Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm Research Articles

Greater Compliance within Instruction for Use for Concomitant Iliac Aneurysms and Adverse Aneurysm Characteristics–Initial Experience with the Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing System at a Single Institution

The Nellix was introduced to Asia in 2014. Data in Asians have been sparse. Twoballoon-expandable stents, each surrounded by a polymer-filled endobag, are deployed in parallel to obliterate and seal the aneurysm. This paradigm shift to treating abdominal aortic aneurysms confers advantages for certain adverse aneurysm morphology that is outside the instruction-for-use (IFU) for standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) devices. We examine outcomes of 15 Asian patients with concomitant infrarenal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms treated with the Nellix at our institution. Between July 2014 and August 2016, 15 male patients underwent elective EVAS at a single tertiary center by the same team of vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists. Patient demographics, clinical presentations, aneurysm morphology, perioperative complications, and follow-up imaging according to the standardized protocol were studied. Preoperative CT images were analyzed using validated automatic 3-dimensional sizing software EndoSize. The novel stent-graft deployment proves consistent and achieved a 100% technical success. Eleven patients (70%) complied within specified Nellix IFU, as compared to 20% if standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) IFU was applied. The difference is due to the presence of concurrent common iliac aneurysms (n=5), short neck length (n=3), and angulated necks (n=3). Adjunct procedures included 3 open access endarterectomy with embolectomy, 1 coil embolization of internal iliac artery, 1 bilateral renal artery chimneys, and 1 proximal stent deployment. There was no conversion to open surgery. Average operative time was 133min. Median length of stay was 4days. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Perioperative morbidity included exacerbation of pre-existing renal impairment (n=6), peripheral vascular disease (n=3), and postimplantation syndrome (n=5). One endoleak (7%) and 2 instances of stent migration (14%) were detected. There was no complication of aneurysm or endobag rupture, limb thromboses, or fracture. Early data in our center are encouraging and highlight high procedural success with minimal complications despite challenging patient anatomy.

Minimally Invasive Management of Severe Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a complex and highly prevalent pathology. It has been estimated that ∼8.5 million people in the United States are affected by PAD, of which 12%-20% are older than age 60. The TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) guidelines classified aortoiliac atherosclerotic disease based on morphology and level of lesions. TASC II guidelines recommend bilateral surgical bypass to the femoral arteries for TASC II C and D lesions. The aortobifemoral bypass (ABF) has been considered the gold standard in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). The long-term patency rate of 85%-90% at 5 years and 75%-80% at 10 years has been for a long time unmatched by other methods of revascularization. This is a review of the current literature regarding minimally invasive strategies in the care of TASC II C and D aortoiliac disease. Endovascular therapies have led to a paradigm change even in the treatment of highly advanced lesions. Reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation for distal aortic and/or ostial unilateral/bilateral common iliac artery disease can be achieved via the deployment of stents with "kissing" technique and aortic endografts. Laparoscopic aortoiliac surgery for TASC II C and D lesions was first proposed in 1993. Total laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted, and laparobotic techniques have been described. Minimal incision aortic surgery (MIAS) describes abdominal incisions varying from 6 to 12 cm and positional adjustment of retractors to access the retroperitoneum for infrarenal aortic aneurysms and/or AIOD. Although initial enthusiasm laparoscopic aortic surgery and MIAS have failed to gain acceptance in the vascular surgery community due to intrinsic procedural challenges, they are currently practiced in few highly specialized centers. At this moment, high-quality evidence is lacking regarding the further feasibility of these techniques and their applicability in general practice compared to endovascular therapies. While the ABF remains still the optimal choice in select, fit for surgery patients, endovascular therapies offer a less invasive approach that may provide a mortality and morbidity benefit in higher risk patients with acceptable short- and long-term outcomes.

Prospective cohort 20 years after endovascular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm

ObjectiveTo describe the factors associated with survival 20 years after endovascular treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a single center. MethodsProspective cohort of asymptomatic patients with an infrarenal aortic aneurysm treated with a bifurcated endovascular graft (Talent) between June 1997 and August 2008. Cox proportional hazard multivariable regression was used for analysis of independent risk factors for survival. Kaplan-Meier curves were done with the long-rank test. P < .05 was considered significant. ResultsWe followed 229 patients, 184 without an endoleak and 45 with an endoleak. Ages ranged between 52 and 89 years, and the mean diameter of the aneurysm was 59.51 ± 14.6 mm. Implantation of the endovascular graft was possible in 99% of the patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.4%. In the Cox regression, age <73 years (hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.64), aneurysm size ≤55 mm (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.95), male sex (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05-0.52), American Society of Anesthesiologists surgical risk category I and II vs III and IV (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34-0.75), and aneurysm size reduction ≤3 mm after treatment (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.11-4.51) were significantly correlated with the survival of the patients followed in this long-term case series. ConclusionsThis 20-year prospective cohort included patients with an AAA treated with a bifurcated endovascular graft (Talent) at a university hospital in Brazil. This study supports that sex, age, aneurysm size, aneurysm size reduction, and American Society of Anesthesiologists surgical risk category are significantly correlated with patient survival after endovascular treatment of the AAA.

Management of Endograft Infection After EVAR and TEVAR - a Case Series and Literature Review

Introduction Endograft infection after EVAR (Endovascular aortic repair) or TEVAR (Thoracic endovascular aortic repair) is a rare but severe complication with high mortality. As the number of patients with endovascular aneurysm repair has increased over the last decade, the number of patients with endograft infection might also have increased. However, no guideline defines the treatment of endograft infection. Diagnosis is difficult and depends on clinical symptoms, radiological imaging and blood cultures. Surgery with graft excision, debridement and revascularisation should be proposed. Several techniques and graft materials are used. Additionally long term antibiotic therapy under close control of inflammation markers is always required. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients treated for infected aortic endografts in our hospital between January 2008 and May 2017. Study endpoints were freedom from reinfection, survival and primary patency. An extensive electronic health database search was performed to identify articles reporting endograft infection after EVAR and TEVAR. Results We detected aortic endograft infection in three patients (100% male, median age 77 years). In all cases, infrarenal endovascular aortic aneurysm repair had been performed. The infected stent grafts were removed and anatomical revascularisation performed. One homograft and two xenografts were used as graft material. No patient was treated conservatively. A causative organism was found in 2 of the 3 cases. The patients received antibiotics for 12 weeks. Thirty day mortality was 0%. During follow-up, one patient died from bowel perforation after 2 months and another from lung cancer after 92 months. There were no reinfections. Primary patency of the reconstructions was 100%. Publications report high mortality after conservative therapy of endograft infection. There is evidence for lower mortality in patients who underwent surgery. Conclusions Removal of the infected graft, anatomical revascularisation and antibiotic therapy are important for long term survival after aortic endograft infection. Conservative therapy is only warranted in patients unsuitable for surgical treatment.

Evolution of Computed Tomography Imaging the First Year after Endovascular Sealing of Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms Using the Nellix Device

The Nellix endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) system is an alternative endovascular treatment option for infrarenal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), with a unique appearance on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Normal evolution of post-EVAS CTA appearance follow-up is still largely unknown and important to timely detect eventual complications. The objective is to assess the normal appearance of CTA images 30days and 1year after EVAS in 50 consecutive patients. Fifty patients treated with Nellix EVAS for an infrarenal AAA were included from 3 hospitals. Using dedicated software, a total of 150 CTA scans were analyzed by predetermined variables per anatomical segment. Thirty days post-EVAS, there was a slight, but not statistically significant, increase in AAA diameter that returned to the preoperative value after 1 year. A shift in total aortic volume distribution was observed without changing aortic diameter, including a trend toward a decreased thrombus volume (85.6±49.1mL and 78.8±35.5mL at 30days and 1 year, respectively, P<0.242) and a slight, but statistically significant, increase in polymer volume (68.2±34.1mL and 71.9±35.2mL at 30days and 1 year, respectively, P<0.001). The β-angle (P=0.06) and iliac artery angulation (P<0.001) decreased after implant. The latter returned to its original state after 1 year, whereas the neck straightening remained. Over time, there was a significant decrease in radiodensity in the middle of the polymer-filled endobags with an increase at its edges (P<0.05). Thrombus radiodensity significantly increased over the first year (P<0.05). Diameters of the infrarenal neck and common iliac arteries remained unchanged, no endoleaks were observed, and the position of the device was stable. Change of CT appearance after EVAS is unique, and as such, the judgment of these images requires experience. The appearance of the endobags in respect to volume and radiodensity differ from classic EVAR. Normal changes over time are observed in aortoiliac angulation, volumes, and radiodensities.

Ten-Year Single-Center Results of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment: Endovascular versus Open Repair

The purpose of the present study was to compare the long-term survival in matched cohorts of patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) undergoing an elective open repair (OR) or an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Patients with a primary elective repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm between 1998 and 2006 were identified in a retrospective review of our single-center database. EVAR and OR patients were matched with respect to age, gender, renal disease, tobacco use, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and coronary artery disease. The primary end points were the early mortality and all-cause mortality during follow-up. A total of 465 patients with elective infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair were identified in the database. The EVAR and OR patients were matched according to the above-mentioned characteristics, and finally, 108 patients were included in each group. The early mortality encountered was only one death in the open group (P=0.316). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis by the log-rank test showed no difference in cumulative survival between OR group and EVAR group (P=0.458). Seventeen reinterventions (16.7%) in the EVAR group vs. 7 (6.5%) in the OR group (P=0.018) were necessary during follow-up. OR and EVAR can be performed safely for elective treatment of AAA. The reintervention rate is, as expected, significantly higher in the EVAR group, but the long-term survival remains equal in both groups.

Bifurcated-bifurcated aneurysm repair is a novel technique to repair infrarenal aortic aneurysms in the setting of iliac aneurysms

BackgroundUp to 40% of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have coexistent iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs). In the past, successful endovascular repair required internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization, which can lead to pelvic or buttock ischemia. This study describes a technique that uses a readily available solution with a minimally altered off-the-shelf bifurcated graft in the IAA to maintain IIA perfusion. MethodsFrom August 2009 to May 2015, 14 patients with AAAs and coexisting IAAs underwent repair with a bifurcated-bifurcated approach. A 22-mm or 24-mm bifurcated main body device was used in the IAA with extension of the “contralateral” limb into the IIA. Intraoperative details including operative time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast agent use were recorded. Outcome measures assessed were operative technical success and a composite outcome measure of IIA patency, freedom from reintervention, and clinically significant endoleak at 1 year. ResultsFourteen patients underwent bifurcated-bifurcated repair during the study period. Technical success was achieved in 93% of patients, with successful treatment of the AAA and IAA and preservation of flow to at least one IIA. The procedure was performed with a completely percutaneous bilateral femoral approach in 92% of patients. Three patients had a type II endoleak on initial follow-up imaging, but none were clinically significant. There were no cases of bowel ischemia or erectile dysfunction. One patient had buttock claudication ipsilateral to IIA coil embolization (contralateral to bifurcated iliac repair and preserved IIA) that resolved by 6-month follow-up. Two patients required reinterventions. One patient presented to his first follow-up visit on postoperative day 25 with thrombosis of the right external iliac limb ipsilateral to the bifurcated iliac repair, which was successfully treated with thrombectomy and stenting of the limb. This same patient presented at 83 months with growth of the preserved IIA to 3.9 cm and underwent coil embolization of the aneurysm. Another patient presented for surveillance 44 months after his original repair with component separation of the mating stent and the iliac bifurcated stent grafts. This was treated with a limb extension and endoanchors to fuse the endografts. Of the 13 patients who underwent bifurcated-bifurcated repair, 100% of the preserved IIAs remained patent at last follow-up. The composite outcome measure of IIA patency and freedom from reintervention and clinically significant endoleak at 1 year was 92% (n = 12/13). ConclusionsIn this small retrospective review, bifurcated-bifurcated aneurysm repair of aortoiliac aneurysms with preservation of perfusion to the IIA is technically feasible and safe with good short-term and midterm results in male patients.

Percutaneous Septectomy in Chronic Dissection with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Creates Uniluminal Neck for EVAR.

The intent of this report is to describe the technical details and rationale of endovascular septectomy using a wire saw maneuver in cases of chronic aortic dissection and associated infra-renal aortic aneurysm to allow standard endovascular abdominal aortic graft placement; preliminary clinical experience is also retrospectively reviewed. Between June 2013 and June 2016, four consecutive patients (mean age 55.3years; range 52-58years) with chronic type B aortic dissection and isolated infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) following guidewire septectomy to create a suitable proximal aortic landing zone. Technical success was evaluated by angiography performed at the end of the procedure. Procedural safety was determined by assessing any major adverse events through 30days of follow-up. Endoleaks and longer-term efficacy were evaluated. Four patients with chronic aortic dissections had associated AAA with a mean maximum diameter of 60±13mm (range 50-77mm). All underwent guidewire saw septectomy to facilitate EVAR. Following successful septectomy, standard abdominal bifurcated endografts were implanted uneventfully. No major adverse events and no endoleaks were noted on CT angiographic examinations through 30days following the procedure. Also, no rupture, re-intervention or endoleak has been noted during follow-up at a mean of 21.8±15months (range 4-39months). Guidewire saw septectomy is a technique that has the potential to create an anatomically suitable proximal neck for successful EVAR management of AAA in select patients with associated chronic aortic dissection.

Long-Term Outcome of the GORE EXCLUDER AAA Endoprosthesis for Treatment of Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms

PurposeTo evaluate long-term outcome of GORE EXCLUDER AAA Endoprosthesis (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, Arizona) for elective treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysms and to evaluate performance of different generations of the device. Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of 248 patients undergoing elective endovascular aneurysm repair with the GORE EXCLUDER between January 2000 and December 2015 in 2 hospitals. Primary endpoint was reintervention-free survival. Secondary endpoints were technical success, overall survival, rupture-free survival, endoleaks, sac diameter change (> 5 mm), limb occlusion, and migration (> 5 mm). Median follow-up time was 26 months (range, 1–190 months). ResultsAssisted primary technical success was 96.8%. Reintervention-free survival for 5 and 10 years was 85.2% and 75.6%, respectively. Independent risk factors for reintervention were technical success (P < .001), type I endoleak (P < .001), and type II endoleak (P = .003). Late adverse events requiring reintervention included rupture (0.4%), limb occlusion (0.4%), and stent migration (0.4%). Type Ia (4.8%), Ib (2.8%), II (35.9%), and V (6.5%) endoleaks were reported throughout follow-up. Sac growth was more prevalent with the original GORE EXCLUDER compared with the low permeability GORE EXCLUDER (P = .001) and in the presence of type I, II, and V endoleaks (P < .05). Three conversions (1.2%) were performed. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 68.4% and 49.0%, with no reported aneurysm-related deaths. ConclusionsTreatment with the GORE EXCLUDER is effective with acceptable reintervention rates in the long-term and few device-related adverse events or ruptures up to 10 years. Observed late adverse events and new-onset endoleaks emphasize the need for long-term surveillance.

Outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

BackgroundMore than 80% of infrarenal aortic aneurysms are treated by endovascular repair. However, adoption of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair for complex aortic aneurysms has been limited, despite high morbidity and mortality associated with open repair. There are few published reports of consecutive outcomes, inclusive of all fenestrated and branched endovascular repairs, starting from the inception of a complex aortic aneurysm program. Therefore, we examined a single center's consecutive experience of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms. MethodsThis is a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study evaluating 30-day and 1-year outcomes in all consecutive patients who underwent fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms (definition: requiring one or more fenestrations or branches). Data were collected prospectively through an Institutional Review Board-approved registry and a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption clinical trial (G130210). ResultsWe performed 100 consecutive complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs (November 2010 to March 2016) using 58 (58%) commercially manufactured custom-made devices and 42 (42%) physician-modified devices to treat 4 (4%) common iliac, 42 (42%) juxtarenal, 18 (18%) pararenal, and 36 (36%) thoracoabdominal aneurysms (type I, n = 1; type II, n = 4; type III, n = 12; type IV, n = 18; arch, n = 1). The repairs included 309 fenestrations, branches, and scallops (average of 3.1 branch arteries/case). All patients had 30-day follow-up for 30-day event rates: three (3%) deaths; six (6%) target artery occlusions; five (5%) progressions to dialysis; eight (8%) access complications; one (1%) paraparesis; one (1%) bowel ischemia; and no instances of myocardial infarction, paralysis, or stroke. Of 10 type I or type III endoleaks, 8 resolved (7 with secondary intervention, 1 without intervention). Mean follow-up time was 563 days (interquartile range, 156-862), with three (3%) patients lost to follow-up. On 1-year Kaplan-Meier analysis, survival was 87%, freedom from type I or type III endoleak was 97%, target vessel patency was 92%, and freedom from aortic rupture was 100%. Average lengths of intensive care unit stay and inpatient stay were 1.4 days (standard deviation, 3.3) and 3.6 days (standard deviation, 3.6), respectively. ConclusionsThese results show that complex aortic aneurysms can now be treated with minimally invasive fenestrated and branched endovascular repair. Endovascular technologies will likely continue to play an increasingly important role in the management of patients with complex aortic aneurysm disease.

Nellix: New possibilities in the treatment of the aorto-iliac aneurysm - our initial experiences

The Endologix developed an aortoiliac stent graft system that is different than the conventional implantation technique (Nellix, EVAS-endovascular aneurysm sealing system). The first implantation in Hungary has been performed in the beginning of 2016 at Heart and Vascular Center. Nellix: two endobags surrounding ballon-expandable covered stent (10 mm) with optional length, biocompatible polymer which is able to be injected into the endobags and a procedure-coordinating console. The instructions for use: aortic neck length: ≥10 mm, neck diameter: 18-32 mm, angulation: ≤60°, blood lumen diameter: ≤60 mm, aneurysm maximal diameter: >50 mm, common iliac artery (CIA) minimal and maximal diameter: ≥9 mm, ≤35 mm. Six elective implantations were performed at our clinic. The average age of the patients were: 68.33 ± 12.44 year, the rate of male was 100%. The reason of implantations was isolated infrarenal aortic aneurysm, CIA aneurysm or both. The average postoperative in-hospital stay were 5.17 ± 1.47 days. In the perioperative period fever and femoral wound healing problem developed in one patient respectively. The average follow-up period were 177.17 ± 96.91 days. There was no endoleak, graft-migration, aneurysm growth, reoperation or death. A stroke with left hemiparesis without residual symptoms developed in one case in the third week after the operation. Due to the new EVAS technology, according to 30-day and midterm results the system is able to be used in complicated anatomical situations with low perioperative mortality and morbidity, and it can decrease the incidence of endoleaks, graftmigration and aneurysm growth.

Endovascular and Open Repair of Ruptured Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms at a Tertiary Care Center

The mortality of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) has been reported as high as 90%. Loss of consciousness and a systolic blood pressure of <80mm Hg on presentation are the most important predictors of mortality after emergent open repair (OR). Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) has reduced short-term operative mortality and morbidity for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and may be advocated for wider application of EVAR for rAAA. The objective of this study is to compare our experience with OR and EVAR management of rAAA. Retrospective review of all rAAAs presenting to a tertiary care center between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2011 was performed. Patients were grouped based on the surgical approach (OR versus EVAR). Patient demographics, intraoperative details, and postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were compared. Statistical analyses were conducted with Stata, version12. One hundred twenty-six patients presented with rAAA over the study period. Patients who declined repair (n=14) or died before repair (n=13) were excluded from this study. Of the 99 patients who underwent repair, 25 patients (25.3%) received EVAR and 74 (74.7%) underwent OR. One patient required conversion to OR from EVAR (1.0%). Overall, 30-day and 1-year mortality was 35.4% and 41.4%, respectively, with no difference seen between the 2 types of repair (30-day mortality: EVAR=24.0%, OR=39.2%, P=0.17; 1-year mortality: EVAR=32.0%, OR=44.6%, P=0.27). Major morbidity also did not differ between the 2 repair procedures (EVAR=60.0%, OR=60.8%, P=0.94). However, patients undergoing EVAR had significantly less estimated blood loss (median: 0.3 vs. 3.0L, P<0.0001) and transfusion requirement (median: 5.0 vs. 9.0 U, P=0.0041). Furthermore, although there was no significant difference in length of overall hospital stay between the 2 groups (8.5 vs. 15days in the OR group, P=0.18), significantly more patients in the EVAR group were discharged to home (66.7% vs. 57.1% in the OR group, P=0.03). In contrast to recently published series, this series shows no differences in morbidity or mortality between EVAR or OR of rAAAs. EVAR is appropriate in stable patients with a rAAA and favorable anatomy.

Concurrent renal artery stent during endovascular infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair confers higher risk for 30-day acute renal failure

ObjectiveConcurrent renal artery angioplasty and stenting (RAAS) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been practiced in an attempt to maintain renal perfusion. The aim of this study was to identify the current practice of RAAS during EVAR and its effect on perioperative renal outcome. MethodsPatients with infrarenal AAA were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP, 2011-2014) database. Baseline characteristics of patients with concurrent RAAS during EVAR were compared with those of patients who underwent EVAR only. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses controlling for patients' demographics, comorbidities, and operative factors were used to evaluate the predictors of 30-day acute renal failure (ARF). Sensitivity analysis was done to evaluate the role of RAAS in patients with prior kidney disease. ResultsOverall, 6183 patients underwent EVAR for infrarenal AAA during the study period. Of them, 281 patients had RAAS during EVAR (4.5%). The median age of the patients was 74 years; 81.7% of the cohort was male, but a higher proportion of female patients received EVAR + RAAS compared with patients who underwent EVAR only (26.3% vs 17.9%; P < .001). There was no difference between groups in terms of comorbidities, being on dialysis, or functional status, yet the EVAR + RAAS group had a higher proportion of patients with glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (45.2% vs 37.2%; P = .011). RAAS was associated with significantly higher odds for development of ARF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06-8.84; P < .001). Other highly predictive factors of 30-day ARF were glomerular filtration rate <60 (aOR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.47-5.78; P = .002), emergency status (aOR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.21-7.27; P = .017), and ruptured AAA as the indication for EVAR (aOR, 4.74; 95% CI, 1.80-12.50; P = .002). Patients with prior kidney disease who had EVAR + RAAS demonstrated a 12-fold higher odds for 30-day ARF (aOR, 12.37; 95% CI, 4.66-32.89; P < .001). ConclusionsConcurrent RAAS was found to be a significant determinant of adverse renal outcomes after EVAR for infrarenal AAA. This effect was present even after controlling for patients' risk factors that might contribute to postoperative ARF.

Feasability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound with image fusion of CEUS and MS-CT for endovascular grafting in infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in a single patient

Currently methods to reduce radiation and contrast media application in endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms (EVAR) are investigated. First positive results for real-time contrast medium-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) guided endovascular aortic repair have been reported. Acombination with image fusion of CEUS and preoperative multi-slice computed tomography (MS-CT) might offer added safety regarding stent-graft positioning and sealing of the landing zones.EVAR was performed in apatient with an asymptomatic infrarenal aortic aneurysm and apenetrating aortic ulcer in the neck region. The precise placement of the stent-graft was performed with CEUS using image fusion and native intraprocedural angiographic fluoroscopy and confirmed with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using iondinated contrast media. At follow-up, CEUS was used to exclude endoleaks and stent-graft failure or malposition.The precise CEUS-guided placement of the stent-graft was technically successful. No artifacts due to electrical noise and metallic parts of the operating table and surgical instruments occurred. The amount of iodinated contrast media was reduced as intraoperative follow-up was performed using CEUS.CEUS with image fusion combined with intraprocedural angiographic fluoroscopy enables accurate stent-graft placement without use of any nephrotoxic contrast media. This allows EVAR in patients with renal insufficiency or allergic reactions to contrast media.

Planning endovascular aortic repair with standard and fenestrated-branched endografts.

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has been accepted as the first treatment option in most patients with infrarenal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. Advantages include its minimal invasive approach and lower risk of mortality and morbidity compared to open surgical repair. In patients with complex aneurysms involving side branches, novel techniques of parallel, fenestrated and branched endografts have expanded the indications of EVAR. Preoperative planning is of paramount importance to achieve technical success and to minimize risks of these procedures. In most centers, anatomical measurements are based on helical computed tomography angiography and/or magnetic resonance angiography. This article summarizes the most important aspects on planning standard and complex EVAR to treat aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Ruptured Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm Secondary to Escherichia Coli Bacteremia in an HIV-Positive Patient

Mycotic aortic aneurysms are an aggressive form of degenerative remodeling reported more commonly in immunosuppressed patients. These aneurysms carry a high risk of progression to rupture, fulminant sepsis, and death, and therefore require prompt operative intervention. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has also been associated with a broad spectrum of vascular disease, including development of aneurysms, however these have typically been identified in the peripheral vasculature. We report the case of a 71-year-old, HIV-positive male who presented with Escherichia coli bacteremia and aortitis which rapidly progressed to a ruptured infrarenal mycotic aortic aneurysm. He was managed successfully with open debridement and in situ implantation of a rifampin-soaked prosthetic graft as well as long-term antibiotic therapy. Here, we review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and optimal surgical treatment of mycotic aortic aneurysms.

A Benign but Unusual Radiological Sign During EVAS Follow-up

Purpose: To report a heretofore undescribed complication seen on imaging after endovascular aortic sealing (EVAS). Case Report: A 77-year-old woman was treated with the Nellix EVAS device for an infrarenal aortic aneurysm. After a normal computed tomography (CT) scan at 15 days, the 6-month CT showed the onset of perianeurysmal inflammatory tissue. The patient was asymptomatic, and blood tests were normal. Imaging suggested a nonaggressive inflammatory process, so a conservative approach was adopted with close follow-up. The periaortic tissue remitted without any treatment after a further 9 months (16 months after EVAS). Conclusion: The cause of this nonacute complication is unclear. Some clues suggest that interaction between the endobags and aneurysm wall could be involved. Imaging and clinical data led to a successful conservative strategy.

Technique for treating complex aneurysms with Hercules stent graft modified by the surgeon

Endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms with fenestrated stent grafts expands its applicability because of good technical results. However, stent graft customization requires an average of 6 to 12 weeks, which makes this technique ineligible for symptomatic or ruptured aneurysms. Authors advocate perioperative fenestration by the surgeon, allowing this technique to be used for emergency cases with good results and favorable prognosis. This article describes a technique for intraoperative changes of the Hercules stent graft (MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Shanghai, China) to include the ostia of visceral arteries by making fenestrations and scallops, with a temporary diameter-reducing wire as a further modification to facilitate positioning and catheterization of fenestrations with guidewires.

Patient-specific Rehearsal Before EVAR

To assess the effect of patient-specific virtual reality rehearsal (PsR) before endovascular infrarenal aneurysm repair (EVAR) on technical performance and procedural errors. Endovascular procedures, including EVAR, are executed in a complex multidisciplinary environment, often treating high-risk patients. Consequently, this may lead to patient harm and procedural inefficiency. PsR enables the endovascular team to evaluate and practice the case in a virtual environment before treating the real patient. A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial recruited 100 patients with a nonruptured infrarenal aortic or iliac aneurysm between September 2012 and June 2014. Cases were randomized to preoperative PsR or standard care (no PsR). Primary outcome measures were errors during the real procedure and technical operative metrics (total endovascular and fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, number of angiograms, and radiation dose). There was a 26% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9%-40%, P = 0.004) reduction in minor errors, a 76% (95% CI 30%-92%, P = 0.009) reduction in major errors, and a 27% (95% CI 8.2%-42%, P = 0.007) reduction in errors causing procedural delay in the PsR group. The number of angiograms performed to visualize proximal and distal landing zones was 23% (95% CI 8%-36%, P = 0.005) and 21% (95% CI 7%-32%, P = 0.004) lower in the PsR group. PsR before EVAR can be used in different hospital settings by teams with various EVAR experience. It reduces perioperative errors and the number of angiograms required to deploy the stent graft, thereby reducing delays. Ultimately, it may improve patient safety and procedural efficiency.

Results of Conventional Surgery for Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms in a High Surgical Risk Population Ineligible to Endovascular Surgery

Results of Conventional Surgery for Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms in a High Surgical Risk Population Ineligible to Endovascular Surgery