Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Research Articles

Prevalence and Influence of Genetic Variants on Follow-Up Results in Patients Surviving Thoracic Aortic Therapy.

Background/Objective: To investigate the prevalence and effects of genetic variants (GVs) in survivors of thoracic aortic dissection/aneurysm repair. Methods: Patients aged 18-80 years who survived follow-up after cardiosurgical or endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection at a single tertiary center between 2008 and 2019 and underwent genetic testing were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were age >60 years, no offspring, and inflammatory- or trauma-related pathogenesis. Follow-up entailed computed tomography-angiography at 3 and 9 months and annually thereafter. All patients underwent genetic analyses of nine genes using next-generation sequencing. In cases of specific suspicion, the analysis was expanded to include 32 genes. Results: The study included 95 patients. The follow-up period was 3 ± 2.5 years. GVs were detected in 40% of patients. Correlation analysis according to primary diagnosis showed no significant correlation in disease persistence, progression, or in reintervention rates in aneurysm patients and a correlation of disease persistence with genetic variants according to variant class in dissection patients (p = 0.037). Correlation analysis according to follow-up CD finding revealed that patients with detected dissection, irrespective of original pathology, showed a strong correlation with genetic variants regarding disease progression and reintervention rates (p = 0.012 and p = 0.047, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of VUS is high in patients with aortic pathology. In patients with dissected aorta in the follow-up, irrespective of original pathology, genetic variants correlate with higher reintervention rates, warranting extended-spectrum genetic testing. The role of VUS may be greater than is currently known.

Disease-specific patient-reported quality of life after fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectivesFenestrated-branched endovascular technology (F/B-EVAR) is increasingly used to repair complex aortic aneurysms. While reintervention, morbidity and mortality after F/B-EVAR have been well-characterized, studies on patient-reported quality of life (QOL) after F/B-EVAR have been limited in their use of non-specific instruments and measures. We report on disease-specific QOL in patients that underwent F/B-EVAR using a validated QOL survey for aortic aneurysms. MethodsProspectively maintained databases were used to contact living patients that underwent F/B-EVAR for pararenal or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms at two institutions. Eligible patients (n = 286) were asked to complete a disease-specific QOL survey previously validated in patients that underwent repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. An emotional impact score (EIS) from 0-100 was derived from the survey with higher scores indicating more emotional impact and worse QOL. Respondent behavior change following F/B-EVAR was evaluated in four domains (strenuous activity, travel, heavy lifting, and sexual activity) previously identified by patients to be most impacted by an aortic aneurysm. ResultsIn total, 234 patients (82%) completed surveys. Mean post-operative interval to survey completion was 3.4 ± 2.8 years. Mean EIS was 16 (range 0-91) for all patients surveyed, with higher mean EIS among those within the first year after F/B-EVAR (20 vs 14). Most respondents demonstrated limited adverse emotional impact after F/B-EVAR. However, the 4th quartile of EIS was broad (22-91), indicating that a subset of respondents had significantly worse QOL after repair. While most patients reported no post-procedure change in each of the activity domains, over 40% of patients did report decrease in strenuous activity and heavy lifting after F/B-EVAR. Those with decreased activity after repair had corresponding deficiencies in disease-specific knowledge for the domains of heavy lifting (P <.001) and sexual activity (P = .17). ConclusionsThe majority of patients who underwent F/B-EVAR in this cohort had low emotional impact on their QOL after repair. One-quarter of patients did report significant post-procedure anxiety about their aneurysm, with improvement observed beyond one year after repair. Most patients reported unchanged or decreased activity levels following F/B-EVAR, and less aneurysm-specific patient knowledge was associated with decreased activity after repair. These findings are similar to those seen in prior work using this survey instrument in patients that underwent infrarenal aneurysm repair. This work confirms the feasibility of using this survey to evaluate QOL in patients with complex aortic disease. Longitudinal evaluation in these patients may identify those at high-risk for worse QOL after F/B-EVAR.

Feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the detection and classification of endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Endoleaks are common complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Computed tomographic angiography (CTA)/digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered the gold standard for evaluating contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) accuracy in the detection and classification of endoleaks. In recent years, CEUS has been widely used in this field. This study aimed to analyze the accuracy of CEUS in the detection and classification of endoleaks after EVAR. The data of 98 patients who underwent abdominal aorta CEUS from November 2017 to September 2023 in the ultrasound (US) department of Beijing Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent EVAR of AAA before CEUS and CTA/DSA, and had complete clinical data. The CEUS and CTA/DSA results were compared to detect endoleaks and categorize the specific types of endoleaks. Among the 98 patients, 74 were male and 24 were female. The patients had an average age of 74.8±9.8 years (range, 43-90 years). Among the 98 patients, 37 (37.8%) endoleaks were detected by CEUS, of which 8 were type Ia, 2 were type Ib, 15 were type II, 7 were type III, 2 were type IV, 2 were type Ia combined with type III, and 1 was type II combined with type III. In addition, among these 98 patients, 39 (39.8%) endoleaks were detected by CTA/DSA, of which 8 were type Ia, 3 were type Ib, 18 were type II, 6 were type III, 2 were type Ia combined with type III, 1 was type II combined with type III, and 1 was type Ib combined with type II. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS in the detection of endoleaks were 92.3% and 98.3%, respectively. CEUS and CTA/DSA had similar diagnostic efficacy and good consistency in the detection and classification of endoleaks (Kappa value: 0.914, P<0.01). CEUS has high sensitivity and specificity in the detection and classification of endoleaks following EVAR, and its diagnostic efficacy is similar to that of CTA/DSA. In addition, US is safe, non-invasive and repeatable, and thus is worthy of extensive clinical application.

Impaired Pre-operative Ambulatory Capacity in Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair is Associated with Increased Peri-operative Death

While ambulatory capacity is a readily assessable clinical indicator of functional status, its association with outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-operative ambulatory status and outcomes following elective EVAR. A retrospective review of the multi-institutional Vascular Quality Initiative database was conducted for all patients who underwent elective infrarenal EVAR from 2009 - 2022. Patients were categorised into independent ambulation and impaired ambulation groups. A propensity score matched analysis was performed to produce two well matched cohorts in a 1:1 ratio without replacement. The primary outcome was 30 day death. Secondary outcomes included one year survival and in hospital major complications. Among 11 474 patients, 10 539 (91.8%) were independently ambulatory pre-operatively. Propensity score matching resulted in 885 matched pairs. The impaired ambulation group, although older (mean 77.6 vs. 76.3 years; p= .001), showed comparable baseline characteristics. Post-operatively, the impaired ambulation group had higher cumulative in hospital complications and death as well as 30 day death. Even after adjustment for age, impaired pre-operative ambulation was associated with increased in hospital and 30 day death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26 - 3.95; p= .006). Multivariable analysis demonstrated increasing cumulative risk of 30 day death in the setting of impaired pre-operative ambulatory status with age > 75 years requiring post-operative red blood cell transfusion > 2 units (HR 5.75, 95% CI 2.09 - 15.88; p < .001). Beyond 30 days, impaired pre-operative ambulation was not associated with increased one year death (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.81 - 1.48; p= .570). Among patients who underwent elective infrarenal EVAR in this matched analysis, impaired pre-operative ambulatory capacity was associated with an increased risk of in hospital and 30 day death, further compounded by advanced age and post-operative transfusion. As such, a threshold higher than the traditional size criteria should be considered in shared decision making when determining options for the management of abdominal aortic aneurysm in this high risk cohort.

Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair for Treating Juxtarenal Aneurysms: An Update.

Fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (f-EVAR, b-EVAR, respectively) are technically challenging procedures that have evolved over the last decade for complex aortic aneurysms. They are alternatives to surgical repair for suprarenal and juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. A Pubmed database was reviewed by searching keywords related to f-EVAR, b-EVAR, and juxta renal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from the last five years to see current indications, contemporary techniques, and results of these techniques for juxtarenal aneurysms. Over the years, f-EVAR and b-EVAR have improved, with high technical success (>95%) and mortality rates of 1-5% for pararenal and 5-10% for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Key Words: Fenestrated-branched endovascular repair, Fenestrated EVAR, Branched EVAR, Juxtarenal aortic aneurysm.

Effect of Chronic Kidney Disease on 30-Day Outcomes in Endovascular Repair of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been identified as an independent predictor of poorer long-term prognosis after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for complex abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, its impact on short-term perioperative outcomes is conflicting, which can be important for preoperative risk stratification. This study aimed to evaluate the 30-day outcomes of patients with CKD following non-ruptured complex EVAR in a national registry. Patients who had EVAR for complex AAA were identified in ACS-NSQIP targeted database from 2012-2022. Complex AAA included juxtarenal, suprarenal, or pararenal proximal extent, Type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm, and/or aneurysms treated with Zenith Fenestrated endograft. Exclusion criteria included age<18years, ruptured AAA, acute intraoperative conversion to open, emergency presentation, and dialysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes of CKD and non-CKD patients, where demographics, baseline characteristics, aneurysm diameter, distant aneurysm extent, anesthesia, and concomitant procedures were adjusted. There were 695 (39.33%) and 1072 (60.67%) patients with and without CKD, respectively, who underwent EVAR for complex AAA. Patients with and without CKD have comparable 30-day mortality (aOR = 1.165, 95 CI = 0.646-2.099, P = 0.61). However, CKD patients had a higher risk of renal complications (aOR = 2.647, 95 CI = 1.399-5.009, P < 0.01) including higher progressive renal insufficiency (aOR = 3.707, 95 CI = 1.329-10.338, P = 0.01) and acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (aOR = 2.533, 95 CI = 1.139-5.633, P = 0.02). All other 30-day outcomes were comparable between CKD and non-CKD patients. Patients with CKD had similar 30-day mortality and morbidity rates but a higher risk of postoperative renal complications. Therefore, meticulous preoperative planning and postoperative management, which may include optimal hydration, appropriate contrast use, and close renal function monitoring, are essential for patients with CKD after complex EVAR.

Modified Ex Vivo Renal Reconstruction to Facilitate Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Repair of a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

To report the use of modified ex vivo renal artery (RA) reconstruction in a patient with 2 small right RAs (RRAs) in anticipation of planned fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). A staged hybrid repair was utilized in a patient with Extent II TAAA involving celiac axis (CA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), single left RA (LRA), and 2 small (<3 mm) RRAs. The first-stage operation consisted of hepato-renal bypass using modified ex vivo renal reconstruction with single end-to-end anastomosis to both RAs using a saphenous vein graft. A second stage FB-EVAR was performed using patient-specific manufactured stent-graft with 3 fenestrations for the CA, SMA, and LRA 6 weeks later. The patient recovered with no complications. At 4 years, the patient had widely patent hepato-renal bypass and target vessels with normal renal function. The use of adjunctive hybrid procedures may optimize or facilitate FB-EVAR. In this patient, salvage of 2 small RAs was not ideally suited for branch stenting but was possible using modified ex vivo RA reconstruction with preservation of kidney parenchyma and function. This case report illustrates a hybrid approach to overcome one of the most frequent limitations to total endovascular incorporation of renal arteries, eg small diameter, early bifurcation and multiple vessels. The modified ex vivo technique allows meticulous renal artery reconstruction without the deleterious effect of warm ischemia and without the cumbersome reconstruction of ureter and vein that is needed with traditional on table ex vivo auto transplantation. The technique is used in a minority of cases and adds the morbidity of open approach. Case selection is of paramount importance.

MASSIVE LATE ENDOLEAK TYPE IA, ASSOCIATED WITH SHOCK AND ACUTE ANEMIA: CONSERVATIVE SURGICAL TREATMENT

We present a case of type 1 endoleaks associated with massive hemorrhage and shock, treated with traditional open surgery. We present a 74-year-old male patient with a history of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm 6 years ago, was admitted to the emergency department in shock and acute anemia, showing a type IA endoleak associated with retroperitoneal hematoma. Open repair was performed with the interposition of a Dacron™ prosthesis with preservation of the aortic endoprosthesis. Although in these cases of extreme urgency, it has been proposed the extraction of the endoprosthesis, which involves a procedure associated with high mortality, in this case, it was feasible a simple repair as was the interposition of prosthesis between proximal aorta and endoprosthesis. Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm requires strict monitoring and a good selection of patients for this procedure since this late complication has a high mortality rate.

Preoperative anemia is a risk factor for worse 30-day outcomes in both open and endovascular repair of non-ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Anemia is a highly prevalent condition potentially linked to chronic inflammation. Preoperative anemia is an independent risk factor across many surgical fields. However, the relationship between anemia and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of preoperative anemia on 30-day outcomes of non-ruptured infrarenal AAA repair. Patients who underwent open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for infrarenal AAA were identified in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted databases from 2012 to 2021. Anemia was defined as preoperative hematocrit less than 39% in males and 36% in females. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare 30-day perioperative outcomes between anemic and non-anemic patients, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, indications, aneurysm extents, operation time, and surgical approaches. There were 408 (22.13%) anemic and 1436 (77.88%) non-anemic patients who underwent OSR for non-ruptured AAA, while 3586 (25.20%) patients with and 10,644 (74.80%) without anemia underwent EVAR. In both OSR and EVAR, anemic patients had higher risks of bleeding requiring transfusion (OSR, aOR = 2.446, p < .01; EVAR, aOR = 3.691, p < .01), discharge not to home (OSR, aOR = 1.385, p = .04; EVAR, aOR = 1.27, p < .01), and 30-day readmission (OSR, aOR = 1.99, p < .01; EVAR, aOR = 1.367, p < .01). Also, anemic patients undergoing OSR had higher pulmonary events (aOR = 2.192, p < .01), sepsis (aOR = 2.352, p < .01), and venous thromboembolism (aOR = 2.913, p = .01), while in EVAR, anemic patients had higher mortality (aOR = 1.646, p = .01), cardiac complications (aOR = 1.39, p = .04), renal dysfunction (aOR = 1.658, p = .02), and unplanned reoperation (aOR = 1.322, p = .01). Moreover, in both OSR and EVAR, anemic patients had longer hospital length of stay (p < .01). In OSR and EVAR, preoperative anemia was independently associated with worse 30-day outcomes. Preoperative anemia could be a useful marker for risk stratification for patients undergoing infrarenal AAA repair.

Comparative analysis of perioperative outcomes in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: Fascia iliaca block versus general anesthesia, a retrospective study.

This retrospective study aimed to compare rates of perioperative mortality and morbidity, especially pulmonary complication, between endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) performed under general anesthesia (GA) and under fascia iliaca block (FIB). Patients diagnosed with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) who were treated with EVAR were included. Retrospective review of electronic medical records was performed. Patient characteristics, operative details, and postoperative results including mortality and morbidity within 30 days were collected. Statistical analysis to compare postoperative outcomes between EVAR under FIB and EVAR under GA was performed. A univariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with increased 30-day mortality. This study included 119 patients, 75 in the FIB group and 44 in the GA group. Most patients were male, with 62 (82.5%) in the FIB group and 31 (70.2%) in the GA group, and most patients were hypertensive, with 57 (76%) in the FIB group and 36 (81.8%) in the GA group. Smoking and coronary artery disease (CAD) was more prevalent in the FIB group, p < .05. Thirty-day mortality was not significantly different between the FIB group and the GA group (1 (1.3%) vs 2 (4.5%), p = .554). Pulmonary complication was lower in the FIB group than in the GA group (1.3% vs 11.4%, p = .026). ICU stay was shorter in the FIB group than in the GA group (0.2 vs 4.5 days, p = .012). Univariate analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was associated with higher 30-day mortality. Endovascular aneurysm repair under FIB was feasible. Compared to GA, this approach resulted in lower postoperative pulmonary complications and shorter ICU stay.

Central nervous injury risk factors after endovascular repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm with type B aortic dissection.

Aortic dissection is the deadliest disease of the cardiovascular system. Type B aortic dissection accounts for 30%-60% of aortic dissections and is mainly treated by endovascular repair of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR). However, patients are prone to various complications after surgery, with central nervous system injury being the most common, which seriously affects their prognosis and increases the risk of disability and death. Therefore, exploring the risk factors of central nervous system injury after TEVAR can provide a basis for its prevention and control. To investigate the risk factors for central nervous system injury after the repair of a thoracic endovascular aneurysm with type B aortic dissection. We enrolled 306 patients with type B aortic dissection who underwent TEVAR at our hospital between December 2019 and October 2022. The patients were categorized into injury (n = 159) and non-injury (n = 147) groups based on central nervous system injury following surgery. The risk factors for central nervous system injury after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection were screened by comparing the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. The Association between age, history of hypertension, blood pH value, surgery, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, postoperative recovery times on the first day after surgery, and arterial partial pressure of oxygen on the first day after surgery differed substantially (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, surgery time, history of hypertension, duration of mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit stay were independent risk factors for central nervous system injury after TEVAR of type B aortic dissection (P < 0.05). For high-risk patients with central nervous system injury after TEVAR of type B aortic dissection, early intervention measures should be implemented to lower the risk of neurological discomfort following surgery in high-risk patients with central nervous system injury after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection.

Beta Blockers are Associated with Increased Mortality Without a Decrease in Reinterventions After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Repair (EVAR)

ObjectivePredictors of sac behavior after EVAR and the impact of sac behavior on long-term survival are not well known. There are limited multicenter trials studying the impact of beta-blockers (BB) on sac behavior. Beta-blockers have consistently failed to show a benefit on AAA sac regression in patients with connective tissue disorders and the general population. This study aims to assess the association between BBs and sac behavior after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). MethodsPatients undergoing EVAR registered in Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) (2003-2021) stratified by BB and no BB on discharged after an index procedure were assessed at follow-up of 30-days and 1-year. The primary outcomes included mortality and reintervention at 30-days and 1-year. The causes of reintervention were also studied at the defined time endpoints. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed separately for association between the two groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsA total of 50,411 patients, stratified by BB (28,866; 57.3%), and No BB (21,545; 42.7%) were studied. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, COPD, coronary artery disease, prior history of coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous coronary intervention, prior angioplasty or stent, lower extremity bypass, carotid surgery, major amputation, and smokers were more likely to be on a BB at the time of discharge (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in reinterventions when comparing patients with and without BB (p=0.061). At 30-day follow up, there was no significant difference between the two groups for any cause of reintervention. At 1-year follow up, patients on BB were less likely to need reintervention for graft occlusion (no BB 18.70%, BB 11.77%, p=0.002). There was no significant difference in reintervention for all other causes at 1-year follow up. There was an increase in 30-day (no BB 0.20%, BB 0.33%, p=0.007) and 1-year mortality (no BB 2.35%, BB 3.19%, p<0.001) in patients on beta-blockers. A time to event adjusted analysis based on Cox proportional hazard model revealed a 26% higher risk of 1-year mortality for patients on BB (HR:1.26 [1.10-1.41] p<0.001) ConclusionDespite theoretical benefits of beta-blockers on aneurysm behavior, review of the largest national vascular surgery database shows that patients on beta-blockers do not have lower incidence of endovascular reinterventions after EVAR while additionally showing a higher mortality in this patient population.

Association between diabetes status and long-term outcomes following open and endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveCurrent literature reports conflicting findings regarding the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. In this study we examined the effect of DM and its management on outcomes after open AAA repair (OAR) and endovascular AAA repair (EVAR). MethodsWe identified all patients undergoing OAR or EVAR for infrarenal AAA between 2003 and 2018 in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry data linked with Medicare claims. We excluded patients with missing DM status. Patients were stratified by their preoperative DM status, and then further stratified by DM management: dietary, noninsulin antidiabetic medications (NIMs), or insulin. Outcomes of interest included 1-year aneurysm sac dynamics, 8-year aneurysm rupture, reintervention, and all-cause mortality. These outcomes were analyzed with the χ2 test, Kaplan-Meier methods, and multivariable Cox regression analyses. ResultsWe identified 34,021 EVAR patients and 4127 OAR patients, of whom 20% and 16% had DM, respectively. Of all DM patients, 22% were managed by dietary management, 59% by NIM, and 19% by insulin. After EVAR, DM patients were more likely to have stable sacs, whereas non-DM patients were more likely to have sac regression at 1 year. Compared with non-DM, DM was associated with a significantly lower risk for 8-year rupture in EVAR (EVAR hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-0.92). Compared with non-DM, NIM was associated with lower risk of rupture within 8-years for both EVAR and OAR (EVAR HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44-0.94; OAR HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.41-0.80), whereas dietary control and insulin had a similar rupture risk compared with non-DM. However, compared with non-DM, DM was associated with a higher risk of 8-year all-cause mortality after EVAR and OAR (DM vs non-DM: EVAR HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11-1.23; OAR HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00-1.36). After further DM management substratification, compared with non-DM, management with NIM and insulin were associated with a higher 8-year mortality in EVAR and OAR (EVAR: NIM HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.20; insulin: HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.26-1.55; OAR: NIM HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.54; and insulin: HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.15-2.13). Finally, there was a similar risk of reintervention across the DM and non-DM populations for EVAR and OAR. ConclusionsDM was associated with a lower adjusted risk of rupture after EVAR as well as OAR in patients managed with NIM. Nevertheless, just as in patients without AAA, preoperative DM was associated with a higher adjusted risk of all-cause mortality. Further study is needed to evaluate for differences in aneurysm-related mortality between DM and non-DM patients, and studies are planned to evaluate the independent effect of NIM on aneurysm-related outcomes.

Five-year outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms based on aneurysm extent: Presented at the Forty-eighth Annual Meeting of the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, Scottsdale, AZ, January 24-27, 2024.

Five-year outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms based on aneurysm extent: Presented at the Forty-eighth Annual Meeting of the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, Scottsdale, AZ, January 24-27, 2024.

72216 - Diagnostic reference level for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in Sweden

72216 - Diagnostic reference level for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in Sweden

The usefulness of contrast-enhanced subtraction magnetic resonance imaging for detecting endoleaks after endovascular aortic repair with prophylactic intraoperative sac embolization.

Metallic and hyperdense artifacts and T1-shortening substances in the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac generated by embolic materials and lipiodol pose challenges in the identification of endoleaks on follow-up computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced subtraction MRI (CES-MRI) for detecting endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with intraoperative AAA sac embolization compared with CE-CT, this study was conducted. In this study, 28 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR with prophylactic AAA sac embolization were included. All patients underwent CES-MRI and CE-CT to detect endoleaks. The definitive diagnosis of endoleaks was a consensus reading of CE-CT and CES-MRI by two certified radiologists, in addition to angiography or reproducible radiological findings in the observational examination. Analysis was performed to evaluate which examination was better for detecting endoleaks. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of CE-CT and CES-MRI according to observer 1 were 50%, 100%, and 0.813 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.625-1.00) and 100%, 95%, and 0.997 (95% CI = 0.984-1.00), respectively, and those according to observer 2 were 50%, 100%, and 0.750 (95% CI = 0.514-0.986) and 100%, 95%, and 0.969 (95% CI = 0.903-1.00), respectively. Intolerable artifacts were significantly observed on CE-CT. The severity of the artifacts did not depend on the stent graft on CT and MRI. Although no significant difference was observed, CES-MRI tended to have better accuracy for endoleak detection in EVAR with intraoperative AAA sac embolization than CE-CT.

Single-Center Experience on the Elective Hybrid Combination of Single Perclose + Angio-Seal VIP 8F Compared With Standard Dual Perclose During Percutaneous Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

This single-center study aimed to assess patients who underwent intentional percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (pEVAR) with Hybrid Technique combining a single Perclose (Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois) Suture-Mediated Closure Device + single Angio-Seal VIP 8F (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) and compare outcomes with the standard Dual Perclose technique. Materials and Methods: Consecutive elective pEVAR patients treated from November 2022 to November 2023, with healthy femoral accesses and introducer sheaths ≤20 French (F) outer diameter, were included. Coin-toss randomization determined whether a combination of single Perclose Device + single Angio-Seal VIP 8F (Hybrid Technique) or the standard double Perclose Devices (Dual Perclose) was used. In Hybrid Technique, a single Perclose device was positioned at 12 o'clock; a single Angio-Seal VIP 8F was placed after sheaths removal. Dual Perclose followed standard procedure. Primary endpoints included immediate hemostasis, sheath diameter differences, access conversion rate, technical success, and cost analysis. The study involved 60 pEVAR patients (median age=78, interquartile range [IQR]=72-85 years) within the inclusion criteria. In 14 (24%) cases, only 1 femoral access was studied. There were 106 pEVAR accesses, with 58 (54.7%) in the Hybrid Technique group and 48 (45.3%) in the Dual Perclose group. Both groups exhibited homogeneity in pre-operative characteristics and sheath diameter (Hybrid Technique-16F vs Dual Perclose-18F; p=0.202). Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 100% of the Hybrid Technique group vs 87.5% for the Dual Perclose group (p=0.006). Surgical access conversion was unnecessary. Technical success was 100%, with all 6 femoral bleeding cases after Dual Perclose resolved endovascularly, using additional devices. Cost analysis showed a median cost of 330 euros (IQR=0) for the Hybrid Technique group vs 384 euros (IQR=360-456) for the Dual Perclose group (p<0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 3%, in 2 fragile patients, without access-related complications. Multivariate analysis identified Dual Perclose access (odds ratio [OR]=35.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]=18.3-36.8; p<0.001) and obesity (OR=19.7; 95% CI=1.4-23.9.5; p<0.001) as independent risk factors for immediate hemostasis failure. Median follow-up was 134 days (IQR=41-227), with 1 Hybrid Technique case (2%) successfully treated with thrombin injection for a small femoral pseudoaneurysm after 62 days. The elective Hybrid Technique with combination of single Perclose Device + single Angio-Seal VIP 8F during pEVAR in selected patients appears to be non-inferior to the standard Dual Perclose procedure. It demonstrates a positive trend in reducing immediate hemostasis failure and costs. Both procedures achieved technical success and avoiding surgical access conversions. This study introduces a novel elective hybrid technique combining a single Perclose device with a single Angio-Seal VIP 8Fr for percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic interventions. Results for hybrid technique showed 100% technical success and efficient immediate hemostasis, while costing less than standard dual Perclose procedure. Both procedures did not require surgical conversions. Despite being a single-center study, it demonstrates potential benefits of the intentional application of this hybrid technique towards minimally invasiveness. Obesity and dual Perclose technique were identified as independent risk factors for hemostasis failure, reaffirming the hybrid technique procedure's efficacy as well as and non-inferiority to standard procedure.

The Outcome after Endovascular and Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms-A Binational Study Conducted between 1998 and 2017.

Objective: We aimed to analyse patient outcomes following open (OAR) or endovascular repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in Finland and Sweden from 1998 to 2017. Both intact and ruptured AAAs (rAAAs) were included in the analysis. Methods: Patient-level data from national registries in Finland and Sweden were analysed, pairing operations for intact and ruptured AAA repair with mortality data (date of death). All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. Anonymized patient data from both countries were pooled, comprising a total of 32,324 operations. Ruptured and intact AAAs were considered separately. In total, EVAR was performed on 9619 intact AAAs and 1470 rAAAs, while OAR was performed on 13,241 intact AAAs and 7994 rAAAs. The patient's age, sex and the date of operation were obtained as demographic information. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to evaluate long-term (10-year) survival after the treatment of AAA or rAAA with either modality. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed in three different age groups (<65 years, 65-79 years and ≥80 years). Results: Considering all age groups together, the 1-, 3- and 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival rates after EVAR were 93.4%, 80.5% and 35.3%, respectively, for intact AAA repair and 67.2%, 55.9% and 22.2%, respectively, for rAAA repair. For OAR of intact AAAs, the 1-, 3- and 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival rates were 92.1%, 84.8% and 48.7%, respectively. The respective rates for OAR of rAAAs were 55.4%, 49.3% and 24.6%. In a Cox regression analysis, a more recent year of operation was associated with improved survival, and older age affected survival negatively for both intact and ruptured AAA repair. If patients survived the first 90 days after the operation, the survival after intact AAA repair was 13.5 years for those <65 years (general population: 18.0 years), and 7.3 years for those ≥80 years (general population: 7.9 years). After rAAA repair, the mean survival was 13.1 years for patients <65 years and 5.5 years for patients ≥80 years, respectively. Conclusions: The long-term survival of patients undergoing intact AAA treatment at the age of 80 or older is close to that of the general population, provided they survive the operation. Conversely, for patients younger than 65, the long-term survival is markedly worse. The long-term survival of AAA patients has improved over time. Open surgery is still a safe and effective option for young patients undergoing intact AAA repair. Our results support the ESVS guidelines recommendation of EVAR being the first-line treatment for patients with rAAA.

Systemic inflammatory response after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a case report

Introduction. The growing prevalence of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) over the past few years has revealed a unique set of events and complications that require rapid identification and treatment to improve outcomes, often involving a multidisciplinary team.Brief description. We present the case of a 79-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis who underwent a TAVI procedure that was complicated postoperatively by hectic fever without an identified source of infection. After excluding all possible causes of fever, a diagnosis of post-implantation syndrome was made, and glucocorticosteroid therapy led to the patient's recovery.Discussion. A systemic inflammatory response may occur after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in some patients. This inflammatory response is called postimplantation syndrome and includes fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, fever, and laboratory signs of inflammation. Our case describes the difficulties in differential diagnosis of post-implantation syndrome as a possible complication of TAVI, and also demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to such patients.

Socioeconomic Status Based on Area Deprivation Index Does Not Affect Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair in the VA Health-Care System

Living conditions and socioeconomic status are known to impact individual health and access to medical care. Prior research has validated the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) tool as a measure of socioeconomic disadvantage for a given locality. Living in a neighborhood with a higher ADI score has been associated with increased rates of hospital readmission due to complications following surgery. We set forth to identify the possible associations between a patient's ADI score and post-operative endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes in the Veterans Health Care Administration (VHA). We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients who underwent EVAR from January 2010 to December 2021 at a Level 1A VHA Hospital. Patient demographics and intra-operative variables were obtained. ADI score was calculated based on home addresses and resulted in a local score on a scale of 1-10 and a national percentile on a scale of 1-100. We then further stratified these patients into local and national quintile groups. Local ADI 1 included scores of 1-2, and local ADI 5 included scores of 9-10. National ADI 1 comprised scores 1-20, and national ADI 5 scored 81-100. The other scores were equally divided into ADI 2, 3, and 4. Higher ADI scores were associated with lower socioeconomic status. We identified clinical outcomes, including wound infection, respiratory failure, urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, limb stenosis, readmission, length of stay, and subsequent re-intervention rates. 241 patients underwent EVAR over the time period examined. 57.3% (n=138) of patients were in quintiles 4 and 5 for local ADI; when national ADI percentiles organized these same patients, 47.3% (n=114) were in quintiles 4 and 5. Patient demographics did not vary between the local and national groups. We saw no statistically significant difference in intra-operative variables, postoperative complications, readmission, loss to follow-up, or 1-year mortality rates across ADI quintiles at the local or national level. Binary Logistic Regression showed no statistical significance for local and national ADI quintiles for hospital readmission and overall postoperative complications. We found that there was no statistical significance between hospital readmission rates or worse surgical outcomes across local and national ADI quintiles. This suggests that the VHA resources and multidisciplinary support may improve care across neighborhoods. This comprehensive care provided at VHA may mitigate post-operative complications in patients undergoing EVARs. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of area deprivation in healthcare and EVAR outcomes in a veteran population.