Results Of Endarterectomy Research Articles

Periprocedural clinical outcomes of stenting and endarterectomy in patients with carotid artery stenosis

Purpose: To identify the chief pathological cause of extracranial cerebrovascular disease, which is atherosclerosis, we analyzed and compared the early and 6-month morbidity and mortality rates of patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) for carotid artery stenosis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included patients who had undergone surgical endarterectomy and endovascular carotid stent implantation for carotid artery stenosis between April 2019 and August 2022. We evaluated neurological examinations, routine blood tests, neurological and systemic complications, mortality rates, and follow-up colour Doppler ultrasonography 6 months post-discharge. Results: The study included a total of 300 patients, with 52.7% (n = 158) undergoing CEA and 47.3% (n = 142) undergoing endovascular stent implantation (CAS). The patients’ average ages were 66±8 years in the CEA group and 70±7.4 years in the CAS group, suggesting that those undergoing CAS were generally older. Notably, there were significantly more instances of congestive heart failure and a history of cerebrovascular disease within the CAS group compared to the CEA group. However, no significant difference was observed in the rates of postprocedural complications. Furthermore, there were no cases of mortality reported in either group. Conclusion: The preferred method for treating severe carotid artery stenosis should be determined by considering patient characteristics and preferences, as well as the complication rates in the centre.

Carotid endarterectomy outcomes according to anesthesia method: General anesthesia or regional anesthesia?

Aim: Surgical strategies in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) vary according to the method of anesthesia, neurological monitoring, shunt use, and closure methods, and the gold standard method has not yet been determined. In this study, we aimed to analyze the superiority and feasibility of CEA under general anesthesia and regional anesthesia. Material and Methods: Demographic characteristics, operative information and follow-up results of 237 patients who underwent CEA between January 2015 and June 2020, 165 patients under regional anesthesia (RA: Group 1) and 72 under general anesthesia (GA: Group 2), were retrospectively analyzed. In Group 1, carotid shunt was placed in patients with a negative awake test (n: 21, 12.7%) and in Group 2 carotid shunt was placed in all cases. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and cardiovascular mortality (p: 0.48; p: 0.30; p: 0.63, respectively). Although the operation and clamp time were shorter in Group 1, no significant difference was observed (97.93±11.02 min, 101.46±9.49 min p: 0.23; 19.60±5.62 min, 25.62±7.47 min p: 0.24, respectively). The duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay was shorter and statistically significant in Group 1. (p: 0.003). There was no significant difference for restenosis rates (p: 0.34). Conclusion: There was no significant increase in postoperative complications in the RA group compared to the GA group despite shunting according to the awake test. Also, patients who underwent RA stayed in ICU for a shorter period of time. CEA can be performed under both GA and RA with similar complication rates.

Outcomes of pulmonary endarterectomy for patients with pulmonary artery sarcoma.

Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is an exceedingly rare and insufficiently investigated disease, leading to uncertain in its optimal management. This study aims to present our institutional experience and the outcomes of pulmonary endarterectomy for PAS. We gathered clinical characteristics, intraoperative data, postoperative outcomes, and prognosis information from PAS patients who underwent surgical treatment at our institution between December 2016 and September 2023. A total of 20 patients with PAS underwent pulmonary endarterectomy. The median age of the patients was 52 (IQR 45, 57) years, with 12 patients (60%) being female. Intimal sarcoma was confirmed in 19 patients, while the remaining one was diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The perioperative mortality rate was three cases (15%). Follow-up was conducted for a median duration of 14 months (range: 1-61). During the follow-up period, 11 patients experienced recurrence or metastasis, and 5 patients succumbed to the disease. The estimated cumulative survival rates at 1 and 2 years for all 20 patients were 66.4% and 55.3%, respectively. Pulmonary endarterectomy emerges as a palliative but effective approach for managing PAS, particularly when complemented with postoperative therapies such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, which collectively contribute to achieving favorable long-term survival outcomes.

Open surgery of common femoral artery occlusive disease: a contemporary review.

Endovascular therapy has gradually gaining more importance for the treatment of common femoral artery (CFA) occlusive disease due to satisfactory perioperative outcomes. However, endovascular interventions seem to provide acceptable outcomes only in the short-term period. Endarterectomy still remains the gold standard with well-established mid- and long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze all appropriate studies about mid- and long-term outcomes of CFA endarterectomy, regardless of the type of technique used in the framework of a narrative contemporary review. This narrative review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The main inclusion criterion was the availability of data on isolated CFA endarterectomy including mid (1-5 years) and long (6-10 years) term results. Four studies have been selected. In the mid-term period CFA endarterectomy showed an excellent primary patency rate regardless the clinical presentation (up to 95% and 100% in intermittent claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia). About the type of reconstruction, a statistically significant difference was found between patchplasty and direct suture in terms of primary patency (97% vs. 89.9%, P=0.02). In the long-term period the overall primary patency rate was about 95%, regardless of the clinical condition (P=0.04). Overall long-term limb salvage rate ranged from 87% to 92%, with a relatively significant difference between intermittent claudication (100%), and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (82%) (P=0.01). Considering long-term clinical outcomes and the subsequent durability, surgical treatment is still the cornerstone for CFA occlusive disease, regardless of the type of technique used for both endarterectomy and arterial reconstruction. Due to its reduced invasiveness, high-risk patients may benefit from an endovascular-first approach.

F-31 | Outcomes of Pulmonary Endarterectomy in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure

F-31 | Outcomes of Pulmonary Endarterectomy in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure

Intraoperative Completion Studies and their Associations with Carotid Endarterectomy Outcomes.

This study aimed at assessing outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in dependence of center policy with respect to imaging intraoperative completion study (ICSi) usage. Although randomized controlled studies are missing, a beneficial effect was shown for ICSi techniques (i.e., angiography and intraoperative duplex ultrasound) after CEA. This secondary data analysis is based on the German statutory quality assurance database. Research was funded by Germany's Federal Joint Committee Innovation Fund (G-BA Innovationsfonds, 01VSF19016 ISAR-IQ). According to their ICSi policy, hospitals were categorized as routine ICSi (>90%), selective ICSi (10-90%), or sporadic ICSi (<10%) centers. Primary study outcome was in-hospital stroke or death. Multivariable regression analyses were performed. Between 2012 and 2016, a total of 119,800 patients underwent CEA. In-hospital stroke or death rates were lower in routine ICSicenters (1.7%) compared to selective (2.1%) and sporadic ICSicenters (2.0%). The multivariable regression analysis showed, that in routine ICSicenters, ICSi use was associated with lower rates of stroke or death (aOR 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.93). In selective ICSicenters, ICSi was not associated with the occurrence of either of the assessed outcomes. In sporadic ICSicenters, ICSi was associated with higher rates of stroke or death (aOR 1.91; 95% CI 1.26-2.91). Lowest in-hospital stroke or death rates are achieved in routine ICSicenters. While ICSi is associated with a lower perioperative risk in routine ICSicenters, it might act as a surrogate marker for worse outcomes due to intraoperative irregularities in sporadic ICSicenters. Routine use of ICSi is advisable.

Early Outcomes of Interwoven Nitinol Wire Stent Placement versus Endarterectomy for the Treatment of Atherosclerotic Disease of the Common Femoral Artery

PurposeTo compare the clinical outcomes of common femoral artery (CFA) atherosclerotic disease treated with either surgical endarterectomy or an interwoven nitinol wire stent system. Materials and MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all patients with chronic, de novo atherosclerotic CFA disease treated with surgical endarterectomy (CFAE) or stent placement between July 2019 and March 2022. Outcome measures assessed up to 12 months after procedure included clinical improvement, primary restenosis, target vessel revascularization (TVR), major adverse limb events (MALEs), and all-cause mortality. ResultsThirty-nine stents were deployed in 33 patients, and 56 CFAEs were performed in 55 patients. No differences were noted in the rate of primary patency (95.5% vs 94.4%, P = .618), TVR (2.9% vs 1.8%, P = .777), MALE (5.1% vs 5.4%, P = .949), and all-cause mortality (14.1% vs 3.6%, P = .076) between the stent and CFAE groups up to 12 months after procedure. There was greater improvement in median clinical severity in the stent group than in the CFAE group (Rutherford score change of 3.0 vs 1.5, P = .013). The median length of stay was less for the stent group (3 vs 7 days, P = .002), and there was a lower likelihood of severe or disabling adverse events in the stent group (0 vs 9 cases, P = .010). ConclusionsPatients treated with an interwoven nitinol wire stent had patency rates comparable to those treated with CFAE while having a lower incidence of severe adverse events and a shorter length of hospital stay than those who underwent CFAE.

Outcomes of Coronary Endarterectomy for Patients With Diffuse Coronary Artery Disease: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Incidence of diffuse coronary artery disease is high in Asian population. Some patients will require endarterectomy for completeness of revascularisation. This series aimed to investigate the outcomes of patients who required coronary endarterectomy (CE) either in one or multiple vessels.

O065 Does modified Rankin score (mRS) matter? the impact of stroke severity on carotid endarterectomy (CEA) outcomes

Abstract Introduction Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is recommended to reduce the risk of future stroke in patients with non-disabling ischaemic stroke events (modified Rankin Score mRS&amp;lt;3). We reviewed CEA outcomes in patients with more devastating consequences of stroke (mRS 3+). Methods Data from 1021 consecutive CEA cases at a single unit were collected from the UK National Vascular Registry, over a 15-year period. Patient demographics, co-morbidities and postoperative outcomes were compared in those with pre-operative mRS &amp;lt;3 (Group 1) and those with mRS 3+ (Group 2). P&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results 91 (9%) patients with mRS 3+ underwent CEA. Age, gender ratio and operated side were not significantly different between the two groups. Group 2 had significantly higher rates of diabetes, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, lung disease, frailty and a higher ASA score. Time to surgery from the stroke event was similar in the two groups, but time spent on high dependency and overall in hospital following surgery was longer in Group 2. There was no difference in the type of anaesthetic given. Group 2 had a higher incidence of postoperative confusion, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in cardiac, respiratory, operative complications and 30-day mortality. Fewer patients in Group 2 returned to their home on discharge. Conclusion Patients with a higher mRS are frailer and have more pre-operative co-morbidities. Surgery is associated with delayed discharges, but in the short-term, perioperative complication rate is not significantly different. Patient selection, however, should be undertaken withcare.

Effect of the Pre-Operative Systemic Inflammatory Response on Outcomes Following Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis

Objective: Stroke accounts for over 100 000 acute hospital presentations per year in the UK, and approximately 4 500 carotid endarterectomies are performed annually in the UK.1 This is despite a relative paucity of cases performed for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, in comparison with other countries.1 Periprocedural stroke and death rates have fallen in recent years,2 although these remain notable risks necessitating careful patient selection and counselling. Chronic activation of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) is prevalent in patients with atherosclerotic disease and influences both the pathogenesis and prognosis.3,4 The neutrophil:lymphocyte and platelet:lymphocyte ratios (NLR, PLR) are markers of the SIR, and are reported to provide prognostic value in patients with acute stroke,5 and in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.6 The Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) is calculated from C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin and was originally described in patients with cancer.7 More recently mGPS has been shown to provide prognostic value in non-cancer patient groups.8 mGPS is representative of an alternative pathway activating the SIR and is not reported in relation to carotid endarterectomy outcomes. The present study describes experience of the prognostic value of these pre-operative markers of SIR in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Effect of regional versus general anesthesia on thirty-day outcomes following carotid endarterectomy: a cohort study.

The effect of regional versus general anesthesia on carotid endarterectomy outcomes is debated. This study assesses the effect of anesthetic technique on major morbidity and mortality and additional secondary endpoints following carotid endarterectomy. This was a retrospective propensity-matched-cohort analysis investigating elective carotid endarterectomy patients in the 2015-2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program ( n =37204). The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality and major morbidity, defined as stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. Secondary endpoints included minor morbidity, bleeding events, healthcare resource utilization, and length of hospital stay. Univariate, multivariable, and survival analyses were applied. The 1:1 propensity-matched-cohort included 8304 patients (4152 in each group). Regional anesthesia was associated with similar incidences of major morbidity and mortality [odds ratio (OR), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.61-1.09); P = 0.162] and unplanned resource utilization [OR, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.78-1.11); P = 0.443], but lower incidences of minor morbidity [OR, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44-0.81); P < 0.001] and bleeding events [OR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.30-0.78); P = 0.002], and a shorter length of hospital stay [1.4 vs. 1.6 days; mean difference, -0.16 days (95% CI, -0.25 to -0.07); P < 0.001]. On multivariable analysis, regional anesthesia remained independently predictive of minor morbidity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.58 (95% CI, 0.42-0.79); P = 0.001] and bleeding events [AOR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.30-0.77); P = 0.003]. Significance was maintained on survival analysis for these two endpoints. A mortality benefit was observed on univariate [OR, 0.50 (95% CI, 0.25-1.00); P = 0.045], multivariable [AOR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.24-0.96); P = 0.043], and survival analysis ( P = 0.045). Carotid endarterectomy patients receiving regional anesthesia experience favorable outcomes compared to propensity-matched general anesthesia controls.

Does Modified Rankin Score (mRS) Matter? The Impact of Stroke Severity on Carotid Artery Endarterectomy (CEA) Outcomes

Carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) is recommended to reduce stroke risk in patients following non-disabling ischaemic stroke (modified Rankin Score mRS<3). We reviewed CEA outcomes in patients after more devastating strokes (mRS≥3). An observational cohort study was performed, and data was collected from 1013 CEA cases over fifteen years. Patient demographics, co-morbidities and post-operative outcomes were compared between preoperative mRS<3 (Group one) and mRS≥3 (Group two). Statistical significance was determined by p<0.05. Ninety-one (9%) patients were mRS ≥ 3. There was no significant difference between age, gender, and operated side. Group two had significantly higher rates of diabetes and frailty. There was no significant difference in anaesthetic type. Group two spent longer in High Dependency. Return to theatre and post-operative complications were similar. Incidence of perioperative stroke, mortality and readmission rates were not significant at 30 days post-operation between the two groups. Patients with a higher mRS have more pre-operative co-morbidities but short-term perioperative complication rate is not significantly different. Patient selection should be undertaken with care.

Clinical Outcomes of Endoscope-Assisted Pulmonary Endarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary thromboembolism is a potentially life-threatening condition in patients with heart disease; however, limited studies discussing long-term outcomes exist. This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), focusing on the improvement of functional class and right ventricular (RV) pressure. Clinical data of patients with CTEPH were obtained from Yonsei Hospital between May 2012 and December 2021, and reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-six patients underwent endoscope-guided PEA during the study period, and the mean follow-up duration was 24.8±23.4 months. After PEA, most patients (88.5%) were weaned from inotropes without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during the first few days. Two patients (7.6%) had cerebrovascular accidents without neurological deficits. On echocardiography, the RV systolic pressure and tricuspid regurgitation grades significantly improved (p<0.001). Furthermore, the mean left ventricle end-diastolic diameter was significant increased (p=0.003), and the left ventricular end-systolic diameter increased (p<0.001). The median intensive care unit stay was 3.0±9.4 days, and median hospital stay 16.0±26.5 days. The 5-year survival rate was 95.5%, and the 5-year freedom rate of cardiac death was 100%. There was a marked improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) status (p<0.001). Cox regression suggested that the main pulmonary artery (MPA) involvement is a significant predictor of non-improvement in functional class post-PEA. Mortality rates are low and patients experience a marked improvement in NYHA class and health status after PEA. Moreover, MPA involvement may affect functional outcomes.

Outcomes of Femoral Endarterectomy with Superficial Tributary Vein Patch Angioplasty

Surgical endarterectomy is still considered the gold standard for the treatment of common femoral artery (CFA) occlusive disease. The present study evaluated the outcomes of CFA endarterectomy with patch angioplasty using the superficial tributary vein (STV) of the great saphenous vein. This was a single-center, retrospective study. We reviewed our institutional data of consecutive patients who received elective CFA endarterectomy between January 2014 and December2021. During the study period, CFA endarterectomy with STV patch angioplasty was performed in 49 limbs in 42 patients, including 33 limbs (67.3%) treated by hybrid procedure combining CFA endarterectomy with endovascular treatment. Technical success was achieved in 100% of subjects. The median ankle brachial pressure index improved from 0.57 (0.43-0.67) preoperatively to 0.96 (0.77-0.99) postoperatively (P<0.001). The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0% (n=1). The overall 30-day complication rate was 6.1% (n=3) and the local complication rate was 2.0% (n=1). No aneurysmal dilatation or rupture of an STV patch was observed at a median follow-up of 22months. The 1-year and 2-year primary patency rates were 97.4% and 97.4%, respectively. The efficacy and patency of CFA endarterectomy with STV patch angioplasty were similar to those of conventional CFA endarterectomy. STV patch angioplasty is a durable procedure and may improve the outcomes of CFA endarterectomy through a reduction in the risk of postoperative local complications by avoiding the use of a prosthetic patch and by preserving the main great saphenous vein.

Treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

There is much debate about the best approach for treating patients with tight (at least 70%) asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. A pooled analysis of trials in recently symptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis showed that successful, uncomplicated surgery or stenting had similar long-term outcomes for at least 8 years, but early post-procedural strokes were more common after stenting than surgery. 1 Brott TG Calvet D Howard G et al. Long-term outcomes of stenting and endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis: a preplanned pooled analysis of individual patient data. Lancet Neurol. 2019; 18: 348-356 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (57) Google Scholar The ACST-2 trial reported that, for asymptomatic patients, both procedures had similar procedural and 5-year follow-up outcomes. 2 Halliday A Bulbulia R Bonati LH et al. Second asymptomatic carotid surgery trial (ACST-2): a randomised comparison of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy. Lancet. 2021; 398: 1065-1073 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar However, medical treatment for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis has improved substantially in the past 20 years, when many clinical trials in this population were done, and best medical treatment could now be an option instead of more invasive approaches. Carotid endarterectomy or stenting or best medical treatment alone for moderate-to-severe asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis: 5-year results of a multicentre, randomised controlled trialCEA plus BMT or CAS plus BMT were not found to be superior to BMT alone regarding risk of any stroke or death within 30 days or ipsilateral stroke during the 5-year observation period. Because of the small sample size, results should be interpreted with caution. Full-Text PDF

Extra-Cranial Carotid Artery Stenosis: An Objective Analysis of the Available Evidence.

Background and PurposeCarotid stenosis is arterial disease narrowing of the origin of the internal carotid artery (main brain artery). Knowing how to best manage this is imperative because it is common in older people and an important cause of stroke. Inappropriately high expectations have grown regarding the value of carotid artery procedures, such as surgery (endarterectomy) and stenting, for lowering the stroke risk associated with carotid stenosis. Meanwhile, the improving and predominant value of medical intervention (lifestyle coaching and medication) continues to be underappreciated.Methods and ResultsThis article aims to be an objective presentation and discussion of the scientific literature critical for decision making when the primary goal is to optimize patient outcome. This compilation follows from many years of author scrutiny to separate fact from fiction. Common sense conclusions are drawn from factual statements backed by original citations. Detailed research methodology is given in cited papers. This article has been written in plain language given the importance of the general public understanding this topic. Issues covered include key terminology and the economic impact of carotid stenosis. There is a summary of the evidence-base regarding the efficacy and safety of procedural and medical (non-invasive) interventions for both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Conclusions are drawn with respect to current best management and research priorities. Several “furphies” (misconceptions) are exposed that are commonly used to make carotid stenting and endarterectomy outcomes appear similar. Ongoing randomized trials are mentioned and why they are unlikely to identify a routine practice indication for carotid artery procedures. There is a discussion of relevant worldwide guidelines regarding carotid artery procedures, including how they should be improved. There is an outline of systematic changes that are resulting in better application of the evidence-base.ConclusionThe cornerstone of stroke prevention is medical intervention given it is non-invasive and protects against all arterial disease complications in all at risk. The “big” question is, does a carotid artery procedure add patient benefit in the modern era and, if so, for whom?

Long-Term Outcome of Remote Endarterectomy and Femoropopliteal Bypass in TASC C and D Lesions

To analyze the results of the treatment of patients with femoropopliteal segment lesions using femoropopliteal bypass or remote endarterectomy from superficial femoral artery (SFA) in a single-center, retrospective study.

Functional Outcomes of Pulmonary Endarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

<h3>Purpose</h3> The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of pulmonary thromboembolis (PEA) in patients with Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), with a particular focus on identifying an effect on the improvement of functional class and right ventricular pressure. <h3>Methods</h3> Twenty-six patients underwent PEA surgery between May 2012 to April 2021. The median age was 60 ± 13.48 years, and there were more women (61.5%) than men. 9 patients (34.6%) were diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and 5 patients (19.2%) had cancer history. The mean ACC time for PEA was 96.88 ± 33.97 min and the mean total circulatory arrest time was 25.52 ± 10.66 minutes. Jamieson classification I was 22 patients (84.6%), II was 2 patients (7.6%), and III was 2 patients (7.6%). <h3>Results</h3> After PEA surgery, most patients (88.5%) were weaned from inotropics without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during the first few days. After surgery, 96.2% of the patients remained free of continuous renal replacement therapy. The 5-year survival rate was 95.5%, and the 5-year freedom rates of cardiac death was 100%. Our study suggests that after PEA surgery, mortality rate was low and there was marked improvement in NYHA class and health status (p<0.001, Figure) not only significantly lowered RVSP and TR grade (p<0.001, left Table). Cox univariate regression analysis demonstrated that male sex, CKD (grade III-IV), and MPA involvement were independent predictors of non-improvement after PEA surgery, according to RVSP reduction. MPA involvement remained significant predictors of non-improvement after PEA surgery in multivariate Cox regression (right Table). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Despite the increased perioperative risk and mortality, PEA could be a best choice of treatment to patients with elevated RVSP but clear indication for surgery. Furthermore, significant RV pressure reduction and improved functional outcomes can be achieved in especially non-MPA involved patients.

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: The Marie Lannelongue Hospital experience.

Targeted medical therapy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) entered the field of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) treatment in the early 2010's. Multimodal therapy is emerging as the new gold standard for CTEPH management. Whether this change of paradigm impacted early outcomes of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) remains unknown. Our aim is to report our surgical experience in the era of CTEPH multimodal management. Patients who underwent PEA between 2016 and 2020 were included in the study. Early outcomes were described and compared between three groups of patients: PEA alone, PEA after targeted medical therapy induction and PEA after BPA. A total of 418 patients, 225 males and 193 females, with a mean age of 59±14 years were included in the study. 336 patients underwent PEA alone, 69 after medical targeted therapy induction and 13 after unilateral BPA. Baseline preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance [4.99 (IQR, 1.71-8.48), 6.21 (IQR, 4.37-8.1), 5.03 (IQR, 4.44-7.19) wood units (WU), P=0.230, respectively] and PEA effectiveness [% decrease mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), 24 (IQR, 7-42), 25 (IQR, 7-35), 23 (IQR, 3-29), P=0.580] did not differ between groups. Compared to PEA alone and PEA+BPA, the medical therapy induction group represented the most challenging group with higher baseline mPAP (45±10 vs. 42±11 and 43±11 mmHg, P=0.047), longer circulatory arrest time (30.1±15 vs. 26.6±10 and 19.6±6 min, P=0.005), higher post-PEA extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use (20.6% vs. 8.7 and 9.1%, P=0.004), higher duration on mechanical ventilation [4 (IQR, 1-12) vs. 1 (IQR, 0.5-5) and 2 (IQR, 1-3) days, P=0.005], higher complication rate (85.5% vs. 74.6% and 76.9%, P=0.052) and higher 90-day mortality (13% vs. 3.9% and 0%, P=0.002). Compared to PEA and PEA+ medical therapy induction groups, patients in the BPA induction group were older [72 (IQR, 62-76) vs. 60 (IQR, 48-69) and 62 (IQR, 52-72) years, P=0.005], and underwent shorter cardiopulmonary bypass (191.9±47.9 vs. 222±107.2 and 236.8±46.4 min, P<0.001), aortic cross clamping (54.8±21 vs. 82.7±31.4 and 80.1±32.9 min, P=0.002) and circulatory arrest time (19.6±6.2 vs. 26.6±10.8 and 30.1±15.1 min, P=0.008). Multimodal therapy approach to CTEPH patients did not affect effectiveness of PEA. Medical therapy and BPA could act in synergy with surgery to treat more challenging patients.

Outcome of Surgery for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease without Pulmonary Hypertension.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious condition that results from incomplete resolution of thromboemboli in pulmonary arteries. Symptomatic patients with chronic thromboembolic disease may have normal hemodynamic at rest. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in symptomatic patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) in the absence of pulmonary hypertension as currently defined (mean pulmonary artery pressure [mPAP] < 20 mm Hg). Here, we report four symptomatic patients with chronic thromboembolic and normal hemodynamic at rest (mPAP ≤20 mm Hg or 20 < mPAP < 25 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR] < 240 dyn·s/cm5) who underwent PEA between September 2015 and September 2019. The main outcome measures were functional New York Heart Association class, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), hemodynamic measures in right heart catheterization (RHC), morbidity, and mortality. There were significant improvement in function class (2.6 ± 0.54 vs. 1 ± 0.2, p = 0.00), mPAP (preoperative: 23.3 ± 0.5 mm Hg vs. postoperative: 18.6 ± 1.5 mm Hg, p = 0.02), 6MWD (preoperative: 378.2 ± 68.7 m vs. postoperative: 432.9 ± 44.5 m, p = 0.01), and PVR (215.33 ± 91 vs. 101 ± 32 dyn·s/cm5, p = 0.1) 6 months after surgery based on data from RHC which was done during exercise. Also, RHC showed a significant decrease in mPAP (preoperative: 37 ± 7.7 mm Hg vs. postoperative 28 ± 3.2 mm Hg, p = 0.06). PEA could improve function class and hemodynamic in patients with CTEPD. Considering hemodynamic improvement in this group of patients after PEA, definition of CTEPH may need to be revised.