Artery Patency Research Articles

Endovascular Technique for Ascending Aorta Repair Based on TEVAR and TAVI Procedures

Purpose: Ascending aorta (AAo) acute pathology still has an open-surgery indication with a high mortality rate associated to cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. In these cases, the endovascular aortic approach could be an excellent option. The aim of the present study is to detail an optimized technique for the endovascular treatment of AAo diseases, based on thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures. Technique: The procedure implies the usual preparation for TEVAR and TAVI implants. A transient pacemaker lead is necessary to deliver the prosthesis under “rapid pacing.” As in the TAVI technique, a final high-support guidewire is placed at the left ventricle. The proximal landing zone is the sinotubular junction (zone 0B). Transesophageal echocardiography is essential to ensure aortic valve function and patency in coronary arteries during the delivery. To assess a potential occlusion of the brachiocephalic artery, a guidewire is positioned in the descending aorta from the axillary artery. Finally, a noncovered stent is implanted to stabilize the AAo prosthesis. Conclusion: The technique presented here can standardize a safe and reproducible procedure to endovascular repair of AAo diseases. However, new devices specifically designed for the AAo could facilitate the transcatheter approach. Clinical Impact Ascending aorta acute pathology still has an open-surgery indication with high mortality rate associated to cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. Moreover, near 30% of patients are not considered suitable for surgery because of age, critical situation or the presence of severe comorbidities. The present study provides a detailed and optimized technique for the endovascular treatment of ascending aorta disease, based on TEVAR and TAVI procedures.

Treatment of Aortoiliac Aneurysms: Compatibility of the E-liac Stent Graft (Artivion®, Iliac Branch Device) with Endurant II or IIs (Medtronic®, EVAR)

Iliac branch devices (IBD) are widely used to treat aortoiliac aneurysms with an unfit distal landing zone for standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms with the combination of the Endurant II(s) stent graft system (Medtronic®) and the E-liac stent graft (Artivion®). Data of all patients who underwent an EVAR combined with unilateral or bilateral IBD between January 2015 and January 2020 were analyzed. Primary outcomes were technical success at implantation (successful EVAR with IBD extension placement and patency of the grafts without type 1 or type 3 endoleak), and type 1b/3 endoleak, hypogastric artery patency and IBD-related reinterventions during follow-up. Secondary outcomes were all type 1 endoleak, all reinterventions, rupture, and mortality during follow-up. A total of 38 patients were treated with a combination of EVAR with IBD. Technical success was 94.7% (n = 36/38). The 30-day survival was 100%. Median follow-up time was 31months (range 8-56). During follow-up, no patients developed type 1b or type 3 endoleak and all hypogastric arteries at the side of IBD remained patent. The overall reintervention rate at 12months follow-up was 5.3% (n = 2/38) and the IBD-related reintervention rate was 2.6% (n = 1/38). The combination of the Endurant II(s) and the E-liac stent graft system is an effective and safe procedure for patients with an aortoiliac aneurysm. We confirm the high hypogastric artery patency rate using IBD. Furthermore, these devices have a high technical success rate even when it is combined with an Endurant II(s) EVAR main body.

Venous Reconstruction in Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma Is Not Essential.

Limb salvage is an important concern following complete oncologic resection for extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Vascular reconstruction is essential for limb salvage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of vascular reconstruction in patients with extremity STS. This is a retrospective, multi-center, case series of consecutive patients who underwent vascular reconstruction during extremity STS resection at 2 major centers in Korea. Demographics, reconstruction methods, type of conduit, surgical complications, graft patency, limb salvage rate, and patient survival were reviewed. From March 2005 to December 2020, 43 patients underwent vascular reconstructions during STS resection. Among the patients, 22 (51.2%) received arterial only, and 21 (48.8%) received simultaneous arterial and venous reconstructions. For the types of conduits, autologous saphenous veins (56.2%), artificial grafts (26.3%), and cryopreserved allografts (15.8%) were used. During a median follow-up of 23.8 months (interquartile range; 7.7-54.5), the overall primary patency of the reconstructed vessels was significantly higher in arteries than in veins (82.5% vs 56.3% at 12 months, P < .001). According to the type of conduit, the primary patency rate of autogenous vein seemed higher in venous reconstruction, however, there was no statistical significance in both arterial and venous reconstruction. There was no significant difference in primary arterial patency rate (P = .132) or incidence of surgical complications including postoperative edema or wound problem whether or not simultaneous venous reconstruction was performed with arterial reconstruction. The overall limb salvage rate and patient survival were 97.4%, 95.1%, and 89.4% and 91.9%, 81.7%, and 65.4% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Patency rates were poorer in venous reconstruction than in arterial reconstruction. In terms of arterial patency and postoperative complication, the role of simultaneous arterial and venous reconstruction seems not essential, however, it needs to be evaluated in future studies.

A nomogram risk assessment model to predict the possibility of type II endoleak-related re-intervention after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)

This study aimed to develop and validate a novel nomogram risk assessment model to predict the possibility of type II endoleak (T2EL)-related re-intervention. The data of 455 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms who underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures between January 2018 and December 2021 at our single center were retrospectively reviewed. Following the implementation of exclusion criteria, 283 patients were finally included and divided into T2EL-related re-intervention (n = 42) and non-T2EL (n = 241) groups. The overall T2EL-related re-intervention rate for 283 patients was 14.8% (42/283). Using multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for re-intervention included age (OR, 1.172; 95% CI, 1.051–1.307; P = 0.004), smoking (OR, 13.418; 95% CI, 2.362–76.215; P = 0.003), diameter of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) (OR, 21.380; 95% CI, 3.060–149.390; P = 0.002), and number of patent lumbar arteries (OR, 9.736; 95% CI, 3.175–29.857; P < 0.001). The discrimination ability of this risk-predictive model was reasonable (concordance index [C-index] = 0.921; 95% CI, 0.878–0.964). The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test was performed on the model, and the chi-square value was 3.210 (P = 0.920), presenting an excellent agreement between the model-predicted and observed values. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve identified that the risk thresholds of re-intervention were a diameter of > 2.77 mm for the diameter of the inferior mesenteric artery and a proportion of < 45.5% for thrombus volume in the aneurysm sac. This novel nomogram risk assessment model for predicting the possibility of patients’ T2EL-related re-interventions after EVAR should be helpful in discriminating high-risk patients. Two novel risk thresholds may imply a higher possibility of T2EL-related re-intervention after EVAR.

Complication Rate After Carotid Endarterectomy Comparing Patch Angioplasty and Primary Closure: Long-Term Outcome

Objective: In patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic severe internal carotid artery stenosis, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to reduce risk for stroke. The optimal surgical technique remains subject of debate. In the latest European Society of Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines on the management of atherosclerotic carotid disease, routine patching is preferred to routine primary closure. However, there are no RCT’s evaluating selective patching strategies. This follow-up study aimed to assess long term complication rate and restenosis after carotid endarterectomy with selective patching. Methods: Two hundred thirteen consecutive carotid endarterectomies over a 3-year period from January 5th 2011 to December 19th 2013 were prospectively analyzed in a follow-up study over 5 years (mean 4.6, range 3.17-6.17). Patient population consisted of 141 procedures on males and 72 on females with mean age 73 years at the time of surgery (standard deviation (SD) 8.57, range 53-95). There was a follow-up of 89%. Postoperative risk factors were assessed such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and smoking. Postoperative symptoms of cranial nerve injury, transient ischemic events, cerebrovascular events and mortality were evaluated. Duplex ultrasound was performed by a radiologist blinded to the operative technique to evaluate patency of the carotid artery after carotid endarterectomy. Results: Primary closure was used in 110 operations, and patch angioplasty in 103 procedures (Dacron patch). Primary closure was performed when the carotid artery had a diameter above 5 mm, when there was a high carotid bifurcation or when the contralateral carotid artery was occluded. There were no significant differences among groups' baseline characteristics at the time of surgery. Primary closure was performed significantly more in male patients (P= .02). Overall complication rate was 3.76% postoperatively (1.8% after primary closure, 5.8% after patch angioplasty) and after 5 years 5.29% (2.0% after primary closure, 9.1% after patch angioplasty). There are no significant differences in results between the two groups (P= .09 and P= .05). In four cases patients experienced symptoms of cranial nerve damage postoperatively, two in each group. In one of the two cases in each group, the patient fully recovered and the other had persistent complaints (P-value= 1). None of the patients experienced amaurosis fugax during the 5-year follow up period. In five cases a patient had an ipsilateral cerebrovascular thrombosis in the group after patch angioplasty compared to zero in the primary closure group (P-value= .02). In the group of primary closure there was a mortality of 26 patients (23.6%) compared to 26 (25.2%) patients after patch angioplasty (P-value = .70). One was caused by cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome within one month postoperative after patch angioplasty and none were caused by an ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Objective duplex ultrasound showed no significant difference comparing restenosis in both groups (P-value= .43). In twelve cases patients showed a restenosis between 50-70% (6 primary closure and 6 patch angioplasty), none of the patients had high grade restenosis of more than 70%. Patient characteristics did not show a significant effect on long term outcomes. There was a correlation between postoperative use of antihypertensive medication and long-term stroke (P-value= .006), restenosis (P-value= .01) and mortality (P-value= .003). Conclusion: After long-term follow-up we found primary closure and patch angioplasty to be equivalent with respect to complication rate and restenosis when used in selected cases. Best medical treatment and especially the use of antihypertensive medication should be emphasized.

Management of the Vertebral Artery in Craniovertebral Junction Stabilization Surgery.

The vertebral artery (VA) has an intimate relationship with the bones of the craniovertebral junction. An exact understanding of the VA anatomy in general and in the specific surgical case in particular is absolutely necessary in order to avoid intraoperative vascular injury. The course of the VA on the inferior aspect of the superior facet of the C2 vertebra makes it susceptible to damage during transarticular and interarticular fixation with the screw insertion in the adjacent lateral mass. The consequences of the intraoperative VA injury will depend on the patency of other arteries supplying the brain. In case of this complication, quick decision-making is essential to avoid excessive blood loss and to preserve adequate cerebral blood flow.

The Use of an Iliac Branch Device: Single-Center Study of Endovascular Preservation of Internal Iliac Artery Flow.

To determine the efficacy and safety of iliac branch device (IBD) implantation and to evaluate its limitations based on 7 years of experience in a single center. This single-center study included patients with bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs). We investigated follow-up CT and reviewed the internal iliac artery (IIA) patency and complications related to IBD. A retrospective analysis was performed and the overall survival rate and freedom from reintervention rate were reported according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Of the 38 patients with CIAAs, only 10 (12 CIAAs) were suitable for IBD treatment. Five patients underwent unilateral IBD insertion with contralateral IIA embolization, and three (60%) showed claudication; however, symptoms resolved within 6 months. The 7-year freedom from IBD-related reintervention rate was 77.8%. No procedure-related deaths occurred. IBD has good technical success and long-term patency rates; however, anatomical factors frequently limit its application, particularly in Asians. Additionally, unilateral IIA embolization showed relatively mild complications and a good prognosis; therefore, it can be performed safely for anatomically complex aortoiliac aneurysms.

Factors Influencing on the Aneurysm Sac Shrinkage after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair by the Analysis of the Patients with the Aneurysm Sac Shrinkage and Expansion.

Objectives: The aneurysmal sac shrinkage has been reported as the strong predictor of favorable long-term outcome after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We evaluated the effects of perioperative and intraoperative factors on the aneurysm sac shrinkage. Methods: EVAR was performed for 296 patients during August 2009-December 2021. Nine patients with type Ia, Ib, or III; 69 patients with the sac diameter change less than 5 mm; and five patients with sac re-expansion after shrunk more than 5 mm were excluded. Thus, patients with sac shrinkage 5 mm or more (79 patients, shrinkage group) and with sac expansion 5 mm or more (18 patients) were included in this study. Antifibrinolytic therapy with tranexamic acid (TXA) 1500 mg/day for 6 months after EVAR was introduced in March 2013 and patent aortic side branches were coil embolized during EVAR since July 2015. Patients' background and patent aortic side branches at the end of EVAR were evaluated. Results: Univariate analysis for comparison between patients with sac shrinkage and sac expansion revealed that males (82.3% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.021), without antiplatelet therapy (40.5% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.044) and TXA (79.8% vs. 38.9%, p <0.001), were significantly associated with sac shrinkage. By multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of sac shrinkage was 11.7 for males, 0.1 for the patients on antiplatelet therapy, and 6.5 for the patient who received TXA. The patients with patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) were less in the shrinkage group (20.3% vs. 77.8%, p <0.001) and with two or less patent lumbar arteries (LAs) were more in the shrinkage group (82.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001). The odd ratio of sac shrinkage was 7.8 for occluded IMA and 3.9 for two or less patent LAs. Conclusion: The possibility of sac shrinkage would be high for the patient with occluded IMA and two or less patent LA at the end of EVAR, and that patient received TXA after EVAR. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2022; 31: 291-297.).

One-year sac regression is associated with freedom from fatal adverse events after endovascular aneurysm repair

Although the predictors of long-term prognosis after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) have been investigated, several reports have suggested that early sac shrinkage (ESS) is associated with superior long-term prognosis. However, it was not clear whether ESS was associated with aneurysm-related mortality. The aim of this study was to define fatal adverse events and to examine their association with ESS. All consecutive patients who underwent EVAR for an abdominal aortic aneurysm at Nagoya University Hospital between June 2007 and August 2018 were identified. We defined ESS as an aneurysm diameter decrease of 10mm or more at 1year after EVAR, and we defined fatal adverse events as aneurysm-related death, aneurysm sac rupture, open conversion, secondary type Ia endoleak, or secondary type IIIa/b endoleak. Then, we evaluated the association between ESS and fatal adverse events and identified predictors of ESS. During the study period, 553 patients were identified and included. Fatal adverse events occurred in 42 patients (7.6%), and the details of the fatal adverse events were as follows: 13 aneurysm-related deaths, 17 aneurysm sac ruptures, 14 open conversions, 13 type Ia endoleaks, and 6 type III endoleaks. ESS occurred in 146 patients (26.4%). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the ESS group had a significantly lower incidence of fatal adverse events (P< .001). Multivariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in terms of 5 or more preoperatively patent lumbar arteries (odds ratio [OR], 0.67; P= .049; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-1.00), chronic kidney disease (OR, 0.49; P< .01; 95% CI, 0.29-0.84), and Zenith endograft use (OR, 1.76; P< .01; 95% CI, 1.16-2.67). Furthermore, the percentage of cases that achieved an aneurysm diameter of less than 40mm was significantly higher in the ESS group (76.0% vs 15.5%; P< .01). The use of Zenith endografts showed a significantly higher rate of aneurysm disappearance than the use of Endurant endografts (P< .01) and Excluder endografts (P< .01). In addition, it was found that ESS was more likely to occur with the use of Zenith endografts, even when propensity score matching was performed for the neck morphology. ESS was associated with a lower rate of life-threatening adverse events after EVAR. The use of Zenith endografts was a predictor of ESS and was associated with increased rates of long-term sac shrinkage and aneurysm disappearance compared with the Endurant and Excluder endografts. Using the predictors of ESS identified in this study, we may be able to expand the indications for EVAR to patients with a longer life expectancy.

Factors Influencing on the Aneurysm Sac Shrinkage after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair by the Analysis of the Patients with the Aneurysm Sac Shrinkage and Expansion.

Objectives: The aneurysmal sac shrinkage has been reported as the strong predictor of favorable long-term outcome after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We evaluated the effects of perioperative and intraoperative factors on the aneurysm sac shrinkage. Methods: EVAR was performed for 296 patients during August 2009-December 2021. Nine patients with type Ia, Ib, or III; 69 patients with the sac diameter change less than 5 mm; and five patients with sac re-expansion after shrunk more than 5 mm were excluded. Thus, patients with sac shrinkage 5 mm or more (79 patients, shrinkage group) and with sac expansion 5 mm or more (18 patients) were included in this study. Antifibrinolytic therapy with tranexamic acid (TXA) 1500 mg/day for 6 months after EVAR was introduced in March 2013 and patent aortic side branches were coil embolized during EVAR since July 2015. Patients' background and patent aortic side branches at the end of EVAR were evaluated. Results: Univariate analysis for comparison between patients with sac shrinkage and sac expansion revealed that males (82.3% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.021), without antiplatelet therapy (40.5% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.044) and TXA (79.8% vs. 38.9%, p <0.001), were significantly associated with sac shrinkage. By multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of sac shrinkage was 11.7 for males, 0.1 for the patients on antiplatelet therapy, and 6.5 for the patient who received TXA. The patients with patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) were less in the shrinkage group (20.3% vs. 77.8%, p <0.001) and with two or less patent lumbar arteries (LAs) were more in the shrinkage group (82.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001). The odd ratio of sac shrinkage was 7.8 for occluded IMA and 3.9 for two or less patent LAs. Conclusion: The possibility of sac shrinkage would be high for the patient with occluded IMA and two or less patent LA at the end of EVAR, and that patient received TXA after EVAR. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2022; 31: 291-297.).

Evaluation of treatment results in patients after surgical hemostasis using CT-angiography

Objective: to evaluate the results of treatment of patients after undergoing surgical hemostasis in obstetric hypotonic bleeding. Materials and methods: the 31 patients were examined, whose delivery was complicated by hypotonic uterine bleeding, and as a result, surgical hemostasis was performed in the amount of ligation of the ovarian and internal iliac artery. Anthropometric data were analyzed, as well as the dynamics of the results of laboratory and instrumental research methods before and after surgery. In the late postoperative period, the results of helical computed tomography (CT) under angiography conditions were evaluated in the period from 6 months to 5 years. Statistical processing was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 program. Results: the age, anamnestic data, anatomical and physiological parameters of patients, terms of delivery and their outcome did not become predictors of developed hypotonic bleeding. Early postpartum bleeding was determined in 93,5% of cases. Extirpation of the uterus was performed in 9,7% of cases. The median blood loss was 1200,0 ml, blood loss of 45-50% of the BCC was determined in 19,4%, 35–45% of the BCC was also in 19,4%. The reduced level of erythrocytes persisted until the moment of discharge, and the reduced hemoglobin after the operation tended to increase. In the course of CT, in 100% of cases, defects in the contrasting of the internal iliac artery on both sides were determined. Collateral circulation was also developed in 100,0% of cases, despite the type of defect in the internal iliac artery. Conclusions: ligation of the ovarian and internal iliac artery is a reliable method of surgical hemostasis, which allows saving the uterus in 90,3% of cases. In the late postoperative period, all patients developed various degrees of arterial patency in the ligation zone, and collateral circulation developed on both sides.

Quantitative approach to radial artery patency

Quantitative approach to radial artery patency

Flow-diverter treatment for renal artery aneurysms: One-year follow-up of a multicentric preliminary experience.

PURPOSE Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are rare in the general population, although the true incidence and natural history remain elusive. Conventional endovascular therapies such as coil embolization or covered stent graft may cause sidebranches occlusion, leading to organ infarction. Flow-diverters (FD) have been firstly designed to treat cerebrovascular aneurysms, but their use may be useful to treat complex RAAs presenting sidebraches arising from aneurysmal sac. To evaluate mid-term follow-up (FUP) safety and efficacy of FD during treatment of complex RAAs. METHODS Between November 2019 and April 2020, 7 RAAs were identified in 7 patients (4 men, 3 women; age range 55-82 years; median 67 years) and treated by FD. Procedural details, complications, morbidity and mortality, aneurysm occlusion and segmental artery patency were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve months computed tomography angiography (CTA) FUP was evaluated for all cases. RESULT Deployment of FD was successful in all cases. One intraprocedural technical complication was encountered with one FD felt down into aneurism sac which requiring additional telescopic stenting. One case at 3 months CTA FUP presented same complication, requiring same rescue technique. At 12 months CTA FUP 5 cases of size shrinkage and 2 cases of stable size were documented. No rescue surgery or major intraprocedural or mid-term FUP complication was seen. CONCLUSION Complex RAAs with two or more sidebranches can be safely treated by FD. FD efficacy for RAA needs a further validation at long term FUP by additional large prospective studies.

741 ACUTE PURULENT MYOPERICARDITIS SECONDARY TO ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TRANSBRONCHIAL NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY

Abstract Introduction Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial fine needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic method to sample peritracheal and peribronchial le- sions under real-time ultrasound guidance. The most important use of TBNA is the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and the evaluation of sarcoidosis. Although TBNA is considered generally safe, serious or even fatal complication may develop after the procedure. Here we present a case report of acute purulent myopericarditis complicated by cardiac tamponade occurred after EBUS-TBNA procedure. Case Report A 62-year-old man with preexisting hypertension and previous myocardial infarction and coronary angioplasty was admitted to our hospital for persistent, oppressive and worsening chest pain, which started a few days before admission. Of note, the patient underwent EBUS-TBNA 10 days before admission because he was found to have a tumor in the upper lobe of the left lung and enlargement of multiple mediastinal, right hilar, subcarinal and para-aortic lymph nodes. Two days after the procedure, one week before admission, he was treated with amoxicillin clavulanate and levofloxacin because of fever onset. At the ER, his vital signs showed a blood pressure of 80/60 mmHg and a heart rate of 115 bpm; O2 saturation on room-temperature air was 97%. The ECG at presentation showed concave ST segment elevation in anterolateral and inferior leads. The echocardiography revealed moderate circumferential pericardial effusion without clear tamponade signs. Emergency coronary angiography showed patent coronary arteries. The next morning, the patient developed persistent hypotension (BP 75/50 mmHg). A transthoracic echo showed moderate to large circumferential pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. He therefore underwent subxiphoid pericardiotomy with drainage of 400 ml of frank pus. Cultures from pericardial fluid were negative for common germs. Cytology was negative for malignancy and acid-fast bacilli. Histological examination of the pericardial tissue was diagnostic for acute fibrinous-purulent pericarditis. The patient was started on broad spectrum antibiotics (piperacillin/tazobactam and ciprofloxacin) with subsequent decrease of inflammation markers and clinical improvement. Control contrast enhanced chest CT scan revealed persistency of a mediastinal pluri-concamerate fluid collection. After a collective discussion with cardiac surgeons, infectious disease specialists and oncologists, given the progressive clinical and instrumental improvement, we decided to discharge the patient with long term oral antibiotics plus colchicine and ibuprofen for pericarditis. Infectious disease and oncological follow up was planned before discharge. Conclusion Complications following TBNA are relatively low, typically around 1.2%-1.4%. To date, only few cases of purulent pericarditis secondary to EBUS-TBNA have been reported in literature. Our case report adds to the existing scant literature regarding cardiac infective bronchoscopic complications and emphasizes concern of weather antibiotic prophylaxis may be needed before respiratory tract invasive procedures. Further research is necessary to better understand the existence of risk factors that could increase the probability to develop such rare but potentially lethal complications.

Acute intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion: Extension and location of the thrombus as an influencing factor in Computed Tomography angiography findings

PurposeAcute intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion can mimic an extracranial affectation on Computed Tomography angiography (CTA). This fact could be explained by the extension of the thrombus in the ICA concerning its arterial branches. This study aims to determine how this factor may influence imaging findings. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted from a single-center database of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy due to ICA occlusion between October 2017 and March 2022 (n = 77). Patients with acute intracranial ICA occlusion were included (n = 29) and divided into two groups, according to ICA opacification on CTA: the discernible extracranial ICA or group D, and the pseudo-occlusion or group P. Patency of posterior communicating, anterior choroidal, and ophthalmic arteries on digital subtraction angiography were collected to determine thrombus extension. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for CTA. ResultsSignificant differences were found in DSA between group P (n = 17) and group D (n = 12) in the frequency of patency of major artery branches: the presence of posterior communicating (PCOM) and anterior choroidal arteries (AChA) was observed in 2 patients in group P vs. 10 in group D (p < 0.001); whereas the patency of the ophthalmic artery (OA) was visualized in 10 patients in group P vs. 12 in group D, p = 0.023). For the diagnosis of isolated intracranial ICA occlusion, CTA had a sensitivity of 43.5% and a specificity of 97.2%. ConclusionsThe location and extent of the thrombus in the intracranial ICA concerning major artery branches may influence CTA findings.

Endovascular therapies for hepatic artery stenosis post liver transplantation

PurposeTo evaluate primary patency at 12 months after endovascular therapies in hepatic artery stenosis.MethodsA retrospective review of all endovascular interventions for hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after liver transplantation that occurred between June 2013 and November 2020 was performed at a single institution in France. Follow up occurred from 1 month to 4 years (median 15 months). The treatment consisted of dilation with a balloon or stent. We analyzed short-term (technical success and complications) and long-term outcomes (liver function, arterial patency, graft survival at 12 months (GS), and reintervention). We also compared percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PBA) with stent placement. PBA alone was used if < 30% residual stenosis of the hepatic artery was achieved. Stenting was performed if there was greater than 30% residual stenosis and in the case of complications (dissection or rupture).ResultsA total of 18 stenoses were suspected on the basis of routine surveillance duplex ultrasound imaging (peak systolic velocity > 200 cm/s, systolic accelerating time > 10 ms and resistive index < 0.5), all of which were confirmed by angio CT, but only 17 were confirmed by angiography.Seventeen patients were included (14 males, mean age 57 years; and three females, mean age 58 years).Interventions were performed in 17 cases (95%) with PBA only (5/17), stent only (5/17) or both (4/17).Immediate technical success was 100%. Major complications occurred in 1 of 17 cases (5.8%), consisting of target vessel dissection. The analysis of the three (groups PBA only, stent only or both) showed the same procedural success (100%), GS (100%) and normal liver function after the procedures but different rates of complications (20% vs. 0% vs. 0%), arterial patency at 12 months (60% vs. 80% vs. 85%) (p = 0.4), early stenosis (40% vs. 80% vs. 0%) or late stenosis (60% vs. 20% vs. 100%) and requirement for reintervention (40% vs. 20% vs. 14%) (p = 0.56).ConclusionThis study suggests that PBA, stent, or both procedures show the same primary patency at 12 months.It is probably not a definitive answer, but these treatments are safe and effective for extending graft survival in the context of graft shortages.

Internal carotid artery patency after mechanical thrombectomy for stroke due to occlusive dissection: Impact on outcome.

Internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a rare cause of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). We aimed investigating the impact on outcome of internal carotid artery (ICA) patency after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for AIS-LVO due to occlusive ICAD. We included consecutive patients with AIS-LVO due to occlusive ICAD treated with MT from January 2015 to December 2020 in three European stroke centers. We excluded patients with unsuccessful intracranial reperfusion after MT (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score < 2b). We compared 3-month favorable clinical outcome rate, defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ⩽2, according to ICA status (patency vs occlusion) at the end of MT and at 24-h follow-up imaging, using univariate and multivariable models. Among 70 included patients, ICA was patent in 54/70 (77%) at the end of MT, and in 36/66 (54.5%) patients with 24-h follow-up imaging. Among patients with ICA patency at the end of MT, 32% presented ICA occlusion at 24-h control imaging. Favorable 3-month outcome occurred in 41/54 (76%) patients with ICA patency post-MT and in 9/16 (56%) patients with occluded ICA post-MT (p = 0.21). Rates of favorable outcome were significantly higher in patients with 24-h ICA patency compared to patients with 24-h ICA occlusion (32/36 [89%] vs 15/30 [50%]), with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.67 (95% CI: 1.26-17.25). Obtaining sustained (24-h) ICA patency after MT could be a therapeutic target for improving functional outcome in patients with AIS-LVO due to ICAD.

Prosthetic vascular graft management in above-knee amputations.

Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is the most severe state of peripheral arterial disease and is one of the major causes of lower-limb amputations. One of the treatment choices is prosthetic vascular grafts. Despite treatment, CLI may lead to amputation owing to infection or progressive ischaemia. The aim of this study was to show that multidisciplinary planning and surgery for CLI patients with prosthetic grafts decreased the duration of hospital stay, costs, risk of infection and ascending conversion of the amputation level. Forty-two above-knee amputation patients with grafts were retrospectively evaluated. Group A patients (n = 24) had partial excision and group B patients ( n = 18) total excision with or without saphenous patch-plasty, according to the patency of the deep femoral artery. Growth in wound culture, antibiotic therapy duration, conversion to hip disarticulation and hospitalisation periods were compared. Differences in growth of wound culture (p = 0.007), antibiotic duration (p = 0.003), hip disarticulation (p = 0.029) and duration of hospital stay (p = 0.0001) between the two groups were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Management of CLI patients is a complex process, and a multidisciplinary approach is key to avoiding undesirable outcomes. Meticulous planning, including excision of the total graft, while ensuring the vascular supply, is essential.

Efficacy of Normal Saline as Flushing Solution to Maintain Indwelling Arterial Catheter Patency after Cardiac Single Valve Surgery

Introduction: Arterial catheters include radial, brachial, femoral, dorsalis pedis and axillary artery are used in the intensive care unit for continuous blood pressure monitoring, repeated blood sampling. Normal saline solution can maintain patency of arterial and central venous pressure monitoring catheters. Heparinized solutions had no effect on prolonging patency and improving function of catheters while the normal saline solution increases accuracy of coagulatory tests. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of Normal saline as flushing solution to maintain indwelling arterial catheter patency among patients after cardiac single valve surgery. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Cardiac surgery of National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from July 2016 to June 2017. This study included sixty patients who underwent single valve replacement surgery and shifted to the ICU with arterial line catheter. The patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups- Group 1 (with heparin solution) and Group 2 (with normal saline). Result: In our study we found the mean ± SD of age among Group 1 &amp; 2 was (36.3±6.7) &amp; (35.7±10.3) respectively. We found 100% patients had arterial line patent in 1st POD in both groups. In 2nd POD 86.8% &amp; 76.7% and at 3rd POD 50.0% &amp; 43.3% patients had patency in Group 1 &amp; Group 2 respectively. We found the mean± SD of platelet count at 1st POD was (206530±64441) &amp; (212543±48768); at 3rd POD was (226517±60185) &amp; (245957±52826); at 7th POD was (240517±57379) &amp; (257713±53655); at 14th POD was (245850±52680) &amp; (244337±56796) in Group 1 &amp; 2 respectively which was significantly higher in Group 2. Conclusion: The use of heparin in normal saline for arterial line flushing does not significantly reduce platelet counts in cardiac valve surgery patients in comparison to use of normal ....

In-Hospital Outcome of Early Versus Late Coronary Intervention in Patients Undergoing Thrombolysis after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: To determine the In-hospital outcome of early versus late coronary intervention in patients undergoing thrombolysis after acute myocardial infarction (STEMI).&#x0D; Study Design: Analytical Cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Cardiology, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore Pakistan from Jul 2021 to Dec2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Total of (n=100) patients regardless of gender between 30-80 years of age, presented with acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) at emergency room of PIC, Lahore and undergo thrombolysis with a thrombolytic agent after taking the informed consents were selected by a consecutive sampling technique. The demographic information which includes (name, age, gender, H/O diabetes, duration of STEMI) was noted. Then patients were randomly divided in two groups (Group A &amp; B). In Group-A, patients were undergone PCI within 24 hours of thrombolysis. In Group-B, patients were undergone PCI after 24 hours of thrombolysis. Then all patients were followed-up in coronary care units for 07 days. If reinfarction occurs or patient was died during hospital stay, it was recorded. All the information was noted in a preformed structured proforma.&#x0D; Results: Out of 100 patients, 10 % (n=10) were in age group of 30-45 years and 90 % (n=90) were in age group of 46-80 years. The mean age was calculated as 60.16 ± 7.13 years. There were 90 (90 %) males whereas 10 (10 %) were females. The frequency of Re-Infarction in early Intervention group was 2(2%) and in late Intervention group it was 10%. (p&lt;0.05).The frequency of mortality in early Intervention group was 2 (02%) and in late Intervention group it was 10%. (p&lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Frequency of re-infarction as well as mortality was comparatively low in Intervention group. Therefore, the immediate restoring the patency of occluded coronary arteries can prevent or decrease myocardial damage due to acute myocardial infarction and henceforth, decrease morbidity and mortality..