Endovascular Approach Research Articles

Editor's Choice – An Endovascular Approach to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture is Associated With Improved Outcomes for Patients With Prior Aortic Repair

To assess whether outcomes of rupture repair differ by aortic repair history and determine the ideal approach for rupture repair in patients with previous aortic repair. This retrospective review included all patients who underwent repair of a ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2003 - 2021 recorded in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry. Pre-operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes and long term survival were compared between patients without prior aortic repair. To assess the impact of open and endovascular approaches to rupture, a subgroup analysis was then performed among patients who ruptured after a prior infrarenal aortic repair. Univariable and adjusted analyses were performed to account for differences in patient characteristics and operative details. A total of 6 197 patients underwent rupture repair during the study period, including 337 (5.4%) with prior aortic repairs. Univariate analysis demonstrated increased 30 day mortality in patients with prior repairs versus without (42 vs. 36%; p = .034), and prior repair was associated with increased post-operative renal failure (35 vs. 21%; p < .001), respiratory complications (32 vs. 24%; p < .001), and wound complications (9 vs. 4%; p < .001). Following adjustment, all outcomes were similar with the exception of bowel ischaemia, which was decreased among patients with prior repair (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 - 0.9). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients with a prior aortic repair history who underwent open rupture repair had increased odds for 30 day mortality (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 - 1.7) and adverse secondary outcomes compared with those managed endovascularly. Prior infrarenal aortic repair was not independently associated with increased morbidity or mortality following rupture repair. Patients with a prior aortic repair history demonstrated statistically significantly higher mortality and morbidity when treated with an open repair compared with endovascular approach. An endovascular first approach to rupture should be strongly encouraged whenever feasible in patients with prior aortic repair.

Establishment of an acute arterial mesenteric ischaemia model in canines with an endovascular approach.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of establishing an arterial acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) model in canines using transcatheter autologous thrombus administration. Ten canines were divided into the experimental group (Group A, n = 5) and the sham group (Group B, n = 5). The canines in Group A received thrombus administration to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) through a guiding catheter, while the canines in Group B received normal saline administration. Blood samples were collected and tested at baseline and 2 h after modelling. Canines in Group A underwent manual thromboaspiration after blood and intestine samples were collected. Ischaemic grades of intestinal mucosa were evaluated under light microscopes. The AMI models were successfully conducted in all canines without procedure-related vessel injury or death. At the 2-h follow-up, the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and D-dimer in Group A were significantly higher than in Group B (5.72 ± 1.8 mg/L vs. 2.82 ± 1.5 mg/L, p = 0.024; 2.25 ± 0.8 μg/mL vs. 0.27 ± 0.10 μg/mL, p = 0.005; respectively). The mean histopathologic intestinal ischaemic grade in Group A was significantly higher than in Group B (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 0.8 ± 0.4, p < 0.001). After a median of 2 times of thromboaspiration, 80% (4/5) of the canines achieved complete SMA revascularisation. This experimental study demonstrated that establishing an arterial model in canines using endovascular approaches was feasible. The present model may play an important role in the investigation of endovascular techniques in the treatment of arterial AMI.

Interventional Management of Portal Vein Stenosis after Liver Transplant: Single Center Experience.

Portal vein stenosis is a relatively rare complication after liver transplant but has severe consequences. We evaluated the efficacy and longterm results of the endovascular treatment methods for portal vein stenosis. From October 2011 to October 2022, we treated 22 patients (5 female, 17 male) with portal vein stenosis using endovascular methods. Doppler ultrasonography was used for initial diagnosis, with consideration of flow rate increase over stenosis, absence of flow, or reduced anastomotic segment size (>50%). Angiography served as the gold standard, with a pressure gradient above 5 mm Hg indicating the need for treatment. Technical success criteria were defined as <50% stenosis remaining and/or a pressure gradient <5mm Hg. The transhepatic approach was used for all patients. Balloon angioplasty was initially performed, and stents were reserved for patients in the early postoperative period or those unresponsive to balloon angioplasty. The technical success rate was 100%. Mean age was 27.1 years (SD 22.4; range, 4 months to 63 years). Mean time from transplant to intervention was 317 days (range, 0-3135 days). Angioplasty was successful for 7 patients (13.8%). Of 15 patients who underwent stent placement, 9 (40.9%) were in the early postoperative period; in the other 6 patients (27%), results of angioplasty were not satisfactory, and stents were placed. Within 3 months of transplant, 3 patients died because of other complications. Among patients with stents, 2 required reintervention, resulting in reestablishment of good portal venous flow. During the mean follow-up of 24 months (range, 15 days to 9 years), 19 patients (86%) had portal flows within reference limits. The endovascular approach is a safe and effective treatment option for management of portal vein stenosis in both adult and pediatric liver transplant recipients in the early or late period.

Pseudoaneurysm rupture of the splenic artery: a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of pancreatitis, with a high risk of rupture and mortality rate. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, typically through endovascular approaches such as embolization. A 46-year-old woman with chronic pancreatitis experienced gastrointestinal bleeding from a ruptured SAP, which was successfully treated with embolization using hydrocoils, resulting in complete recovery.

Case report on adhesive intestinal obstruction secondary to aortofemoral bypass

Introduction: Aorto-iliac occlusive disease is frequently treated by endovascular approach as a first option. But due to failure of revascularization or recurrence, aorto-femoral bypass surgery remains another therapeutic alternative; however, adhesive bowel obstruction may be one of its infrequent complications. Case presentation: A 51 year old patient, operated for aorto-iliac occlusive disease one year ago, having benefited from aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery, then put on anticoagulants and anti-platelet aggregants, presented to the emergency room for an occlusive syndrome that had appeared for 3 days, The abdominal CT scan showed a bowel obstruction with a closed loop mechanism upstream of a stenosing digestive parietal thickening without any sign of suffering, presence of an effusion, presence of a sub-renal aorto-femoral birth: He was admitted to our hospital and underwent an exploratory laparotomy.

Sexual dysfunction after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: 16 years' experience in a quaternary center and literature review.

Open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD) in men. To determine the prevalence of SD following open AAA repair, explore whether surgical techniques for aortic reconstruction can have a differential impact on the occurrence of SD, and summarize current knowledge in this field. Retrospective review of 100 patients submitted to open AAA repair between 1995 and 2010 in a quaternary center. Sexual dysfunction was assessed according to questions from the modified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), considering the condition before surgical repair and 3 months after surgery. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Student's t test were used for statistical analyses. 100 patients were included (mean age = 66.4 years old). Normal sexual activity, no sexual activity, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation with preserved erectile function were found in 36%, 21%, 18%, and 24% of patients, respectively. The group of patients with no sexual activity was older (mean age = 72.3 years old vs 64.5 years old, p < 0.001). Erectile dysfunction prevalence was higher in patients submitted to an aorto-bifemoral bypass (p = 0.032). Retrograde ejaculation was more frequent in patients submitted to an aorto-aortic bypass (p = 0.007). Sexual function is a frequent condition intimately associated with the aortic reconstruction technique. The literature review found contradictory results regarding whether the endovascular approach is protective compared with open repair, but clearly demonstrated the importance of techniques targeting preservation of the internal iliac artery and the superior hypogastric plexus.

Contemporary operative strategies and technical nuances for open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, despite the rise of endovascular approaches, remains a necessary intervention for complex aortic pathologies, particularly in patients with genetically triggered aortopathies or unsuitable anatomy for endovascular grafts. This article describes the surgical techniques and perioperative management protocols. We discuss the importance of patient selection, and intraoperative techniques in open TAAA repair. Our protocol routinely consists of neuromonitoring with motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to detect and address spinal cord ischemia in real-time. The take home lesson from our analysis is that, although endovascular techniques continue to advance and offer less invasive options for TAAA management, open TAAA repair remains a necessary procedure for certain patients. The expertise in open TAAA repair must be maintained and developed in specialized centers to ensure that all patients have access to the most appropriate and effective treatment.

Hemodialysis Access: US for Preprocedural Mapping and Evaluation of Maturity and Access Dysfunction.

Patients with kidney failure require kidney replacement therapy. While renal transplantation remains the treatment of choice for kidney failure, renal replacement therapy with hemodialysis may be required owing to the limited availability and length of time patients may wait for allografts or for patients ineligible for transplant owing to advanced age or comorbidities. The ideal hemodialysis access should provide complication-free dialysis by creating a direct connection between an artery and vein with adequate blood flow that can be reliably and easily accessed percutaneously several times a week. Surgical arteriovenous fistulas and grafts are commonly created for hemodialysis access, with newer techniques that involve the use of minimally invasive endovascular approaches. The emphasis on proactive planning for the placement, protection, and preservation of the next vascular access before the current one fails has increased the use of US for preoperative mapping and monitoring of complications for potential interventions. Preoperative US of the extremity vasculature helps assess anatomic suitability before vascular access creation, increasing the rates of successful maturation. A US mapping protocol ensures reliable measurements and clear communication of anatomic variants that may alter surgical planning. Postoperative imaging helps assess fistula maturation before cannulation for dialysis and evaluates for early and late complications associated with arteriovenous access. Clinical and US findings can suggest developing stenosis that may progress to thrombosis and loss of access function, which can be treated with percutaneous vascular interventions to preserve access patency. Vascular access steal, aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, and fluid collections are other complications amenable to US evaluation. ©RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Ductus Arteriosus Stenting as a Method of Palliative Treatment of Truncus Arteriosus Type A3: Literature Review and Clinical Case

Introduction. Van Praagh A3 variant of truncus arteriosus (TA A3) is a condition when the one pulmonary artery branch origins from the TA, the other is filled through the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).&#x0D; PDA constriction in the early neonatal period can cause absence of blood supply to the one pulmonary artery branch. To prevent this, prolonged infusion of prostaglandin E1, PDA stenting or systemic-to-pulmonary shunt are used. These methods allow to postpone total repair (TR) and reduce mortality risks associated with neonatal period.&#x0D; The aim. To analyze research papers dedicated to endovascular approach of TA A3 staged treatment and to present our own experience.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We conducted a systematic literature search and analyzed various options for the TA A3 staged treatment. After the review, we used endovascular approach as the first stage of treatment in our clinical case.&#x0D; We studied a newborn weighing 4 kg with TA A3 (left pulmonary artery branch origins from the non-coronary sinus of the truncal valve, right pulmonary artery branch filling through the PDA). Nakata index was 83 mm2/m2. McGoon ratio was 1. We decided to perform PDA stenting with the aim of postponing surgical correction until the patient’s optimal age and weight.&#x0D; Discussion. In total, the number of publications about TA A3 staged treatment is limited. Most institutions prefer TA A3 staged treatment in newborns, because it is associated with a lower risk of complications than early TR. In our clinical case, the first step was PDA stenting. The staged approach allowed us to perform TR with a good result at the age of 3 months. Before TR, Nakata index and McGoon ratio were increased to 248 mm2/m2 and 1.9, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions. The current trend of TA A3 repair has few different options of staged treatment. Staged approach helps to get out of the newborn period and achieves the optimal condition for TR. Our patient successfully received PDA stenting as the first stage of treatment, which created conditions for the pulmonary artery branches growth. The second stage was TR with good long-term results. After analyzing the publications, we noted that the use of endovascular PDA stenting is a good and safe alternative to surgical palliative treatment.

Successful Endovascular Management of Juxta Internal Iliac Vessel Pseudoaneurysm with Allograft Preservation in Post-Renal Transplant

Vascular complications following renal transplant surgery are extremely uncommon, and pseudoaneurysm is even rarer, with an incidence of 0.3%. The presentation can vary from acute blood loss to chronic dull aching pain, anorexia, etc. Majority of pseudoaneurysms are associated with allograft loss. We present a case of an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm successfully managed with an endovascular approach. A 54-year-old female, post cadaveric renal transplant (end-to-end anastomosis between the renal artery and right internal iliac artery) presented on post-operative day 159 with complaint of fever with chills. On treating conservatively with antibiotics, the fever subsided, only to recur after 5-days. On further investigation, c-reactive protein (CRP) was found to be persistently elevated. Patient’s fever of unknown origin was further investigated with repeat blood culture and fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Blood culture was positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae sensitive to colistin and tigecycline and FDG-PET showed a 5 cm aneurysm of the juxta anastomotic segment of the right internal iliac vessels, a possible pseudoaneurysm. After a multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent renal angiography, an aneurysm was delineated, and a covered stent was placed which partially excluded the aneurysm. The patient responded well to the intervention. Pseudoaneurysm formation is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication and can present even in the late post-operative period. Endovascular management can be a safe approach in carefully selected cases with allograft preservation being of paramount importance.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Peripancreatic Arterial Aneurysms: A 20-year Experience.

Pancreaticoduodenal and gastroduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs and GDAAs) are rare visceral aneurysms. Considering the rupture risk regardless of size, treatment should be provided promptly. We reviewed the characteristics and management of peripancreatic aneurysms in a retrospective, single-center review of consecutive patients with PDAAs and GDAAs between 2000 and 2022. Demographics, clinical characteristics, radiologic features, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. Nineteen PDAAs and seven GDAAs were identified in 24 patients. The median sizes of the PDAAs and GDAAs were 21mm (range: 8-50mm) and 14mm (range: 11-32mm), respectively. There were 4 ruptured cases (15.4%). Ten aneurysms (38.5%) had concomitant visceral aneurysms, and 16 (61.6%) were associated with celiac pathology. Aneurysms were managed using endovascular in 12 (46.2%), surgical in 4 (15.4%), and combined methods in 3 (11.5%) cases; 7 patients (26.9%) were lost to follow-up or refused treatments. During a median 13.8-month follow-up (range: 1-147.6), two complications (7.7%) occurred including pancreatitis and coil migration into the superior mesenteric artery after embolization within 30 days. After 30 days, aorto-common hepatic artery bypass graft stenosis was identified in one PDAA. Depending on the characteristics of peripancreatic aneurysms, endovascular, surgical, and hybrid approaches might all be practical treatment options.

Intraoperative Complications in Cerebral Endovascular Aneurysmal Surgery: A Retrospective Single-Center Study (2019-2023)

BACKGROUND: Endovascular cerebral aneurysm surgery, also known as endovascular neurosurgery, represents a minimally invasive approach aimed at diagnosing and treating intracerebral aneurysms through the use of catheters, wires, and various specialized instruments. This innovative approach has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional open surgical methods for addressing cerebral aneurysms. However, it is essential to acknowledge that while endovascular procedures offer numerous advantages, such as reduced morbidity and mortality rates, they are not devoid of associated risks, some of which can have life-threatening consequences. This paper seeks to delve into the realm of intraoperative complications in patients undergoing endovascular treatment for aneurysms, shedding light on the challenges and complexities within this field. METHODS: For this retrospective investigation, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of medical records spanning a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023. These records were obtained from the Neurosurgical Clinic of Belgrade, located within the University Clinical Center of Serbia. The study cohort comprised 44 patients who encountered intraoperative complications during endovascular aneurysm treatment. Patient information, including age, gender, aneurysm size, location, specific segment, and details regarding the nature of the intraoperative complications, was meticulously collected. Subsequently, the gathered data underwent rigorous statistical analysis. RESULTS: Out of a total of 429 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for aneurysms, 44 experienced intraoperative complications. The average age of these individuals was 55.4 years, ranging from 13 to 83 years, with the majority being women (37 out of 44, or 84.1%). Thirteen patients (29.5%) presented with significant preoperative co-morbidities and had previously experienced subarachnoid hemorrhaging before undergoing treatment. The most prevalent location for aneurysms was the internal carotid artery (ICA), accounting for 40.9% of cases, with the C6 segment being the most frequently affected at 27.3%. Other notable locations included the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) at 34.1% and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) at 13.6%. Regarding intraoperative complications, technical issues were the most frequent, affecting 84.1% of patients, while biological mishaps impacted 7 out of 44 patients (15.9%). Coil failure occurred in 16 out of 44 patients (36.4%), and stent failure was observed in 14 out of 44 patients (31.8%). Catheter-related problems were noted in 5 patients (11.4%), as were thromboembolic events, also in 5 patients (11.4%). Contrast extravasation was observed in 3 patients (6.8%), and hematoma formation occurred in 1 patient (2.3%). Additionally, 12 out of 44 aneurysms were found to be ruptured (27.3%). In this retrospective study spanning five years, our investigation focused on intraoperative complications in 44 out of 429 patients who underwent endovascular aneurysmal surgery. Our findings underscored that the primary source of these complications was related to technical issues, aligning with observations from previously referenced studies. Notably, coil and stent failures emerged as prominent concerns, along with catheter-related problems and thromboembolic events. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the endovascular approach to treating aneurysms, while offering a minimally invasive option, is not exempt from inherent risks and complications. Despite these challenges, endovascular neurosurgery continues to hold significant value as a crucial alternative for the treatment of intracerebral aneurysms.

Comparative cost analysis of endovascular and open approaches for elective treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms

Background Intracranial aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery can be treated using several open surgical and endovascular approaches. Given the growing evidence of clinical equipoise between these various treatment strategies, there is a need to assess the costs associated with each. Methods Cost of aneurysm treatment was divided into two categories for comparison. “Initial cost” comprised the total in-hospital expenses for initial aneurysm treatment and “total cost” comprised initial aneurysm treatment and all expenses relating to readmission due to treatment-related complications, prescribed catheter angiograms for monitoring of treatment stability, and any retreatments needed for a given aneurysm. The open surgical group was subdivided into a pterional approach group and a lateral supraorbital (LSO) approach group for. Results Median initial cost was $37,152 (IQR $31,318–$44,947) for aneurysms treated with the pterional approach, $29,452 (IQR $27,779–$32,826) for aneurysms treated with the LSO approach, and $19,587 (IQR $14,125–$30,521) for aneurysms treated with endovascular approaches. The median total cost was $39,737 (IQR $33,891–$62,259) for aneurysms treated with the pterional approach, $31,785 (IQR $29,513–$41,099) for aneurysms treated with the LSO approach, and $24,578 (IQR $18,977–$34,547) for aneurysms treated with endovascular approaches. Analysis of variance test demonstrated variance across groups for both initial and total cost ( p = 0.004, p = 0.008, respectively). In our subsequent analysis, initial cost and total cost were higher in the pterional group than the endovascular group ( p = 0.003 and p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions Endovascular treatment of elective aneurysms has a significantly lower cost than open surgical treatment with the pterional approach, but not with the LSO approach. For aneurysms not amenable to endovascular treatment, a minimally invasive LSO approach carries a lower cost burden than a pterional approach.

Endovascular versus Surgical Lower Extremity Revascularization among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high prevalence of peripheral artery disease. How best to manage lower extremity peripheral artery disease remains unclear in this patient population. We therefore sought to compare the outcomes after endovascular versus surgical lower extremity revascularization among patients with CKD. We used data from Optum's de-identifed Clinformatics® Data Mart Database, a nationwide database of commercially insured persons in the United States to study patients with CKD who underwent lower extremity endovascular or surgical revascularization. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance covariates. We employed proportional hazard regression to study the primary outcome of major adverse limb events (MALE), defined as a repeat revascularization or amputation. We also studied each of these events separately and death from any cause. In our cohort, 60,057 patients underwent endovascular revascularization and 9,338 patients underwent surgical revascularization. Endovascular revascularization compared with surgical revascularization was associated with a higher adjusted hazard of MALE (hazard ratio (HR) 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-1.59). Endovascular revascularization was also associated with a higher adjusted hazard of repeat revascularization (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.57-1.72) but a lower adjusted risk of amputation (HR 0.71; CI 0.73-0.89). Patients undergoing endovascular revascularization also had a lower adjusted hazard for death from any cause (0.85; CI 0.82-0.88). In this analysis of patients with CKD undergoing lower extremity revascularization, an endovascular approach was associated with a higher rate of repeated revascularization but a lower risk of subsequent amputation and death compared with surgical revascularization. Multiple factors must be considered when counseling patients with CKD, who have a high burden of comorbid conditions. Clinical trials should include more patients with kidney disease, who are often otherwise excluded from participation, to better understand the most effective treatment strategies for this vulnerable patient population.

CIRSE Standards of Practice for the Endovascular Treatment of Visceral and Renal Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms

BackgroundEndovascular treatment of visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms is an effective, minimally invasive treatment that has been successfully used since the early 1990s, with refined and expanded techniques and tools currently offering excellent outcomes. Due to increased detection of such lesions in recent years, many of which are asymptomatic, revision of the indications for intervention and the correct endovascular treatment approaches has become essential.PurposeThis document will presume that the indication for treatment is clear and approved by the multidisciplinary team and will define the standards required for the performance of each intervention, as well as their relative advantages and limitations. CIRSE Standards of Practice documents are not intended to impose a standard of clinical patient care, but recommend a reasonable approach to, and best practices for, the performance of the endovascular treatment of visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.MethodsThe writing group was established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee and consisted of five clinicians with internationally recognised expertise in endovascular treatments. The writing group reviewed the existing literature on visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, performing an evidence search using PubMed to identify publications in English and relating to human subjects from 1990 to 2022. The final recommendations were formulated through consensus.ResultsEndovascular treatment has an established role in the successful management of visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, and this Standards of Practice document provides up-to-date recommendations for its safe performance.

Percutaneous Deep Venous Arterialization for Limb Salvage in No Option Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

An endovascular approach is often considered the first line treatment option for lower limb chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), which is defined by the presence of ischemic rest pain and severe tissue loss, such as ulcers or gangrene. Although the technical success rate of endovascular revascularization is high, in specific patients with advanced infrapopliteal disease and the absence of run-off tibial vessels, the so-called 'desert foot', the chance of successful endovascular revascularization is minimal. In order to avoid primary amputation, several treatment options are currently being investigated, including gene therapy and deep venous arterialization. This review focuses on the percutaneous deep venous arterialization technique as a promising, minimally invasive treatment option for limb salvage in CLTI patients presenting with a 'desert foot'.

Migration d'endoprothèse thoracique avec occlusion des troncs supra-aortiques en per-procédure pour rupture isthmique ; prise en charge

The endovascular approach is widely used in the management of aortic isthmic rupture. Even if it remains less invasive than conventional surgery, a life-threatening complications are possible.We report the case of a young female patient presenting a stent-graft migration during the deployment with total obstruction of the supra-aortic vessels. We describe the therapeutic management with a cerebral rescue procedure followed by a delayed surgical repair.

Image Guidance Techniques and Treatment Approach Optimization in the Management of Type-II Endoleak After Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Over the past three decades EVAR emerged as the primary approach for abdominal aortic aneurysm management, however the occurrence of endoleak following endograft implantation imposes a high toll on patients and hospitals alike. The early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of endoleaks is associated with better outcomes, which calls for more advanced imaging and a standardized approach for endoleak diagnosis and management following EVAR. Although conventional strategy with non-targeted deployment of coils and embolic material in the aneurysm sac is considered to be the standard approach in many hospitals, it may not prove to be a viable option, given that it affects any further follow-up imaging in the event of sub-optimal therapy and consequent recurrence. Currently various imaging and image guidance tools are available to address this clinical challenge, utilizing a targeted approach to warrant optimal individualized, patient-tailored treatment for each case. We summarize our tertiary aortic referral center experience and describe strategies for optimal selection of various treatment approaches for Type-II Endoleak specifically. Including endovascular, percutaneous and laparoscopic approaches.

Treatment of true superficial femoral artery aneurysms: the 15-year experience of a single centre.

True superficial femoral artery aneurysms (SFAAs) are rare and traditionally treated by open repair. However, the endovascular approach excluding the aneurysm sac with a covered stent may be an alternative. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the open and endovascular repair of SFAAs. This is a retrospective, observational, monocentric study. The main endpoints were: technical success, limb salvage and primary patency rate, and hospitalisation time. We identified 49 SFAAs in 40 patients; the mean age was 73.3±10.1 years, the mean diameter of SFAAs was 5.41±3.64cm, and 61.2% were symptomatic for ischaemic or compression-related signs. The indication for open repair was given mainly for complex SFAAs involving the distal third of the superficial femoral artery and with an ipsilateral popliteal aneurysm. Among the 36 open-repair patients, 33 underwent ligation and revascularisation via bypass or graft interposition, and 3 patients underwent simple ligation without revascularisation. The endovascular approach was adopted mainly for aneurysms located in the medial third of the SFAA, which underwent covered stenting in 12 patients and coil embolisation in 1 patient. The technical success was 100% in all cases. There were no statistical differences in terms of primary patency and limb salvage rate between groups at two and four years. The mean hospitalisation time was 10±4 and 3±1 days after open and endovascular treatment, respectively. The endovascular approach may be a valid alternative for isolating SFAAs offering good results and shorter hospitalisation. Open repair remains a valid approach, particularly in complex aneurysms.

Flow Diversion for Treatment of Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms: Mechanism and Pitfalls from a Novel Management Strategy

Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms present a challenge for neurosurgeons and neurointerventionalists alike. Cases of AICA aneurysms managed with endovascular flow diversion at our institute are reviewed with their angiographic outcomes. Both direct and indirect flow diversion provide complete aneurysm occlusion at follow-up. We propose a stratified method of approaching AICA aneurysms based on location, rupture status, and neck size. Careful evaluation of preoperative parameters is paramount in deciding between a surgical or a neuroendovascular approach. Low-profile stents in the future may assist in direct flow diversion of AICA trunk aneurysms. In addition, neurosurgeons need to be well versed in endovascular approaches.