Mid-term Clinical Outcomes Research Articles

A single-center experience of type B aortic intramural hematoma

ObjectiveThe outcomes of the best medical treatment (BMT) and intervention treatment (INT) in a single-center experience were reported in type B intramural hematoma (IMH). MethodsFrom February 2015 to February 2021, a total of 195 consecutive patients with type B IMH were enrolled in the study. The primary end point was mortality, and the secondary end points included clinical and imaging outcomes. The clinical outcomes were aortic-related death, retrograde type A aortic dissection, stent graft-induced new entry tear, endoleak, and reintervention. The imaging outcome was evaluated through the latest follow-up computed tomography angiography, which included aortic rupture, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, rapid growth of aortic diameter, newly developed or enlarged penetrating aortic ulcer or ulcer-like projection (ULP) and increased aortic wall thickness. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the association between different treatments. ResultsAmong the enrolled patients, 115 received BMT, and 80 received INT. There was no significant difference in early (1.7% vs 2.5%; P = 1.00) and midterm all-cause death (8.3% vs 5.2%; P = .42) between the BMT and INT groups. However, patients who underwent INT were at risk of procedure-related complications such as stent graft-induced new entry tear and endoleaks. The INT group was associated with a profound decrease in the risk of ULP, including newly developed ULP (4.3% vs 26.9%; P < .05), ULP enlargement (6.4% vs 31.3%; P < .05), and a lower proportion of high-risk ULP (10.9% vs 45.6%; P < .05). Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of IMH regression between the two groups, the maximum diameter of the descending aorta in patients receiving INT was larger compared with those treated with BMT. ConclusionsBased on our limited experience, patients with type B IMH treated with BMT or INT shared similar midterm clinical outcome. Patients who underwent INT may have a decreased risk of ULPs, but a higher risk of procedure-related events and patients on BMT should be closely monitored for ULP progression.

Triglyceride-glucose index on risk of adverse events after drug-coated balloon angioplasty

BackgroundThe pathogenetic mechanism of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is associated with insulin resistance (IR), which serves as a metabolic risk factor. As a novel indication for IR, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index may predict cardiovascular disease outcomes.MethodsIn current study, a cohort of 157 individuals with newly developed de novo lesions who received DCB angioplasty between January 2017 and May 2021 were included. The midterm follow-up clinical results consisted of the presence of vessel-oriented composite endpoint (VOCE). The baseline TyG index was divided into three groups by tertiles. This study compared various clinical characteristics and parameters among different groups during DCB angioplasty. A multivariate Cox regression model was built to investigate the potential predictors.ResultsHigher TyG index indicated an increased risk of VOCE according to the adjusted model (HR = 4.0, 95%Cl: 1.0-15.4, P = 0.047). A non-linear correlation was uncovered between the index and VOCE from the smooth curve. Based on Kaplan-Meier curve, individuals in the highest TyG index group were more likely to develop VOCE (P < 0.05 for log-rank).ConclusionsThe incidence of VOCE was shown to be independently and positively correlated with an elevated TyG index in individuals with de novo coronary lesions who received DCB angioplasty.

Lower preoperative Hounsfield unit values as a risk factor for poor 5-year clinical outcomes after lumbar spine surgery.

Hounsfield Unit (HU) value has been associated with future osteoporotic fractures and postoperative complications. However, no studies on the impact of low HU values on mid-term clinical outcomes following lumbar spine surgery have been reported. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative HU values for 5-year clinical outcomes following lumbar spine surgery. We enrolled 200 patients who underwent lumbar surgery (≤ 3-disc levels) for lumbar spinal stenosis. HU values were assessed using preoperative lumbar computed tomography as part of routine preoperative planning for lumbar surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on the cutoff value of the HU values obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve for the incidence of vertebral fractures within five years postoperatively. Clinical scores preoperatively and 1, 2, and 5years postoperatively, including Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) and Short Form-36 (SF-36), were compared using a mixed-effects model. Comparative analysis indicated that all domains of JOABPEQ, except for lumbar function, and the physical component summary of the SF-36 were significantly worse in the low HU group than in the high HU group. Using multiple regression analysis, low HU values were significantly correlated with worse 5-year postoperative scores in all domains of JOABPEQ and SF-36. Low preoperative HU values are a risk factor for poor 5-year clinical outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. HU values are not only a valuable tool for analyzing bone mineral density but also may be a valuable poor prognostic factor of postoperative clinical outcomes.

Zone 2/3 lesion and emergency repair as potential mortality predictors of TEVAR for thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm

ObjectiveThoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm (TAP) is an uncommon but life-threatening condition. The present study aimed to investigate the early and midterm clinical outcome of TAP patients following TEVAR and identify potential mortality predictors.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a series of 37 eligible patients with TAP admitted to our hospital from July 2010 to July 2020. We explored their baseline, perioperative and follow-up data. Fisher exact test and Kaplan–Meier method were applied for comparing difference between groups.ResultsThere were 29 men and 12 women, with the mean age as 59.5 ± 13.0 years (range 30–82). The mean follow-up period was 30.7 ± 28.3 months (range 1–89). For early outcome (≤ 30 days), mortality happened in 3 (8.1%) zone 3 TAP patients versus 0 in zone 4 (p = 0.028); postoperative acute arterial embolism of lower extremity and type II endoleak respectively occurred in 1(2.7%) case. For midterm outcome, survival at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years was 88.8%, 75.9% and 68.3%, which showed significant difference between zone 2/3 versus zone 4 group (56.3% vs. 72.9%, p = 0.013) and emergent versus elective TEVAR group (0.0% versus 80.1%, p = 0.049). Previous stent grafting or esophageal foreign body with Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF), and systemic vasculitis, as etiologies, resulted in encouraging immediate outcome but worse midterm prognosis.ConclusionTAP lesions at zone 2/3 and emergent TEVAR predict worse midterm outcomes compared to zone 4 lesions and elective TEVAR. The outcomes are also mainly restricted by the etiology of the TAP.

Poor midterm clinical outcomes and a high percentage of unsatisfying results are reported after seizure-related shoulder injuries, especially after posterior proximal humerus fracture-dislocations

Treating seizure-related shoulder injuries is challenging, and an evidence-based consensus to guide clinicians is lacking. The aim of this prospective single-center observational clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical results of a cohort of patients undergoing treatment of seizure-related shoulder injuries, to categorize them according to the lesion's characteristics, with special focus on patients with proximal humerus fracture-dislocations (PHFDs), and to define groups at risk of obtaining unsatisfactory results. We hypothesized that patients with a PHFD, considered the worst-case scenario among these injuries, would report worse clinical results in terms of the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (qDASH) as compared to the other patients. Patients referred to a tertiary epilepsy center who have seizure-related shoulder injuries and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. A quality-of-life assessment instrument (EQ-5D-5L), a district-specific patient-reported outcome measure (qDASH), and a pain assessment tool (visual analog scale [VAS]) were used for the clinical outcome evaluation. Subjective satisfaction and fear of new shoulder injuries was also documented. Categorization and subgroup analysis according to the presence and features of selected specific lesions were performed. A total of 111 patients were deemed eligible and 83 were available for follow-up (median age 38 years, 30% females), accounting for a total of 107 injured shoulders. After a median follow-up of 3.9 (1.6-8.2) years, overall moderate clinical results were reported. In addition, 34.1% of the patients reported a VAS score ≥35 mm, indicating moderate to severe pain, and 34.1% a qDASH score ≥40 points, indicating severe disability of an upper limb. These percentages rose to, respectively, 45.5% and 48.5% in the subgroup of patients with PHFDs and to 68.8% and 68.8% in patients experiencing posterior PHFD. Overall, 46.9% of the patients considered themselves unsatisfied with the treatment and 62.5% reported a persistent fear of a new shoulder injury. Patients with seizure-related shoulder injuries reported only moderate clinical results at their midterm follow-up. Older age, male sex, and absence or discontinuation of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment were identified as characterizing features of patients with posterior dislocation episodes. In patients with PHFD, a tendency to worse clinical results was observed, with posterior PHFD patients emerging as a definite subgroup at risk of reporting unsatisfying results after treatment.

Does Adding Percutaneous Fixation to Vertebroplasty Result in Significant Improvement in Clinical Outcomes Compared to Vertebroplasty Only? A Retrospective Series of 51 Cases at a Mean of 3 Years

Background: While vertebroplasty is a well-known technique for management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, significant incidence of refracture and re-collapse can occur after vertebroplasty, which may necessitate a revision surgery in such weak bone conditions. The aim of this study is to compare the mid-term clinical outcomes of vertebroplasty versus vertebroplasty plus percutaneous fixation for management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Methods: This retrospective study included 51 patients who received surgical treatment for lumbar osteoporotic fractures. Group 1, the Vertebroplasty (VP) group included 28 patients, while group 2, Vertebroplasty Plus Percutaneous Fixation (VPPF) included 23 patients. The outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), clinical and radiological findings for vertebral refracture or re-collapse, along with documenting perioperative and postoperative complications. Results: After a mean follow up of 36.7 months, the VPPF group had less incidence of mechanical complications, such as refracture, re collapse and cement leakage. On the other hand, the VP group had a lower surgery time, blood loss and wound complications. There were no significant differences in the VAS clinical score at the last follow up, while the VPPF group had slightly better ODI scores. Conclusions: VPPF resulted in more stable management for osteoporotic vertebral fractures with a less incidence of mechanical complications.

Massive Rotator Cuff Tears With Short Tendon Length Can Be Successfully Repaired Using Synthetic Patch Augmentation.

Choosing the optimal treatment for massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT) still poses a surgical problem. In MRCT with good muscle quality, but short tendon length, non-augmented repairs lead to high failure rates of up to 90%. The aim of the study was to evaluate mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes of massive rotator cuff tears with good muscle quality, but short tendon length, which were repaired with synthetic patch augmentation. A retrospective study of patients who underwent arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repairs with patch augmentation between 2016 and 2019 was performed. We included patients older than 18 years, who presented with MRCT confirmed by an MRI arthrogram showing good muscle quality (Goutallier ≤II) and short tendon length (length <15mm). Constant-Murley score (CS), subjective shoulder value (SSV) and range of motion (ROM) were compared pre- and postoperatively. We excluded patients older than 75 years or with presence of rotator cuff arthropathy Hamada ≥ 2a. Patients were followed up for two years minimum. Clinical failures were defined by re-operation, forward flexion <120 or a relative CS < 70. Structural integrity of the repair was assessed using an MRI. Comparison between different variables and outcomes was performed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Chi square tests. Fifteen patients (mean age 57 years, 13 (86.7%) male, 9 (60%) right shoulders) were reevaluated with a mean follow-up of 43.8 months (27-55 months). There was a significant improvement in the absolute CS (from 33 to 81 points, p=0.03), the relative CS (from 41% to 88%, p=0.04), the SSV (from 31% to 93% p=0,007) and forward flexion (from 111° to 163°, p=0.004) but not in external rotation (from 37° to 38°, p=0.5). There were three clinical failures (one atraumatic, two traumatic) with re-operations (two reverse total shoulder arthroplasties and one refixation). Structurally, there were three Sugaya grade 4 and five Sugaya grade 5 re-ruptures resulting in a retear rate of 53%. The presence of a complete or partial re-rupture was not associated with inferior outcomes compared to intact cuff repairs. There were no correlations between the grade of retraction, muscle quality or rotator cuff tear configuration and re-rupture or functional outcomes. Patch augmented cuff repair leads to a significant improvement of functional and structural outcomes. Partial re-ruptures were not associated with inferior functional outcomes. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the results found in our study.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcome Associated With Ventricular Tachycardia or Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction.

The characteristics and clinical outcomes associated with sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF) in Japanese acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients remain unknown. Consecutive AMI patients (n=1,941) transferred to the Hirosaki University Hospital and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12 h of onset were retrospectively studied. The incidence of VT/VF during hospitalization was 8.3%, and 75% of cases occurred by the end of PCI. Independent predictors associated with VT/VF occurrence by the end of PCI and after PCI, respectively, were identified. Additionally, the differences between patients with VT and VF were examined, which revealed that the characteristics of patients and predictors for VT and VF were clearly different. Additionally, the QRS duration during VT was measured, which demonstrated the possible involvement of Purkinje fibers for VT in the acute phase of AMI. Of the patients with VT/VF, 12% required ECMO support due to refractory VT/VF despite intravenous antiarrhythmic agents such as β-blockers, amiodarone, and nifekalant. Among the patients discharged alive, 1,690 were followed up for a mean of 3.7 years. VT/VF occurrence during hospitalization did not affect the mid-term clinical outcomes even in patients with VT. The results clearly indicated that VT/VF is still a serious complications of AMI. We need to identify patients at high risk of developing VT/VF for careful observation and appropriate intervention.

Medial malleolar fixation with bioabsorbable magnesium screws; a retrospective study with a mean follow-up of 5 years

BackgroundThis retrospective study aimed to investigate the mid-term clinical and radiological results of medial malleolar fixation with bioabsorbable magnesium screws. Methods44 patients who underwent a medial malleolar fixation for either fracture or osteotomy with magnesium bioabsorbable compression screws between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Medial malleolar osteotomy was used for cartilage restorative procedures of talus osteochondral lesions (TOL), and biplanar chevron osteotomy was performed in all of them. Clinical results were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale during the final follow-up. Bone healing, loss of reduction, gas formation, implant failure, and resorption were examined through available serial radiographs. All complications were also documented and reported. ResultsPatients were followed with a mean of 61.3 ± 20.2 months (range 27–94). The mean AOFAS score at the final clinical follow-up was 91.6 ± 10.3 points (range 52–100). The postoperative AOFAS score significantly improved in TOL cases compared to preoperative scores (p: 0.001, 46.4 ± 15.0, and 89.1 ± 11.2, respectively). The final radiographic examination showed no signs of ankle osteoarthritis in 36 patients (Grade 0) and Grade I ankle osteoarthritis in eight. Only one patient had a nonunion and was revised with titanium screws. Another patient had early screw breakage but recovered without intervention. ConclusionsThis is the first study that reports the mid-term results of Mg bioabsorbable screws in the current literature. The findings in the present study indicate that Mg bioabsorbable screw fixation might be a good alternative for medial malleolar fracture or osteotomy fixation with a high rate of union and low rate of complications. Besides, it eliminates the need for implant removal.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic, retrospective case series.

Mid-term results of the use of structural humeral head autograft to correct glenoid bone loss in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundNative glenoid bone loss presents technical challenges in shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to report the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients treated with structural humeral head autograft reconstruction of glenoid bone loss in the setting of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). MethodsRetrospective review of 30 shoulders in 28 patients undergoing rTSA with a structural humeral head autograft to correct glenoid bone loss. Demographics, comorbidities, anatomic details, and patient-reported outcome measures were collected for analysis. ResultsRange of motion and patient-reported outcome measures were all significantly improved postoperatively (P < .001). Bone grafts were found to incorporate into 100% of shoulders, with no protheses displaying signs of loosening or other structural concerns. No revision procedures were performed, and all patients were satisfied with their shoulder postoperatively. Two patients developed scapular notching on follow-up. DiscussionThe use of a humeral head autograft to reconstruct glenoid bone loss in patients undergoing rTSA is a safe and effective procedure. It allows for a local graft source to be utilized thus avoiding potential comorbidity and complications associated with the use of alternative site autografts or allografts and has the advantage of nearly congruent fit within the defect.

Mid-term and Long-term Outcomes After Total Cervical Disk Arthroplasty Compared With Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The aim of this study was to compare mid-term to long-term outcomes of cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA) with those of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of symptomatic cervical degenerative disk disease. After ACDF to treat symptomatic cervical degenerative disk disease, the loss of motion at the index level due to fusion may accelerate adjacent-level disk degeneration. CDA was developed to preserve motion and reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. Early-term to mid-term clinical outcomes from RCTs suggest noninferiority of CDA compared with ACDF, but it remains unclear whether CDA yields better mid-term to long-term outcomes than ACDF. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for RCTs with at least 60 months of follow-up. The risk ratio or standardized mean difference (and 95% CIs) were calculated for dichotomous or continuous variables, respectively. Eighteen reports of 14 RCTs published in 2014-2023 were included. The pooled analysis demonstrated that the CDA group had a significantly greater improvement in neurological success and Neck Disability Index than the ACDF group. The ACDF group exhibited a significantly better improvement in the Short Form-36 Health Survey Physical Component Summary than the CDA group. Radiographic adjacent segment degeneration was significantly lower in the CDA group at 60- and 84-month follow-ups; at 120-month follow-up, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Although the overall rate of secondary surgical procedures was significantly lower in the CDA group, we did not observe any significant difference at 60-month follow-up between the CDA and ACDF group and appreciated statistically significant lower rates of radiographic adjacent segment degeneration, and symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery at 84-month and 108- to 120-month follow-up. The rate of adverse events and the neck and arm pain scores in the CDA group were not significantly different from those of the ACDF group. In this meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 5- to 10-year follow-up data, CDA resulted in significantly better neurological success and Neck Disability Index scores and lower rates of radiographic adjacent segment degeneration, secondary surgical procedures, and symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery than ACDF. ACDF resulted in improved Short Form-36 Health Survey Physical Component Summary scores. However, the CDA and ACDF groups did not exhibit significant differences in overall changes in neck and arm pain scores or rates of adverse events.

Utility of residual SYNTAX score to predict clinical outcome after acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Aims Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) represents a huge health burden and a growing economical challenge, particularly with recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Large attention is critically mandated to identify population at higher risk for recurrent MACE to maximize secondary preventive measures. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of residual SYNTAX Score (RSS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the culprit vessel(s) in patients with AMI (STEMI or NSTEMI) to predict 6-months clinical outcomes. Methods and results A total of 492 eligible AMI patients were recruited through a period of 12 months. The RSS was systematically calculated after the PCI procedures. Median RSS was 4 (minimum 0–maximum 47.5). RSS showed excellent association to mid-term clinical outcomes. At cut-off value of RSS 3 had robust prediction for subsequent heart failure (HF), recurrent AMI, unplanned revascularization and the composite of MACE (P &amp;lt; 0.001). A significantly higher RSS was found in those who developed heart failure through the 6-months follow up period compared to those who did not (10 vs. 3, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Similar significant difference was found for recurrent ACS (11.5 vs. 3, P &amp;lt; 0.001), unplanned revascularization (15 vs. 3, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and occurrence of MACE (12 vs. 3, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions RSS is a sensitive predictor for 6-months adverse clinical outcomes after AMI. Calculating RSS at the end of PCI can guide intensification of secondary preventive measures. Ability of RSS- tailored management to impact clinical outcomes in high-risk patients is to be evaluated.Improvement, with subsequent amelioration of LV diastolic function. The Dapa group had a significantly greater improvement in LVEF at four months and six months compared to the Empa group. While the Empa group showed a significant improvement in HbA1C at six months compared to the Dapa group. Additional Content An author video to accompany this abstract is available on https://academic.oup.com/eurheartjsupp. Please click on the arrow next to ‘More Content’ and then click on ‘Author videos’.

Aptis Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Evaluation of Functional Outcomes, Complications, and Patient Satisfaction.

Background The Aptis distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) implant has been commonly used to replace the DRUJ and restore wrist function in patients with a severely destroyed DRUJ. Objective Promising results have been described in the literature. However, the clinical results in a multicenter setting are sparse and variable. This study evaluates the short- to midterm clinical results of 53 patients with a (mean) follow-up of 51 months. Patients and Methods Fifty-three patients (59 implants) treated between 2011 and 2020 in three different institutions were retrospectively identified in a prospectively collected database. The main indication for Aptis DRUJ arthroplasty was a destroyed DRUJ and gross distal radioulnar instability and isolated DRUJ osteoarthritis. Functional outcome, complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Patients completed the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire and an additional questionnaire about patient satisfaction and return to hobby/work. Results Implant survival was 92%, the surgical follow-up showed many complications (64,4%), and revision surgery was needed frequently (40.7%). In 13 cases, the follow-up was longer than 5 years. Three reimplantations had to be performed and two implants were permanently explanted. In spite of this all, wrist and forearm motion as well as pain reduction was adequate and patient satisfaction was reasonable (72.2%). Conclusion The Aptis DRUJ arthroplasty is a viable option that can provide adequate wrist and forearm function after secure patient selection and surgical placement of the implant in the wrist with a good bone stock of the radius. The complication rate was found to be high, yet patient satisfaction was reasonable. In the case of secondary surgery, additional surgery seems to be needed. For primary surgery, the implant seems to be successful without complications. Different complications have been described, but further analysis is warranted to find the causes of complications and to objectify the performance of the Aptis DRUJ implant. Level of Evidence IV.

Latarjet in women for anterior shoulder instability: a case series analysis.

The Latarjet procedure is traditionally used to treat chronic anterior shoulder instability associated with glenoid bone loss. However, few series have analyzed outcomes in a female-only population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a Latarjet bone block in this specific population. This single-center retrospective study included 15 women (mean age 35 ± 11.3; 19-60) reviewed with a minimum follow-up of 2years. The procedure was performed using the open bone block screw technique (n = 7) or by arthroscopy with cortical button (n = 8). Clinical evaluation was based on active range of motion measurements, Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores, and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Radiographic analysis explored bone block healing at the last follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 48months (32-86), no recurrence was reported. The mean Rowe score was 91 points (70-100), Walch-Duplay 90 points (60-100), and SSV 87% (70-100). The active mobilities reached 169° (± 9°) in elevation, 57° (± 15°) in external rotation at side, and 89° (± 6°) in abduction. The return-to-sport rate was 91%. Five patients experienced persistent anterior pain, with screws requiring hardware removal in 2 (p = 0.02). Radiological assessment detected one case of nonunion (7%). Women treated with the Latarjet procedure experienced satisfactory midterm clinical outcomes. The arthroscopic technique using cortical button fixation seems to avoid residual anterior pain requiring hardware removal.

Endovascular Treatment of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience from a Developing Country.

Objective In recent years, endovascular methods have been developed to treat intracranial aneurysms. To date, results of endovascular treatment (EVT) for anterior communicating aneurysms (ACoAs) have never been investigated in Iran. Thus, we sought to assess the mid-term angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with ACoAs who underwent EVT in a tertiary center. Materials and Methods Electronic health documents of patients with ACoAs who underwent EVT from March 2019 to July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, procedural and clinical complications along with immediate and 12 months' postprocedural angiographic and clinical results were included in the analysis. Aneurysm occlusion status was classified based on the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC), and clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results Of 38 patients with 38 ACoAs, 32 patients (84.21%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage of whom 23 (60.52%) had ruptured ACoAs. EVT included simple coiling in 29 patients (76.32%), balloon-assisted coiling in 6 (15.79%), and stent-assisted coiling in 3 (7.89%). Immediate and 12-month postprocedural angiograms demonstrated complete/near-complete occlusion (RROC I and II) in 32 (84.21%) and 35 patients (97.22%), respectively. Periprocedural complications occurred in five patients (13.15%), and the mortality rate was 5.26%. Thirty-two patients (84.21%) had favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2) at the last follow-up. Conclusion EVT is a safe and beneficial procedure with favorable mid-term clinical and angiographic outcomes for ACoAs. Our results can lay the foundation for further studies in developing countries and are satisfactory enough for neurointerventionists to put EVT on the therapeutic agenda of ACoAs.

Midterm Results of AAA Ankle Arthroplasty.

Outcome reports for Alpha Ankle Arthroplasty (AAA), a third-generation implant relying on a mobile bearing design for total ankle replacement, are sparse. This retrospective study evaluated the midterm survivorship, clinical, and radiologic outcomes after implantation of this implant. For 64 patients who received 65 Triple A ankle implants between 2009 and 2020, implant survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by measuring the range of motion, stability, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Questionnaire score (WOMAC), and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS). The average pain level and satisfaction with the postoperative result were rated on a numeric rating scale (0-10). Additionally, radiologic analysis was performed using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and tibiotalar alignment was assessed. The implant-survival rate was 61.5% at a mean follow-up of 8.2 years. Twenty-five patients (38.5%) required revision surgery (average time to revision, 3.1 years, 95% CI 2.1-4.1 years). For patients without revisions, the average range of motion in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were 3.6 ± 4.2 degrees and 21.9 ± 7.8 degrees, respectively. The mean WOMAC and AOFAS scores were 44.7 ± 47.5 and 75.1 ± 14.0, respectively. The average pain and subjective satisfaction scores were 2.0 ± 1.7 and 8.5 ± 1.9, respectively. Mean alignment values did not differ significantly for patients who required revision surgery. We found a high revision rate with use of the AAA. However, patients who did not require revision surgery had, on average, high satisfaction and good functional outcomes. Level IV, case series.

Retraction of: "Ablation, rate or rhythm control strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation: how do they affect mid-term clinical outcomes?"

The paper entitled "Ablation, rate or rhythm control strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation: how do they affect mid-term clinical outcomes?" by Renato De Vecchis et al., which was published in Minerva Cardioangiologica 2019 August;67(4):272-9, has been retracted by the Publisher due to self-plagiarism.

Clinical outcomes of a dedicated bifurcation stent system

IntroductionPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation lesions is technically challenging and associated with higher rates of complications such as stent thrombosis or in-stent restenosis. In this paper, we present the clinical outcomes of BiOSS LIM C (Balton, Poland), a dedicated bifurcation stent. MethodsIn this retrospective single-center study we analyzed the outcome of patients with bifurcation coronary artery disease treated with the BiOSS LIM C stent system. The primary endpoint was the cumulative rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularisation (TLR) at the longest available follow-up. ResultsThe study population consisted of 25 patients (mean age 73.6 ± 9.7 years, 25 % females). In 80 % of the cases (n = 20) BiOSS LIM C stent was implanted in the left main coronary artery. Intravascular imaging was used in 70 % of the cases and an additional regular drug-eluting stent (DES) was deployed in the side branch in 24 % of the cases. The device success rate was 100 % and we observed no in-hospital adverse events. At a median follow-up of 15 ± 6 months, the MACE rate was 56 %, cardiac death was 4 %, and clinically driven TLR was 55 %. One patient died in the LM subgroup, 5 months after the index PCI, due to NSTEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock. Two patients died due to non-cardiac causes. ConclusionsIn this consecutive series of patients treated with BiOSS LIM C in major coronary bifurcation lesions, mostly in the left main stem, the mid-term clinical outcomes demonstrated a high incidence of major adverse events, mainly caused by TLR, despite an adequate implantation technique.

Early and Midterm Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair With Zenith Alpha Abdominal Stent-Graft: Results From a Multicenter Retrospective Tuscany Registry.

Zenith Alpha Abdominal (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) is one of the new-generation low-profile stent-grafts with demonstrated satisfactory early and midterm clinical outcomes for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The aim was to evaluate early and midterm results of this device in the framework of a multicenter regional retrospective registry, with the analysis of morphological factors affecting outcomes, including different limb configurations. Between January 2016 and November 2021, 202 patients with AAA underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with implantation of a Zenith Alpha Abdominal in 7 centers. Early (30 day) outcomes in terms of technical and clinical success were assessed. Estimated 5 year outcomes were evaluated in terms of survival, freedom from type I/III endoleak, freedom from surgical conversion, freedom from limb graft occlusion, freedom from any device-related reintervention, and graft infection evaluation by life-table analysis (Kaplan-Meier test). A comparative analysis between different limb configurations (Zenith Spiral Z AAA iliac legs, codes ZISL vs ZSLE) was performed in terms of limb graft occlusion. The 30 day technical and clinical success rates were 97.5% and 99.5%, respectively. Median follow-up period was 25.5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 12-43.25). The 5 year survival rate was 73.6%. The estimated 5 year outcomes in terms of freedom from type I/III endoleak, freedom from surgical conversion, freedom from limb graft occlusion, freedom from any device-related reintervention, and freedom from graft infection were 88.6% (95% CI [confidence interval]: 83.4%-93.1%), 95.8% (95% CI: 92.7%-97.1%), 93.6% (95% CI: 90.2%-96.8%), 87% (95% CI: 83.3%-91.6%), and 97.7% (95% CI: 95.1%-98.9%), respectively. About limb configuration, no differences were found in terms of 5 year freedom from limb graft occlusion (ZSLE 93.4% [95% CI: 89.8%-95.5%] vs ZISL 94.3% [95% CI: 90.1%-95.9%], p=0.342; log-rank 0.903). Zenith Alpha Abdominal in elective EVAR offered satisfactory early and 5 year outcomes with low complication rates. Limb graft occlusion continued to be an issue. Limb configuration did not affect outcomes. The authors describe satisfactory early and 5 year outcomes of Zenith Alpha Abdominal in elective endovascular aortic repair in the framework of a multicenter regional retrospective registry. At 5 years freedom from type I endoleak was 88.6%, and rate of endograft infections and conversions to open repair were very low. in the present study. Hot topic about about Zenith stent-graft still remains the limb graft occlusion with a 30-day overall rate of 2%, and estimated 5-year freedom from limb graft occlusion of 93.6%. Limb graft configuration did not affect limb graft occlusion rate. A standardized protocol including iliac stenting should be adopted to reduce kimb graft occlusion.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Modular Dual Mobility Bearings in Total Hip Arthroplasty

AbstractModular dual mobility (MDM) prostheses in which a cobalt–chromium liner is inserted into a titanium acetabular shell have the potential for corrosion. This has raised concern. While these constructs have been shown to effectively reduce the risk of dislocation in revision and high-risk primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), previous studies have been limited by the length of follow-up. The purpose of the study is to review the mid-term clinical outcomes of MDM implants with a minimum of 5-year follow-up. A retrospective, observational study was conducted on all consecutive patients who underwent THA with a MDM implant from June 2011 and March 2017 at an urban, tertiary academic medical center. Descriptive statistics were used to describe baseline patient characteristics. Primary endpoints included revision rates, dislocations rates, and implant component survivorship. Implant survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. A total of 92 cases (61 primary, 31 revision) underwent THA with a MDM implant at an average follow-up of 6.90 ± 1.48 years (range: 5.01–10.53 years). The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 58.20 ± 11.85 years. Six patients were revised (6.5%, 6/92), two for periprosthetic joint infection (2.2%, 2/92), one due to aseptic loosening (1.1%, 1/92), one due to periprosthetic fracture (1.1%, 1/92), and the remaining two for metallosis (2.2%, 2/92). Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis showed a 93.5% survival rate for all-cause revisions and 98.9% survival for acetabular component revision. MDM components reliably decrease the risk of dislocation after THA. However, the occurrence of two revisions due to metallosis demonstrates the necessity for continued surveillance in this cohort. Larger trials with long-term follow-up may be required to further elucidate the long-term outcomes and performance of these bearings.