Endovascular Operating Room Research Articles

Surgeon-modified fenestrated endovascular grafts and thoracoscope-assisted fixation for treatment of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Total endovascular technique with fenestrated endovascular graft might be hampered for the late dilatation of proximal landing zone, which may cause endografts migration. We describe a successful urgent hybrid procedure for extent III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with aortic intramural hematoma. A 55-year-old female with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was considered at high surgical risk and unfit for open repair due to multiple comorbidities. Therefore, a hybrid procedure of surgeon-modified fenestrated endovascular graft combined with thoracoscope-assisted Transaortic epicardial fixation of endograft was finally chosen and performed in the endovascular operating room. A 3-port technique was performed through a left video-assisted thoracoscopic approach. After the first tampering stent-graft was deployed, a double-needle suture was penetrated both the aortic wall and stent-graft to fixate it in the proximal descending aorta. Then the second endograft, which had been fenestrated on table, was introduced and oriented extracorporeally by rotating superior mesenteric artery and left renal artery fenestration radiopaque markers and deployed with perfect apposition between the fenestrations and target visceral artery. Each vessel was sequentially stented using Viabahn self-expandable stent to finish target vessel stenting. An Ankura cuff stent was deployed in the distal abdominal aortic artery. Surgeon-modified fenestrated endovascular graft combined with thoracoscope-assisted fixation may be an innovative and viable alternative for selected high-risk patients with extent III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. A longer follow-up is needed to ascertain the success of this approach.

Hybrid revascularization of the heart and brain: which carotid endarterectomy is preferable?

The aim of this study was to analyse the inpatient and long-term results of hybrid surgery, incorporating percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and different types of carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
 Materials and methods. A prospective, open-label cohort comparison study was conducted in 20182020 and included 363 patients with atherosclerosis of both the internal carotid artery (ICA) and coronary artery, who underwent hybrid revascularization of the brain and myocardium. All patients were divided into four groups based on the revascularization strategy: group 1 (n = 107; 29.5%) PCI + eversion CEA; group 2 (n = 98; 27%) PCI + classic CEA with patch angioplasty; group 3 (n = 72; 19.8%) PCI + glomus-sparing CEA according to R.A. Vinogradov; and group 4 (n = 86; 23.7%) PCI + glomus-sparing CEA according to A.N. Kazantsev. The follow-up period was 20.8 8.0 months.
 The patient received a loading dose of clopidogrel (300 mg) before the PCI, and the procedure was then performed in an endovascular operating room. A radial artery catheter was inserted, and the patient received 10,000 IU of intravenous heparin before the procedure. After the PCI, the patient was taken to the vascular operating room, where they underwent the CEA. The patient received 5,000 IU of intravenous heparin before artery clamping. Glomus-sparing CEA according to A.N. Kazantsev was performed as follows: an arteriotomy was conducted along the internal edge of the external carotid artery (ECA), adjacent to the carotid sinus and 23 cm above the ostium, and extending to the common carotid artery (CCA) (also 23 cm below the ECA ostium), depending on the size of the atherosclerotic plaque. The ICA was transected in the area bound by the ECA and CCA walls. Eversion CEA of the ICA was performed, followed by open CEA of the ECA and CCA. The ICA was implanted in its previous position in the preserved area.
 Results. No mortality was recorded during the inpatient follow-up period. All cases of myocardial infarction occurred after eversion and classic CEA: 3 in group 1 (2.8%) and 1 in group 2 (1.02%); р = 0.2. No ischaemic stroke was recorded only in patients who underwent CAE according to A.N. Kazantsev (р = 0.66); however, ischaemic stroke occurred in two patients in group 1 (1.8%), in two patients in group 2 (2.04%) and in one patient in group 3 (1.38%). The highest number of cardiovascular events occurred in group 1, due to carotid glomus injury, which led to poorly controlled hypertension during the inpatient stay. This tendency influenced the composite endpoints (death + myocardial infarction + ischaemic stroke), which were highest in group 1 (5 or 4.6%) compared to 3 (3.06%), 1 (1.38%) and 0 in groups 24, respectively (р = 0.18). The groups were comparable in the frequency of long-term complications. However, the incidence of ICA restenosis was lowest and no ECA thrombosis/occlusion was observed after glomus-sparing CEA according to R.A. Vinogradov and A.N. Kazantsev.
 Conclusion. A hybrid PCI + CEA for brain revascularization should be glomus-sparing. CEA according to A.N. Kazantsev was characterized by lack of procedural arteriotomy complications. This procedure enables blood pressure monitoring in the postoperative period, thus minimizing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Endovascular treatment of tandemic occlusions in acute ischemic stroke

The observation of endovascular treatment of acute tandem occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) in combination with the thrombosis of the right ICA and the critical stenosis of the left vertebral artery is presented.Man, 61 years old. He was delivered to the Center of endovascular neuroradiology, NAMS of Ukraine on January 15, 2021 with an ischemic stroke clinic in the left internal carotid artery basin. He fell ill acutely ‒ against the background of complete well-being, sensorimotor aphasia and right-sided hemiplegia appeared. Upon admission on the NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) ‒ 18 points. On the performed initial multispiral computed tomography of the brain according to ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score) ‒ 8 points. In the endovascular operating room, cerebral angiography was performed, followed by surgery aimed at restoring cerebral blood flow. The time from the onset of the disease to the puncture was 330 minutes, the duration of the operation was 135 minutes, thus the time from the onset of the disease to reperfusion was 465 minutes. Angiography revealed acute thrombosis of the left ICA starting from the orifice, M1-segment of the left MCA and A2-segment of the left ACA. Partial compensation of the basin through the supra-block anastomosis (external carotid artery ‒ ICA), as well as from the vertebro-basilar system through the network of leptomeningeal arteries. Collaterals ‒ ACG 3. Thrombosis of the right ICA and critical stenosis (95 %) of the V1-segment of the left vertebral artery were also revealed. The operation was performed ‒ recanalization of thrombosis of the left ICA orifice followed by balloon angioplasty, thrombectomy from the MCA and ACA pools. The end result is eTICI 2c reperfusion. There were no complications during this operation. The patient was discharged the next day (transferred to the neurological department at the place of residence). Control multispiral computed tomography of the brain showed positive dynamics (ASPECTS ‒ 1 point).

Coil Embolization of Iatrogenic Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm

<h3>Introduction and Objective</h3> Femoral pseudoaneurysms are not uncommon after cardiac catheterizations. Multiple methods are used to treat pseudoaneurysms including ultrasound guided thrombin injection, direct pressure, stent grafting, open surgical repair and endovascular coil embolization. We describe a patient with severe comorbidities with complicated femoral pseudoaneurysm treated with emergent coil embolization via radial access. <h3>Case Report</h3> An obese 77-year-old female with multiple comorbidities, who was deemed a prohibitive risk for cardiac surgery, was taken to the cardiac cath lab for percutaneous coronary intervention. She underwent balloon valvuloplasty of the aortic valve in addition to placement of drug-eluting stents in the left main, LAD, diagonal and circumflex arteries. This was accomplished through a 10 French sheath placed in the left common femoral artery. The groin was closed with two Perclose devices. An immediate hematoma developed in the left groin. Manual pressure was held until the patient was stable. She was then transported to the ICU. Shortly after arrival in the ICU, the patient developed hypotension. She was taken back to the cardiac cath lab where she underwent an arteriogram via the left radial artery. Contrast extravasation was noted from the left femoral artery. Several attempts to control hemorrhage with balloon occlusion were unsuccessful. Urgent vascular surgery consultation was obtained. Patient was emergently moved to the endovascular operating room. Left femoral arteriography via left radial access revealed active contrast extravasation from the femoral bifurcation into a large pseudoaneurysm cavity. A vertebral catheter was used to advance a glide wire into the pseudoaneurysm. A microcatheter was then advanced into the pseudoaneurysm cavity. The pseudoaneurysm was embolized with two detachable 6 × 12 Penumbra Ruby coils. Post embolization, there was minimal flow into the pseudoaneurysm. Duplex ultrasound performed the next day revealed minimal flow in the pseudoaneurysm cavity with a maximal flow lumen of 1 cm. This was observed and it spontaneously thrombosed. The patient ultimately recovered and returned to her baseline medical status. <h3>Discussion</h3> A variety of methods are available for the treatment of pseudoaneurysms. Traditional treatment options include ultrasound-guided manual compression, thrombin injection and open surgery. With the development and evolution of endovascular techniques, less invasive options such as stent graft coverage and coil embolization can be successfully utilized. There are few case reports of coil embolization of femoral pseudoaneurysms. In selected patients, coil embolization may be an effective alternative to surgical treatment and can be offered by the vascular surgeon.

Radial Arterial Access for Thoracic Intraoperative Spinal Angiography in the Prone Position

Verification of complete occlusion or resection of neurovascular lesions is often performed using intraoperative angiography. Surgery for spinal vascular lesions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is typically performed with the patient in the prone position, making intraoperative angiography difficult. No standardized protocol is available for intraoperative angiography during spinal surgery with the patient in the prone position. We have described our experience using radial artery access for intraoperative angiography in thoracic spinal neurovascular procedures performed with the patient in the prone position. We reviewed the data from all patients who had undergone surgical resection of spinal vascular lesions in the prone position with radial artery vascular access for intraoperative angiography. The patients were treated in a hybrid endovascular operating room. A total of 4 patients were treated in the prone position using transradial artery access intraoperative angiography for confirmation of complete resection of the vascular lesions. Of the 4 patients, 2 had undergone surgery for a dural AVF, 1 for a pial AVF, and 1 for an AVM of the filum terminale. None of the patients had experienced any procedural complications. Radial artery access for intraoperative angiography during spinal neurovascular procedures in which selective catheterization of a thoracic branch is necessary is feasible, safe, and practical.

Combined Surgery and Intraoperative Sclerotherapy for Vascular Malformations of the Head/Neck

Vascular malformations (VMs) of the head and neck can lead to aesthetic problems as well as cranial nerve damage, airway compromise, and vision loss. Large VMs are typically managed surgically, with sclerotherapy or embolization performed in the perioperative period to decrease the risk of excessive blood loss and minimize the size of the VM. However, this initial treatment is frequently insufficient leading to excessive blood loss intraoperatively, poorer margin visualization for the surgeon, and decreased likelihood of complete resection. As a result, resections of large VMs are often performed in a multistage approach. This article introduces a new hybrid approach for the management of head and neck VMs entailing the use of an endovascular operating room where a neuroendovascular surgeon performs embolization or sclerotherapy intraoperatively as needed in conjunction with surgical excision. Three patients with large VMs in the facial region underwent successful use of the hybrid approach. The hybrid approach improved visualization, leading to complete resection in 1 patient and nearly complete resections (70% and 90%) in the other patients. The technique also helped minimize blood loss because only the youngest patient (23 months old) required a blood transfusion. Implications of these findings include the transition from a multistaged approach for large VMs to a single-stage approach. In addition, decreases in blood loss may allow for the development and use of minimal access techniques, leading to a decrease in visible scarring for patients. We suggest the consideration of the hybrid approach for large head and neck VMs.

Intraoperative Angiography for Arteriovenous Malformation Resection in the Prone and Lateral Positions, Using Upper Extremity Arterial Access.

Intraoperative angiography is routinely utilized for aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) to verify complete occlusion and resection. Surgery for spinal and posterior fossa neurovascular lesions is usually performed in prone position. Intraoperative angiography in the prone position is challenging and there is no standardized protocol for this procedure. To describe our experience with intraoperative angiography in the prone and lateral positions, using upper extremity arterial access. We reviewed our experience with intraoperative angiography in the prone position between 2014 and 2015, where vascular access was obtained via the upper extremity arteries. Patients were treated in a hybrid endovascular operating room. High cervical and intracranial lesions were studied via brachial or radial access. All accesses were obtained using ultrasonographic guidance and a small caliber arterial sheath (4F). Five patients were treated in the prone and lateral positions using brachial/radial artery access. Patients harbored cerebellar AVM, lateral medullary AVM, cervical arteriovenous fistula (AVF), tentorial dural AVF, and tentorial-incisural dural AVF. Patients were positioned prone (n = 2), semiprone (n = 2), and lateral (n = 1) for the surgery. Three patients were treated via right brachial artery access. Two patients were treated via radial arteries access. All patients tolerated the procedures without technical or clinical complications. Intraoperative angiography verified complete occlusion and resection in all cases prior to surgical closure. Intraoperative angiography in the prone and lateral positions using upper extremity access is an important adjunct. Brachial or radial access can be obtained safely and provides comfortable and quick approaches.

Endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using the off-the-shelf multibranched t-Branch stent graft

Endovascular repair has been increasingly used to treat thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using patient-specific or off-the-shelf fenestrated and branched stent grafts. Device customization limits the application of patient-specific devices in patients who need urgent or emergency repair because of ruptured or large, rapidly expanding aneurysms. For these patients, an off-the-shelf multibranched stent graft, the t-Branch stent graft (Cook Medical, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) hasbeen developed based on the relative predictability of visceral vessel anatomy, allowing incorporation and intraoperative customization of target vessels with four down-going directional branches. We used the t-Branch stent graft in a 66-year-old woman with a rapidly enlarging type III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Completion angiography and follow-up computed tomography angiography demonstrated successful exclusion of the aneurysm sac, patent target vessels, and nearly complete sac shrinkage at the 12-month follow-up.

Isolated Limb Infusion For Melanoma and Sarcoma Performed in the Endovascular Operating Room

Isolated Limb Infusion For Melanoma and Sarcoma Performed in the Endovascular Operating Room

Invited commentary

Invited commentary

Is Balloon Angioplasty of Peri-Anastomotic Stenoses of Failing Peripheral Arterial Bypasses Worthwhile?

Surgical revision of failing peripheral arterial bypass grafts has generally been shown to provide superior patency rates compared to balloon angioplasty. We analyzed whether balloon angioplasty, specifically of peri-anastomotic stenoses (PAS), provided acceptable patency rates, because surgery for these lesions is more difficult and is likely associated with higher complication rates compared to surgical revision of stenoses in the body of a graft. This is a retrospective review of PAS balloon angioplasties performed at a single institution between January 1, 1999, and September 1, 2005. We report ''primary site patency'' as a stenosis treated by balloon angioplasty, ''revised primary site patency'' as a stenosis treated by repeat balloon angioplasty, and ''secondary site patency'' as an angioplastied stenosis treated surgically or when the graft thrombosed and was revised surgically. All procedures were performed in an endovascular operating room based on duplex scan findings suggesting a significant stenosis. 48 PAS in 33 autologous vein and 15 prosthetic grafts were treated by balloon angioplasty in 42 patients. Mean follow-up was 12 months (range, 1-49 months). Interventions were performed on 22 femoropopliteal grafts (11 proximal, 11 distal), 20 femorotibial grafts (5 proximal, 15 distal), 2 axillofemoral grafts (2 proximal anastomoses), 2 popliteal-pedal grafts (1 proximal, 1 distal), and 1 common iliac-femoral graft (proximal). Life-table analysis revealed 2-year primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates of 38%, 58%, and 84%, respectively. No major complications occurred with any endovascular intervention. Balloon angioplasty of PAS resulted in acceptable 2-year assisted primary patency rate of almost 60%. Endovascular intervention avoided repeat incisions in scarred groins, higher rates of nerve injury and infection, significant blood loss, and longer length of hospital stays. We recommend that balloon angioplasty of PAS be attempted before resorting to surgical intervention, especially in cases of hostile anastomotic wounds.

The Endovascular Operating Room as an Extension of the Intensive Care Unit: Changing Strategies in the Management of Neurovascular Disease

Technological advances within the field of endovascular neurosurgery have influenced the management of the neurovascular patient within the intensive care unit (ICU). The endovascular operating room has, in fact, become an extension of the ICU in certain cases. Given the rapid development of new endovascular technologies, it is more important than ever for neurosurgeons to remain intimately involved with the care of their patients within the ICU. This article offers an overview of the evolution in ICU management of neurovascular disease and provides a framework for the incorporation of the endovascular operating room in the intensive care management of patients with this disease.

Anesthesia for Endovascular Neurosurgery

Endovascular neurosurgical procedures are complex, requiring significant planning, foresight, and coordination. The neuroanesthetist is an integral part of these procedures, organizing efforts of the technicians and nurses and responding to the needs of the neurointerventionalist. The purpose of this article is to review, in detail, the role of the neuroanesthetist in the endovascular operating room. An overview of all areas either partially or completely managed by the anesthetist is provided.

Endovascular operating suite: future directions for treating neurovascular disease

The purpose of this study was to evaluate initial experiences in a surgical operating room (OR) with a multipurpose angiography unit, which offers integrated neurosurgical and radiological capabilities. A specially designed biplane digital subtraction (DS) angiography system was installed in the neurosurgery OR. The new suite, which allows three-dimensional DS angiography with C-arm for computerized tomography and microsurgery capabilities, allows the neurosurgeon to perform a wide range of neurosurgical and endovascular procedures. Three hundred thirty-two procedures were performed in the endovascular OR between November 2003 and March 2005. Patients arriving in the emergency department were transferred to the endovascular OR without delay. The neurovascular team performed diagnostic angiography followed by endovascular interventional procedures or surgery. The newly designed endovascular OR facilitates safe and systemic treatment of neurovascular disease.

Initial experience with endovascular aortic aneurysm repair without cardiologists or radiologists--do vascular surgeons really need them?

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been predominantly accomplished by teams of multidisciplinary interventionalists, frequently under the primary direction of cardiologists and radiologists. The purpose of this paper was to examine the feasibility and safety of an initial experience of EVARs performed by vascular surgeons at a single institution without other interventionalists. The authors reviewed the first 50 EVARs performed solely by vascular surgeons at our hospital, which we believed represented a fair and sizable enough learning curve for this new procedure. The operations were performed in an endovascular operating room and the surgeons had prior endovascular experience. The EVAR protocol included preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans and aortograms, same-day admissions, epidural anesthesia, transfer to the ward the day of surgery, and discharge the first postoperative day. CT scans were performed on postoperative day 1 and then annually, unless duplex ultrasound (DU) suggested an endoleak. DU was performed 1 week postoperatively, every 3 months for the first year, and then every 6 months thereafter. Of the first 23 patients, 3 required immediate conversion to open repair because of device malfunction (all in a Phase III FDA trial) and 1 underwent conversion 3 weeks after initial graft placement during treatment of a failing endograft limb as diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography. None of the next 27 cases required conversion. In 2 (4%) patients, graft limb occlusions occurred postoperatively and were treated with femorofemoral crossover grafts. There were 5 (10%) endoleaks: 2 were treated endovascularly, 1 closed spontaneously, and 2 were followed. Several advanced adjunctive endovascular procedures were performed concomitantly during EVAR including internal iliac artery coil embolization using aortic crossover catheters in 16% (8/50) of patients, proximal or distal extension cuff placement in 16% (8/50), and graft limb stenting in 50% (25/50). The average length of stay for patients who underwent uncomplicated aortic stent grafts was 1.9 days (range, 1-4 days) compared to 2.3 days for all patients (range 1-13 days). In no case were other interventionalists necessary for intraoperative assistance. These results of EVAR performed solely by vascular surgeons are comparable to reports by multidisciplinary teams and support the premise that vascular surgeons with endovascular skills have the knowledge and capability to begin performing EVAR independently of other specialists.

Value of an Endovascular Suite in the Operating Room

The purpose of this study is to describe the advantages and value of an endovascular suite in the operating room from a vascular surgeon's perspective. All endovascular procedures were performed in a specially equipped operating room by vascular surgeons using digital fluoroscopic imaging equipment. Between January 1, 1994 and August 31, 1996, intraoperative balloon angioplasties were attempted by vascular surgeons in 102 patients with insertion of 22 stents. Angioplasties were performed for stenoses in 50 arterial bypasses and 25 iliac, 17 femoral and 10 popliteal arteries proximal or distal to arterial grafts. Sixty-two procedures were performed concomitantly with a surgical bypass and 40 were performed as the sole procedure (30 percutaneous, 10 open) in patients who had previously undergone a bypass. There were five technically unsatisfactory results which were converted to surgical procedures and one postoperative hematoma that required surgical repair. Ninety of the 102 grafts remained patent more than 1 month after the procedure. Establishment of an endovascular operating room suite enables vascular surgeons to perform adjunctive endovascular procedures concomitantly with vascular surgery and treat unexpected findings in the operating room amenable to endovascular intervention without requesting other interventionalists to participate on an emergent basis.