom 314 (74.1%) underwent intervention (80% endovascular and 20% open) and 110 (25.9%) did not. During follow-up (mean 4.6 years), 245 patients (57.8%) died, with 1-month, 1-year, and 5-year survival rates of 98.1%, 86.3%, and 52.7%, respectively. ACPD and Rx-Risk indices (median [interquartile range]: 6 [4-9] and 3 [0-5], respectively) were significantly and linearly associated (P < .001) with survival, with the best cutoff points at 5 and 0, respectively. An ACPD >5 (patients with >5 chronically prescribed drugs at baseline) and an Rx-Risk >0 were associated with a 45.2% (P = .038) and 102% (P = .002) increase in 5-year mortality, respectively, after adjustment for age, sex, Charlson index, and type of AAA treatment. Both polypharmacy indices improved significantly the discriminative power of the Charlson Comorbidity Index in predicting survival. ConclusionsBoth ACPD and Rx-Risk polypharmacy scores are independently related to survival among patients with an intact AAA and indication for repair. Their behavior is similar, so the simple ACPD >5 appears to be sufficient to identify patients with lower survival rates.

Mid-Term Outcomes of a Pre-Cannulated Iliac Branched Device in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortoiliac Aneurysms: A Retrospective Analysis from a Single Center.

The aim was to assess the mid-term results of the E-iliac branched device. Baseline and follow-up data of this monocentric retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients with aortoiliac aneurysms treated with iliac branched devices between 2016 and 2023 were extracted from the hospital records. Preoperative and follow-up CT scans were analyzed regarding endoleaks, migration, aneurysm sac remodeling, and device patency. Overall, 50 devices were implanted in 38 patients with a median age of 69 (IQR 62-78) years, and 1.6 bridging stent grafts per vessel were implanted through transfemoral (22/50; 44%) or upper extremity access (28/50; 56%). Primary technical success and assisted technical success were 97% (37/38) and 100% (38/38), respectively. No migration, no type I or III endoleaks, no stroke, colonic ischemia, aneurysm rupture, or conversion during the early and mid-term follow-ups (11 months, IQR 5-26) were observed. Aneurysm sac enlargement or shrinkage was observed in 0% (0/38) and 16% (6/38) patients, respectively. E-iliac-related re-interventions were seen only during the early follow-up: two thrombectomies with bare-metal stent relining after thrombosis of the iliac limb. Bridging stent graft and E-iliac patency during the mid-term follow-up were 100%. E-iliac showed encouraging mid-term results in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms with high technical success and a low re-intervention rate.