Need For Reintervention Research Articles

Aggressive Treatment Strategy at Index Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Surgery is Associated with Reduced Need for Short-Term Reintervention in Patients with Aortic Dissection

Thoracic endovascular aortic surgery (TEVAR) is the modern standard of treatment for patients with Type B aortic dissection, however it is unclear how the initial length of treated aorta affects long-term outcomes. This study aims to elucidate risk factors for secondary intervention after TEVAR for aortic dissection, focusing on length of aortic treatment at index operation. A retrospective multihospital chart review was completed for patients treated between 2011 and 2022 who underwent TEVAR for aortic dissection with at least 1year of post-TEVAR imaging and follow-up. Patient demographics and characteristics were analyzed. In this study, aortic zones treated only included those managed with a covered stent graft. The primary outcome measure was any need for secondary intervention. A total of 151 patients were identified. Demographics included a mean age of 57years, with 31.8% of the patients being female. Forty-three patients (28.5%) underwent secondary intervention after TEVAR, with a mean follow-up of 1.6years. The most common indication for secondary intervention was aneurysmal degeneration of the residual false lumen (76%). There was a significant difference in the number of aortic zones treated in patients who did and did not require secondary intervention (2.3 ± 1 vs. 2.7 ± 1, P=0.04). Additionally, patients with 3 or more aortic zones of treatment had a significant difference in the need for reintervention (32% secondary intervention versus 52% no secondary intervention, P=0.02). At least 3 zones of aortic treatment at index TEVAR is associated with a decreased need for overall reintervention. Modern treatment of acute and subacute type B dissection should stress an aggressive initial repair, balanced by the potential increased risk of spinal cord ischemia.

Empirical antifungal therapy for health care-associated intra-abdominal infection: a retrospective, multicentre and comparative study

BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend using antifungals for selected patients with health care-associated intra-abdominal infection (HC-IAI), but this recommendation is based on a weak evidence. This study aimed to assess the association between early empirical use of antifungals and outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) adult patients requiring re-intervention after abdominal surgery.MethodsA retrospective, multicentre cohort study with overlap propensity score weighting was conducted in three ICUs located in three medical institutions in France. Patients treated with early empirical antifungals for HC-IAI after abdominal surgery were compared with controls who did not receive such antifungals. The primary endpoint was the death rate at 90 days, and the secondary endpoints were the death rate at 1 year and composite criteria evaluated at 30 days following the HC-IAI diagnosis, including the need for re-intervention, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy and death, whichever occurred first.ResultsAt 90 days, the death rate was significantly decreased in the patients treated with empirical antifungals compared with the control group (11.4% and 20.7%, respectively, p = 0.02). No differences were reported for the secondary outcomes.ConclusionThe use of early empirical antifungal therapy was associated with a decreased death rate at 90 days, with no effect on the death rate at 1 year, the death rate at 30 days, the rate of re-intervention, the need for drainage, and empirical antibiotic and antifungal therapy failure at 30 days.

The Clinical Impact of Paravalvular Leaks With Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aortic valve stenosis is a common cardiac condition that requires intervention for symptomatic and/or prognostic reasons. The two most common interventions are surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The ratio of TAVI:SAVR has increased twofold over the past few years and is now being considered in intermediate-risk patients as well. One of the significant benefits of TAVI is that it is less invasive; however, one of the drawbacks is a high paravalvular leaks (PVLs) rate compared to SAVR. To assess the impact of PVLs on survival, progression of heart failure, and the need for re-intervention. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search from the conception of TAVI 2002 until December 2022 through Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Science Direct, and CENTRAL (Wiley). We followed PRISMA guidelines and checklists. Review protocol registration ID in PROSPERO: CRD42023393742. We identified 28 studies that met our eligibility criteria, and only 24 studies were suitable for pooling in a meta-analysis (including their hazard ratio with a confidence interval of 95%) assessing our primary outcome (all-cause mortality). The remaining four studies were narratively synthesised. RevMan V5.4 (Version 5.4. Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) was utilised to pool meta-analysis data to assess effect estimates of PVLs in both intervention arms, using a random effect model for calculation (hazard ratio 1.14 confidence interval 95% 1.08-1.21 [p<0.0001]), with a follow-up duration between 30 days to 5 years. Patients with mild or higher degrees of PVLs in both intervention arms incurred unfavourable outcomes. The incidence of PVLs was significantly higher with TAVI; even a mild degree led to poor quality of life and increased all-cause mortality on long-term follow-up.

Analysis of the implementation of a circuit for intra-operative superposition and comparison of the surgical outcomes using ICBCT in maxillofacial surgery.

This paper describes a novel circuit for intraoperative analysis with ICBCT in maxillofacial surgery. The aim is to establish guidelines, define indications, and conduct an analysis of the implementation of the circuit for intraoperative comparison of surgical outcomes in relation to 3D virtual planning in maxillofacial surgery. The study included 150 maxillofacial surgical procedures. Intraoperative actions involved fluoroscopy localization, intraoperative CBCT acquisition, segmentation, and superimposition, among other steps. Surgical times due to intraoperative superposition were measured, including time required for ICBCT positioning and acquisition, image segmentation, and comparison of 3D surfaces from the surgical planning. Successful intraoperative comparison was achieved in all 150 cases, enabling surgeons to detect and address modifications before concluding the surgery. Out of the total, 26 patients (17.33%) required intraoperative revisions, with 11 cases (7.33%) needing major surgical revisions. On average, the additional surgical time with this circuit implementation was 10.66 ± 3.03min (n = 22). The results of our research demonstrate the potential for performing intraoperative surgical revision, allowing for immediate evaluation, enhancing surgical outcomes, and reducing the need for re-interventions.

Complications of Carotid Interventions for Symptomatic Lesions after Systemic Thrombolysis

Series detailing complications after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and transfemoral carotid stenting (tfCAS) for patients presenting with neurologic symptoms that are treated with systemic thrombolysis (ST) are sparse. We sought to determine if treatment with ST was associated with a higher rate of post-carotid intervention complications. A multispecialty, institutional, prospectively maintained database was queried for symptomatic patients treated with CEA or tfCAS from 2007 to 2019. The primary outcomes of interest were bleeding complications (access/wound complications, hematuria, intracranial hemorrhage) or need for reintervention, stroke, and death. We compared rates of these outcomes between patients who were and were not treated with ST. To adjust for preoperative patient factors and confounding variables, propensity scores for assignment to ST and non-ST were calculated. There were 1,139 patients included (949 [82%] CEA and 190 [17%] tfCAS. All treated lesions were symptomatic (550 [48%] stroke, 603 [52%] transient ischemic attack). Fifty-six patients (5%) were treated with ST. Fifteen of 56 patients also underwent catheter-based intervention for stroke. ST was administered 0 to 1day preoperatively in 21 (38%) patients, 2 to 6days preoperatively in 27 (48%) patients, and greater than 6days preoperatively in 8 (14%) patients. ST patients were more likely to present with stroke (93% vs. 45%; P<0.001) and have higher preoperative Rankin scores. Unadjusted rate of bleeding/return to operating room was 3% for ST group and 3% for non-ST group (P=0.60). Unadjusted rate of stroke was 4% for ST group and 3% for the non-ST group (P=0.91), while perioperative mortality was 5% for ST group and 1% for non-ST group (P=0.009). After adjusting for patient factors, preoperative antiplatelet/anticoagulation, and operative factors, ST was not associated with an increased odds of perioperative bleeding/return to the operating room (odds ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.02-1.63; P=0.309) or stroke (odds ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval:0.16-2.40; P=0.493). ST does not convey a higher risk of complications after CEA or tfCAS. After controlling for other factors, patients that received ST had similar rates of local complications and stroke when compared to non-ST patients. Early carotid intervention is safe in patients that have received ST, and delays should be avoided in symptomatic patients given the high risk of recurrent stroke.

Surgery for Active Infective Endocarditis on Mitral Valve: Anatomical, Surgical, and Disease Factors as Long-Term Outcome Modifiers.

Background and Objectives: Determinants of long-term outcomes after surgery for native mitral valve endocarditis have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to assess anatomical, disease, and surgical risk factors for long-term mortality and need of reintervention, in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for active endocarditis. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for active native mitral valve endocarditis at three academic centres, between 2000 and 2022, were analysed. The primary outcome was long-term survival. The secondary outcome was the freedom from mitral reoperation. Survival curves were constructed with Kaplan-Meier methodology. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify demographic, anatomical, disease, and surgical factors associated with late mortality and reoperation. Results: 335 consecutive patients with active mitral endocarditis were analysed. Two hundred and one patients (70.5%) had infection confined to the valve cusp whereas 89 (25.6%) had invasive disease extended to the annulus and surrounding tissues. Preoperative neurological events occurred at the diagnosis in 52 cases. Streptococci were the most common causative organisms followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus. Valve repair was performed in 108 patients (32.2%). Survival at 5 and 10 years was 70.1% and 59.2%, respectively. Staphylococcus emerged as an independent predictor of late mortality, along with age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and previous cardiac surgery. Survival was considerably reduced in patients with S. aureus compared with those without (log rank p < 0.001). The type of surgery (repair vs. replacement) did not emerge as a risk factor for late mortality and reoperation. Seventeen patients underwent mitral reoperation during the follow-up. The 5- and 10-year freedom from reoperation was 94.7% and 91.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Active mitral valve endocarditis remains a life-threatening disease with impaired survival. While lesion characteristics influenced surgical decision-making and intraoperative management, their impact on long-term survival and freedom from reintervention appears to be moderated by other factors such as infecting pathogens and patient comorbidities.

Feasibility and safety of physiologic pacing post-TAVR

Abstract Introduction His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) is an increasingly used technique due to its benefits. The transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has in turn been growing and surpasses the number of procedures than surgical aortic valve replacement, however, the main disadvantage with respect to the surgical technique is a greater risk of atrioventricular block and the need for permanent pacing. Purpose Assess the feasibility of HPCSP in patients after TAVR, the success rates and the pacing thresholds. Methods We present a series of consecutive patients (undergoing TAVI in a single center with need for subsequent ventricular stimulation (n=58), from March 2019 to July 2023, performing HPCSP as the first stimulation option. Results We achieved HPCSP in 49 of 58 patients (84.5%). Patients had a mean age of 81.5 years, 60.3% men, mean LVEF 53.82 ± 12.4%. His bundle pacing (HBP) was successful as first option in 41.4% of cases, and left bundle branch area (LBBAP) in 43,1 % of cases (73.5% of the remaining 58.6%) , while the other 9 patients (15.5%) were pace conventionally at right ventricle, septal or wireless. HBP thresholds and R-wave amplitudes at implantation were 0.99 ± 0.72 at 0.5 ms, 4.59 ± 3.67 mV), remaining stable at follow-up at 1 month (1.16 ± 0.92 at 0.5 ms, 4.17 ± 3.97 mV),. Average QRS width was40.8 ± 21.3 ms pre and 122.43 ± 15.2 ms post). LBBAP pacing thresholds and R-wave amplitudes were(0.89 ± 0.45 at 0.5 ms, 6.145 ± 5.3 mV)at implant, and were stable at follow-up at 1 month (0.75 ± 0.3 at 0.5 ms, 8.41 ± 5.8 mV), with no improvements on QRS (129.75 ± 21.01 ms pre, 134.13 ± 17.34 ms post). During a mean follow-up of 23 months. There has been no acute elevation of thresholds or need for reintervention. Only 6 patients have died (10.3%), 2 of them (33%) from cardiovascular causes. Conclusions HPCSP is feasible as a routine techniquein patients after TAVR who need a pacemaker implantation, with low pacing thresholds, which remained stable on the follow-up.

Early Removal of Indwelling Catheter and Vaginal Pack After Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

After vaginal pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery a vaginal pack and indwelling bladder catheter are inserted to reduce blood loss and bladder overdistension. The ideal timing of removal remains unclear. In this study we compared removal of vaginal pack and indwelling catheter 3 h post-surgery with removal the next day. This retrospective cohort study performed in the Netherlands included patients undergoing POP surgery between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. Patients in whom the vaginal pack and catheter were removed the day after surgery (group A) were compared with patients in which the vaginal pack and catheter were removed 3h post-surgery (group B). Both groups were compared regarding urinary retention and the need for re-intervention owing to active blood loss within 6weeks postoperatively. Baseline characteristics, such as age, type of operation and type of anaesthesia in group A (n = 280) and group B (n = 207) were comparable. No significant differences were found regarding complications such as urinary retention (17.2 versus 23.2%; p = 0.255). The rates of re-intervention because of active blood loss and occurrence of infection were also comparable. Removal of the indwelling catheter and vaginal pack 3h after vaginal POP surgery does not lead to more postoperative complications than removal the 1st day after surgery. Therefore, early removal is a feasible and safe alternative to the standard timing of removal the morning after surgery of women undergoing POP surgery. In the future this could help with introducing same-day discharge.

Cannulated screws fixation for nondisplaced femoral neck fractures: early versus late weight-bearing-a prospective analysis.

Nondisplaced intracapsular fractures (Garden I/II) are predominantly treated with an internal fixation technique. The purpose of the study is to identify the best rehabilitation protocol after internal fixation with 3 parallel cannulated screws. All patients operated on from 2016 to 2021 for femoral neck fractures by internal fixation with 3 cannulated screws were enrolled into this prospective study. The population was divided into two groups: Group A (n = 34) who followed a postoperative rehabilitation protocol involving full and immediate loading, and Group B (n = 22) who followed a postoperative rehabilitation protocol involving late full loading (after 30days). The two groups were compared with each other by mortality rate, postoperative complications and need for re-interventions. Functional outcome and quality of life were assessed at the minimum follow-up of 1year using the modified Harris Hip Score(HHS) and the Short form health survey (SF-12) questionnaire. Group A showed a lower complication rate (2.9% vs. 18.2%), a lower 1-year mortality rate (5.9% vs. 9.1%), a better perception of mental health status (SF12-MCS 56.2 vs. 51.4, p = 0.03) but a worse perception of one's physical health status (SF12-PCS 48.1 vs. 56.7, p < 0.01). The two groups were also statistically overlapping in terms of the functional outcome achieved after the intervention (HHS was 90.94 in Group A vs. 93.15 in Group B, p = 0.32). Postoperative complications, mortality and revision rate were higher in patients who followed a late-loaded rather than early loaded rehabilitation protocol. Functional outcome at 1-year survival is not significantly different. In nondisplaced intracapsular hip fractures treated with cannulated screws, an immediate full load should be preferred. Query.

The Value of Aortic Volume and Intraluminal Thrombus Quantification for Predicting Aortic Events after Endovascular Thoracic Aneurysm Repair.

Objectives: To assess the ability of the aortic aneurysm volume (AAV), aneurysmal lumen volume (ALV), and aneurysmal thrombus volume (ATV) to predict the need for aortic reintervention when using the maximal aortic diameter as a reference. Methods: This monocentric retrospective study included 31 consecutive patients who underwent successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat an atheromatous thoracic aortic aneurysm. All patients underwent clinical and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for 3 years after TEVAR. The patients were categorized into group 0 if no aortic reintervention was required during the follow-up period and categorized into group 1 if they experienced a type I or III endoleak or aneurysm diameter increase requiring intervention. The maximum aneurysm sac diameter and the AAV, ALV, and ATV were calculated using CTA images obtained preoperatively (T0) and at 6-12 months (T1), 24 months (T2), and 36 months (T3) postoperatively, and their changes over time were analyzed. Correlations between diameter and changes in AAV, ALV, and ATV were assessed, and the association between diameter and volume changes and reintervetion was examined. The cutoff values for predicting the need for reintervention was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The accuracy of volume change versus diameter change for predicting the need for reintervention was analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of the mean aneurysm diameter or AAV, ALV or ATV between the groups at preoperative CTA or after one year of follow-up imaging. The mean ATV was higher in group 1 than in group 0 at 2 years (187.6 ± 86.3 mL vs. 114.7 ± 64.7 mL; p = 0.057) and after 3 years (195.0 ± 86.7 mL vs. 82.1 ± 39.9 mL; p = 0.013). The maximal diameter was greater in group 1 than in group 0 at 3 years (67.3 ± 9.5 mm vs. 55.3 ± 12.6 mm; p = 0.044). The rate of AAV change between T0 and T1 was significantly higher in group 1 (7 ± 4.5%) than in group 0 (-6 ± 6.8%; p < 0.001). The rate of ATV change between T1-T3 was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 0 (34 ± 40.9% vs. -13 ± 14.4% (p = 0.041)); similar results were observed for the rate of ATV change between T2 and T3 (27 ± 50.1% for group 1 vs. -8 ± 49.5% in group 0 (p < 0.001)). According to our multivariate analysis, the annual growth rate for AAV between T0 and T1 was the only independent factor that was significantly associated with aortic reintervention (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.84, OR = 1.57, p = 0.025; optimal cutoff +0.4%). An increase in the annual growth rate of the ATV between T0 and T3 was independently associated with the need for aortic reintervention (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.90, OR = 1.11, p = 0.0347; optimal cutoff +10.1%). Conclusions: Aortic volume analysis can predict the need for aortic reintervention more accurately and earlier than maximal aortic diameter.

Long-term impact of coronary artery transfer techniques during the arterial switch operation on neo-aortic root dilation

BackgroundAortic dilation (AD) remains one of the most common complications needing re-operation after ASO (arterial switch operation) in simple transposition of the great arteries (TGA). ObjectivesWe sought to clarify which coronary artery transfer techniques help to minimize postoperative neo-aortic root dilation after ASO for TGA. Methods117 patients were identified in the German National Register for Congenital Heart Defects presenting transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA-IVS) with minimum 5-year follow-up who underwent ASO between 1986 and 2015 at 16 centers. Our study population was divided into two groups depending on the sinus tissue gain during coronary re-implantation. Group one (n = 72) included the tissue-gaining techniques slit, trap-door, J-/V-/U-incision, and pericardial augmentation. Group two (n = 45) included ‘punch’ as the no-tissue gaining technique. Transthoracic echocardiography data were analyzed retrospectively for development of neoaortic dilation defined by Z-score ≥ 2.0. As secondary endpoint was analyzed, the need for reintervention due to aortic pathology. ResultsMedian follow-up was 11 (5–29) years; cumulative follow-up was 853 patient-years for group one and 19 (5–34) years; cumulative follow-up was 853 patient-years for group two, comprising 1706 patient-years, p < 0.0001. We observed statistically significant higher Z-scores at the aortic valve annulus level in group one (p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding re-operation. ConclusionNeo-aortic roots of patients who underwent sinus gain tissue coronary artery transfer techniques show higher Z-scores than the punch technique in long-term postoperative follow-up. Lifelong surveillance of patients after ASO seems necessary.

Comparison of Three Antibiotic Prophylaxis Protocols for Preventing Postoperative Infection in Tibial Plateau Fractures

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of three different types of intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis on the risk of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). Material and Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent surgery for osteosynthesis of a tibial plateau fracture (January 2009–November 2018) in Hospital Clinic i Provincial de Barcelona were included. Three types of prophylaxis during the study period were used: group A (cefuroxime single-dose treatment), group B (meropenem + teicoplanin), and group C (ceftriaxone + teicoplanin). Demographics, co-morbidity, type of fracture, need for external fixation, microbiology data, surgical time, and outcome were recorded. Failure was defined as the need for reintervention due to postoperative surgical site infection. Results: From a total of 148 patients included, 20 cases developed SSI, 8 from group A, 8 from group B, and 4 from group C. Higher ASA scores, Schatzker II classification, need for external fixation, and a prolonged surgical time were associated with a significantly (p &lt; 0.005) increased incidence of SSI. Group C showed the overall highest survival and lowest cumulative risk, but differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Group C showed the lowest incidence of infection in this sample. It is necessary to confirm these findings with larger studies.

Long-term results of the tuberous breast: What to expect after the primary correction process?

Tuberous breast is a rare anomaly affecting the development of mainly the female breast. It presents with varying degrees of hypoplasia in the breast base and skin. In some cases, herniation and widening of the areola is observed. The condition constitutes a great challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. In this study, the surgical cascades of implant and lipofilling corrections were compared with a focus on the need for re-interventions. In total, 129 patients whose treatment regimen started between January 2010 and October 2020 were included in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the volume correction method used (lipofilling versus implant). In 35 (27%) patients (41 breasts), breast volume increasement was executed with an implant, while 94 (73%) patients (169 breasts) underwent volume increasement with lipofilling. The mean number of operations during the primary correction process was 1.2 (range 1-5) for the implant group and 2.4 (range 1-5) for the lipofilling group. When assessing the need for re-operations within 5 years after completing the primary correction, 46% of patients in the implant group needed further surgeries, while the corresponding proportion for the lipofilling group was 21% (p = 0.04). There were six major complications, all of them in the implant group. Implant-based reconstruction is associated with more revision surgeries and major complications compared to autologous lipofilling corrections. Lipofilling offers a more durable result with less re-operations over time despite initial sequential primary surgeries.

Angioplasty with ductal stent: experience at Garrahan Hospital

To describe and evaluate the outcomes of ductal angioplasty with stent placement at a single high-complexity center during the period 2016-2022. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, including patients under 3 months of age who underwent ductal stent implantation as initial palliative treatment. Demographic, clinical, and anatomical data were collected before the intervention. Mortality, intra- and post-procedural complications, need for re-intervention, intensive care requirements, and hospital stay were recorded. The characteristics at the time of definitive surgery are described. Discrete variables are presented as percentages, and continuous variables are presented with their medians and respective interquartile ranges. Twenty patients who underwent this treatment were reviewed, revealing a success rate of 80%. Complications due to stent dysfunction required surgical resolution. 95% of patients were dischargedfrom the institution after the procedure, and 17 patients reached a second definitive surgical stage. Three patients died afterthe procedure, but with no direct relation to it. Indications for ductal angioplasty with stent as an alternative treatment to systemic-pulmonary anastomosis by surgery are not yet fully defined; the strategy represents a valid alternative in appropriately selected patients. The presented experience shows results similar to international reference centers.

Surgical cystogastrostomy: Is it still worthwhile?

The article by Ker et al explores the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection (PFC). The use of percutaneous drainage, endoscopy, and surgery for managing PFC are discussed. Percutaneous drainage is noted for its low risk profile, while endoscopic cystogastrostomy is more effective due to the wider orifice of the metallic stent. Surgical cystogastrostomy is a definitive treatment with a reduced need for reintervention, especially for cases with extensive collections and significant necrosis. The choice of treatment modality should be tailored to individual patient characteristics and disease factors, considering the expertise available.

Abstract 3008: Aortic Arch Endovascular Stent Grafts With Zone 0 Proximal Landing Zones For Geometrically Complex Aortas

Objectives: Fluctuation in total curvature (δK) significantly outperforms all other available measurements of shape in predicting clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We aim to identify if the Nexus® Aortic Arch Stent Graft System is a suitable and safe treatment modality for aortas with high δK. Methods: Twenty-five patients that underwent transcatheter aortic arch repair using the Nexus stent graft were included. 3D aortic models were segmented from the CTA image data using Simpleware ScanIP. The aorta segmentations were then smoothed and the outer surface isolated. A triangular mesh from the outer surface was generated in Python, and the mesh was divided into a number of partitions. δK was calculated by the sum of per partition total curvatures and the fluctuation in total curvature across the entire manifold surface. Failed TEVAR was defined by a) any device-related mortality or b) unplanned or device-related secondary surgical intervention 30 days from index TEVAR. This data was plotted into a pre-defined (δK,L –1 )-feature space with pre-established machine learning-derived boundary conditions. Results: Within a (δK,L –1 )-feature space defined by patients with aortic stent grafts with zone 2 or 3 proximal landing zones, our group used predictive modeling to classify patients into three zones (normal, successful TEVAR, and unsuccessful TEVAR) with 92.8% mean accuracy. Within this pre-defined boundary zone of unsuccessful TEVAR, 72.2% (13/18) of patients with the Nexus stent graft with zone 0 proximal landing zone underwent a successful TEVAR without need for re-intervention. Conclusions: Transcatheter aortic arch repair with a single branch, two-stent graft system with a zone 0 proximal landing zone can offer patients with a high degree of aortic shape fluctuation a greater chance at successful TEVAR than traditional aortic stent grafts with zone 2 or 3 landing zones.

Natural history of renal angiomyolipoma in a high-volume center: our experience during more than 15years of follow up.

To describe the natural history of AML, the clinical results and the need for treatment during long-term follow-up of renal AML. Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with AML by computed tomography or nuclear magnetic resonance between 2001 and 2019, with at least two follow-up images. Clinical and imaging variables, need for intervention, complications and follow-up time were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0. 111 patients and 145 AML were included. The median follow-up was 6.17years (range 0.7-18.1, IQR 11.8-12.2). The median tumor size at diagnosis was 13mm (IQR 7.5-30), with 24 (16.4%) being ≥ 4cm. Most presented as an incidental finding (85.5%); in 3 (2.1%) cases, the presentation was as a spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma. The main indication for intervention was size ≥ 4cm in 50%. Eighteen (12%) patients received a first intervention, being urgent in 3. Embolization was performed in 15 cases and partial nephrectomy in 3. The need for reintervention was recorded in five: two underwent partial nephrectomy and two total nephrectomy; one patient required a new urgent embolization. Of the non-operated patients, 43% decreased in size or did not change, while 57% increased, with the median annual growth being 0.13mm (IQR -0.11 to 0.73). There were no differences in the median growth in tumors measuring ≥ 4cm (0.16mm) at diagnosis vs. < 4cm (0.13mm) (p = 0.9). The findings of this study suggest that AML typically demonstrate a slow-progressing clinical course during long-term follow-up. Moreover, our observations, which cast doubt on tumor size as a reliable predictor of adverse clinical outcomes, advocate for a less intensive monitoring strategy in both monitoring frequency and choice of imaging modality.

The frozen elephant trunk: seeking a more definitive treatment for acute type A aortic dissection.

Conventional treatment for type A aortic dissection includes replacement of the ascending aorta with an open distal anastomosis in the hemiarch position. The frozen elephant trunk (FET) is a hybrid technique that extends the repair to the descending thoracic aorta. The goal is to improve resolution of malperfusion syndrome and to induce positive aortic remodelling and reduce the need for reintervention on the downstream aorta. We aim to summarize the data on the short and long-term outcomes of this technique. A thorough search of the literature was conducted isolating all articles dealing with aortic remodelling after the use of FET in case of type A acute aortic dissection. Keywords 'aortic dissection', 'frozen elephant trunk', 'aortic remodelling' and 'false lumen thrombosis' were used. Data for type B and chronic aortic dissections were excluded. FET use favourably influences aortic remodelling. The main advantages lie in the exclusion of distal entry tears in either the aortic arch or descending aorta thus restoring antegrade blood flow in the true lumen and inducing false lumen thrombosis. False lumen thrombosis is not only induced at the level of the stent deployment but also lower in the distal descending aorta. Moreover, it offers an adequate landing zone in the mid-descending aorta for second-stage endovascular or open surgical aortic repair, if needed. FET can be advantageous in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection dealing with extended aortic pathology.

Retrospective Analysis of Bicanalicular Lacrimal Silicone Tube Intubation in Patients with Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Long-term Follow-up Study.

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is the most common cause of epiphora in the first year of life. In addition to conservative therapy, there are several invasive methods available. The aim of this retrospective study was to conduct a long-term follow-up of bicanalicular lacrimal duct intubation as the primary intervention in a large cohort of patients with CNLDO. The electronic medical records of 487 patients with CNLDO who underwent bicanalicular tube intubation were reviewed. To determine the long-term outcomes, a telephone interview was conducted. A total of 328 eyes of 235 patients were included in the study. The median average follow-up period was 6.67 (5.58 - 8.67) years. At the time of the survey, 218 patients (92.8%) were symptom free. Mean patient satisfaction with surgical outcome was 10/10. To our knowledge, this study provides the longest follow-up of the largest patient cohort in the literature consisting of patients who underwent probing with bicanalicular lacrimal silicone tube intubation as a primary intervention for CNLDO. This study showed a high long-term postoperative success rate, with high postoperative satisfaction, few complications, and a low need for reintervention.

Cement augmentation for proximal humerus fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized trials and observational studies.

It is unclear if elderly patients treated with plate osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fractures benefit from cement augmentation. This meta-analysis aims to compare cement augmentation to no augmentation regarding healing, complications, and functional results. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized clinical trials and observational studies. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models. The primary outcome is overall complication rate. Stratified analyses were performed for types of complication (implant-related or systemic). Secondary outcomes include re-interventions, hospital stay, operation time, functional scores, and general quality of life. Five observational studies and one randomized controlled trial with a total of 541 patients were included. The overall complication rate was significantly lower in the augmented group (15.6% versus 25.4%, OR 0.54 (95%CI 0.33-0.87)). This was caused by a reduction of implant-related complications (10.4% vs. 19.9%, OR 0.49 (95%CI 0.28, 0.88)). No difference in humeral head necrosis was found. Data on re-intervention, hospital stay, and operation time was limited but did not show significant differences. No impact on functional scores and general quality of life was detected. This meta-analysis shows that cement augmentation may reduce overall complications, mainly by preventing implant-related complications. No difference was detected regarding need for re-intervention, functional scores, general quality of life, and hospital stay. This is the first meta-analysis on this topic. It remains to be seen whether conclusions will hold when more and better-quality data becomes available.