Bypass Graft Occlusion Research Articles

The utility of angiography-derived fractional flow reserve in predicting graft occlusions prior to bypass surgery

Abstract Background Occurrence of graft occlusion following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has been linked to the presence of native coronary artery competitive flow (1). Despite its routine use in guiding revascularization, coronary angiography lacks sensitivity for assessing coronary stenosis significance. Data regarding the use of pressure-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) to assess the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenoses prior to CABG are inconclusive (2) and the penetration of FFR in clinical routine is limited for various reasons (3). Different systems have been developed to predict FFR based on coronary angiographic images, eliminating pressure wires or hyperemic agents (4). Preliminary data demonstrated a high concordance between off-site angiography-derived FFR and pressure wire–based FFR (5-7). However, the use of this technique prior to CABG is not well studied. Purpose This study aims to correlate pre-CABG angiography-derived FFR with graft occlusion. Secondary endpoint is the correlation between the presence of at least one occluded bypass graft and overall mortality. Methods Retrospective study of patients undergoing CABG in whom a follow-up angiogram has been performed. Angiography-based FFR was calculated with a dedicated software (vFFR, CAAS 8.2 Workstation, Pie Medical Imaging), obtaining each major native coronary vessel before CABG. Post-CABG angiograms were conducted at least 6 weeks post-surgery to exclude graft-failures due to technical factors and thrombosis. Results From 2005 and 2014, 204 patients underwent pre-CABG angiography, with post-CABG angiograms at a median of 3.85 years [IQR 1.33-8.80] post-surgery. In total, 125 patients had to be excluded due to inadequate angiogram quality for vFFR assessment (outdated imaging system, improper vessel angles, vessel overlap, insufficient contrast). Consequently, 79 patients were suitable for pre-CABG vFFR analysis, including 132 grafted vessels (93 arterial and 39 saphenous grafts). The median patient age was 68 years [IQR 58-72] and mean time for clinical follow-up was 9.9±3.6 years. Vessels analyzed using vFFR were left anterior descending (LAD) (n=60, 45.5%), left circumflex (LCX) (n=39, 29.5%), ramus intermedius (RIM) (n=8, 6.1%) and right coronary artery (RCA) (n=25, 18.9%). Mean pre-CABG vFFR was 0.59±0.15. To predict graft occlusion, a vFFR cut-off value of 0.745 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.847 (95%CI 0.752–0.942) had a specificity of 0.722 and a sensitivity of 0.902 (Figure A). There was no difference in overall-mortality when comparing patients with at least one occluded bypass graft to those without (57.1% vs. 57.9%, p=0.949, Figure B). Conclusions vFFR can be used as a noninvasive tool to predict graft patency in patients undergoing CABG with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Bypass graft occlusion did not correlate with overall-survival in this cohort.

In-Hospital Graft Occlusion in Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients in the Early Postoperative Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: The objectives of this paper are to evaluate the incidence of early graft occlusion during hospital stays following coronary bypass surgery (CABG) and to assess the factors influencing the odds of in-hospital early graft occlusion. Methods: Reports evaluating the early in-hospital occlusion of coronary bypass grafts were identified through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The primary endpoint was to determine the incidence of early graft occlusion following CABG before discharge and to identify and quantify the impact of demographic, clinical, and procedural risk factors on the occurrence of early graft occlusion. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects inverse-variance model with the DerSimonian-Laird estimator, assessing incidence rates, risk factors, and study heterogeneity, with statistical analysis performed using Stata. Results: A total of 22 studies with 35,798 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of in-hospital early graft occlusion was 5% (95% CI: 3% to 7%). In studies using symptom-driven patency assessment, the incidence of occlusion was 2%, whereas in those employing systematic graft patency assessment, it was 6%. Only the presence of a vein graft OR 2.13 (95% CI: 1.19-3.82) was significantly associated with in-hospital graft occlusion. Conclusions: The incidence of in-hospital early graft occlusion seems substantially underestimated if imaging is restricted only to symptomatic patients. Moreover, female gender, increased PI, and the presence of a composite graft could also be potential risk factors for this complication.

Early silent coronary bypass graft occlusion following coronary bypass surgery, implication of routine coronary computed tomography angiography

ObjectiveTo evaluate incidence and predictors of early silent bypass occlusion following coronary bypass surgery using cardiac computed tomography angiography.MethodsA total of 439 consecutive patients with mean age of 66 ± 10 years comprising 17% (n = 75) females underwent isolated coronary bypass surgery followed by CT scan before discharge. Graft patency was evaluated in 1,319 anastomoses where 44% (n = 580) arterial and 56% (n = 739) vein graft anastomosis were performed. Cardiovascular risk factors, demographics, and intraoperative variables were analyzed. We conducted univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to analyze variables potentially associated with graft occlusion following CABG. Variables included gender, surgery duration, graft flow, pulsatility index, vein vs. artery graft, and recent MI.ResultsOverall incidence of graft occlusion was 2.4% (31/1,319), and it was diagnosed in 6.6% (29/439) of patients. The difference in occlusion between arterial (2.1%) and vein (2.6%) grafts was not significant, p = 0.68. The duration of intervention p = 0.034, cross clamp time p = 0.024 as well the number of distal anastomosis p = 0.034 were significantly higher in occlusion group. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression indicated duration of surgery being predictive for bypass graft occlusion with OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01–1.38; p = 0.035.ConclusionsEarly graft occlusion was associated with surgical factors. The number of distant anastamoses, along duration of surgical intervention were, significantly influenced the risk of EGO. Prolonged procedural time reflecting complex coronary pathology and time-consuming revascularization procedure was as well associated to the elevated risk of occlusion.

Omniflow® II biosynthetic graft offers acceptable early and mid-term outcomes in redo surgery in patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia with no available autologous vein material.

In this study, the early and mid-term outcomes of Omniflow® II (LeMaitre Vascular, Inc., Burlington, MA, USA) biosynthetic graft in redo surgery in patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) with no available autologous vein material were investigated with the aim to compare the outcomes obtained in "de novo" surgery versus redo surgery. From January 2018 until December 2022, data of CLTI patients from 18 centers in Italy with no autologous vein material underwent infrainguinal bypass with Omniflow® II biosynthetic graft were collected. Thirty-day outcome measures including intraoperative technical success, major morbidity, mortality, and graft patency were assessed and compared. At two-year follow-up, estimated outcomes of survival, primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, freedom from reintervention, and amputation-free survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared between groups using the log-rank test. In the study period 119 CLTI patients had an infrainguinal bypass with Omniflow® II biosynthetic graft. Seventy-seven patients (64.7%) underwent bypass as "de novo" treatment (group de novo), whilst in the remaining 42 patients (35.3%) the procedure was performed as redo surgery due to occlusion and/or infection of a previous bypass graft (group redo). Two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic, clinical, and morphological data. In group redo explantation of an infected prosthetic graft was needed in 4 cases (9.5%). Intraoperative technical success was achieved in all cases in both groups. At 30 days, the overall patency rate did not differ between the two groups (69/77, 89.6%, group de novo vs. 35/42, 83.3%, group redo; P=0.24), whilst in group redo limb loss was higher with a statistically significant different 30-day major amputation rate between the two groups (11.9% group redo vs. 1.3% group de novo; P<0.001). Overall median duration of follow-up was eight months (IQR 6-13). At two-year follow-up there were no differences between the two groups in terms of survival (67.7% group de novo vs. 55.8% group redo, P=0.53), primary patency (34.4% group de novo vs. 26.8% group redo, P=0.25), primary assisted patency (43.6% group de novo vs. 28.8% group redo, P=0.12), freedom from reintervention (64.1% group de novo vs. 68.8% group redo, P=0.98), and amputation-free survival (67.8% group de novo vs. 60% group redo, P=0.12). Secondary patency was significantly higher in group de novo (53.7% vs. 32.3%, P=0.05). During the follow-up, the overall rates of graft infection and aneurysmal degeneration were 3.4%, and 0.8%, respectively. Nevertheless, poorer early outcomes in terms of limb salvage, Omniflow® II biosynthetic graft offers acceptable ywo-year outcomes in redo surgery in CLTI patients with no available autologous vein material. Further studies with larger population sizes are needed to validate these outcomes.

A rat model for acute limb ischemia using microsized gelatin beads.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a rapid decrease in lower limb blood flow due to acute occlusion of peripheral arteries or bypass grafts. This study aimed to establish an ALI model using microsized gelatin beads and to investigate the pathophysiological conditions. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, and a low or high dose of microsized gelatin beads was administered into the left femoral artery on days 0 and 7. A control, that is, normal saline (NS) group in which NS was administered in the left femoral artery, a femoral artery cut (FAC) group in which the left femoral artery was cut, and a sciatic nerve cut (SNC) group in which the left sciatic nerve was cut were prepared. After 21 days, the temperature changes and the muscle weights in the lower limbs were measured. To assess nerve damage, the L1-6 sympathetic ganglia were immunostained with activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) antibody. In the Low-dose, High-dose, and FAC groups, a decrease in temperature was predominantly observed in the left limb. In the High-dose and SNC groups, the weight of the soleus muscle and extensor digitorum longus in the left limb decreased; however, no weight changes were observed in the Low-dose and FAC groups. Conversely, the weight of the gastrocnemius muscle significantly decreased in the Low-dose, High-dose, FAC, and SNC groups. In the High-dose and SNC groups, the number of ATF3-positive cells in the sympathetic ganglia significantly increased, and in the Low-dose, a small number of ATF3-positive cells were observed. However, ATF3-positive cells were rarely observed in the FAC and NS groups. We established an ALI rat model using microsized gelatin beads. The results of this study suggest that autonomic neuropathy in ALI is related to both muscle damage and peripheral neuropathy.

Predicting future occlusion or stenosis of lower extremity bypass grafts using artificial intelligence to simultaneously analyze all flow velocities collected in current and previous ultrasound examinations

ObjectiveRoutine surveillance with duplex ultrasound (DUS) examination is recommended after femoral-popliteal and femoral-tibial-pedal vein bypass grafts with various intervals postoperatively. The presently used methodology to analyze bypass graft DUS examination does not use all the available data and has been shown to have a significant rate for missing impending bypass graft failure. The objective of this research is to investigate recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to predict future bypass graft occlusion or stenosis. MethodsThis study includes DUS examinations of 663 patients who had bypass graft operations done between January 2009 and June 2022. Only examinations without missing values were included. We developed two RNNs (a bidirectional long short-term memory unit and a bidirectional gated recurrent unit) to predict bypass graft occlusion and stenosis based on peak systolic velocities collected in the 2 to 5 previous DUS examinations. We excluded the examinations with missing values and split our data into training and test sets. Then, we applied 10-fold cross-validation on training to optimize the hyperparameters and compared models using the test data. ResultsThe bidirectional long short-term memory unit model can gain an overall sensitivity of 0.939, specificity of 0.963, and area under the curve of 0.950 on the prediction of bypass graft occlusion, and an overall sensitivity of 0.915, specificity of 0.909, and area under the curve of 0.912 predicting the development of a future critical stenosis. The results on different bypass types show that the system performs differently on different types. The results on subcohorts based on gender, smoking status, and comorbidities show that the performance on current smokers is lower than the never smoker. ConclusionsWe found that RNNs can gain good sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of impending bypass graft occlusion or the future development of a critical bypass graft stenosis using all the available peak systolic velocity data in the present and previous bypass graft DUS examinations. Integrating clinical data, including demographics, social determinants, medication, and other risk factors, together with the DUS examination may result in further improvements. Clinical RelevanceDetecting bypass graft failure before it occurs is important clinically to prevent amputations, salvage limbs, and save lives. Current methods evaluating screening duplex ultrasound examinations have a significant failure rate for detecting a bypass graft at risk for failure. Artificial intelligence using recurrent neural networks has the potential to improve the detection of at-risk bypass graft before they fail. Additionally, artificial intelligence is in the news and is being applied to many fields. Vascular surgeons need to know its potential to improve vascular outcomes.

A clinical case of myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass grafting using the internal mammary artery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most preferred method of myocardial revascularization in multivessel coronary artery disease and severe progressive forms of the disease. The material of choice for CABG of the left anterior descending artery (LADA) is the internal mammary artery (IMA). However, even when using IMA as a conduit for CABG, one should be aware of a possibility of graft failure, which indicates a need for constant vigilance in this category of patients. Endovascular interventions on coronary arteries make it possible to efficiently and safely revascularize an occluded bypass graft, minimizing existing risks and improving both the quality of life of patients and their subsequent survival. The article considers a clinical case of the development of recurrent anterior myocardial infarction in the patient due to occlusion of the mammary graft to the LADA.

Direct puncture versus contralateral femoral artery approach for catheter-directed thrombolysis of occluded infra-inguinal arterial bypass grafts

To compare the safety, effectiveness, and clinical outcome of percutaneous direct puncture approach versus contralateral femoral native vessel approach for catheter-directed thrombolysis of occluded infra-inguinal bypass grafts. A retrospective analysis was performed comprising a cohort of patients who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis procedures of occluded infra-inguinal bypass grafts between January 2013 and January 2022, with a follow-up period until June 2022. This included 55 procedures via the native vessel approach and 18 procedures via the direct puncture approach. Primary outcomes were technical success and procedural safety; secondary outcomes included re-intervention rate, limb salvage, and mortality as assessed by log-rank testing and Kaplan-Meier curves. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to patient demographics, except for the number of previous vascular procedures (n=6.83±3.07 direct approach versus n=4.96±2.79 native vessel approach, p=0.025). Thrombolysis was comparably successful in both groups (n=13/18; 72% direct approach versus n=42/55; 76%, p=0.723). There were no differences in the duration of thrombolysis administration. The rate of adverse events was slightly lower in the direct approach group, but without significance (p=0.092). There were no adverse events related to the puncture site in the direct approach group. No differences were found between the time-to-event values for re-occlusion, re-intervention, amputation, or mortality respectively (p=0.662; p=0.520; p=0.816; p=0.462). The direct puncture approach seems to be a safe and efficient approach for catheter-directed thrombolysis procedures in infra-inguinal occluded bypass grafts, with clinical outcomes comparable to the native vessel approach.

Non-contrast computed tomography findings for identification of chronically occluded coronary artery bypass grafts.

Detecting occlusions of coronary artery bypass grafts using non-contrast computed tomography (CT) series is understudied and underestimated. To evaluate morphological findings for the diagnosis of chronic coronary artery bypass graft occlusion on non-contrast CT and investigate performance statistics for potential use cases. Seventy-three patients with coronary artery bypass grafts who had CT angiography of the chest (non-contrast and arterial phases) were retrospectively included. Two readers applied pre-set morphologic findings to assess the patency of a bypass graft on non-contrast series. These findings included vessel shape (linear-band like), collapsed lumen and surgical graft marker without a visible vessel. Performance was tested using the simultaneously acquired arterial phase series as the ground truth. The per-patient diagnostic accuracy for occlusion was 0.890 (95% confidence interval=0.795-0.951). Venous grafts overall had an 88% accuracy. None of the left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery arterial graft occlusions were detected. The negative likelihood ratio for an occluded graft that is truly patent was 0.121, demonstrating a true post-test probability of 97% for identifying a patent graft as truly patent given a prevalence of 20% occlusion at a median 8.4 years post-surgery. Neither years post-surgery, nor number of vessels was associated with a significant decrease in reader accuracy. Evaluation of coronary bypass grafts for chronic occlusion on non-contrast CT based off vessel morphology is feasible and accurate for venous grafts. Potential use cases include low-intermediate risk patients with chest pain or shortness of breath for whom non-contrast CT was ordered, or administration of iodine-based contrast is contraindicated.

Hybrid Technique Outcomes for High-Risk Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection With Landing Zone 1

In this report, we analyzed the outcomes of the hybrid technique for high-risk uncomplicated type B aortic dissection with landing zone 1. We enrolled 80 patients from January 2016 to January 2020 and retrospectively analyzed their outcomes, including mortality, aortic-related adverse events, and aortic remodeling. The mean age was 51.6 ± 9.9years, and 68.0% (54 of 80) were men. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases (80 of 80), and 30-day mortality was 4% of patients (n=3), including 2 dissection-related deaths. Immediate endoleaks occurred in 16 patients, including 11 type Ia and 5 type II. Four patients (5%) developed minor strokes postoperatively, and no short-term spinal cord ischemia and re-intervention occurred. The average length of stay was 20 ± 8days. The overall mortality was 8% after a median follow-up of 44 months (38 to 52). Five patients (7%) developed strokes, and 11 (16%) had late endoleaks, including 1 type Ia, 5 type Ib, and 3 type II. Four re-interventions (5%) were necessary, 3 for endoleaks and 1 for retrograde type A dissection. Three bypass graft occlusions (5%) and 5 stoma stenoses (8%) were observed in the latest follow-up computed tomography. In conclusion, the hybrid technique with landing zone 1 might be a viable alternative to open aortic arch replacement in patients at high risk with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection with acceptable early and late outcomes. However, stroke and endoleak complications should be further addressed.

Editor's Choice – Endovascular Versus Surgical Treatment for All Comer Patients With Prosthetic Bypass Graft Occlusion: The Multicentre ENSUPRO Study

Bypass surgery plays a key role in complex lower limb lesions. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the management of symptomatic prosthetic bypass graft (PBG) occlusion. This study aimed to report outcomes following open, hybrid, or endovascular management of patients presenting with symptomatic PBG occlusion. A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients presenting with PBG occlusion between January 2014 and December 2021 from 18 centres. It assessed the comparative value of treatment strategies, including (1) recanalisation of native vessels, (2) endovascular treatment of the failed PBG, (3) hybrid treatment, and (4) open surgery. The primary outcome measure was amputation free survival (AFS, time to major amputation and or death), whereas all cause mortality, major amputation, PBG re-occlusion, target lesion revascularisation (TLR), and Rutherford category (RC) improvement during follow up were considered as secondary endpoints. Of 260 patients with occluded PBGs, 108 (41.5%) were treated endovascularly (24 [22.2%] by recanalisation of native vessels and 84 [77.7%] by PBG re-opening), 57 (21.9%) underwent hybrid revascularisation, and 58 (22.3%) had surgery. In addition, 27 (10.4%) were treated conservatively and 10 (3.8%) received systemic thrombolysis. With a median follow up of 1.4 (0.6 - 3.0) years, AFS was 95.5%, 76.4%, 45.5%, and 37.1%, respectively in Groups 1 - 4 (p= .007). Older age and non-endovascular treatment (HR 1.05 and 1.70; p < .01 for both) were independent predictors of poor AFS. Endovascular treatment was associated with lower rates of major amputation (p= .04), PBG re-occlusion (p < .001), and TLR (p= .037), and higher RC improvements (p < .001), whereas all cause mortality was comparable between treatment groups (p= .21). Endovascular treatment is associated with higher rates of AFS and RC improvement and lower rates of PBG re-occlusion and TLR in patients with PBG occlusion.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Race and Socioeconomic Deprivation on Outcomes After Lower Extremity Bypass.

To evaluate the potential pathway, through which race and socioeconomic status, as measured by the social deprivation index (SDI), affect outcomes after lower extremity bypass chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), a marker for delayed presentation. Racial and socioeconomic disparities persist in outcomes after lower extremity bypass; however, limited studies have evaluated the role of disease severity as a mediator to potentially explain these outcomes using clinical registry data. We captured patients who underwent lower extremity bypass using a statewide quality registry from 2015 to 2021. We used mediation analysis to assess the direct effects of race and high values of SDI (fifth quintile) on our outcome measures: 30-day major adverse cardiac event defined by new myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack/stroke, or death, and 30-day and 1-year surgical site infection (SSI), amputation and bypass graft occlusion. A total of 7077 patients underwent a lower extremity bypass procedure. Black patients had a higher prevalence of CLTI (80.63% vs 66.37%, P < 0.001). In mediation analysis, there were significant indirect effects where Black patients were more likely to present with CLTI, and thus had increased odds of 30-day amputation [odds ratio (OR): 1.11, 95% CI: 1.068-1.153], 1-year amputation (OR: 1.083, 95% CI: 1.045-1.123) and SSI (OR: 1.052, 95% CI: 1.016-1.089). There were significant indirect effects where patients in the fifth quintile for SDI were more likely to present with CLTI and thus had increased odds of 30-day amputation (OR: 1.065, 95% CI: 1.034-1.098) and SSI (OR: 1.026, 95% CI: 1.006-1.046), and 1-year amputation (OR: 1.068, 95% CI: 1.036-1.101) and SSI (OR: 1.026, 95% CI: 1.006-1.046). Black patients and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients tended to present with a more advanced disease, CLTI, which in mediation analysis was associated with increased odds of amputation and other complications after lower extremity bypass compared with White patients and those that were not socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Impact of Revascularization Technique on the Outcomes of Peripheral Graft Revision Procedures

The acute occlusion of a peripheral bypass graft leads to acute limb ischemia (ALI) and threatens the viability of the limb if left untreated. The aim of the present study was to analyze the results of surgical and hybrid revascularization techniques for patients with ALI due to peripheral graft occlusions. A retrospective analysis of 102 patients undergoing treatment for ALI due to peripheral graft occlusion between 2002 and 2021 was carried out at a tertiary vascular center. Procedures were classified as surgical when only surgical techniques were used and as hybrid when surgical procedures were combined with endovascular techniques such as balloon or stent angioplasty or thrombolysis. Endpoints were primary and secondary patency and amputation-free survival after 1 and 3years. Of all patients, 67 met the inclusion criteria, 41 were treated surgically and 26 by hybrid procedures. There were no significant differences in the 30-day patency rate, 30-day amputation rate, and 30-day mortality. The 1- and 3-year primary patency rates were 41.4% and 29.2% overall, respectively; 45% and 32.1% in the surgical group, respectively; and 33.2% and 26.6% in the hybrid group, respectively. The 1- and 3-year secondary patency rates were 54.1% and 35.8% overall, respectively; 52.5% and 34.2% in the surgical group, respectively; and 54.4% and 43.5% in the hybrid group, respectively. The 1- and 3-year amputation-free survival rates were 67.5% and 59.2%, overall, respectively; 67.3% and 67.3% in the surgical group, respectively; and 68.5% and 48.2% in the hybrid group, respectively. There were no significant differences between the surgical and the hybrid groups. The results of surgical and hybrid procedures after bypass thrombectomy for ALI to eliminate the cause of infrainguinal bypass occlusion are comparable with good midterm results in terms of amputation-free survival. New endovascular techniques and devices need to be established in comparison to the results of these proven surgical revascularization methods.

Results of redo endovascular surgery in patients with occlusion of autovenous femoropopliteal bypass grafts

Results of redo endovascular surgery in patients with occlusion of autovenous femoropopliteal bypass grafts

Abstract No. 362 Texture analysis of arterial graft thrombus on CT angiography: correlation with age of thrombus and implication on catheter directed thrombolysis

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is the widely utilized treatment for patients with acute occlusion of lower extremity arteries and bypass grafts. The success and dose of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) required is influenced by age of thrombus, which is primarily assessed by clinical parameters. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of utilizing quantitative texture analyses in determining the age of thrombus in relation to patients’ clinical profiles, further predicting the dose of required thrombolytic agent.

Impacts of Lesion Characteristics on Procedures and Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Recanalization With Antegrade Guidewire True Lumen Tracking Techniques: A Substudy of Taiwan True Lumen Tracking Registry.

BackgroundLesion characteristics were shown to predict procedural success and outcomes in chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization. However, diverse techniques involved in these studies might cause potential heterogeneity.ObjectiveThe study aimed to test the impacts of lesion characteristics on CTO intervention with a pure antegrade wiring-based technique.Methods and ResultsWe studied consecutive 325 patients (64.5 ± 11.1 years, 285 men) with native CTO lesions intervened by a single operator with an antegrade-based technique between August 2014 and July 2020. Forty-seven patients with antegrade procedural failure (20 with pure antegrade wiring failure and 27 with back-up retrograde techniques) were compared to 278 patients with antegrade-only procedural success. With a median follow-up of 30.8 (16.1–48.6) months, 278 patients with procedural success were further assessed for target vessel failure (TVF: cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction [MI], and target lesion revascularization [TLR]). Patients with antegrade procedural success had a lower percentage of history with bypass graft (4 vs. 15%, p = 0.004) and lower Multicenter Chronic Total Occlusion Registry of Japan (J-CTO) score (2.1±1.3 vs. 3.4 ± 1.0, p < 0.001), when compared to those with antegrade failure. The J-CTO score was independently associated with procedural failure (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.8–3.4) in multivariate analysis. However, only clinical features, such as female gender (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.4–13.1), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (HR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.0–9.9), and old MI (HR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.5–12.8), but not J-CTO score, could predict long-term TVF in multivariate Cox regression model.ConclusionThe feasibility of the antegrade guidewire-crossing technique for native CTO intervention was highly determined by lesion characteristics. With such a simpler technique, the prognostic impact of lesion complexity shown in studies with multiple recanalization techniques was negligible. This suggested antegrade true lumen tracking techniques deserved to be tried better even for CTO lesions with higher complexity.

Endovasküler Yöntemlerle Tedavi Ettiğimiz Akut Alt Ekstremite Emboli Deneyimlerimiz

Objectives: The study aims to retrospectively evaluate the 1-year results of endovascular treatment with rheolytic thrombectomy(TR) or catheter-directed thrombolytic(CDT) infusion therapy in acute femoro-popliteal bypass graft occlusion.&#x0D; Methods: The patients who had a history of femoro-popliteal by-pass operation and during their follow-up diagnosed with ipsilateral acute limb ischemia between 2016 and 2018 were included. The total of 13 patients were included and they were divided into two groups according to their treatment methods (RT, n=8 vs CDT, n=5).&#x0D; Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data and Rutherford embolism classification. Reolitic thrombectomy and catheter-directed thromolytic infusion primary patency values were 87.5% and 80% for 6 months, 75% and 60% for 12 months, respectively. Secondary patency values were found to be 100% in both groups for 6 months, and 87.5% and 80% for 12 months, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of primer and sekonder patency.&#x0D; Conclusion:Endovascular therapy can be preferred in the treatment of acute femoro-popliteal by-pass graft occlusion in selected patient groups due to its less invasiveness, early mobilization, and low mortality and morbidity rates compared to surgery,

Outcomes and Fate of the Distal Landing Zone Compared Between Prosthetic and Autologous Grafts After Infra-Inguinal Graft Occlusions.

BackgroundDue to an increasing life expectancy, more and more patients experience the failure of peripheral arterial revascularization. This study aims to investigate patients treated for the failure of infra-inguinal bypass grafts, and to investigate the interaction of different bypass materials [great saphenous vein (GSV) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)] and the further outcome.MethodsRetrospective single-center analysis of consecutive patients treated for acute or chronic occlusion of infra-inguinal bypasses at a university hospital was conducted. Hospitalizations from 1st January 2010 through 31st December 2019 were included. Perioperative parameters from the index operation including graft material (prosthetic vs. autologous) were assessed. After bypass occlusion, the grade of ischemia, as well as the distal landing zone of the redo bypass compared with the primary bypass was investigated.ResultsIn this study, 158 (65% men and 35% women with a m mean age of 70.5 years) eligible patients were included (57% vein and 42% prosthetic bypass grafts). After graft occlusion, 47% of the patients presented with symptoms of acute limb-threatening ischemia, 53% with symptoms of chronic leg ischemia. The rate of acute limb-threatening ischemia was significantly higher when prosthetic graft material was used during the index operation (p =0.016). Additionally, in case of reoperation, the landing zone of the redo bypass was significantly more distally located after occlusion of prosthetic bypass graft (p = 0.014)ConclusionOcclusions of prosthetic bypass grafts were associated with significantly higher rates of acute symptoms compared with vein grafts. Additionally, a shift to a more distal landing zone was recognized after the failure of a prosthetic bypass graft during the redo bypass operation.

Immediate results of repeated open and endovascular interventions in patients with chronic lower limb ischemia following occlusion of autovenous femoropoplietal bypass grafts

<h3>ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ</h3> Сравнить непосредственные результаты различных стратегий хирургических вмешательств у пациентов с окклюзией аутовенозных бедренно-подколенных шунтов. <h3>МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ</h3> В основу исследования легло наблюдение за 116 пациентами (93 мужчин и 23 женщин), которым были выполнены повторные оперативные вмешательства на бедренно-подколенном сегменте по поводу критической ишемии нижних конечностей на фоне окклюзии аутовенозных бедренно-подколенных шунтов. Средний возраст больных составил 65,9±8,7 года. Средний срок функционирования аутовенозного кондуита составил 38±9 мес. Пациенты были рандомизированы на две группы в зависимости от повторного оперативного вмешательства: 59 пациентам были выполнены эндоваскулярные вмешательства (1-я группа), 57 пациентов перенесли открытое хирургическое лечение (2-я группа). <h3>РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ</h3> Технический успех был достигнут у 57 (97%) пациентов 1-й группы и 54 (95%) пациентов 2-й группы. Кровотечения и инфекционные осложнения области хирургического вмешательства в раннем послеоперационном периоде чаще зафиксированы среди пациентов 2-й группы. <h3>ВЫВОД</h3> Повторные хирургические вмешательства характеризуются хорошими непосредственными результатами. Однако сложность повторного доступа и выраженность рубцового процесса способствуют большему количеству неблагоприятных событий после открытых реконструкций. Учет факторов риска осложнений после открытых и эндоваскулярных хирургических вмешательств и своевременная коррекция факторов риска могут способствовать улучшению отдаленных результатов реинтервенций.

Intraoperative transit time flow measurement in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease in the prevention of aortocoronary bypass graft occlusion

Aim. To study the parameters of transit time flow measurement (TTFM) for coronary bypass grafts in patients with diffuse lesions with different diameter of target coronary arteries.Material and methods. The study included 150 patients with diffuse coronary artery disease. All patients underwent microscope-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), during which the TTFM parameters were evaluated. Depending on the diameter of target coronary arteries, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 included grafts to arteries ≤1 mm (n=101), group 2 — 1-1,5 mm (n=138), group 3 — ≥1,5 mm (n=308). Comparative analysis of TTFM parameters was performed.Results. Mostly participants were male (76%); mean age was 62,9±7,6 years. During hospitalization, we recorded 1 death, 2 perioperative myocardial infarctions (1,3%) and 1 cerebrovascular accident (0,7%). TTFM analysis showed the worst hemodynamic parameters and a higher rate of suboptimal function in group 1; blood flow parameters were comparable in groups 2 and 3. The additional analysis in group 1 and combined groups 2 and 3 allows us to make an opinion about the negative impact of coronary artery diameter less than 1 mm on optimal blood flow through the grafts (odds ratio=2,1, 95% confidence interval, 1,2-3,8, p=0,011).Conclusion. Diffuse coronary atherosclerosis with a diameter of target coronary arteries less than 1 mm significantly increase the risk of suboptimal graft function that requires considering more aggressive secondary prevention. TTFM demonstrate high effectiveness of microscope-assisted CABG in target coronary artery diameter of 1-1,5 mm and higher.