Endovascular Repair Of Aortoiliac Aneurysms Research Articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Incidence and Long-Term Implications of Type 2 Endoleak after Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic and Aortoiliac Aneurysms

AbstractType 2 endoleak has been proved not to significantly increase the risk of aneurysm rupture. However, it is associated with aneurysm enlargement and may require secondary interventions. Its role has been widely investigated, but a definitive consensus about its management has still not been obtained. We performed a retrospective, single-center observational study that investigates the incidence of type 2 endoleak and its implications in the long-term follow-up in all the patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2011 to 2016 at our institution. A total of 216 patients who underwent EVAR during the specified time period were enrolled, and 85 of them (39%) developed type 2 endoleak in their follow-up. Thirty-one of the patients who developed type 2 endoleak faced an aneurysm sac growth &gt; 10 mm and required secondary intervention. Only nine of them showed resolution of the leak. In the long-term follow-up, patients who developed type 2 endoleak after EVAR did not show a significantly increased mortality compared with those who did not, but some of them required late open conversion due to aneurysm sac enlargement and some other developed a secondary type 1 endoleak which required correction. The management of type 2 endoleak remains debated, despite consensus exist regarding the need for intervention when a &gt; 10-mm aneurysm sac growth is observed. Further studies are necessary to better define which are the “high-risk” type 2 endoleaks and identify the patients who would benefit more from correction.

Global Iliac Branch Study: Image-based Detailed Anatomic Assessment and Device Performance

Iliac branch devices are designed to preserve patency of the internal iliac artery for endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms. The Global Iliac Branch Study (NCT05607277) is an international, multicenter, retrospective study of over 300 iliac branch devices with diverse use. The objective of this project was to evaluate potential anatomic determinants of adverse iliac events. Patients were included if they had both pre- and post-treatment computed tomography imaging available after implantation of a bifurcated device. Morphologic measurements included arterial diameters, stenosis, calcification, aortic and iliac bifurcation angles, and tortuosity indices (Fig), performed by a core laboratory with a standardized and validated protocol. Adverse iliac events were defined as type I or III endoleak, occlusion, device constriction (due to either narrow anatomy or another component), or clinical events requiring reintervention of the ipsilateral iliac branch system. This abstract is based on univariate analysis. Paired t test was used to compare tortuosity indices and splay angles pre- and post-treatment. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between anatomic measurements and adverse iliac events. Analysis was performed by iliac system (ie, bilaterally treated patients’ right and left sides were analyzed independently). We analyzed 297 subjects (286 males, 11 females) with 331 iliac branch devices (104 nitinol, 227 stainless steel). Mean clinical follow-up was 3.8 years. Mean baseline total iliac artery index was 1.47 (range, 1.44 to 1.50), mean baseline common iliac artery index was 1.10 (range, 1.09 to 1.12). Changes in iliac artery tortuosity indices and aortic and iliac splay angles are reported in Table. Anatomy is significantly straightened with treatment in all devices. There were 54 adverse iliac events in 44 systems, requiring 35 reinterventions (median time to reintervention, 41 days; range, 0 days to 6.2 years). There were 18 endoleaks (17 type I, 1 type III), 29 occlusions, and five device constrictions. In nitinol devices, diameter of the internal iliac landing zone <10 mm and non-conformability (reduction in total iliac index beyond 15%) were associated with adverse iliac events (odds ratio [OR], 14; P = .016 and OR, 7.8; P = .021, respectively.) In the stainless steel devices, no significant univariate associations were found with anatomic measurements. These results suggest that purpose-built iliac branch devices are highly efficacious in treating tortuous iliac anatomy, with a high patency rate and low reintervention rate. Some anatomic factors are strongly predictive of adverse iliac events in nitinol devices.TableChanges in iliac artery tortuosity indices and splay anglesPre-treatment [95% CI]Post-treatment [95% CI]P-valueAll iliac branch systems (n = 331) Total iliac artery index1.47 [1.44-1.50]1.31 [1.28-1.33]<.0001 Common iliac artery index1.10 [1.09-1.12]1.04 [1.03-1.04]<.0001 Aortic splay angle58.3 [56.2-60.5]41.4 [39.6-43.1]<.0001 Iliac branch splay angle52.3 [49.7-54.8]47.4 [45.3-49.6]<.0001Nitinol iliac branch systems (n = 104) Total iliac artery index1.53 [1.47-1.60]1.44 [1.38-1.50]<.0001 Common iliac artery index1.13 [1.10-1.16]1.06 [1.05-1.08]<.0001 Aortic splay angle56.4 [52.1-60.8]45.3 [42.3-48.3]<.0001 Iliac branch splay angle48.0 [43.5-52.5]44.5 [40.7-48.3].0633Stainless steel iliac branch systems (n = 227) Total iliac artery index1.44 [1.42-1.47]1.25 [1.23-1.26]<.0001 Common iliac artery index1.09 [1.07-1.10]1.03 [1.02-1.03]<.0001 Aortic splay angle59.2 [56.8-61.7]39.6 [37.5-41.7]<.0001 Iliac branch splay angle54.2 [51.1-57.3]48.8 [46.2-51.4]<.0001CI, Confidence interval. Open table in a new tab

Incidence of endograft limb thrombosis in different types of endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair

Incidence of endograft limb thrombosis in different types of endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair

Abstract 12986: Internal Iliac Artery Occlusion With the Amplatzer Vascular Plug During Endovascular Repair of Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Background: Retrograde blood flow from the internal iliac artery resulting in a type II endoleak is a challenging complication of endovascular aorto-iliac aneurysm repair. Several methods have been developed to address this concern. We present a case where the Amplatzer vascular plug was used to embolize the internal iliac artery in a patient undergoing aorto-iliac stent-grafting with extension of the graft into the external iliac artery. Case: A 67-year-old male presented with abdominal pain. Abdominal contrast computed tomography confirmed a large infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) measuring 100 mm across, extending into the common iliac artery on the right and the external iliac artery on the left, with perianeurysmal fat stranding indicating impending rupture. The patient was taken emergently to the operating room. Vascular access was obtained through bilateral common femoral arteries. The left internal iliac was occluded with an Amplatzer 16 mm by 12 mm vascular plug, with excellent angiographic apposition. A bifurcated aorto-iliac graft was then sequentially deployed to repair the aneurysm. Final angiography showed patent renal arteries with no endoleak. The patient was discharged home the following day. Discussion: Embolization of the internal iliac artery is indicated in endovascular aorto-iliac aneurysm repair to prevent endoleak formation. Traditionally performed with coils, the Amplatzer vascular plug has emerged as a safe and effective alternative, with the added advantage of recoverability prior to definitive release. Conclusion: Endovascular repair of an AAA must consider the complication of endoleak formation. In this case, the use of an Amplatzer vascular plug was successful in preventing a type II endoleak from the internal iliac artery. Panel A. 3D reconstruction of aneurysm anatomy; Panel B. Angiogram showing final result of endovascular repair with successful occlusion of the left internal iliac artery

Outcomes of “Anterior Versus Posterior Divisional Branches of the Hypogastric Artery as Distal Landing Zone for Iliac Branch Devices”: The International Multicentric R3OYAL Registry

Objective: The aim of this multicentric registry was to assess the outcomes of “anteRior versus posteRior divisional bRanches Of the hYpogastric artery as distAl landing zone for iLiac branch devices (R3OYAL).” Methods: The main exposure of interest for the purpose of this study was the internal iliac artery (IIA) divisional branch (anterior vs posterior) that was used as distal landing zone. Early endpoints included technical success and adverse events. Late endpoints included survival, primary/secondary IIA patency, and IIA branch instability. Results: A total of 171 patients were included in the study, of which 50 received bilateral implantation of iliac branch devices (IBDs). This resulted in a total of 221 incorporated IIAs included in the final analysis, of which 40 were anterior divisional branches and 181 were posterior divisional branches. Technical success was high in both groups (anterior division: 98% vs posterior division: 100%, P = .18). Occurrence of any adverse event was noted in 14% of patients in both groups (P = 1.0). The overall rate of freedom from the composite IBD branch instability did not show significant differences between patients receiving distal landing in the anterior or posterior division of the IIA at 3 years (79% vs 87%, log-rank test = .215). The 3-year estimates of IBD patency were significantly lower in patients who received distal landing in the anterior divisional branch than those who received distal landing in the posterior divisional branch (primary patency: 81% vs 96%, log-rank test = .009; secondary patency: 81% vs 97%, log-rank test < .001). Conclusions: The use of the anterior or posterior divisional branches of the IIA as distal landing zone for IBD implantation shows comparable profiles in terms of immediate technical success, perioperative safety, and side-branch instability up to 3 years. However, IBD patency at 3 years was higher when the distal landing zone was achieved within the posterior divisional branch of the IIA. Clinical Impact The results from this large multicentric registry confirm that use of the anterior or posterior divisional branches of the internal iliac artery (IIA) as distal landing zone for implantation of iliac branch devices (IBD) shows comparable profiles of safety and feasibility, thereby allowing to extend the indications for endovascular repair of aorto-iliac aneurysms to cases with unsuitable anatomy within the IIA main trunk. Although mid-term rates of device durability and branch instability seem to be similar, the rates of primary and secondary IBD patency at three years was favored when the distal landing zone was achieved in the posterior divisional branch of the IIA.

Outcomes of the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis for Japanese Patients With Aortoiliac Aneurysms: A Study Based on J-Preserve Registry

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical utility of the Gore Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE) for Japanese patients with aortoiliac aneurysms. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study (J-Preserve Registry). Patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair using the Gore Excluder IBE for aortoiliac aneurysms between August 2017 and June 2020 were enrolled. Data pertaining to the baseline and anatomical characteristics, technical details, and clinical outcomes were collected from each institution. The primary endpoints were technical success, IBE-related complications, and reinterventions. Secondary endpoints were mortality, aneurysm size change, and reintervention during follow-up. Technical success was defined as accurate deployment of the IBE without type Ib, Ic, or III endoleaks on the IBE sides on completion angiography. A change in aneurysm size of 5 mm or more was taken to be a significant change. Results: We included 141 patients with 151 IBE implantations. Sixty-five IBE implantations (43.0%) had at least one instruction for use violation. Twenty-two patients (15.6%) required internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization for external iliac artery extension on the contralateral side. Of 151 IBE implantations, 19 exhibited IIA branch landing zones due to IIA aneurysms. Mean maximum and proximal common iliac artery (CIA) diameters were 32.9±9.9 mm and 20.5±6.9 mm, respectively. The mean CIA length was 59.1±17.1 mm. The IIA landing diameter and length were 9.0±2.3 mm and 33.8±14.6 mm. The overall technical success rate was 96.7%. There were no significant differences in IBE-related complications (2.3% vs 5.3%, p=0.86) or IBE-related reinterventions (1.5% vs 5.3%, p=0.33) between the IIA trunk and IIA branch landing groups. The mean follow-up period was 635±341 days. The all-cause mortality rate was 5.0%. There were no aneurysm-related deaths or ruptures during the follow-up. Most patients (95.7%) had sac stability or shrinkage. Conclusion: The Gore Excluder IBE was safe and effective for Japanese patients in the midterm. Extending the IIA device into the distal branches of the IIA was acceptable, which may permit extending indications for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair of aortoiliac aneurysms to more complex lesions. Clinical Impact This study suggests clinical benefits of the Gore Excluder IBE for Japanese patients, despite 43% of the IBE implantations having at least one IFU violation.

Abstract No. 82 Bridging stent graft selection for iliac bifurcated grafts: balloon vs. self-expanding stent graft outcomes in a 14-year cohort

To compare long-term outcomes of balloon-expandable stent grafts (BESG), self-expandable stent grafts (SESG) and a combination of SESG and BESG for bridge stenting with iliac bifurcated grafts (IBG) during endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair

Outcomes of balloon-expandable versus self-expandable stent graft for endovascular repair of iliac aneurysms using iliac branch endoprosthesis: Presented at the 2021 Vascular Annual Meeting of the Society of Vascular Surgery, San Diego, Calif, August 18-21, 2021.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of internal iliac artery (IIA) stenting using balloon-expandable (BESG) or self-expandable stent grafts (SESG) during endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms with iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE; W. L. Gore, Flagstaff, Ariz).

Outcomes of balloon-expandable versus self-expandable stent graft for endovascular repair of iliac aneurysms using iliac branch endoprosthesis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of internal iliac artery (IIA) stenting using balloon-expandable (BESG) or self-expandable stent grafts (SESG) during endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms with iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE; W. L. Gore, Flagstaff, Ariz). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients treated for aortoiliac aneurysms using IBE between 2014 and 2020. IIA stenting was performed using either the IIA side branch SESG or a Gore VBX BESG (W. L. Gore). Indications for use of BESGs were “up-and-over” IBE technique for type IB endoleak after prior endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), short IIA length, and need for IIA extension into divisional branches (outside instructions for use). End points included technical success, freedom from buttock claudication, primary IIA patency, and freedom from IIA branch instability (eg, branch-related death or rupture, occlusion, disconnection, or reintervention for stenosis, kink, or endoleak), freedom from type IC/IIIC endoleak, and freedom from secondary interventions. ResultsThere were 90 patients (86 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 74 ± 7 years treated by EVAR with 108 IBEs. Choice of stent was BESG in 43 and SESG in 65 targeted IIAs. BESGs were used more frequently in patients with prior EVAR (22% vs 2%; P = .003,), isolated IBEs (31% vs 2%; P < .001), and in patients with IIA aneurysms requiring stenting into divisional branches (36% vs 5%; P < .001). Technical success was similar for BESGs and SESGs (97% vs 100%; P = .40), respectively. The mean follow-up was 25 ± 16 months (range, 11-34 months). At 2 years, freedom from buttock claudication was 100% for BESG and 95 ± 3% for SESG (Log-rank 0.26), with no difference in primary patency (BESG, 100% vs SESG, 94 ± 4%; Log-rank 0.94). There were four (9%) IIA-related endoleaks in the BESG group and one (2%) in the SESG group (P = .08). Freedom from IIA branch instability was 87 ± 6% for BESG and 96 ± 3% for SESG at 2 years (Log-rank 0.043). Freedom from type IC/IIIC endoleak was 87 ± 7% for BESG and 98 ± 2% for SESG at the same interval (Log-rank 0.06). There was no difference in freedom from reinterventions for BESG and SESG (92 ± 6% vs 98 ± 2%; Log-rank 0.34), respectively. ConclusionsBESGs were used more frequently during IBE procedures indicated for failed EVAR, isolated common iliac aneurysms, and IIA aneurysms requiring extension into divisional branches. Despite these differences and BESG being used outside instructions for use, both stent types had similar primary patency, freedom from buttock claudication, and freedom from reinterventions. However, BESGs were associated with higher rates of IIA-related branch instability.

Long-term outcome results after endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair with the bifurcated EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis

ObjectiveTo report the long-term outcome of patients presenting with an aortic, aortoiliac, or isolated common iliac aneurysm treated with the bifurcated EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis. Furthermore, potential differences in late outcome results between the original- and low-permeability endoprosthesis were analyzed. MethodsA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 182 patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with the EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis between June 1998 and October 2015 in an academic, tertiary care center for aortic disease was performed. Patient follow-up was from 3 to 20 years (mean follow-up of 6.9 years). Primary end points were overall survival and reintervention-free survival. Secondary end points were device-related complications, endoleaks, and reinterventions. ResultsOverall survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 72.8%, 42.1%, and 12.2%, respectively, with no aneurysm-related mortality and no difference in overall survival between the original- vs low-permeability endoprosthesis group (P = .617). Freedom from type I endoleak at 5 years was 94.8%. No new type I endoleak was detected beyond the 5-year follow-up mark. No type III endoleak was identified. Reintervention-free survival was 83.6%, 66.7%, and 66.7% at 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-up, respectively. There was a significant difference in intervention-free survival between the original- vs low-permeability endoprosthesis group (P = .029) and after the 5-year follow-up mark. In addition, patients with the low-permeability endoprosthesis showed significantly fewer device-related complications (P = .002) and endoleaks (P = .005). ConclusionsEndovascular aneurysm repair using the EXCLUDER Endoprosthesis is effective and durable on long-term follow-up, with acceptably low device-related complications and reinterventions. The low-permeability endoprosthesis was associated with significantly fewer new device-related complications and endoleaks after 5 years of follow-up.

Outcomes of Balloon-expandable Versus Self-expandable Stent Grafts for Endovascular Repair of Iliac Aneurysms Using Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis

The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of internal iliac artery (IIA) stenting using balloon-expandable stent grafts (BESG) or self-expandable stent grafts (SESG) during endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms with iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE; WL Gore, Flagstaff, Ariz).

Final 5-Year Results of the U.S. Prospective, Multicenter Study of Endovascular Repair of Iliac Aneurysms Using the Gore Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis

We have reported the 5-year results of the IBE 12-04 (Evaluation of the GORE EXCLUDER Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis) U.S. pivotal prospective, multicenter study designed to evaluate the Gore Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) for endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms and common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms (CIAAs).

One Year Outcomes of an International Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study on the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis for Aorto-Iliac Aneurysms

The Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) was developed to preserve perfusion in the hypogastric artery after endovascular repair of aorto-iliac aneurysms. This study reports the 12 month technical and clinical outcomes of treatment with this device. This study was a physician initiated international multicentre, prospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was primary patency of the hypogastric branch at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included technical and clinical outcomes. Patients with an indication for elective treatment with the Gore Excluder IBE were enrolled between March 2015 and August 2018. Baseline and procedural characteristics, imaging data, physical examinations and questionnaire data (Walking Impairment Questionnaire [WIQ], EuroQol-5-Dimensions [EQ5D], International Index of Erectile Function 5 [IIEF-5]) were collected through 12 month follow up. One hundred patients were enrolled of which 97% were male, with a median age of 70.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 64.5 - 75.5 years). An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) above threshold for treatment was found in 42.7% and in the remaining patients the iliac artery diameter was the indication for treatment. The maximum common iliac artery (CIA) diameter on the Gore Excluder IBE treated side was 35.5 mm (IQR 30.8 - 42.0) mm. Twenty-two patients received a bilateral and seven patients had an isolated IBE. Median procedural time was 151 minutes (IQR 117 - 193 minutes) with a median hospital stay of four days (IQR 3 - 5 days). Primary patency of the IBE at 12 month follow up was 91.3%. Primary patency for patients treated inside and outside the instructions for use were 91.8% and 85.7%, respectively (p= .059). Freedom from secondary interventions was 98% and 97% at 30 days and 12 months, respectively. CIA and AAA diameters decreased significantly through 12 months. IIEF-5 and EQ5D scores remained stable through follow up. Patency of the contralateral internal iliac artery led to better IIEF-5 outcomes. WIQ scores decreased at 30 days and returned to baseline values through 12 months. Use of the Gore Excluder IBE for the treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms shows a satisfactory primary patency through 12 months, with significant decrease of diameters, a low re-intervention rate, and favourable clinical outcomes.

Unique Complications and Failure Modes of Iliac Branch Devices

Iliac branch devices (IBDs) are modular, bifurcated endografts designed to preserve hypogastric flow during endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair. We report our single center outcomes, and describe the unique complications of these devices: inability to cannulate the hypogastric artery (technical failure), occlusion of the internal branch, and type III endoleak from separation of components between the main body and IBD. A prospectively maintained institutional database of patients undergoing IBD implantation between 2014 and 2019 was reviewed. Technical and clinical outcomes were evaluated. We then identified patients having one of the IBD-specific complications and patient, anatomic, and procedural data were analyzed to identify factors associated with these failures. Sixty-four IBDs were placed in 59 patients during the study period. Mean age was 71.2 ± 8.6, and 92% were male. A 74.6% of patients had a current or prior abdominal aortic aneurysm, and 9.4% had a hypogastric aneurysm. Technical success was achieved in 60/64 cases (93.8%); prior endovascular aortic repair was associated with technical failure (P = 0.04). There were 5 instances of component separation between the main body and the IBD: 3 occurred intraoperatively and were repaired with additional bridging components, and 2 occurred on late follow-up and required reintervention. Increased tortuosity index of both aortoiliac (1.7 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 02, P = 0.04) and iliac-specific (3.9 ± 2.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9, P = 0.03) segments were significantly associated with component separation, as was the use of larger internal iliac components (13.9 ± 2.4 vs. 11.1 ± 2.3 mm, P = 0.04). Internal branch occlusions occurred in 4 patients (6.7%). Two were successfully reopened with endovascular procedures, with two being asymptomatic. No specific factors were found to be predictive of branch occlusion. IBD-specific complications occur rarely. History of prior endovascular aortic repair is associated with technical failure, while increased aortic and iliac tortuosity are predictive of component separation and type III endoleak. Severe tortuosity should be carefully considered when planning for IBD.

Emergency endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms in COVID-19 times.

In this paper, we describe a case series of four patients who were admitted with emergencies related to aortic aneurysms over a 3-day period and were treated with endovascular repair. The first patient was an 81-year-old female with a history of abdominal pain and a ruptured aortic aneurysm diagnosed by AngioCT-scan. The second patient was a 63-year-old male with a history of oral digestive bleeding and an AngioCT-scan showing an aortoenteric fistula. The third patient was a 77-year-old female with sudden-onset abdominal pain and ruptured right common iliac aneurysm. The fourth patient presented with abdominal pain and an AngioCT-scan showed aortic rupture. All four patients were discharged with no major complications or surgical mortality. These case series show that despite the Covid-19 pandemic situation, since elective surgeries decreased, vascular emergencies have increased.

Pelvic collateral pathway during endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair with internal iliac artery interruption: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundIpsilateral branches of the deep femoral artery (DFA) are qualitatively identified as collateral arteries based on angiography after internal iliac artery (IIA) interruption. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively identify the major collateral pathway after unilateral IIA interruption during endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair to preserve the pelvic circulation and reduce the risk of ischemic complications.MethodsThe study population included 28 patients (mean age 76.3 years) with aortoiliac aneurysm who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with unilateral IIA interruption from August 2012 to January 2020. The diameters of the bilateral preoperative and postoperative DFA, lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA), medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) and obturator artery (ObA) were measured on contrast-enhanced computed tomography using a 3-dimensional image analysis system. The measured values were evaluated and analyzed with a repeated measures two-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s test.ResultsThe postoperative diameters of the MFCA (P = 0.051) and ObA (P = 0.016) were observed to be larger than the preoperative diameters. Such increases in the MFCA (P < 0.001) and ObA (P < 0.001) diameters were only found to be significant on the unilateral side of the IIA interruption, and the diameter of the ipsilateral LFCA (P < 0.001) was also found to have significantly increased in size. However, no significant arterial extension was found on the contralateral side.ConclusionsThe ipsilateral MFCA-ObA pathway might therefore be a major collateral pathway arising from the DFA to preserve pelvic circulation after unilateral IIA interruption.

Contemporary Analysis of Senior Level Case Volume Variation Between Traditional Vascular Surgery Fellows and Integrated Vascular Surgery Chief Residents

A review was performed of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education integrated vascular surgery, vascular surgery fellowship, and general surgery case logs for trainees graduating between 2013 and 2018. The 5+2 trainees performed a significantly greater mean volume of vascular cases compared with the 0+5 trainees by the time they had completed training. These included open repair of suprarenal aortic aneurysms (2.4 vs 1.4), thoracic aortic aneurysms (0.5 vs 0.3), endovascular repair of abdominal aortoiliac aneurysms (45 vs 28), thoracic aortic aneurysms (TEVAR; 15 vs 8), femoral-popliteal (10 vs 6) and infrapopliteal (14 vs 9) vein bypasses, carotid artery endarterectomy (47 vs 29), carotid artery stenting (10 vs 5), celiac/superior mesenteric artery endarterectomy or bypass (4 vs 2), renal artery balloon angioplasty/stenting (5 vs 3), thoracic outlet decompression (5 vs 2), arteriovenous fistulas (31 vs 16), and arteriovenous grafts (11 vs 5). The 5+2 trainees logged significantly more “senior” vascular cases than did the 0+5 trainees.