Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Research Articles

Five-Year Results for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair with the GORE® EXCLUDER® Device: Insights from the Gore Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT)

ObjectivesThe early postoperative benefits of EVAR have been well established but questions remain regarding its durability at mid and long-term timepoints. Long-term results in real-world use of EVAR outside of randomized trial data are limited. This study utilized the GREAT Registry to explore the 5-year outcomes with the GORE® EXCLUDER® device in real-world clinical circumstances. MethodsAll patients within the GREAT registry that underwent an infrarenal AAA repair with the GORE® EXCLUDER® device were included in this study. Baseline characteristics and demographic information of the cohort were collected. Endpoints included mortality (all-cause and aneurysm related), serious endoleaks, aneurysm sac diameter, endograft integrity (fracture, compression, migration), post-EVAR aortic rupture, device-related reintervention, conversion to open repair, graft explantation, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). ResultsA total of 3216 patients were included in this analysis. The cohort reflected a significantly comorbid population with 46% of patients reaching a Charlson comorbidity index score of ≥ 5. Follow-up at 5 years was 60% of eligible participants. The freedom from aortic-related mortality was at 98.8% and overall survival was 71.2%. Post-operative MACE occurred in 49 (1.5%) patients. Device-related intervention through 5 years was 7.2% and the overall serious endoleak rate was 6.8%. Less than 1% of patients required an open conversion/revision and aortic rupture following device placement occurred in 15 (0.5%) patients. Aneurysm sac regression was achieved in 58.1% of patients at 5 years, and stability/absence of growth was observed in 83.6% at 5 years. ConclusionsThis study supports the durability of the GORE® EXCLUDER® device though 5 years with negligible incidence of graft integrity compromise and low aortic/device-related reintervention rates. Furthermore, the efficacy of the device is highlighted with low aortic-related mortality and high sac regression/stability diameter though 5 years.

Assessment of fitness for open repair in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveEndovascular aortic repair (EVAR) was originally designed as a treatment modality for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) deemed unfit for open repair. However, the definition of “unfit for open repair” is largely subjective and heterogenous. The purpose of this study was to compare patients deemed unfit for open repair who underwent EVAR to a matched cohort who underwent open repair for infrarenal AAAs. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative of the Society for Vascular Surgery was queried for patients who underwent EVAR and open infrarenal AAA repair from 2003 to 2022. Patients that underwent EVAR were included if they were deemed unfit for open repair by the operating surgeon. EVAR patients deemed unfit because of a hostile abdomen were excluded. Patients in both the open and EVAR datasets were excluded if their repair was deemed non-elective or if they had prior aortic surgery. EVAR patients were matched to a cohort of open patients. The primary outcome for this study was 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, major adverse cardiac events, pulmonary complications, non-home discharge, reinterventions, and 5-year survival. ResultsA total of 5310 EVAR patients were identified who were deemed unfit for open repair. Of those, 3028 EVAR patients (57.0%) were able to be matched 1:1 to a cohort of open patients. Open patients had higher rates of major adverse cardiac events (20.2% vs 4.4%; P < .001), pulmonary complications (12.8% vs 1.6%; P < .001), non-home discharges (28.5% vs 7.9%; P < .001), and 30-day mortality (4.5% vs 1.4%; P < .001). There were no differences in early survival, but open repair had better middle and late survival compared with EVAR over the course of 5 years. A total of 74 EVAR patients (2.4%) had reinterventions during the study period. EVAR patients that required interventions had higher 1-year (40.5% vs 7.3%; P < .001) and 5-year mortality (43.2% vs 14.1%; P < .001) compared with those that did not require reinterventions. EVAR patients who had reinterventions had higher 1-year (40.5% vs 6.3%; P < .001) and 5-year (43.2% vs 20.3%; P = .006) mortality compared with their matched open cohort. ConclusionsPatients undergoing EVAR for AAAs who are deemed unfit for open repair have better perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with open repair. However, patients who had an open repair had better middle and late survival over the course of 5 years. The categorization of unfitness for open surgery may be inaccurate and re-evaluation of this terminology/concept should be undertaken.

Long-term costs to Medicare associated with endovascular and open repairs of infrarenal and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveThe vast majority of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) undergoing repairs receive endovascular interventions (EVARs) instead of open operations (OARs). Although EVARs have better short-term outcomes, OARs have improved longer-term durability and require less radiographic follow-up and monitoring, which may have significant implications on health care economics surrounding provision of AAA care nationally. Herein, we compared costs associated with EVAR and OAR of both infrarenal and complex AAAs. MethodsWe examined patients undergoing index elective EVARs or OARs of infrarenal and complex AAAs in the 2014-2019 Vascular Quality Initiative-Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network (VQI-VISION) dataset. We defined overall costs as the aggregated longitudinal costs associated with: (1) the index surgery; (2) reinterventions; and (3) imaging tests. We evaluated overall costs up to 5 years after infrarenal AAA repair and 3 years for complex AAA repair. Multivariable regressions adjusted for case-mix when evaluating cost differences between EVARs vs OARs. ResultsWe identified 23,746 infrarenal AAA repairs (8.7% OAR, 91% EVAR) and 2279 complex AAA repairs (69% OAR, 31% EVAR). In both cohorts, patients undergoing EVARs were more likely to be older and have more comorbidities. The cost for the index procedure for EVARs relative to OARs was lower for infrarenal AAAs ($32,440 vs $37,488; P < .01) but higher among complex AAAs ($48,870 vs $44,530; P < .01). EVARs had higher annual imaging and reintervention costs during each of the 5 postoperative years for infrarenal aneurysms and the 3 postoperative years for complex aneurysms. Among patients undergoing infrarenal AAA repairs who survived 5 years, the total 5-year cost of EVARs was similar to that of OARs ($35,858 vs $34,212; −$223 [95% confidence interval (CI), −$3042 to $2596]). For complex AAA repairs, the total cost at 3 years of EVARs was greater than OARs ($64,492 vs $42,212; +$9860 [95% CI, $5835-$13,885]). For patients receiving EVARs for complex aneurysms, physician-modified endovascular grafts had higher index procedure costs ($55,835 vs $47,064; P < .01) although similar total costs on adjusted analyses (+$1856 [95% CI, −$7997 to $11,710]; P = .70) relative to Zenith fenestrated endovascular grafts among those that were alive at 3 years. ConclusionsLonger-term costs associated with EVARs are lower for infrarenal AAAs but higher for complex AAAs relative to OARs, driven by reintervention and imaging costs. Further analyses to characterize the financial viability of EVARs for both infrarenal and complex AAAs should evaluate hospital margins and anticipated changes in costs of devices.

Chronic hypertension in infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery. Multivariate analysis

Background and objectives: Chronic hypertension has a higher incidence in the perioperative setting. It increases the risk of complications like acute hypertension, bleeding, myocardial ischemia, and stroke. Perioperative management of these patients during vascular surgery could be challenging because of the additional co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, vasculopathy, and cardiac disease. For these reasons, we conducted a retrospective study to observe the complications and mortality associated with chronic hypertension during vascular surgery. Materials and methods: After ethical committee approval we retrospectively review medical records of patients undergone abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery. Age, sex, ASA physical status, chronic hypertension (controlled or uncontrolled), type of surgery (open or endovascular; scheduled or urgent), anesthesia type, postoperative complications (acute hypertension, bleeding, acute renal failure, heart failure, stroke, and cardiac arrest) and mortality were recorded. A multivariate analysis of chronic hypertension, postoperative complications, and mortality was conducted using SPSS Software. A p - value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our study included 544 patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery. Ninety-four percent of patients were men, mean age of 72 years old, and 67% were ASA III and IV. Seventy-three percent of patients presented chronic hypertension with appropriate control defined as the lack of target organ damage and previous complications related to hypertension in 83% of these patients. Endovascular surgery was performed in 44% and open procedure in 56% of patients. Elective surgery was carried out in 83% and urgent surgery in 17% of patients. General anesthesia was performed in 73% (combined general anesthesia with epidural analgesia in 36%) and regional anesthesia in 27% of cases. Controlled chronic hypertension was not associated with postoperative complications (CI 95% 0,581-2,982 p 0,510) and mortality (1-year mortality CI 95% 0,786-5,240 p 0,144; 2-year mortality CI 95% 0,655-3,845 p 0,306). Discussion: Chronic hypertension is largely considered a risk factor for perioperative complications of AAA repair. Conversely, our results suggest that adequate control of chronic hypertension before AAA repair leads to a low incidence of postoperative complications as well as 1 and 2-year mortality rates.

Elective Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) for the Treatment of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms of 5.0–5.5 cm: Differences between Men and Women

Background: There is significant debate regarding the existence of sex-related differences in the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of men versus women affected by abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The purpose of this study is to compare endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of infrarenal AAAs with the current sex-neutral 5.0–5.5 cm-diameter threshold for intervention between the two sexes. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive cases from a single teaching institution over a period of five years of patients who had undergone elective EVAR for AAAs between 5.0 and 5.5 cm in diameter. Outcomes of interest were compared according to sex. Results: Ninety-four patients were included in the analysis, with a higher prevalence of men (53%). Females were older at the time of repair, 78 ± 5.1 years, versus 71.7 ± 7 years (p &lt; 0.01), and had higher incidence of underlying comorbidities, namely, arrhythmia, chronic kidney disease, and previous carotid revascularization. Women had higher incidence of immediate systemic complications (p = 0.021), post-operative AMI (p = 0.001), arrhythmia (p = 0.006), pulmonary oedema (p &lt; 0.001), and persistent renal dysfunction (p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis for post-operative factors associated to mortality and adjusted for sex confirmed that AMI (p = 0.015), arrhythmia (p = 0.049), pulmonary oedema (p = 0.015), persistent renal dysfunction (p &lt; 0.001), cerebral ischemia (p &lt; 0.001), arterial embolism of lower limbs (p &lt; 0.001), and deep-vein thrombosis of lower limbs (p &lt; 0.001) were associated to higher EVAR-related mortality; a higher incidence of post-operative AMI (p = 0.014), pulmonary edema (p = 0.034), and arterial embolism of lower limbs (p = 0.046) were associated to higher 30-days mortality. In females there was also a higher rate of suprarenal fixation (p = 0.026), insertion outside the instruction for use (p = 0.035), and a more hostile neck anatomy with different proximal aortic diameter (p &lt; 0.001) and angle (p = 0.003). Conclusions: A similar threshold of size of AAA for elective surgery for both males and females might not be appropriate for surgical intervention, as females tend to have worse outcomes. Further population-based studies are needed to guide on sex-related differences and intervention on AAA.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair of metachronous thoracic aortic aneurysms following prior infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectiveThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of metachronous thoracic aortic aneurysms (M-TAAs) following previous infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has been associated with higher spinal cord ischemia (SCI) risk compared with TEVAR of primary thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). However, data on the impact of the type of prior infrarenal aortic repair on outcomes are scarce. In this study, we examined perioperative outcomes and long-term mortality following TEVAR M-TAA compared with primary TEVAR of TAA. MethodsWe identified all Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) patients who underwent TEVAR of TAA in the descending thoracic aorta from 2013 to 2022. Only patients undergoing primary TEVAR or TEVAR following infrarenal open (OAR) or endovascular (EVAR) repair were included. We performed univariate analyses to identify differences in baseline and procedural characteristics, and multivariable analyses for perioperative outcomes and 5-year mortality using logistic and Cox regression, respectively. ResultsWe included 1493 patients who underwent primary TEVAR (81%) or TEVAR following prior OAR (9.0%) or prior EVAR (9.7%). Compared with primary TEVAR, patients undergoing TEVAR M-TAA were older, more commonly male, white, and had higher rates of hypertension, smoking, and renal dysfunction. Patients with M-TAA were more likely to be asymptomatic and have larger diameters at presentation but were exposed to greater contrast volume and procedural times relative to primary TEVAR patients. Following risk-adjustment, compared with primary TEVAR, TEVAR after prior EVAR was associated with higher perioperative mortality (9.7% vs 3.9%; odds ratio [OR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-12; P < .001) and 5-year mortality (40% vs 24%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.1; P = .001). Specifically, among octogenarians (n = 375; 25%), the perioperative and 5-year mortality differences were even more pronounced (perioperative mortality: 17% vs 8.4%; OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 2.2-21; P = .001; 5-year mortality: 50% vs 27%; HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-5.7; P = .010). However, in-hospital complications, including SCI (2.6% vs 2.8%; OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.33-3.3; P = .77), were not notably different. In contrast, TEVAR after previous OAR was associated with comparable perioperative mortality (4.4% vs 3.9%; OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.32-3.8; P = .73), 5-year mortality (28% vs 24%; HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.80-2.1; P = .54), and in-hospital complications, including SCI (2.6% vs 0.7%; OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.01-1.1; P = .16). ConclusionsPatients undergoing TEVAR of M-TAAs after prior EVAR, particularly octogenarians, have higher perioperative and 5-year mortality and therefore, represent a high-risk group. Future efforts should strive to discern the underlying factors leading to these poorer outcomes; meanwhile, these findings emphasize the need for careful patient selection and appropriate preoperative counseling in these high-risk individuals.

O029 Adverse renal outcomes following endovascular or open repair of infra-renal and supra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction This study aims to quantify the risk of permanent renal dialysis for AAA repair, with comparison between endovascular (EVAR) and open repair (OAR) techniques for suprarenal (SR) and infrarenal (IR) AAA. Methods Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of post-operative, permanent dialysis outcomes were performed, following PRISMA guidance (Prospero registration: CRD42021272422). Database searches were conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL using ProQuest Dialog. We included data published after 2011, reporting primary elective AAA repair, for a minimum of 100 patients with &amp;gt;75% of operations undertaken after January 1, 2000. Results Seventy-nine studies (IR AAAs: 54877 EVAR &amp; 7145; SR AAAs: 4241 EVAR &amp; 1723 OAR) were included (n=67986). Overall, low rates of permanent dialysis were reported: 0.35% of IR-EVAR, 0.68% IR-OAR, 0.82% SR-EVAR, and 0.59% SR-OAR. No significant difference in the risk of permanent dialysis for endovascular and open repair was observed (EVAR vs. OAR: odds ratio (OR) 0.52 95% CI[.06, 4.78], for IR, 2.14 [.46, 10.05], for SR). A lower risk of permanent dialysis was observed for IR vs. SR EVAR (OR .05 [0, .46]). Meta-regression indicated that post-operative permanent dialysis decreased over time as determined by study midpoint for IR-EVAR and IR-OAR. For IR-OAR, increased dialysis rates were significantly associated with study participants’ ages. Conclusion The rate of permanent dialysis &amp;lt;1% for all modalities of SR and IR AAA repair. For EVAR, the risk of dialysis was higher for SR compared to IR AAA. The likelihood of permanent dialysis has decreased with modern practice yet increases among older patients.

Symptomatic peripheral artery disease increases risk of perioperative mortality following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectivePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with worse survival following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. However, little is known about the impact of PAD and sex on outcomes following open infrarenal AAA repair (OAR). MethodsAll elective open infrarenal AAA cases were queried from the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative from 2003 to 2022. PAD was defined as history of non-cardiac arterial bypass, non-coronary percutaneous vascular intervention (PVI), or non-traumatic major amputation. Cohorts were stratified by sex and history of PAD. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to assess the primary endpoints: 30-day and 5-year mortality, respectively. ResultsOf 4910 patients who underwent elective OAR, 3421 (69.7%) were men without PAD, 298 (6.1%) were men with PAD, 1098 (22.4%) were women without PAD, and 93 (1.9%) were women with PAD. Men with PAD had prior bypass (45%), PVI (62%), and amputation (6.7%). Women with PAD had prior bypass (32%), PVI (76%), and amputation (5.4%). Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher in men with PAD compared with men without PAD (4.4% vs 1.7%; P = .001) and in women with PAD compared with women without PAD (7.5% vs 2.4%; P = .01). After risk adjustment, when compared with men without PAD, women with PAD had nearly four times the odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 3.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-9.64; P = .004) and men with PAD had almost three times the odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.42-5.40; P = .003). Five-year survival was 87.8% in men without PAD, 77.8% in men with PAD, 85% in women without PAD, and 76.2% in women with PAD (P < .001). After risk adjustment, only men with PAD had an increased hazard of death at 5 years (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07-2.17; P = .019) compared with men without PAD. ConclusionsPAD is a potent risk factor for increased perioperative mortality in both men and women following OAR. In women, this equates to nearly four times the odds of perioperative mortality compared with men without PAD. Future study evaluating risk/benefit is needed to determine if women with PAD reflect a high-risk cohort that may benefit from a more conservative OAR threshold for treatment.

Long-term Mortality and Reintervention After Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using VQI-matched Medicare Claims.

The objective of this study was to compare endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) versus open aortic repair (OAR) on mortality and reintervention after ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). The optimal treatment modality for rAAA remains debated, with little data on long-term comparisons. VQI rAAA repairs (2004-2018) were matched with Medicare claims (VQI-VISION). Primary outcomes were in-hospital and long-term mortality. Secondary outcome was reintervention. Inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for treatment selection, and Cox Proportional Hazards models and negative binomial regressions were used for analysis. Landmark analysis was performed among patients surviving hospital discharge. Among 1885 VQI/Medicare rAAA patients, 790 underwent OAR, and 1095 underwent EVAR. Median age was 76 years; 73% were male. Inverse probability weighting produced comparable groups. In-hospital mortality was lower after EVAR versus OAR (21% vs 37%, odds ratio: 0.52, 95% CI, 0.4-0.7). One-year mortality rates were lower for EVAR versus OAR [hazard ratio (HR) 0.74, 95% CI, 0.6-0.9], but not statistically different after 1 year (HR: 0.95, 95% CI, 0.8-1.2). This implies additional benefits to EVAR in the short term. Reintervention rates were higher after EVAR than OAR at 2 and 5 years (rate ratio: 1.79 95% CI, 1.2-2.7 and rate ratio:2.03 95% CI, 1.4-3.0), but not within the first year. Reintervention was associated with higher mortality risk for both OAR (HR: 1.66 95% CI, 1.1-2.5) and EVAR (HR: 2.14 95% CI, 1.6-2.9). Long-term mortality was similar between repair types (HR: 0.99, 95% CI, 0.8-1.2). Within VQI/Medicare patients undergoing rAAA repair, the perioperative mortality rate favors EVAR but equalizes after 1 year. Reinterventions were more common after EVAR and were associated with higher mortality regardless of treatment.

The Roles of Liver Fibrosis Scores and Modified Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio Values in Predicting Contrast-Induced Nephropathy after Elective Endovascular Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) methods are higher preferred for the treatment of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Various markers, including the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, have been used to predict the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4), aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and modified stress hyperglycemia ratio (mSHR) values in predicting CIN. Patients who had undergone elective endovascular infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in our clinic between January 2015 and January 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Patients who did not develop contrast-induced nephropathy after the procedure were identified as Group 1, and those who did were referred to as Group 2. A total of 276 patients were included in the study. The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperlipidemia, and left ventricular ejection fraction. In Group 2, the FIB-4 score, APRI, and mSHR values were significantly higher (p = 0.008, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). In Group 2, the contrast volume and number of packed blood products used (median 1 (1-4) vs. 2 (1-5)) were significantly higher (p = 0.003 and p = 0.012, respectively). In this study, we demonstrated that we may predict the risk of CIN development with preoperatively calculated, noninvasive liver fibrosis scores and mSHR.

Association Between Obesity and Outcomes Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Obesity is prevalent in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). There is an association between increasing body mass index (BMI) and increased overall cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. This study aims to assess the difference in mortality and complication rates between normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obese patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for infrarenal AAA. This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing EVAR for AAA between January 1998 and December 2019. Weight classes were defined as: BMI<18.5kg/m2, underweight; BMI 18.5-24.9kg/m2, NW; BMI 25.0-29.9kg/m2, OW; BMI 30.0-39.9kg/m2, obese; BMI>39.9kg/m2 morbidly obese. Primary outcomes were long-term all-cause mortality and freedom from reintervention. Secondary outcome was aneurysm sac regression (defined as a reduction in sac diameter of 5mm or more). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and mixed model analysis of variance were used. The study included 515 patients (83% males, mean age 77±8years) with a mean follow-up of 3.8±2.8years. In terms of weight class, 2.1% (n=11) were underweight, 32.4% (167) were NW, 41.6% (n=214) were OW, 21.2% (n=109) were obese, and 2.7% (n=14) were morbidly obese. Obese patients were younger (mean difference -5.0years) but had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (33.3% vs. 10.6% for NW) and dyslipidemia (82.4% vs. 60.9% for NW). Obese patients had similar freedom from all-cause mortality (88%) compared to OW (78%) and NW (81%) patients. The same findings were evident for freedom from reintervention where obese (79%) was similar to OW (76%) and NW (79%). At a mean follow-up of 5.1±0.4years, sac regression was observed similarly across weight classes at 49.6%, 50.6%, and 51.8% for NW, OW, and obese, respectively (P=0.501). There was a significant difference in mean AAA diameter pre- and post-EVAR [F(2,318)=24.37, P<0.001] across weight classes. NW [mean reduction 4.8mm (2.0-7.6mm, P<0.001)], OW [mean reduction 3.9mm (1.5-6.3mm, P<0.001)], and obese [mean reduction 5.7mm (2.3-9.1mm, P<0.001)] achieved similar reductions. Obesity was not associated with increased mortality or reintervention in patients undergoing EVAR. Obese patients achieved similar rates of sac regression on imaging follow-up.

The Impact of Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms on Vascular Surgery Training in Open Aneurysm Repair

Since the introduction of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR) in 1992, the number of open AAA repair (OAR) cases continue to decline. The consequence of reduced OAR cases raises valid concerns related to patient safety and future training of vascular surgeons that need to be appropriately addressed. Our objective is to analyze trends in open and endovascular AAA repair cases and to assess their implications on the quality of vascular surgery training. We analyzed the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case log database for total clinical experience in open and endovascular AAA repair for graduating vascular surgery fellows (VSF) finishing 5+2 programs between 2002-2019 and vascular surgery integrated residents (VSR) between 2013-2019. VSF case totals were calculated by combining average total cases of open and endovascular supra- and infra-renal AAA repair during fellowship years combined with total cases performed during their general surgery residency. VSR case totals included only the cases performed during the 5-year residency period. Isolated Iliac and thoracic aortic aneurysms were excluded from our analysis. The average number of OAR cases per trainee has decreased by 60% (from 36.9 to 14.7) with a rate of 1.4 cases per year (P<0.001) for VSF. Meanwhile, EVAR average cases have increased by 102% (from 22 to 44.4). However, there were two different trends exhibited with EVAR over the study period. Between 2002 and 2007, EVAR cases tended to increase by 5.9 cases per year (P<0.001). Whereas, between 2007 and 2019, there was a slightly decreased trend in EVAR cases by 0.3 cases per year (P=0.01) (Figure 1). For VSR, while no significant trend was observed in the mean number of OAR cases (Coef. -0.3, P=0.2) due to limited time frame, the proportion of open cases was significantly lower compared to endovascular cases. Additionally, there were two different trends exhibited with EVAR over the study period. Between 2013 and 2015, EVAR cases tended to increase by 1.7 cases per year (P=0.1). Whereas, between 2015 and 2019, there was a slightly decreased trend in EVAR cases by 0.2 cases per year (P=0.007). A significant reduction of average OAR cases and increase in EVAR cases were observed over the study period. Vascular surgery training programs may need to introduce further training programs in open surgical repair to ensure vascular surgery trainees have the required technical skills and expertise to perform such a high-risk procedure safely and independently.

Sex-specific differences in the standard of care for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and death.

This study investigated whether sex-specific differences in preoperative/perioperative standard of care (SOC) account for disparity in outcomes after elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. This was a retrospective cohort study of elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs (2013-2020) using depersonalized patient-level National Vascular Registry data. SOC was defined for waiting times, preoperative assessment (multidisciplinary/anaesthetic review), cardiovascular risk prevention, and perioperative medication. The primary outcome was major cardiovascular event and/or death (MACED). Some 21 810 patients with an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm were included, 2380 women and 19 430 men. Women less often underwent aneurysm repair within SOC waiting times (51.5 versus 59.3 per cent; P < 0.001), but were equally likely to receive preoperative assessment (72.1 versus 72.5 per cent; P = 0.742). Women were less likely to receive secondary prevention for known cardiac disease (34.9 versus 39.6 per cent; P = 0.015), but more often met overall cardiovascular risk prevention standards (52.1 versus 47.3 per cent; P < 0.001). Women were at greater risk of MACED (open: 12.0 versus 8.9 per cent, P < 0.001; endovascular: 4.9 versus 2.9 per cent, P < 0.001; risk-adjusted OR 1.33, 95 per cent c.i. 1.12 to 1.59). A significant reduction in the odds of MACED was associated with preoperative assessment (OR 0.86, 0.75 to 0.98) and SOC waiting times (OR 0.78, 0.69 to 0.87). There was insufficient evidence to confirm a significant sex-specific difference in the effect of SOC preoperative assessment (women: OR 0.69, 0.50 to 0.97; men: OR 0.89, 0.77 to 1.03; interaction P = 0.170) or SOC waiting times (women: OR 0.84, 0.62 to 1.16; men: OR 0.76, 0.67 to 0.87; interaction P = 0.570) on the risk of MACED. SOC waiting times and preoperative assessment were not met for both sexes, which was associated with an increased risk of MACED. Sex-specific differences in SOC attenuated but did not fully account for the increased risk of MACED in women.

Open Surgery for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: 980 Consecutive Patient Outcomes from a High-Volume Centre in the United Kingdom.

Controversy persists regarding the optimal treatment for large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), highlighted by the publication of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline (NG156) on March 2020. The pendulum of opinion swings once more from endovascular to open surgical treatment. We report our experience over the last 15years in treating consecutive AAA by open surgery. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected vascular database of all patients undergoing infra-renal open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (OR) repair from 2004 to 2019 at the largest aneurysm centre in the United Kingdom. OR for elective and emergency (ruptured and symptomatic) outcomes included early morbidity and 30-day mortality, and long-term survival. 1017 patients underwent OR between 2004-2019, on application of our inclusion-criteria 994 patients formed our cohort for analysis (81.2% male) with a mean age 73.6 ± 7.8years treated by OR for AAA. In that group 672 were elective and 308 were emergency (for ruptured or symptomatic). Overall 30day mortality was 11.3%, elective 30day mortality was 2.5%, and emergency 30day mortality was 29.9%. 30day re-intervention rate was 9.5%, (elective 7.0%, emergency 15.9%). Survival at 1000days for elective repair was 72 v 46.7% for emergency and at 2000 days was 43.4% for elective v 25% for emergency. Our data confirm that open surgery for AAA can be performed in large volume centres quite safely. Elective and Emergency surgery does affect early 30day mortality but does not influence long-term outcome.

Role of Aggressive Aneurysm Sac Embolization Before Endovascular Abdominal Aneurysm Repair in Preventing Type II Endoleak and Sac Expansion.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aggressive embolization of side branches arising from the aneurysmal sac before endovascular aneurysm repair. This retrospective study included 95 patients who underwent endovascular infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at Tottori University Hospital between October 2016 and January 2021. Of these, 54 underwent standard endovascular aneurysm repair (conventional group), and 41 underwent coiling of the inferior mesenteric and lumbar arteries before undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (embolization group). The occurrence of type II endoleak, change in aneurysmal sac diameter, and reintervention rate due to type II endoleak during follow-up were evaluated. Compared to the conventional group, the embolization group had a significantly lower incidence of type II endoleak, more frequent aneurysmal sac shrinkage, and lower aneurysmal sac growth related to type II endoleak. Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of aggressive aneurysmal sac embolization before endovascular aneurysm repair to prevent type II endoleak and the consequent long-term aneurysmal sac enlargement.

Physical Rehabilitation of Patient with Infrarenal Section Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Presenting with Hydrocele and Inguinal Hernia: A Case Report

Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal dilation of distal abdominal aorta. The risk factors are age older than 60 years, smoking, hypertension and caucasian ethnicity. Testicular pain is an uncommon clinical presentation. There is a high prevalence of inguinal hernia in patients with infrarenal AAA. The purpose of the present case report is to describe the functional activity limitation in a patient affected by an infrarenal AAA presenting as a symptom of inguinal hernia and groin pain despite successful infrarenal AAA repair with aortofemoral bypass surgery and bilateral inguinal hernia repair. A 62-year-old male patient, presented with pain in the groin region and mild swelling over the scrotal region, which was severely limiting his activities of daily living. A Computerised Tomography (CT) angio abdomen revealed a fusiform aneurysm on the distal abdominal aorta and a saccular aneurysm of bilateral common iliac arteries. Given the minimum of four days of referral waiting time to receive treatment for infrarenal AAA, the patient underwent surgery and was followed by the postoperative physiotherapy intervention. The rehabilitation programme started five days postsurgery. The treatment goals directed mainly decreasing postoperative pulmonary complications and improving functional mobility. The present case report contributes new light on the possible pathogenesis and timely management. It reports the unexpected and unusual presentation of the disease and unveiling the link between the presentation of infrarenal AAA and inguinal hernia and hydrocele.

Age and Oversizing Influence Iliac Dilatation after EVAR.

In the past two decades, endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has become the first line treatment for infrarenal AAA repair in many countries. While short-term results are good, concerns have been raised about long-term durability. Changes in aortoiliac anatomy, especially at the landing zones, could play a role in EVAR failure over time. The current study aimed to determine certain morphological changes in the distal iliac landing zone after EVAR implantation, as well aspossible risk factors associated with iliac sealing failure. In a retrospective analysis of a tertiary single-centre registry, including patients treated with EVAR between January 2008 and July 2018, clinical follow-up data were assessed, and computer tomography (CT) imaging was evaluated regarding morphological changes in the iliac anatomy during follow-up. For clinical analysis all patients with a minimum follow-up of one year were included; for morphological analysis of iliac anatomy all patients with available CT follow-up of a minimum of one year and a minimum of two CT scans were included. Overall, 127 out of 241 treated patients (92.1% male) were included in the clinical follow-up. Complete CT imaging of 99 iliac arteries in 55 patients was available for morphological analysis. Median postoperative follow-up (FU) for these patients was 33 months (IQR 31; min−max: 12−124). Incidence of type 1b endoleak was 3% but iliac limb detachment from the vessel wall was seen in 18.2% of the target vessels. There was a significant difference in oversizing in iliac limbs with detachment (median 13.9%, IQR 23.1) vs. without detachment (median 23.1%, IQR 19.1) (p = 0.034). Iliac arteries at the landing zone showed a significant diameter increase independent of an endoleak presence (overall cohort median diameter increase at one year 23.1 mm; at two years 0 mm; at three years 4.9 mm). Iliac arteries with detachment (median 14.4%; IQR 23.9) showed a significantly higher diameter increase at the landing zone after four years compared to arteries without detachment (median 5.3%; IQR 9) (p = 0.042). Oversizing correlated positively with an iliac diameter increase at the landing zone over time (3 m: p= 0.001; one year: p < 0.001; two years: p < 0.001; three years: p = 0.006). Older patients showed a significantly lower diameter increase at the distal landing zone over time than younger patients in the first two years after EVAR (p < 0.001/r = −0.606 after two years). In the current study, iliac limb oversizing was associated with increased dilatation of the distal landing zone during a three-year follow-up, while iliac limb detachment was observed less often. An older age was inversely associated to the iliac diameter increase. Future studies should clarify the association between stent graft oversizing, age, and changes in the iliac anatomy in order to identify parameters that affect EVAR durability.

Five-year outcomes of elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at a university hospital in Argentina

Few data about outcomes of elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in Latin America have been published. The objective of the present study is to address this aspect in our population.Retrospective cohort, in which patients with infrarenal AAA undergoing elective surgical or endovascular repair from January 2011 to May 2017 at a university hospital in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires were consecutively included. The primary endpoints were perioperative mortality and all-cause mortality during follow-up. Among the secondary endpoints, the requeriment of reinterventions was assessed.195 patients were included. Open surgery was performed in 72 patients (36.9%) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in 123 (63.1%). Perioperative mortality in the surgery group was 2.8%, while no deaths were recorded in the endovascular group (p = 0.06). The median follow-up was 38 months. No statistically significant difference was found in long-term mortality incidence rate between patients who underwent EVAR and those who underwent open surgery (7% per year vs. 6.7% per year, p = 0.8). The requirement of reinterventions was significantly higher in the endovascular group (9.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.01).Survival analyses demonstrated no statistically significant differences in perioperative and long-term mortality for patients who underwent EVAR compared with those who underwent open surgery, while the former had a higher rate of reinterventions. The results observed in our population do not differ from those published in the United State or Europe.La evidencia surgida en Latinoamérica acerca de los resultados de la reparación electiva del aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) es escasa, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio es abordar este aspecto en la población nacional.Cohorte retrospectiva en la cual se incluyó de forma consecutiva a pacientes con AAA infrarrenal sometidos a reparación quirúrgica o endovascular en forma electiva desde enero de 2011 hasta mayo de 2017 en un hospital universitario de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Los puntos finales primarios fueron la mortalidad perioperatoria y la mortalidad por todas las causas durante el seguimiento. Entre los puntos finales secundarios se evaluó el requerimiento de reintervenciones.Se incluyó a 195 pacientes. La operación abierta se llevó a cabo en 72 pacientes (36.9%), mientras que el procedimiento endovascular se practicó en 123 (63.1%). La mortalidad perioperatoria en el grupo quirúrgico fue de 2.8%, sin registro de muertes en el grupo endovascular (p = 0.06). La mediana de seguimiento fue de 38 meses. La incidencia de mortalidad tardía fue de 7%/año en pacientes con reparación endovascular y de 6.7%/año en los quirúrgicos (p = 0.8). El requerimiento de reintervenciones fue significativamente mayor en el grupo endovascular (9.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.01).La mortalidad perioperatoria y la mortalidad tardía de los pacientes tratados de manera electiva por AAA en forma quirúrgica o endovascular fueron similares, en tanto que los pacientes sometidos a reparación endovascular requirieron mayor cantidad de reintervenciones. Los resultados observados en la población no difieren de los publicados en Estados Unidos o Europa.

Investigation of Renal Decline and New Onset Dialysis Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative.

The purpose of this study is to identify variables significantly associated with renal function decline after elective endovascular infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and to identify the rate and risks of subsequent progression to dialysis. Specifically, we investigate the long-term impact of supra-renal fixation, female gender, and physiologically stressful perioperative events on renal function following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Review of all EVAR cases in the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2003 and 2021 was conducted to investigate variable associations with three primary outcomes: postoperative acute renal insufficiency (ARI); greater than 30% decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients beyond 1year of follow up; and new onset dialysis requirement at any point in follow up. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed for the events of acute renal insufficiency and new onset dialysis requirement. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed regarding long term GFR decline. Postoperative ARI occurred in 3.4% (1692/49772) of patients. Significant (P < .05) association with postoperative ARI was noted for: age (OR 1.014/year, 95% CI 1.008-1.021); female gender (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27-1.67); hypertension (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.44); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.20-1.50); anemia (OR 4.24, 95% CI 3.71-4.84); reoperation at index admission (OR 7.86, 95% CI 6.47-9.54); baseline renal insufficiency (OR 2.29, 95% CI 2.03-2.56); larger aneurysm diameter; increased blood loss; and higher volumes of intra-operative crystalloid. Risk factors (P < .05) correlating with a decline of 30% in GFR at any time beyond 1year were: female gender (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.24-1.65); body mass index (BMI) less than 20 (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03-1.74); hypertension (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.15-1.64); diabetes (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17-1.53); COPD (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.37); anemia (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.52-2.42); baseline renal insufficiency (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15-1.49); absence of discharge ace-inhibitor (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13-1.42); long term re-intervention (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.84-3.21) and larger AAA diameter. Patients who experienced long term GRF decline had a significantly higher long-term morality. New onset dialysis following EVAR occurred in .47% (234/49772) of those meeting inclusion criteria. Higher rate (P < .05) of new onset dialysis was associated with age (OR 1.03/year, 95% CI 1.02-1.05); diabetes (OR 1.376, 95% CI 1.005-1.885); baseline renal insufficiency (OR 6.32, 95% CI4.59-8.72); Reoperation at index admission (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.03-5.67); postoperative ARI (OR 23.29, 95% CI 16.99-31.91); absence of beta blocker (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12-2.49); long term graft encroachment on renal arteries (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.49-16.14). New onset dialysis following EVAR is a rare event. Perioperative variables influencing renal function following EVAR include blood loss, arterial injury, and reoperation. Supra-renal fixation is not associated with postoperative acute renal insufficiency or new onset dialysis in long term follow up. Renal protective measures are recommended for patients with baseline renal insufficiency undergoing EVAR as acute renal insufficiency following EVAR portends a 20-fold increased risk of new onset dialysis in long term follow up.

A06] Sex Specific Differences in Pre-operative Standard of Care for Infrarenal AAA Repair and Association with Peri-operative Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Death

<h3>Objective</h3> Following elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (IRAAA) repair, women have a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events and death (MACED). Disparity in pre-operative standard of care (SOC) may contribute. <h3>Methods</h3> Elective IRAAA repair data from the National Vascular Registry, 2013 – 2020 were analysed. SOC was defined for pre-operative assessment (multidisciplinary/anaesthetic review), waiting times, and cardiovascular risk prevention. Analyses and multivariable logistic regression were conducted according to a pre-specified plan. <h3>Results</h3> There were 21 810 patients (2 380 women; 19 430 men). Women were less often repaired within SOC waiting times (51.5% <i>vs</i>. 59.6%, <i>p</i> < .01), but received similar SOC pre-operative assessment (72.1% <i>vs</i>. 72.5%, <i>p</i> not significant). Women had ischaemic heart disease less often (29.0% <i>vs</i>. 37.7%, <i>p</i> < .01), but those with known cardiovascular co-morbidity received SOC risk prevention more often (52.1% <i>vs.</i> 47.3%, <i>p</i> < .01). Overall, women were less likely to receive antiplatelets (72.2% <i>vs</i>. 75.2%, <i>p</i> < .01) or statins (77.1% <i>vs</i>. 80.6%, <i>p</i> < .01). Women were at greater risk of MACED following open (12% <i>vs</i>. 8.9%, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and endovascular (4.9 % <i>vs.</i> 2.9%, <i>p</i> < .01) repair: overall odds ratio (OR) 1.51, adjusted for age and repair type; OR 1.28 following adjustment for demographics, co-morbidities and SOC. SOC waiting time was associated with a reduction in risk (OR 0.79) for both sexes. SOC pre-operative assessment reduced MACED risk for women (OR 0.80), but not men (OR 1.09). SOC cardiovascular risk prevention did not significantly influence MACED risk. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Treatment within SOC waiting time is independently associated with a reduction in MACED risk for both sexes, SOC pre-operative assessment is associated with risk reduction for women only.