Endovascular Era Research Articles

Otvorena reparacija aneurizme aorte u endovaskularnoj eri

Open repair (OR) of aortic aneurysms is still relatively mutilating and risky in older and high-risk patients. Since the introduction of EVAR, a significantly lower perioperative mortality has been noted. Apart from advantages, endovascular treatment has some disadvantages as well, due to which OR still has a very important role in the endovascular era. In a vast majority of the patients younger than 65, with good overall condition, long life expectancy and favorable anatomy, as well as in patients with hostile aneurysm neck anatomy, heritable connective tissue disorders, complete thrombosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and potent accessory renal arteries, OR is the first treatment option in comparison with the endovascular treatment. EVAR is recommended as the first treatment option in patients with inflammatory aneurysms and OR should be considered only in better shaped patients with inflammatory AAA and significant hydronephrosis. Late open surgical conversion (LOSC) is a noted event after endovascular treatment and is associated with a significantly higher perioperative mortality and other serious perioperative complications compared to primary OR. Multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) did not find a significant difference regarding 30-day mortality between open and endovascular repair of ruptured AAA. However, not all ruptured AAA are suitable for endovascular repair. In a hemodynamically unstable patients, when there is no time for MDCT angiography, EVAR is not possible, and OR is the only option. The incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome after OR is significantly lower in comparison with EVAR thanks to surgical evacuation and drainage of retroperitoneal hematoma. The improvement of the results of aortic aneurysm treatment largely depends on the volume of yearly aortic operations. Having in mind all the mentioned advantages and disadvantages of OR and endovascular repair, we can conclude that in high volume centers, younger generations of vascular surgeons should be educated in standard and complex open aortic surgery.

Clinical outcomes following microsurgical treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: reaffirming the role of a “clip first” policy in the endovascular era

Clinical outcomes following microsurgical treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: reaffirming the role of a “clip first” policy in the endovascular era

Surgical strategy for inflammatory thoracic aortic aneurysms in the endovascular surgery era.

Inflammatory thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are very rare aortic conditions. Resection and replacement of the inflammatory aorta is the first-line treatment, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has recently been reported as a less invasive alternative even for this aortic cohort. In the present study, we reviewed our experience with inflammatory TAAs and assessed the preoperative management, surgical procedures, and outcomes. From 2006 to 2019, 21 surgeries were performed for inflammatory TAAs in 17 of 2583 patients (0.7%) who had undergone cardiovascular surgery at our institution. The etiologies were Takayasu's arteritis in 13 patients, giant cell arteritis in 2, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in 1, and unknown in 1. The mean follow-up period was 66.2± 50.2months (range, 19-186months). Three patients had undergone multiple surgeries. The aorta was replaced in 14 patients (ascending aorta in 9, aortic arch in 4, and thoracoabdominal aorta in 1). Three isolated TEVARs were performed in two patients and single-stage hybrid aortic repair (ascending aorta and partial arch replacement combined with zone 0 TEVAR) in four patients for extended arch and descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. Stent grafts were deployed on the native aorta in five of the seven TEVARs. The perioperative inflammation was well-controlled with prednisolone (mean dose, 7.4± 9.4mg) in all patients except for one who had required two surgeries under inflammation-uncontrolled situations. No aorta-related complications, including anastomotic aneurysms and TEVAR-related aortic dissection, developed during the follow-up period, and the 5-year freedom from all-cause death was 92.9%. The mid-term outcomes of surgery for inflammatory TAAs were acceptable. Although replacement remains the standard procedure for inflammatory TAAs, TEVAR is a less invasive acceptable alternative when the inflammation is properly managed.

Posterior Circulation Ischemia in the Endovascular Era.

To perform literature review of clinical, radiographic, and anatomical features of posterior circulation ischemia (PCI) and systematic review of the literature on the management of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) and associated outcomes. Review of literature was conducted to identify publications describing the risk factors, etiology, clinical presentation, and imaging for PCI. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE were searched from 2009 to 2020 for articles relating to management of BAO. A synthesis was compiled summarizing current evidence on management of BAO. PCI accounts for 15%-20% of strokes. Risk factors are similar to anterior circulation strokes. Dizziness (47%), unilateral limb weakness (41%), and dysarthria (31%) are the most common presenting symptoms. A noncontrast head CT will identify PCI in 21% of cases; diffusion-weighted MRI or CT perfusion increase sensitivity to 85%. Recent trials have shown endovascular therapy can achieve >80% recanalization of BAO. In select patients, 30%-60% who receive endovascular treatment can achieve favorable outcome vs without. A total of 13% achieve good outcome and there is an 86% mortality rate. PCI can present with waxing and waning symptoms or clinical findings that overlap with stroke mimics and anterior circulation ischemia, making diagnosis more heavily dependent on imaging. Recanalization is an important predictor of improved functional outcome and survival. In this endovascular era, trials of BAO are fraught with deterrents to enrollment. Despite limitations, endovascular treatment has shown improved outcome in select patients.

Evaluation of Long-Term Outcomes of Femoropopliteal Bypass Surgery in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in an Endovascular Era

To investigate the long-term outcomes of femoropopliteal bypass surgery in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC II), type D (TASC D) femoropopliteal disease. A retrospective analysis was performed for all consecutive patients undergoing above-knee (AK) femoropopliteal bypass surgery at an academic vascular centre between January 2007 and March 2019. Patients with claudication (IC) and patients with CLTI were included. Patency rates and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE) after 5 years were analysed. In total, 432 femoropopliteal grafts were performed. Indications for surgery were claudication and CLTI in 232 (53.7%) and 200 (46.3%) patients, respectively. Graft material was autologous vein in 186 patients (43.1%), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in 128 patients (29.6%), and heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (HePTFE) in 118 patients (27.3%). At the 5-year follow-up, the primary patency rate was 58.1% and 58.3% in patients with CLTI and claudication, respectively. Secondary patency rates were 74.1% and 68.6%, respectively. Freedom from MALE was 64.5% and 61.9%, respectively. Analyses of graft material in the CLTI group showed that, at 5 years, autologous vein grafts had better long-term patency rates than PTFE and HePTFE grafts. At 5 years, the primary and secondary patency rate for autologous vein grafts were 63.2% (P= 0.324) and 83.2% (P = 0.020), respectively. Freedom from MALE was 72.0% with the use of autologous vein grafts, 47.9% using PTFE and, 52.9% using HePTFE, respectively (P= 0.021). Our study shows that femoropopliteal bypass surgery in patients with TASC D lesions is safe and effective in the long term. Autologous vein grafts remain the first choice for patients with CLTI, also for bypasses in AK position. However, prosthetic grafts in AK the position are an acceptable alternative for revascularisation when the saphenous vein is not available.

Open repair versus EVAR with parallel grafts in patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm excluded from fenestrated endografting

We compared the outcomes of open surgical repair (OSR) versus endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) with parallel graft technique (PG) in patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) excluded from fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) due to clinical, anatomical, technical or manufacturing time reasons. A single-center analysis of consecutive patients who underwent elective and urgent (within 24-48 hours) repair of JAAA from January 2010 to January 2019 was performed. Two groups were compared: patients excluded from FEVAR and respectively treated by OSR or by PG for JAAA. Perioperative clinical, anatomic and operative data were collected in a dedicated database. The endpoints were primary technical success, changes in renal function, early and long-term mortality, freedom from aortic related reinterventions (ARRs) and aortic related mortality (ARM). Overall, 118 consecutive patients were treated for JAAA, 32 of whom (27.1%) with FEVAR. Eighty-six patients were enrolled in the study (OSR group, N.=61; PG group, N.=25). The mean age was 77.4±6.5 years for PG group and 71.1±6.7 years for OSR group (P=0.0001); the average comorbidity score of the Society for Vascular Surgery was higher for patients treated by PG (10.2±4.8 vs. 5.5±0.4, P=0.0001), with no differences for hypertension and renal score. After propensity score matching, 42 patients (27 OSR, 15 PG) without differences in the preoperative risk factors were selected. Conical shape and neck mural thrombus were respectively more represented in the OSR group (95.1% vs. 56.0%; 63.9% vs. 36.0%). Aortic clamp site was supraceliac for 12 patients (19.7%), suprarenal for 21 (34.4%) and trans-renal for 28 patients (45.9%). In the PG group, 16 patients (64%) were treated with a single renal chimney. Primary technical success was similar in the two groups (100.0% vs. 92.0%, P=0.08), with a higher rate of procedure achieved by assisted technical success for the PG group after propensity score matching analysis (20.0% vs. 0%, P=0.04). Deterioration of renal function occurred for both groups of patients, with a significant creatinine increasing 12 months after surgery in the PG group compared with OSR group (1.72±0.66 vs. 1.18±0.40, P=0.006). Multiple logistic regression shows no independent predictor of peri-operative medical complication among demographics and pre-operative relevant clinical factors between the two cohorts. No difference in terms of early mortality was observed between the groups (1.6% vs. 0%, P=1.00). At 5 years, overall survival was lower for patients treated by PG (53.5% vs. 70.2%, P=0.007), such as freedom from ARRs (64.6 vs. 90.5%, P=0.03). Freedom from ARM at 5 years did not show significant differences among the two groups (100% vs. 98.4%, P=1.00). PG represents a feasible procedure for patients excluded from FEVAR due to clinical, anatomical, technical or device manufacturing time reasons, ensuring low rates of ARM. However, ARRs during the follow-up remain the Achilles heel of this technique. OSR is still the most durable procedure in the endovascular era, allowing the treatment of proximal "hostile necks" with low rates of reoperation and a similar impact on the renal function compared to PG.

Capturing the Complexity of Open Abdominal Aortic Surgery in the Endovascular Era

Volume and quality benchmarks for open abdominal aortic surgery and, in particular, for open aortic aneurysm repair (OAR) in the endovascular era are actively debated. The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) OAR module has failed to capture the full spectrum of complex OAR. We hypothesized that VQI-ineligible complex OAR would be the dominant form of open repair performed at a VQI-participating tertiary center. All OAR cases performed from 2007 to 2019 were reviewed. The VQI OAR criteria were applied, with exclusions (non-VQI) defined as concomitant renal bypass, clamping above the superior mesenteric artery or celiac artery, and repairs performed for trauma, an anastomotic aneurysm, isolated iliac aneurysm, or infected aneurysm. Linear regression was used to assess the temporal trends. Among a total of 456 open abdominal aortic operations, 330 (72%) were OARs. The average annual OAR volume remained stable over 13 years (25 ± 6; R2 = 0.05; P = .45). Non-VQI OAR comprised 54% of all cases and persisted over time (R2 = 0.03; P = .85; Fig). Both suprarenal (28%) and supraceliac (35%) clamping were often necessary. The proportion of endograft explantation cases increased significantly over time from 4% to 20% (mean, 14%; R2 = 0.47; P = .01). An infectious indication was present for 68 cases (21%). Visceral branch grafts were performed in 16% of all cases. OARs for a ruptured aneurysm constituted 10% of all cases. No statistically significant difference was found in 30-day mortality between the non-VQI and VQI-eligible OAR cases (8% vs 4%; P = .11). Complex OAR comprised a majority of OAR cases in a contemporary tertiary referral hospital; however, these cases were not accounted for in the VQI. Creation of a “complex OAR” VQI module would capture these cases in a quality-driven national registry and help to better inform the benchmarks for volume and outcomes in aortic surgery.

Open Abdominal Aortic Surgery in the Endovascular Era—Will we have Enough Volume for Vascular Trainees?

A prior analysis predicted a shortfall in open abdominal aortic repair (OAR) experience for vascular trainees resulting from the increasing of use endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). We explored how EVAR has transformed contemporary open aortic surgical education.

Contemporary Indications for Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in the Endovascular Era

Despite the emergence of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) as the most common approach to repair, open aneurysm repair (OAR) remains a critical option. We sought to define the indications for OAR in the EVAR era and how these indications affect the outcomes. We performed a retrospective review of all OAR cases at a single institution from 2004 to 2020. Preoperative computed tomography scans and operative records were assessed to determine the indications for OAR. These reasons were categorized into anatomic contraindications, systemic factors (ie, connective tissue disorders, contraindication to contrast dye), and patient and/or surgeon preference (candidates for both EVAR and OAR). The perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared. A total 370 patients were included in the analysis. Of the 370 patients, 265 (71.6%) had at least one anatomic contraindication to EVAR (36% had two or more contraindications). The most common anatomic contraindications were a short aortic neck length (51.6%), an inadequate distal seal zone (19.2%), and inadequate access vessels (15.7%). The major perioperative complication rate was 18.1%, and the 30-day mortality was 3.6%. No single anatomic factor was identified as a predictor of perioperative complications. Sixty-one patients (16.5%) had undergone OAR by patient and/or surgeon preference. These patients were younger, had a lower incidence of coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and were less likely to require suprarenal cross-clamping than were the patients who had had anatomic and/or systemic contraindications to EVAR. The patient/surgeon preference group had a lower incidence of perioperative major complications (8.2% vs 20.1%; P = .034), a shorter length of stay (6 vs 8 days; P < .001), and no 30-day mortality. The multivariable adjusted risk for 15-year mortality was lower for the patient/surgeon preference group (19.7% vs 39.5%; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.80; P = .007) than for the anatomic/systemic contraindications group (Table). Within a population of patients who did not meet the instructions for use criteria for EVAR, no single anatomic contraindication was a marker for worse outcomes after OAR. Patients who were candidates for both aortic repair approaches but who had elected to undergo OAR had 30-day mortality of 0% and superior perioperative morbidity and long-term survival rates.TableShort- and long-term outcomes stratified by OAR indicationVariableSurgeon/patient preference (n = 61)Anatomical/systemic contraindication (n = 309)P valueEstimated blood loss, mL1177 ± 9531656 ± 1653.060ICU LOS, days2 (1-2)2 (1-4).14Hospital LOS, days6 (6-9)8 (6-11)<.00130-day mortality0 (0)11 (3.6).22Long-term outcomes, adjusted 15-Year death12 (19.7)122 (39.5).007ICU, Intensive care unit; LOS, length of stay; OAR, open aneurysm repair.Data presented as mean ± standard deviation, median (interquartile range), or number (%). Open table in a new tab

Microsurgical Management of Blister-Type Basilar Artery Apex Region Aneurysms: Companion Cases Demonstrate Technical Nuances of the Subtemporal Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The proportion of intracranial aneurysms treated by microsurgical clip ligation has drastically decreased in the endovascular era. However, some aneurysms cannot be treated by current endovascular techniques. Therefore, trainees and young vascular neurosurgeons must develop and maintain microsurgical skills to safely treat aneurysms that require surgery. Ruptured, basilar artery apex, blister-type aneurysms are particularly treacherous and require a high degree of skill to safely manage them surgically. In this video, 2 companion cases are exhibited to demonstrate the nuances of the subtemporal, skull base, approach to the basilar apex region. In each case, the patient consented to surgery and anonymized recording. The subtemporal approach is favored over the trans-sylvian for posteriorly directed basilar apex region aneurysms as the former affords a complete view of the relevant anatomy. Points for consideration include variations on the standard subtemporal approach, use of retractors vs lumbar drainage to mobilize the temporal lobe, and splitting the tentorium vs a suture-retraction technique for visualization of the basilar artery apex region. Techniques for successful navigation of intraoperative rupture are demonstrated. As the number of intracranial aneurysms treated by microsurgery continues to ebb, high-quality educational videos that supplement surgeon experience will become increasingly critical to ensure that a cohort of capable microvascular neurosurgeons is prepared to tackle challenging, but manageable aneurysms, such as the blister-type basilar apex variety. Video (c) Emory University School of Medicine, 2021. Used with permission.

Repair of the descending thoracic aorta using minimally invasive endoscopic Robot-assisted surgery: a feasibility study with the DaVinci XI system in a cadaver model.

Development of minimally invasive techniques has led to the clinical routine application of Robot-assisted surgery. Here, we demonstrate for the first time Robotic-assisted surgery (DaVinci XI) of the descending thoracic aorta in a Thiel cadaver model and discuss its potential value in the endovascular era.

Open Abdominal Aortic Surgery in the Endovascular Era - Will We Have Enough Volume for Vascular Trainees?

Prior analysis in the previous decade predicted a shortfall in open abdominal aortic repair (OAR) experience for vascular trainees resulting from the rapid adoption of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). We therefore sought to explore how EVAR has transformed contemporary open aortic surgical education.

Very Long-Term Outcomes of Abdominal Aortic Repair Using a Mini-Laparotomy Approach

Open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (oAAA) is still a valid technique even nowadays in the endovascular era. This study analyzed early and very long-term outcomes of oAAA using a mini-laparotomy access (m-Lap).

Distribution of Open and Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Surgeries in the Vascular Quality Initiative by Hospitals and Surgeons

The endovascular era of vascular surgery has dramatically decreased the number of open aortic surgeries across the United States. However, limited data exist regarding the contemporary nationwide distribution of open aortic cases. We evaluated the distribution of both open and endovascular aortic cases in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) at both the hospital and the surgeon level.

Optimal Threshold for the Volume–Outcome Relationship After Open AAA Repair in the Endovascular Era: Analysis of the International Consortium of Vascular Registries

As open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (OAR) rates decline in the endovascular era, the endorsement of minimum volume thresholds for OAR is increasingly controversial, as this may affect credentialing and training. The purpose of this analysis was to identify an optimal centre volume threshold that is associated with the most significant mortality reduction after OAR, and to determine how this reflects contemporary practice. This was an observational study of OARs performed in 11 countries (2010 – 2016) within the International Consortium of Vascular Registry database (n = 178 302). The primary endpoint was post-operative in hospital mortality. Two different methodologies (area under the receiving operating curve optimisation and Markov chain Monte Carlo procedure) were used to determine the optimal centre volume threshold associated with the most significant mortality improvement. In total, 154 912 (86.9%) intact and 23 390 (13.1%) ruptured AAAs were analysed. The majority (63.1%; n = 112 557) underwent endovascular repair (EVAR) (OAR 36.9%; n = 65 745). A significant inverse relationship between increasing centre volume and lower peri-operative mortality after intact and ruptured OAR was evident (p < .001) but not with EVAR. An annual centre volume of between 13 and 16 procedures per year was associated with the most significant mortality reduction after intact OAR (adjusted predicted mortality < 13 procedures/year 4.6% [95% confidence interval 4.0% – 5.2%] vs. ≥ 13 procedures/year 3.1% [95% CI 2.8% – 3.5%]). With the increasing adoption of EVAR, the mean number of OARs per centre (intact + ruptured) decreased significantly (2010 – 2013 = 35.7; 2014 – 2016 = 29.8; p < .001). Only 23% of centres (n = 240/1 065) met the ≥ 13 procedures/year volume threshold, with significant variation between nations (Germany 11%; Denmark 100%). An annual centre volume of 13 – 16 OARs per year is the optimal threshold associated with the greatest mortality risk reduction after treatment of intact AAA. However, in the current endovascular era, achieving this threshold requires significant re-organisation of OAR practice delivery in many countries, and would affect provision of non-elective aortic services. Low volume centres continuing to offer OAR should aim to achieve mortality results equivalent to the high volume institution benchmark, using validated data from quality registries to track outcomes.

Commentary: Role of Surgical Intervention for Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae With Cortical Drainage in an Endovascular Era: A Case Series.

Commentary: Role of Surgical Intervention for Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae With Cortical Drainage in an Endovascular Era: A Case Series.

Endovascular Aortic Repair in Nonagenarian Patients

BackgroundThe increasing proportion of elderly patients being treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the endovascular era is controversial. ObjectivesThis study compared 30-day outcomes of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in nonagenarians (NAs) with non-nonagenarians (NNAs). MethodsThis retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database included EVAR procedures performed from 2011 to 2017. Multivariate logistic regression in the unadjusted cohort, followed by propensity-score matching (PSM), was performed. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major adverse events. ResultsA total of 12,267 patients were included (365 NAs). Ruptured aneurysms accounted for 6.7% (n = 819): 15.7% (n = 57) in NAs versus 6.5% (n = 762) in NNAs (p < 0.001). Mean aneurysm diameter was 6.5 ± 1.8 cm in NAs versus 5.8 ± 1.7 cm in NNAs (p < 0.001). The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 9.9% in NA versus 2.2% in NNAs (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥90 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.36), male sex (OR: 1.78), functional status (OR: 4.22), pre-operative ventilator dependency (OR: 3.80), bleeding disorders (OR: 1.52), dialysis (OR: 2.56), and ruptured aneurysms (OR: 17.21) as independent predictors of mortality. After PSM, no differences in 30-day mortality (intact AAA [iAAA]: 5.3% NA vs. 3% NNA [p = 0.15]; ruptured AAA [rAAA]: 38% NA vs. 28.6% NNA [p = 0.32]) or 30-day major adverse events (iAAA: 7% NA vs. 4.6% NNA [p = 0.22]; rAAA: 28% NA vs. 36.7% NNA [p = 0.35]) were observed. ConclusionsAge was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality after EVAR on multivariate analysis. However, no differences were found after PSM, suggesting that being ≥90 years of age but with similar comorbidities to younger patients is not associated with a higher short-term mortality after EVAR. Age ≥90 years alone should not exclude patients from EVAR, and tailored indications and carefully balanced risk assessment are advised.

Editor's Choice – Optimal Threshold for the Volume–Outcome Relationship After Open AAA Repair in the Endovascular Era: Analysis of the International Consortium of Vascular Registries

As open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (OAR) rates decline in the endovascular era, the endorsement of minimum volume thresholds for OAR is increasingly controversial, as this may affect credentialing and training. The purpose of this analysis was to identify an optimal centre volume threshold that is associated with the most significant mortality reduction after OAR, and to determine how this reflects contemporary practice. This was an observational study of OARs performed in 11 countries (2010 - 2016) within the International Consortium of Vascular Registry database (n= 178 302). The primary endpoint was post-operative in hospital mortality. Two different methodologies (area under the receiving operating curve optimisation and Markov chain Monte Carlo procedure) were used to determine the optimal centre volume threshold associated with the most significant mortality improvement. In total, 154 912 (86.9%) intact and 23 390 (13.1%) ruptured AAAs were analysed. The majority (63.1%; n= 112 557) underwent endovascular repair (EVAR) (OAR 36.9%; n= 65 745). A significant inverse relationship between increasing centre volume and lower peri-operative mortality after intact and ruptured OAR was evident(p < .001) but not with EVAR. An annual centre volume of between 13 and 16 procedures per year was associated with the mostsignificant mortality reduction after intact OAR (adjusted predicted mortality <13 procedures/year 4.6% [95% confidence interval 4.0% - 5.2%] vs. ≥ 13 procedures/year 3.1% [95% CI 2.8% - 3.5%]). With the increasing adoption of EVAR, the mean number of OARs per centre (intact+ ruptured) decreased significantly (2010 - 2013= 35.7; 2014 - 2016= 29.8; p < .001). Only 23% of centres (n= 240/1 065) met the ≥ 13 procedures/year volume threshold, with significant variation between nations (Germany 11%; Denmark 100%). An annual centre volume of 13 - 16 OARs per year is the optimal threshold associated with the greatest mortality risk reduction after treatment of intact AAA. However, in the current endovascular era, achieving this threshold requires significant re-organisation of OAR practice delivery in many countries, and would affect provision of non-elective aortic services. Low volume centres continuing to offer OAR should aim to achieve mortality results equivalent to the high volume institution benchmark, using validated data from quality registries to track outcomes.

Endovascular embolization versus surgical clipping in a single surgeon series of basilar artery aneurysms: a complementary approach in the endovascular era

BackgroundCurrently, most basilar artery aneurysms (BAAs) are treated endovascularly. Surgery remains an appropriate therapy for a subset of all intracranial aneurysms. Whether open microsurgery would be required or utilized, and to what extent, for BAAs treated by a surgeon who performs both endovascular and open procedures has not been reported.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively maintained, single-surgeon series of BAAs treated with endovascular or open surgery from the first 5 years of practice.ResultsForty-two procedures were performed in 34 patients to treat BAAs—including aneurysms arising from basilar artery apex, trunk, and perforators. Unruptured BAAs accounted for 35/42 cases (83.3%), and the mean aneurysm diameter was 8.4 ± 5.4 mm. Endovascular coiling—including stent-assisted coiling—accounted for 26/42 (61.9%) treatments and led to complete obliteration in 76.9% of cases. Four patients in the endovascular cohort required re-treatment. Surgical clip reconstruction accounted for 16/42 (38.1%) treatments and led to complete obliteration in 88.5% of cases. Good neurologic outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved in 88.5% and 75.0% of patients in endovascular and open surgical cohorts, respectively (p = 0.40). Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that advanced age (OR 1.11[95% CI 1.01–1.23]) or peri-procedural adverse event (OR 85.0 [95% CI 6.5–118.9]), but not treatment modality (OR 0.39[95% CI 0.08–2.04]), was the predictor of poor neurologic outcome.ConclusionsComplementary implementation of both endovascular and open surgery facilitates individualized treatment planning of BAAs. By leveraging strengths of both techniques, equivalent clinical outcomes and technical proficiency may be achieved with both modalities.

Surgical management of Giant paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm management in Endovascular era

Giant aneurysms are lesions with diameter greater than or equal to 25 mm. They are uncommon lesions presenting with features of mass effect and rarely rupture. Diagnosis confirmed on angiography.&#x0D; This case describes a young female with giant paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. The patient was managed with superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass with aneurysm trapping.&#x0D; Keywords&#x0D; Giant aneurysm, STA-MCA bypass, aneurysm trapping&#x0D; &#x0D;