Endovascular Approach Research Articles

Trends in outcomes associated with the use of Auryon atherectomy system in a real-world setting

BackgroundWhile endovascular approaches are considered first line treatment for stenosis or occlusion of the lower limb arteries, major dissections and embolic events remain procedural risks. Newer technologies are needed which limit these complications while achieving desired clinical outcomes. MethodsThe Auryon atherectomy system (AngioDynamics) consists of a 355-nm wavelength solid-state Nd:YAG short pulse laser combined with dedicated optical catheters. This single-center, retrospective chart review assessed the safety and efficacy of this device in patients with PAD treated at our center between March and December 2020. ResultsA total of 55 patients were included. Mean age was 73.7 ± 9.3 years with 63.6 % of patients being males. Lesions were above the knee only for 16.4 % of patients, below the knee only for 3.6 %, and both above and below the knee for 80.0 % of patients. One patient had in-stent restenosis. Chronic total occlusions and critical limb ischemia were present for 43.6 % of patients respectively. Procedural success, defined as <30 % residual stenosis without any complications, was achieved in 85.5 % of patients. Stenosis/re-occlusion occurred in 25.5 % of patients at a mean of 168.9 ± 73.4 days with resultant target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 218.3 ± 92.4 days. Four patients underwent minor amputations. No patients experienced procedure-related complications. One patient died unrelated to the procedure. ConclusionThe Auryon laser system was shown to be safe and effective in this real-world patient population with no procedural adverse events or deaths and improvements in patient outcomes.

Anévrisme tuberculeux de l'aorte thoracique descendante traité par endoprothèse : à propos d'un cas

Tuberculous aneurysm is a rare but lethal disease. It preferentially affects the aorta. The contamination occurs either secondarily to a tuberculosis site in contact with the aorta or by blood contamination. It presents an increased and unpredictable risk of rupture, hence the interest of urgent diagnostic and therapeutic management. His treatment was long based on surgery, but currently the endovascular approach is increasingly used. The treatment, whatever its type, will always be associated with a medical treatment for tuberculosis. We report the case of a patient with a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm considered tuberculous on the basis of epidemiological, clinical and biological arguments; who was treated by deployment of an endoprosthesis with good clinical and radiological evolution.

Mortality and morbidity following initiation of anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment for blunt cerebrovascular injury

ObjectiveCerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are potential sequelae of blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI). To minimize their risk, medical therapy is used commonly. It is unclear if anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications are superior for decreasing CVA risk. It is also unclear as to which confer fewer undesirable side effects specifically in patients with BCVI. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records who were treated with anticoagulant medications and those who were treated with antiplatelet medications. MethodsWe performed a 5-year (2016-2020) analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database. We identified all adult trauma patients who were diagnosed with BCVI and treated with either anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. Patients who were diagnosed with index admission CVA, intracranial injury, hypercoagulable states, atrial fibrillation, and or moderate to severe liver disease were excluded. Those who underwent vascular procedures (open and/or endovascular approaches) and or neurosurgical treatment were also excluded. Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio) was performed to control for demographics, injury parameters, and comorbidities. Index admission and 6-month readmission outcomes were examined. ResultsWe identified 2133 patients with BCVI who were treated with medical therapy; 1091 patients remained after applying the exclusion criteria. A matched cohort of 461 patients (anticoagulant, 159; antiplatelet, 302) was obtained. The median patient age was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-82 years), 46.2% of patients were female, falls were the mechanism of injury in 57.2% of cases, and the median New Injury Severity Scale score was 21 (IQR, 9-34). Index outcomes with respect to (1) anticoagulant treatments followed by (2) antiplatelet treatments and (3) P values are as follows: mortality (1.3%, 2.6%, 0.51), median length of stay (6 days, 5 days; P < .001), and median total charge (109,736 USD, 80,280 USD, 0.12). The 6-month readmission outcomes are as follows: readmission (25.8%, 16.2%, <0.05), mortality (4.4%, 4.6%, 0.91), ischemic CVA (4.9%, 4.1%, P = not significant [NS]), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (4.9%, 10.2%, 0.45), hemorrhagic CVA (0%, 0.41%, P = NS), and blood loss anemia (19.5%, 12.2%, P = NS). ConclusionsAnticoagulants are associated with a significantly increased readmission rate within 6 months. Neither medical therapy is superior to one another in the reduction of the following: index mortality, 6-month mortality, and 6-month readmission with CVA. Notably, antiplatelet agents seem to be associated with increased hemorrhagic CVA and gastrointestinal hemorrhage on readmission, although neither association is statistically significant. Still, these associations underscore the need for further prospective studies of large sample sizes to investigate the optimal medical therapy for nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records.

#5918 ENDOVASCULAR CREATION OF AN ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA (ENDOAVF) FOR HEMODIALYSIS ACCESS: A RETROSPECTIVE MONOCENTRIC EXPERIENCE

Abstract Background and Aims Functioning vascular access is an essential element for life-saving hemodialysis therapy. Surgical creation of a radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the gold standard of vascular access for hemodialysis. However an endovascular approach to arteriovenous fistula creation (endoAVF) has increasingly gained acceptance over the last years as an alternative to the conventional surgical method. It offers a minimally invasive method for the formation of arteriovenous shunts and allows the creation of fistulas with minimal vessel trauma. There are currently two technologies available for this purpose, the Ellipsys Vascular Access System (Medtronic, Avenu Medical, San Juan Capistrano, Calif) and the Wavelinq endoAVF System (BD Medical, Franklin Lakes, NJ). At our centre (Careggi University Hospital, Florence), we developed an integrated service, based on a multidisciplinary approach between Interventional Radiology and Interventional Nephrology for percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas utilizing both Ellipsys and Wavelinq. We describe our experience with a case series of 39 patients, showing feasibility and outcome of this treatment option. Method Between December 2020 and January 2023 we created an endoAVF in 39 patients. Patients were suitable for the procedure after a pre-therapeutic ultrasound vascular mapping showed adequate brachial, radial and ulnar vessels and no ipsilateral central venous stenosis. After procedure, we performed a regular clinical and ultrasound monitoring. Therefore, we collected data regarding patient characteristics, initial technical success rate, number of access lost and number of endoAVF meeting primary and secondary patency. Results Of the total of 39 patients treated with endoAVF, 29 (74.3%) were male, with a mean age of 60.1 ± 33.9 years. The Wavelinq procedure was performed in 32 patients (82.0%) and the Ellipsys procedure in 7 patients (17.9%). Initial technical success was achieved in 38 (97.4%) cases, while in 1 case we had a primary failure of the fistula (Figure 1). Among these 38 patients, 4 (10.5%) were lost to follow-up because of death from other causes (3 patients) and because of kidney transplantation (1 patient), while 2 other patients (5.2%) have not required hemodialysys yet. Of the remaining 32 patients, we had 2 fistulas lost because of complications and a cumulative functional patency of 93.7% (30 fistulas), with a primary patency rate of 76% (23 fistulas). Conclusion The endoAVF appears to be feasible and safe for the creation of arteriovenous fistula suitable for hemodialysis access. Our data show an high functional cumulative patency of the endoAVF and a good primary patency, reducing the necessity of further interventions. Furthermore, in the prevalent hemodialysis population, the minimally invasive endovascular arteriovenous fistula procedure should help improving long wait times for vascular access creation. Further studies with more patients and multicentric data are needed to assess long-term outcomes.

Single-Stage Procedure of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Under Local Anaesthesia and Percutaneous Access.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are observed in 6% of patients with concomitant aortic valve stenosis (AS) requiring aortic valve replacement. Optimal management of these concomitant pathologies is still debated. An 80-year-old man presented with acute heart failure due to a severe AS. Past medical history included AAA under regular surveillance. A thoracic and abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed a 6mm increase of AAA over an 8-month period (max 55mm). A multidisciplinary team prescribed a simultaneous endovascular approach of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) followed by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) under local anaesthesia with bilateral femoral percutaneous access. No intra or post-procedural complications were registered; technical success was confirmed by completion angiography and post-operative ultrasound. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. A 2-month post-operative CTA confirmed ongoing technical success. Combined TAVI and EVAR under local anaesthesia for AS and AAA was associated with reduced hospital stay and technical success at 2months from intervention in this case report.

Management and Outcome of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas That Have Caused a Hemorrhage in the Posterior Fossa : A Clinical Study.

We evaluated the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term results of patients with dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), which is a very rare cause of posterior fossa hemorrhage. This study included 15 patients who underwent endovascular, surgical, combined, or Gamma Knife treatments between 2012 and 2020. Demographics and clinical features, angiographic features, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 40 ± 17 (range 17-68), and 68% were men (11/15). Seven of the patients (46.6%) were in the age group of 50 years and older. While the mean Glasgow Coma Scale was 11.5 ± 3.9 (range 4-15), 46.3% presented with headache, and 53.7% had stupor/coma. Four (26.6%) patients had only cerebellar hematoma and headache. All dAVFs had cortical venous drainage. In 11 (73.3%) patients, the fistula was located in the tentorium and was the most common localization. Three (20%) patients had transverse and sigmoid sinus localizations, while one (6.7%) patient had dAVF located in the foramen magnum. Eighteen sessions were performed on the patients during endovascular treatment. Sixteen (88.8%) sessions were performed with the transarterial (TA) route, one (5.5%) session with the transvenous (TV) route, and one (5.5%) session with the TA + TV route. Surgery was performed in two (14.2%) patients. One (7.1%) patient passed away. While there were nine (64.2%) patients with a Rankin score between 0 and 2, the total closure rate was 69.2% in the first year of control angiograms. In the differential diagnosis of posterior fossa hemorrhages, the differential diagnosis of dAVFs, which is a very rare entity, should be considered, even in the middle and elderly age groups, in patients presenting with good clinical status and pure hematoma. The treatment of such patients can be done safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary manner with a good understanding of pathological vascular anatomy and appropriate endovascular treatment approaches.

Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Post-Dissection Thoraco-Abdominal Aneurysms Using Inner Branch Device (Ibevar): A Preliminary Single Center Experience

Abstract Background Although open surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of post-dissection thoraco-abdominal aneurysms (TAAAs), the endovascular approach using fenestrated or branched endografts has emerged as a valid alternative for patients considered at high risk for surgery. The use of inner branch devices (iBEVAR) combining benefits of fenestrations and outer branches could offer an ideal configuration in this context. Aims Our aim was to report our preliminary monocentric experience with iBEVAR in the treatment of post-dissection TAAAs. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospective data retrieved from 1 center between Mars 2020 and January 2023 was done. Endpoints were immediate technical success, postoperative morbidity, rate of endoleaks, re-intervention and mortality. Results During this period, 18 patients (mean age 66,5 years, range 41-80) were identified. All were asymptomatic and operated in a 2-steps procedure with a TEVAR first. There were 5 off-the-shelf E-nside (28%) and 13 custom-made Extra-Design grafts (72%). Despite successful endograft deployment in all patients and branch catheterization in 68/70 cases (97%), the technical success was 94% due to an open conversion for ilio-mesenteric bypass. The 30-days mortality was 0%. During the post-operative period, 17% of patients (3/18) presented complications with 1 case of mesenteric ischaemia requiring a visceral resection and 2 cases of paralytic ileus, treated conservatively. No spinal cord ischemia was observed. During the median follow-up of 16 months (range 1-36), 4 patients (22%) had a re-intervention: one case of type-Ic endoleak treated with an additional renal stent and 3 cases of type-III endoleaks in the celiac trunk requiring a relining. The overall target vessel patency was 100%. In all cases, the sac diameter remained stable. Conclusions The use of iBEVAR appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of post-dissection TAAAs with an acceptable rate of complications. Further patients and longer follow-up are needed.

What is aChallenging Clot? : ADELPHI Consensus Statement from the CLOTS 7.0 Summit.

Predicting achallenging clot when performing mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke can be difficult. One reason for this difficulty is alack of agreement on how to precisely define these clots. We explored the opinions of stroke thrombectomy and clot research experts regarding challenging clots, defined as difficult to recanalize clots by endovascular approaches, and clot/patient features that may be indicative of such clots. Amodified DELPHI technique was used before and during the CLOTS 7.0 Summit, which included experts in thrombectomy and clot research from different specialties. The first round included open-ended questions and the second and final rounds each consisted of 30closed-ended questions, 29on various clinical and clot features, and 1on number of passes before switching techniques. Consensus was defined as agreement ≥ 50%. Features with consensus and rated ≥ 3out of 4on the certainty scale were included in the definition of achallenging clot. Three DELPHI rounds were performed. Panelists achieved consensus on 16/30 questions, of which 8were rated 3or 4on the certainty scale, namely white-colored clots (mean certainty score3.1), calcified clots under histology(3.7) and imaging(3.7), stiff clots(3.0), sticky/adherent clots(3.1), hard clots(3.1), difficult to pass clots(3.1) and clots that are resistant to pulling(3.0). Most panelists considered switching endovascular treatment (EVT) techniques after 2-3 unsuccessful attempts. This DELPHI consensus identified 8distinct features of achallenging clot. The varying degree of certainty amongst the panelists emphasizes the need for more pragmatic studies to enable accurate apriori identification of such occlusions prior to EVT.

Acute Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection: Do Alternative Strategies Versus Central Aortic Repair Make Sense?

Current guidelines dictate emergency repair for an acute complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Surgical approaches for the treatment of acute complicated TBAD can be divided into open and endovascular. The endovascular approach is further divided into central aortic repair and alternative endovascular techniques. Central repair includes endoluminal aortic stent graft repair, such as thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and provisional extension to induce complete attachment, extended provisional extension to induce complete attachment and stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and re-lamination in aortic dissection repair techniques. Alternative endovascular techniques include reno-visceral stenting, endovascular aortic membrane fenestration and targeted false lumen thrombosis. This review discusses and compares the various endovascular approaches to repair of acute complicated TBAD, focusing on central versus alternative endovascular techniques. We also discuss indications for technique selection, focusing on the acute management of complicated TBAD.

Novel Approach to treating a COVID-19 positive patient with a Complex Arch and Descending Aneurysm and Dissection in whom open surgery is prohibitive.

Ascending aortic and arch aneurysms are a challenging group of pathologies for surgeons. These typically require a complex open repair, including hypothermic circulatory arrest and carry a high peri-operative risk. Outcomes are best when performed in centers with significant experience and expertise. Many patients, because of co-morbidities, are at a prohibitive risk for these open surgeries. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the preferred treatment of most acute descending thoracic aortic pathologies.[1] However, these require strict anatomic criteria to be successful and are usually confined to the distal arch and descending thoracic aorta. There are no commercially available endovascular devices in the United States to treat this patient population with ascending or proximal arch aneurysms or dissections, especially in an urgent or emergent setting, whose anatomy does not meet criteria for standard TEVAR. We present a novel endovascular approach, including a cerebral protection strategy, to treat a complex arch aneurysm and dissection in a patient who was not a candidate for an open repair.

COMPRESSION OF RENAL ARTERIES BY THE DIAPHRAGMATIC CRUS: PROPOSAL FOR A NEW CLASSIFICATION

Objective: Renal artery entrapment (RAE) is a rare cause of hypertension, and its management remains debated between surgical and endovascular approaches. The aim of this study was to propose an updated classification of RAEs. Design and method: This retrospective study included all patients referred to our center between 1995 and 2021 with a diagnosis of RAE confirmed by CT scan. The primary objective was to describe the type of renal artery (RA) compression (ostial or truncular location and focal or long extension). The association between the type of compression and age, side of compression and high origin of the RA was also evaluated. Results: Forty patients with 45 RAE were included. The compression was focal and ostial in 22 arteries (49%), long and truncular in 13 RA (29%) and focal and truncular in 10 RA (22%), of which 2 RA (4%) originated from the thoracic aorta with a transdiaphragmatic passage. From this distribution, an updated classification with 4 types of RAE was proposed including: type 1: ostial compression, type 2: long truncular compression, type 3: focal truncular entrapment and type 4: truncular entrapment with intrathoracic RA origin. There was no association between the type of RAE and the patient's age (p = 0.09) or the side of compression (p = 0.42). Type 2 and type 4 RAEs were associated with a higher origin of the compressed artery (p = 0.04). Conclusions: This study proposed an updated classification of RAE with four type of compressions. Knowledge of these conditions may be helpful for a future treatment algorithm.

Transcarotid artery revascularization for the management of blunt cerebrovascular injuries-is it a game changer?

In their 10 patient case series, Walker et al, describe excellent outcomes from the use of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) for the treatment of patients with severe blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI).1Dr. Patrick Walker et al. Transcarotid Artery Revascularization in Blunt Carotid Injury. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 20XX, 1(1), XX-XX. doi: XXXX.Google Scholar. For a single center over only 2 years this is a large cohort for a relatively rare problem. It is important to note that the primary treatment for BCVI is antithrombotic therapy with antiplatelets and/or anticoagulation. It has been shown that transfemoral carotid artery stenting for BCVI is rarely necessary or beneficial over antithrombotic therapy and the EAST guidelines recommend against routine stenting of grade II or III BCVI.(2)Burlew C.C. Biffl W.L. Moore E.E. Pieracci F.M. Beauchamp K.M. Stovall R. Wagenaar A.E. Jurkovich G.J. Endovascular stenting is rarely necessary for the management of blunt cerebrovascular injuries.J Am Coll Surg. 2014; 218: 1012-1017https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2014.01.042Crossref PubMed Scopus (45) Google Scholar,(3)Kim D.Y. Biffl W. Bokhari F. Brakenridge S. Chao E. Claridge J.A. Fraser D. Jawa R. Kasotakis G. Kerwin A. et al.Evaluation and management of blunt cerebrovascular injury: A practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020; 88: 875-887https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000002668Crossref PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar The Denver group found an alarmingly high 45% occlusion rate in patients treated with stenting vs. only 5% in those treated with antithrombotic therapy and concluded that stenting for BCVI had an unacceptable risk profile.(4)Cothren C.C. Moore E.E. Ray C.E. Ciesla D.J. Johnson J.L. Moore J.B. Burch J.M. Carotid artery stents for blunt cerebrovascular injury: risks exceed benefits.Arch Surg. 2005; 140 (; discussion 485-486): 480-485https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.140.5.480Crossref PubMed Scopus (111) Google Scholar It seems clear that stenting is rarely indicated for BCVI and this is consistent with the experience of the Maryland Shock Trauma study, as the authors point out that their center diagnoses approximately 300 carotid BCVIs per year, of which only 2-3% were selected for TCAR. It's possible that TCAR may be associated with a lower stroke and complication rate in BCVI patients in a similar manner to its benefits for carotid occlusive disease. Namely, by the use of dynamic flow reversal, which was found by Naazie, et al. in their Vascular Quality Initiative study to be the primary mechanism for stroke protection in TCAR.(5)Naazie I.N. Magee G.A. Mathlouthi A. Elsayed N. Dakour-Aridi H. Malas M.B. Primary mechanism of stroke reduction in transcarotid artery revascularization is dynamic flow reversal.J Vasc Surg. 2021; 74: 187-194https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2020.10.082Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar Although the focus of this series is on the novel use of TCAR in the setting of BCVI requiring stenting, the authors describe another innovation, which is the use of Supera stents (Abbott, Plymouth, MN). The authors state that they prefer Supera stents for this application because of its flexibility and length, as they often stent up to the skull base to treat the entirety of the injury. At first glance, this seems to be an usual choice, but their results suggest that the authors may be on to something. Further study is necessary to determine if TCAR is a gamechanger for the management of BCVI and which of these two innovations is the primary reason for improved outcomes. Transcarotid Artery Revascularization in Blunt Carotid InjuryJournal of Vascular Surgery Cases, Innovations and TechniquesPreviewTranscarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) with flow reversal has substantially changed the management of carotid artery stenosis, enabling an endovascular approach with a periprocedural stroke rate as low or lower than that of open carotid surgery. The use of TCAR in blunt carotid injury has not yet been described. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Transcarotid artery revascularization in blunt carotid injury.

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) with flow reversal has substantially changed the management of carotid artery stenosis, enabling an endovascular approach with a periprocedural stroke rate as low as or lower than that of open carotid surgery. The use of TCAR for blunt carotid artery injury has not yet been described. A review of the use of TCAR for blunt carotid artery injury was performed at a single center from October 2020 to August 2021. The patient demographics, mechanism of injury, and outcomes were collected and compared. Ten carotid stents were placed via TCAR in eight patients for hemodynamically significant blunt carotid artery injuries. No periprocedural neurologic events occurred, and all stents remained patent during short-term follow-up. TCAR is feasible and safe in the management of significant blunt carotid artery injuries. More data are needed regarding the long-term outcomes and ideal surveillance intervals.

Open abdominal approach for perineal hernia repair (with video).

A Kommerell diverticulum (KD) may predispose toward aortic aneurysm, dissection, or rupture, although they are primarily asymptomatic. We report a case of an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a KD in a right-side aortic arch. The lesions were successfully treated by an endovascular approach involving Amplatzer vascular plug embolization of the aberrant left subclavian artery and endovascular repair of the KD.

혈관내 스텐트를 이용하여 경정맥구 게실에 의한 박동성 이명을 치료한 증례보고

Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare otologic symptom that presents a diagnostic and management dilemma for experienced otolaryngologists. Treatment options range from conservative management to surgery, but patients may not be able to tolerate symptoms with the former and the latter procedure may be associated with significant morbidity We describe the case of using a stent-assisted coil approach to treating a patient with jugular bulb diverticulum (JBD) and severe pulsatile tinnitus. We describe a 41-year-old woman who presented with disabling pulsatile tinnitus due to right JBD. Both surgical or endovascular approaches were possible, but we decided to treat the diverticulum with coil emboli-zation and stenting of the jugular bulb. Following the procedure, tinnitus presence and severity were self-reported or assessed using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and tinnitus magnitude index (TMI). The total score of both THI and TMI improved in 6 months after surgery, and there was no complication. Therefore, we report this experience, which was resolved through successful endovas-cular coiling and stent procedure for severe pulsatile tinnitus with no complication.

Spontaneous Soft Tissue Hematomas in Patients with Coagulation Impairment: Safety and Efficacy of Transarterial Embolization.

The aim of this study is to report the authors' experience of percutaneous transarterial embolization (TAE) in patients with spontaneous soft tissue hematomas (SSTH) and active bleeding with anticoagulation impairment. The study retrospectively identified 78 patients who received a diagnosis of SSTH by CT scan and underwent TAE between 2010 and 2019 in a single trauma center. The patients were stratified using Popov classification into categories: 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3. The patient's 30-day survival after TAE was considered the primary outcome; immediate technical success, the need for additional TAE, and TAE-related complications were considered secondary outcomes. Immediate technical success, complication rate, and risk factors for death were analyzed. Follow-up stopped on day 30 from TAE. 27 patients (35%) fell into category 2A, 8 (10%) into category 2B, 4 (5%) into category 2C, and 39 (50%) into category 3. Immediate technical success was achieved in 77 patients (98.7%). Complications included damage at the arterial puncture site (2 patients, 2.5%) and acute kidney injury (24 patients, 31%). Only 2 patients (2.5%) had been discharged with a new diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. The 30-day overall mortality rate was 19% (15 patients). The mortality rate was higher in hemodynamically unstable patients, in Popov categories 2B, 2C, and 3, and in patients with an initial eGFR < 30 mL/min × 1.73 m2. The study demonstrated a higher mortality risk for categories 2B, 2C, and 3 compared to category 2A. Nonetheless, TAE has proven effective and safe in type 2A patients. Even though it is unclear whether type 2A patients could benefit from conservative treatment rather than TAE, in the authors' opinion, a TAE endovascular approach should be promptly considered for all patients in ACT with active bleeding demonstrated on CT scans.

Rare Rupture of Small 4.3cm Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common medical condition with the feared, and often fatal, complication of rupture. The risk of rupture has been well documented to correlate with aneurysm size. It is exceedingly rare for an AAA less than 5cm to rupture. This case report demonstrates an asymptomatic 4.3cm AAA that ruptured while admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 pneumonia. The patient was successfully managed with an endovascular aortoiliac stent graft. Although rare, in patients with small AAA, rupture must remain in the differential diagnosis in the setting of acute onset abdominal or back pain. Furthermore, when quickly recognized, these patients can be safely managed with an endovascular approach.

A Case Series of Late Vascular Lesions of Traumatic Etiology: Endovascular and Surgical Approaches.

There is a broad spectrum of pathology in traumatic vascular injury. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal communication between the high-flow arterial system and the low-flow venous network, directly connecting the afferent artery and nearby draining veins without the regular intervention of the capillary bed. Most of these fistulas occur due to incidental or iatrogenic injury. A retrospective review of procedures performed by an endovascular surgeon in a tertiary center identified 15 cases of vascular injuries that encompassed all these different clinical scenarios, including post-traumatic, iatrogenic, or spontaneous origin. The information collected, including patient age, sex, previous symptoms, and treatment, was gathered from medical records. In addition, information on procedural technique, endovascular devices used, and specific intraprocedural details were collected from procedure notes and angiographic images. A broad spectrum of injuries can present as late trauma complications (over three months); endovascular treatment is a safe and effective approach for intracranial and extracranial injuries. Endovascular treatment can be a sole option or adjuvant to other hybrid therapies and has emerged as essential for treating these lesions as a first option. We have described standard techniques to treat different vascular pathologies, sometimes with limited resources.

International Multi-Institutional Experience with Presentation and Management of Aortic Arch Laterality in Aberrant Subclavian Artery and Kommerell's Diverticulum

Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) with or without Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a rare anatomic aortic arch anomaly that can cause dysphagia and/or life-threatening rupture. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of ASA/KD repair in patients with a left versus right aortic arch. Using the Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium methodology, a retrospective review was performed of patients ≥18years old with surgical treatment of ASA/KD from 2000 to 2020 at 20 institutions. 288 patients with ASA with or without KD were identified; 222 left-sided aortic arch (LAA), and 66 right-sided aortic arch (RAA). Mean age at repair was younger in LAA 54 vs. 58years (P=0.06). Patients in RAA were more likely to undergo repair due to symptoms (72.7% vs. 55.9%, P=0.01), and more likely to present with dysphagia (57.6% vs. 39.1%, P<0.01). The hybrid open/endovascular approach was the most common repair type in both groups. Rates of intraoperative complications, death within 30days, return to the operating room, symptom relief and endoleaks were not significantly different. For patients with symptom status follow-up data, in LAA, 61.7% had complete relief, 34.0% had partial relief and 4.3% had no change. In RAA, 60.7% had complete relief, 34.4% had partial relief and 4.9% had no change. In patients with ASA/KD, RAA patients were less common than LAA, presented more frequently with dysphagia, had symptoms as an indication for intervention, and underwent treatment at a younger age. Open, endovascular and hybrid repair approaches appear equally effective, regardless of arch laterality.

Endovascular Approach to Complex CTO Lesion in a Poor Surgical Candidate

Despite the various uses of endovascular and surgical techniques in management of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), traditional open bypass surgery with vein graft was shown to be more durable in the long term in long segment and heavily calcified lesions per the Best-CLI trial. However, patients with extensive cardiovascular risk factors and poor surgical candidates benefit from an endovascular approach. Endovascular revascularization of long segment lesions is complex and often requires the use of multiple unique techniques. Here, we present a case of a 76-year-old male with complex cardiovascular history with history of partial amputation of the right great toe and fifth toe who presented with non-healing ulcers overlying the right first and fifth distal metatarsals. A 76-year-old man with complex cardiovascular history presented with limited mobility, rest pain, and non-healing ulcers overlying the right first and fifth distal metatarsals. Bilateral common femoral artery (CFA) endarterectomy and lower left extremity angioplasty with stenting was done in the past. Doppler studies demonstrated dampened and flat pulses throughout the right lower extremity. Current computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed occlusion of the right superficial femoral artery (SFA) from the ostium to the P3 segment of the popliteal artery with significant calcification. Through ultrasound-guided left CFA access, a .035 guidewire and sheath were advanced into right distal CFA/proximal SFA and with angiogram confirming CTA results. Through the ultrasound-guided right PTA access and double flossing technique, retrograde V-18 guidewire was advanced into the antegrade Navicross catheter positioned within the right CFA. Subsequently, over the guidewire orbital atherectomy and balloon angioplasty were performed from the distal CFA to the proximal ATA region. With use of intravascular ultrasound for vessel diameter measurement, self-expanding stents were placed from the proximal SFA to the distal popliteal region. Final angiogram demonstrated an improvement of luminal diameter with less than 30% stenosis through the right lower extremity. Patient was started on Xarelto and aspirin. Multimodal endovascular technical approaches such as double-crossing flossing technique, controlled antegrade and retrograde tracking (CART) and reverse CART technique, and synapse rendezvous technique help with management of complex long segment occlusions. The case above demonstrates the use of double-crossing flossing technique in successful revascularization of a patient with end-stage CLI.Fig 2View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)