Artery Patency Research Articles

The Role of Thrombolysis in the Complex Treatment of Complicated Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

RELEVANCE Thrombosis of a popliteal artery aneurysm is an intractable problem. For decades, the number of amputations in this disease has remained at the level of 20% and does not have a significant downward trend due to the fact that during thrombosis of an aneurysm, the infragenicular arteries, the only “outflow paths” for bypass surgery, are also thrombosed. Currently, in order to increase the capacity of the peripheral bloodstream, thrombolytic therapy has been proposed.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative and intraoperative thrombolytic therapy in the surgical treatment of thrombosed popliteal aneurysms.MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period from 1997 to 2020, 94 patients with acute ischemia of the lower extremities caused by thrombosed popliteal aneurysms underwent 98 reconstructive surgeries at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine. The age of the patients was 62.5±10.1 years. Group I (n=66/98 patients, 67.3%) consisted of patients after primary reconstructive surgery; Group II (n=32/98, 32.7%) consisted of patients who, in order to improve the patency of the infragenicular arteries, underwent thrombolytic therapy in addition to surgery (12 preoperative catheter-directed, 20 intraoperative). A retrospective analysis was carried out.RESULTS Limb preservation was achieved in 86.7% of patients. In Group I, early postoperative thrombosis occurred in 22.7% of cases (n=13/98), in Group II — in 6.3% (n=2/32), p<0.05; amputations were performed in Group I in 18.1% of patients (n=12/66), in Group II — in 3.1% of patients (n=1/32), p<0.04.

Incidence and Outcomes of Visceral Ischemia in Acute Aortic Occlusion

Acute aortic occlusion (AAO) is a morbid diagnosis in which mortality correlates with severity of ischemia on presentation. Visceral ischemia (VI) is challenging to diagnose and its presentation as a consequence of AAO is not well-studied. We aim to identify characteristics associated with VI in AAO to facilitate diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with AAO who underwent revascularization were identified retrospectively from institutional records (2006-2020). The primary outcome was the development of VI (intra-abdominal ischemia). Univariate analysis was used to compare demographic, exam, imaging, and intraoperative variables between patients with and without VI in the setting of AAO. Ninety-one patients were included. The prevalence of VI was 20.9%. Preoperative comorbidities, time to revascularization, and operative approach did not differ between patients with and without VI. Patients with VI more frequently were transferred from outside institutions (100% vs. 53%, P=0.02), presented with advanced acute limb ischemia (Rutherford III 36.9% vs. 7.5%, P<0.01), and had elevated preoperative serum lactate (4.31 vs. 2.41mmol/L, P<0.01). VI patients had an increased occurrence of bilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) occlusion (47.4% vs. 18.1%, P=0.01). Unilateral IIA occlusion, level of aortic occlusion, and patency of inferior mesenteric arteries were not associated with VI. Patients with VI had worse postoperative outcomes. In particular, VI conferred significant risk of mortality (odds ratio 5.45, P<0.01). Visceral ischemia is a common consequence of AAO. Elevated lactate, bilateral IIA occlusion, and advanced acute limb ischemia (ALI) should increase clinical suspicion for concomitant VI with AAO and may facilitate earlier diagnosis to improve outcomes.

Increased Aortic Exclusion in Endovascular Treatment of Complex Aortic Aneurysms.

Perioperative risk assessments for complex aneurysms are based on the anatomical extent of the aneurysm and do not take the length of the aortic exclusion into account, as it was developed for open repair. Nevertheless, in the endovascular repair (ER) of complex aortic aneurysms, additional segments of healthy aorta are excluded compared with open repair (OR). The aim of this study was to assess differences in aortic exclusion between the ER and OR of complex aortic aneurysms, to subsequently assess the current classification for complex aneurysm repair. This retrospective observational study included patients that underwent complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair by means of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), fenestrated and branched EVAR (FBEVAR), or branched EVAR (BEVAR). The length of aortic exclusion and the number of patent segmental arteries were determined and compared per case in ER and hypothetical OR, using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 71 patients were included, who were treated with FEVAR (n = 44), FBEVAR (n = 8), or BEVAR (n = 19) for Crawford types I (n = 5), II (n = 7), III (n = 6), IV (n = 7), and V (n = 2) thoracoabdominal or juxtarenal (n = 44) aneurysms. There was a significant increase in the median exclusion of types I, II, III, IV, and juxtarenal aneurysms (p < 0.05) in ER, compared with hypothetical OR. The number of patent segmental arteries in the ER of type I-IV and juxtarenal aneurysms was significantly lower than in hypothetical OR (p < 0.05). There are significant differences in the length of aortic exclusion between ER and hypothetical OR, with the increased exclusion in ER resulting in a lower number of patent segmental arteries. The ER and OR of complex aortic aneurysms should be regarded as distinct modalities, and as each approach deserves a particular risk assessment, future efforts should focus on reporting on the extent of exclusion per treatment modality, to allow for appropriate comparison.

Technical Feasibility and Safety of a Snare-Less, EVAR-First Technique for Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and early outcomes of a snare-less, endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR)-first technique (SET) for iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE) placement. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who received IBEs between July 2018 and March 2022. Patients were divided into 2 categories based on method of IBE deployment: SET or Standard. Primary endpoints were technical success, major adverse events, mortality, reintervention, internal iliac artery (IIA) patency, and freedom from IIA branch instability. Technical success was defined by successful deployment of both the EVAR and the IBE with maintained patency of the IIA and no stent graft migration. There were 20 patients (90% male, median age 72 [65.4-74.5] years) who underwent IBE placement. Among these, 5 (33.3%) underwent SET to treat 5 common iliac artery (CIA)/IIA aneurysms, while the remaining 15 (66.7%) underwent standard IBE deployment with through-and-through femoral access (n=13) or trans-brachial access (n=2) to treat 19 CIA/IIA aneurysms. Overall median renal to iliac bifurcation length was 169 (152-177) mm, with 9 patients falling short of the minimum of 165 mm for on-label IBE placement. Median contrast used was 148 (120-201) mL, fluoroscopy time 42.8 (35.0-49.8) minutes, estimated blood loss 200 (100-275) mL, and procedure time 192 (167-246) minutes, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases. At 30 days, there were no mortalities or major adverse events in either group; there were 100% IIA patency, no IIA instability, and no reinterventions in both groups. Median follow-up in the SET group was 5.7 (5.5-6.2) months, with 1 death at 6 months and 1 type 1B endoleak at 6 months requiring reintervention. Median follow-up for the Standard group was 1.6 (0.8-2.1) years with 2 non-aneurysm-related deaths and no reinterventions at 1 year. SET for IBE is a safe and effective approach that decreases technical complexity and mitigates anatomic barriers to IBE placement. SET for IBE is a safe and effective approach to IBE placement that decreases technical complexity. A critical component to this technique is a large bore sheath with a stiff steerable tip. Importantly, this approach also mitigates anatomic barriers to IBE placement, expanding applicability of IBE technology to patients who may be otherwise ineligible.

Volar wrist ganglion associated with radial artery atherosclerosis: A case report.

There have been no reports of volar wrist ganglions being associated with atherosclerosis of the radial artery. Good results were obtained with radial artery reconstruction through ganglion excision and autogenous vein grafting. Hence, we report a previously unreported case, along with a review of the literature. A 58-year-old female presented with the chief complaint of a mass on the volo-radial side of her right wrist. The patient complained of a tingling sensation in the thumb, index, and extensor zones that worsened when pressing the mass. Sonography revealed a well-defined, anechoic cystic lesion adjacent to the radial artery. Exploration was performed using a zig-zag incision on the mass. The superficial radial nerve (SRN), which innervates the thumb, was distorted by the mass and the nerve dissected from the mass. However, the artery and ganglion cysts were not separated completely in a part where hardening of the artery wall progressed as a result of degenerative changes, showing multiple small, hard, and yellowish masses. We resected the radial artery (approximately 1.5 cm) along with the ganglion and sent it for histological examination. The radial artery was then reconstructed using an autogenous venous graft. At the 34-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic. Radial artery patency was normal without recurrence of the ganglion cyst. In patients with risk factors for radial artery atherosclerosis, a more careful diagnosis is required for the surgical treatment of the volar wrist ganglion. In addition, if the ganglion and radial artery are not completely dissected, excision of the radial artery and subsequent reconstruction of the radial artery using an autogenous vein may be a good surgical strategy.

Investigating the Correlation between Serum Amyloid A and Infarct-Related Artery Patency Prior to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a cardiovascular risk factor and may serve as a predictor of infarct-related artery (IRA) patency in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We measured SAA levels in STEMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and investigated their association with IRA patency. According to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade, 363 STEMI patients undergoing PCI in our hospital were divided into an occlusion group (TIMI 0-2) and a patency group (TIMI 3). The SAA level before PCI was significantly higher in STEMI patients with IRA occluded than in those with patent ones. At a cutoff value of 36.9mg/L, SAA had a sensitivity of 63.0% and a specificity of 90.6% (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = .833, 95% CI: .793-.873, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SAA was an independent predictor of IRA patency in STEMI patients before PCI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.041, 95% CI: 1.020-1.062, P < .001). SAA can be used as a potential predictor of IRA patency in STEMI patients before PCI.

Editor's Choice – Long Term Outcomes of the Advanta V12 Covered Bridging Stent for Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in 1 675 Target Vessels

To report outcomes of the Advanta V12 as a covered bridging stent in fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR). Patients treated with F/BEVAR and followed in a single centre receiving the Advanta V12 as a covered bridging stent between January 2010 and May 2020 were included. A total of 636 patients (543 men) were analysed. A total of 1 675 target vessels (TVs) were bridged with the Advanta V12. Estimated TV patency at one, five, and eight years was 99.1% ± 0.2%, 96.9% ± 0.5% and 96.2% ± 0.7%, respectively. Estimated patency at eight years was 98.1% ± 0.5% for fenestrations and 87.3% ± 2.9% for branches (p < .001). Estimated patency of renal arteries was statistically significantly lower for those targeted with branches compared with fenestrations (p= .001). Multivariable analysis showed that targeting a TV with a branch compared with a fenestration was the only independent risk factor for occlusion during follow up (hazard ratio 6.41, 95% CI 3.4 - 11.9; p < .001). Estimated freedom from endoleak at one, five, and eight years was 99.4% ± 0.2%, 96.4% ± 0.6%, and 95.4% ± 0.8%, respectively. Estimated freedom from target vessel instability (TVI) at one, five, and eight years was 98.5% ± 0.3%, 93.0% ± 0.8%, and 91.3% ± 1%, respectively. Estimated freedom from TVI at eight years was 93.2% ± 0.9% for fenestrations and 82.7% ± 3.5% for branches (p < .001). Estimated freedom from TVI was statistically significantly lower for renal arteries targeted with branches compared with those targeted with fenestrations (p < .001) CONCLUSION: The Advanta V12 shows excellent technical success rates as a covered bridging stent in F/ΒEVAR. Late outcomes remain good with low rates of TV occlusion, endoleak, and re-intervention. Renal arteries targeted with branches demonstrated a higher risk of occlusion and instability compared with those targeted with fenestrations.

Radial artery occlusion after transradial procedures: impact on 1-year adverse events.

Radial artery occlusion after transradial procedures is a frequent iatrogenic thrombotic process. The impact on prognosis has not been investigated. This study sought to investigate whether radial artery occlusion is related to increased risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, defined as death, myocardial infarction, stroke and coronary revascularization. Eight hundred thirty-seven consecutive patients who underwent a transradial coronary procedure had patency of radial artery checked at 24 hours. Radial artery occlusion occurred in 41 over 837 patients (4.8%); 764 (91.2%) were available for planned follow-up at 1 year and were included in the analysis. Event-free survival rate between patients with and without radial artery occlusion was calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to identify independent risk factors. At a median 370-day follow-up (IQR: 366-375 days), adverse events occurred in 37 patients (4.8%), 2 in patients with radial artery occlusion and 35 in patients without. One-year survival rate was 94.9% vs. 95% (unadjusted HR=1.026, 95% CI: 0.24 to 4.6, P=0.9). After multivariable modeling, age and coronary artery disease extension was associated with increased risk of adverse events. Age and coronary artery disease extension were independent predictors of adverse events at follow-up. RAO had no prognostic impact.

Below-Knee Prosthetic Bypass Is a Viable Option for Limb Salvage in Patients with Extensive Femoropopliteal Occlusive Disease.

This study aimed to (1) evaluate the outcomes of below-knee prosthetic bypass (BKPB) in the absence of the great saphenous vein, and (2) identify risk factors associated with these outcomes. This study included 37 consecutive patients who underwent BKPB with or without distal modification between 2010 and 2022. We further assessed the following treatment outcomes: primary patency (PP), secondary patency (SP), limb salvage (LS), and amputation-free survival (AFS) rates. The risk factors for PP were also examined. Most patients (n=31) were male. In 32 (86.5%) patients, BKPBs were performed for chronic limb-threatening ischemia. At the time of initial admission, two (5.4%) early deaths and three (8.1%) major amputations were noted. At 1 year after BKPB, the overall PP, SP, LS, and AFS rates were 78%, 85%, 85%, and 70%, respectively; at 3 years, they were 58%, 70%, 80%, and 52%, respectively; and at 5 years, they were 35%, 58%, 62%, and 29%, respectively. Notably, PP was significantly lower in limbs with ≤1 patent tibial arteries than in limbs with ≥2 patent artery (hazard ratio [HR], 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-12.69 for overall; and HR, 12.97; 95% CI, 2.15-78.08 for distal anastomosis to below-knee popliteal artery). However, the PP was unaffected by the distal modification. BKPB is a viable option for LS in patients with extensive femoropopliteal disease. Tibial runoff was significantly correlated with patency; therefore, decision-making for BKPB and follow-up must involve careful evaluation of the outflow arteries.

The superior vesical artery: A review of conflicting definitions and how these could affect invasive procedures.

Since the superior umbilical artery is the only functioning branch of the patent umbilical artery, some anatomical and surgical books/atlases fail to clarify that it is a branch of the umbilical artery and not a direct branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery and so specifically state that it is a direct branch of the internal iliac artery. This discrepancy in nomenclature can obviously affect invasive procedures and communication between physicians. Therefore, the present review is intended to highlight this issue. The term "superior vesical artery" was searched using standard search engines, for example, PubMed and Google Scholar. Several standard and specialized anatomy textbooks were also examined to ascertain how the superior vesical artery was described. Thirty-two articles were identified that used the terms "superior vesical artery" or "superior vesical arteries." After applying exclusion criteria, in 28 papers, the definition of the superior vesical artery was undetermined in eight, described as a direct branch of the internal iliac artery in 13, described as a branch of the umbilical artery in six, and defined as being equivalent to the umbilical artery in one. Of the sampled textbooks, some defined the superior vesicle artery as a branch of the umbilical artery, some as a direct branch of the internal iliac artery and some as both. Taken all together, most define the superior vesical artery as a branch of the umbilical artery. As the superior vesical artery is described as a branch of the umbilical artery in the internationally accepted terminology (Terminologia Anatomica), we recommend that this definition be used by anatomists and physicians alike so that communication is clear.

Preoperative computed tomography in the planning of median resternotomy in children

The capabilities of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of mediastinal adhesions and measuring the density of adhesions when planning midline resternotomy in children were assessed, and the effect of preoperative CT on the incidence of surgical complications was studied. According to several authors, the frequency of resternotomies in cardiac surgery is up to 20% of the total number of surgeries per year and is accompanied by significant difficulties in the isolation of the heart and vessels. In pediatric cardiac surgery, complex congenital heart disease (CHD) mostly requires a staged approach. The staging of complex CHD correction and the need for repeated surgeries in most cardiac defects make the problem of safe repeated surgical access urgent. Postoperative adhesions are one of the most acute problems in modern cardiac surgery. The formation of adhesions is an inevitable reaction of the body after primary cardiac surgery. Massive adhesions that develop after surgery most commonly lead to adhesion of the heart and major great vessels to the posterior surface of the sternum. These changes are especially pronounced in children due to the high reactivity of the body and the lack of technical possibility and expediency of pericardial suturing after surgery. Rough adhesions during resternotomy complicate the cardiac surgeons task and increase the risk of complications. The main dangers are damage to various structures in the thorax such as the right and left heart, aorta, coronary arteries, pulmonary artery, and brachiocephalic vein. The diagnosis of postoperative adhesions in the mediastinum before resternotomy is difficult. CT has the widest diagnostic capabilities for assessing mediastinal adhesions. When performing CT as a part of preoperative resternotomy planning, it is important to examine the mediastinal topography, assess the degree of adjacency of the pericardium and mediastinal structures, determine the presence and density of adhesions, and assess patency and diameter of great vessels to select cannulas and cannulation methods necessary for emergency start of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac trauma. These criteria are important when planning midline resternotomy to reduce the risks of traumatization of cardiac structures and great vessels and allow correction of surgical tactics and timely preventive surgical measures. Depending on the density, extent, and localization of adhesions, the cardiolysis technique and cannulation of great vessels required for initiation of emergency CPB may be changed. The use of preoperative CT when planning midline resternotomy in children allows to predict the risks of damage of cardiac structures and great vessels and visualize adhesive bands and measure their density, which helps the surgeon to adjust surgical tactics regarding the method and volume of cardiolysis and assess patency and diameter of great arteries and veins, thus determining the cannulation method and cannula diameter in advance if urgent CPB is needed. Therefore, standardization of CT description protocols for midline resternotomy planning with assessment of key criteria is an urgent task and requires further development.

Experience of Physical Examination as a Primary Tool for Surgical Access Planning in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract: Background: Understanding the importance of pre-operative assessment is something nephrologists are probing for years to avoid any post-operative complication and AVF failure. Objective: To assess the physical examination as primary tool as compared to Ultrasound Doppler in assessment of AVF planning in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This was a Retrospective, Cross-sectional study. Secondary data was collected from the Urology Department of Liquate University of Medical and health sciences, Jamshoro starting from October 2021 to October 2022. For physical examination, both the arterial and venous circulation were evaluated. Arterial patency, pulse amplitude and Allen’s test were recorded. After collection of data, statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17. 0 statistical software was used for analysis. Results: A total of 105 participants with mean age of 42.9 ± 13.9 years, 78 (74.3%) males and 27 (25.7%) females were included. The physical examination findings indicated facial swelling as the most frequently reported sign in with 59 (56.2%) of patients, followed by generalized body edema reported in 22 (21%) of participants. The estimated analysis of Allen’s test indicated good results with a mean of 12.4 ± 2.8 seconds in all patients, indicating good blood flow of the ulnar artery. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 55.2 ± 23.4 days before AVF, while central venous line duration was 57.2 ± 20.5 days. After 6 days fistula maturation was assessed, while mean fistula maturation duration was 44 ± 7.1 days. Conclusion: To monitor functioning, the Physical Examination of vascular access is convenient, straightforward, and cost-effective. Physical examination (PE) has been validated with diagnostic techniques for detecting stenosis.

Factors associated with all-cause mortality following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Background: Knowledge of factors that influence all-cause mortality after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) could improve therapeutic strategies post-EVAR and thus patient prognosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between sociodemographic information, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, treatment, selected anatomical and genetic factors and all-cause mortality post-EVAR. Patients and methods: We reviewed all patients who had undergone elective EVAR for non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) between January 2010 and December 2019. AAA size (maximum diameter and volume) was measured using CT-angiography. Sac expansion was defined as at least 5 mm increase, sac regression as at least 5 mm decrease in the sac diameter determined at 36±3 months post-EVAR in relation to pre-EVAR AAA diameter. Adjustments were performed for age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, sex, smoking, number of lumbar arteries, patency of inferior mesenteric artery and number of reinterventions post-EVAR. Results: One hundred and sixty-two patients (150 men, 12 women) with a mean age of 72.6±7.3 years were included in the analysis. Pre-EVAR AAA diameter (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03 - 1.12; p=0.001), pre-EVAR AAA volume (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.002 - 1.011; p=0.008), post-EVAR sac diameter (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03 - 1.10; p=0.000), post-EVAR sac volume (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.002 - 1.011; p=0.006) and anticoagulation therapy (HR 2.46; 95% CI 1.18 - 5.14; p=0.019) were associated with higher mortality in multivariate analysis. Sac regression (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.22 - 0.82; p=0.011), and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.36 - 0.97; p=0.047) were associated with lower mortality. Conclusions: Greater pre- and post-EVAR diameter and volume, failure of sac regression and anticoagulation were associated with higher mortality post-EVAR. Reduced mortality was observed in patients treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and in patients with AAA sac regression.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: the role of Coronary CT angiography in the follow-up management

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is one of the causes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden death (SD). Diagnosis is done with coronary angiography (CA); nevertheless, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a new useful tool in the acute diagnosis and at follow-up. Treatment could involve a conservative approach or an invasive approach with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Purpose 1) analyze the clinical and CCTA features at baseline of patients with a SCAD diagnosis; 2) evaluate the clinical and anatomic outcome at follow-up of patients with a SCAD diagnosis treated with a conservative or invasive approach; 3) evaluate in the conservative approach treated patients the clinical and anatomic outcome of those dismissed with single or double antiplatelet therapy. Methods A retrospective analysis of 57 patients affected by SCAD followed up with Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) between 2010 and 2022. Clinical and anatomic data were collected at baseline and at the follow-up (FU). The clinical endpoints evaluated were: all cause mortality, hospitalization for cardiovascular cause, SCAD or PCI ex-novo and MI; the anatomic endpoints were: patency of coronary artery and/or stents and length dissection changing from baseline. Results 57 patients were divided in 2 groups: 46 (80,7%) patients underwent a conservative treatment and 11 (19,3%) patients a PCI treatment. Patients treated with PCI has a significative incidence of smokers (45,5% vs 15,2%; p = 0,042), peripherical arteriopathy (18,2% vs 0%; p = 0,034), higher troponin peak (40425,8 vs 13436; p = 0,011) and lower ejection fraction (51,4±11,0 vs 57,1±7,6; p = 0,050). Moreover the PCI population has a significant involvement of more than one coronary artery (72,7% vs 6,5%; p&amp;lt;0,001), of the proximal tracts of the coronary arteries (22,8% vs 13 %; p = 0,001) and of the truncus communis (45,4% vs 0%; p&amp;lt;0,001). At the follow up, there were no statistical differences for the clinical and anatomic endpoints between the conservative and invasive treated patients (p&amp;gt;0,05). Among patients treated with conservative therapy, there were a significant recurrence of SCAD in those treated with DAPT than in those treated with SAPT (33,3% vs 5,9%; p = 0,033). Conclusions patients with SCAD managed with PCI have more cardiovascular risk factors, a major myocardial infarction extension and a more complex coronary arteries involvement; conservative management is comparable to the PCI treatment for the clinical and anatomic endpoints evaluated; DAPT at discharge was associated with a higher rate of SCAD recurrence at follow-up.

Impact of Patent Lumbar Arteries on Aneurysm Sac Enlargement with Type II Endoleak after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the number of patent lumbar arteries (LAs) on sac enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This was a retrospective cohort single centre registry study. Between January 2006 and December 2019, 336 EVARs were reviewed using a commercially available device excluding type I or type III endoleaks during a follow up of ≥ 12 months. Patients were divided into four groups based on the pre-operative patency of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and high (≥ 4) or low (≤ 3) number of patent LAs: Group 1, patent IMA and high number of patent LAs; Group 2, patent IMA and low number of patent LAs; Group 3, occluded IMA and a high number of patent LAs; Group 4, occluded IMA and low number of patent LAs. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 included 124, 104, 45, and 63 patients, respectively. The median follow up duration was 65.1 months. Significant differences in the incidence of overall type II endoleak (T2EL) at discharge between Group 1 and Group 2 (59.7% vs. 36.5%, p < .001) and between Group 3 and Group 4 (33.3% vs. 4.8%, p < .001) were observed. In patients with a pre-operatively patent IMA, the rate of freedom from aneurysm sac enlargement was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (69.0% vs. 81.7% five years after EVAR, p < .001). In patients with a pre-operatively occluded IMA, the freedom rate from aneurysm sac enlargement was not significantly different between Groups 3 and Group 4 (95.0% vs. 100% five years after EVAR, p= .075). A high number of patent LAs seemed to have a significant role in sac enlargement with T2EL when the IMA was patent pre-operatively, whereas a high number of patent LAs seemed to have limited influence on sac enlargement when the IMA was occluded pre-operatively.

Comparison of Radial Artery Occlusion Occurrence Between Compression Band Device and Manually Applied Gauze Compression After Transradial Coronary Procedure

INTRODUCTION: Hemostasis of the radial artery after transradial coronary procedure can be achieved either manually by means of a gauze or through a device compression band, and radial artery occlusion (RAO) is one of its common complications. The study sought to compare the occurrence of RAO between the two hemostasis methods being used after a transradial coronary procedure. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint study. A total of 137 patients undergoing a transradial coronary procedure were randomized equally using block randomization sampling technique. Radial artery patency was evaluated by color duplex ultrasonography within 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. The primary endpoint was early RAO. Secondary endpoints included complications such as access-site bleeding, pain, and hematoma. RESULTS: Three (2.19%) early RAOs occurred: one (1.47%) in the band compression device group and two (2.9%) in the manual gauze compression group (P = 1.000). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding access-site bleeding (type 1 bleeding, 3 [4.48%] vs 2 [2.90%]; P = 0.678), pain (median pain score of 0 [0–6] vs 0 [0–7]; P = 0.742), and hematoma (grade I: 3 [4.41%]vs 2 [2.9%]; grade II: 0 vs 2 [2.9%]; grade III: none, and grade IV: 0 vs 2 [2.9%]) (P = 0.363). DISCUSSION: Compression band device and manually applied gauze compression have similar rates of early RAO, access-site bleeding, pain, and hematoma. KEYWORDS: compression band device, hemostasis, manual gauze compression, radial artery occlusion

Multicenter trans-Atlantic experience with fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair of chronic post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveThis multicenter international study aimed to describe outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repairs (FB-EVAR) in a cohort of patients treated for chronic post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs). MethodsWe reviewed the clinical data of all consecutive patients treated by FB-EVAR for repair of extent I to III PD-TAAAs in 16 centers from the United States and Europe (2008-2021). Data were extracted from institutional prospectively maintained databases and electronic patient records. All patients received off-the-shelf or patient-specific manufactured fenestrated-branched stent grafts. Endpoints were any cause mortality and major adverse events at 30 days, technical success, target artery (TA) patency, freedom from TA instability, minor (endovascular with <12 Fr sheath) and major (open or ≥12 Fr sheath) secondary interventions, patient survival, and freedom from aortic-related mortality (ARM). ResultsA total of 246 patients (76% male; median age, 67 years [interquartile range, 61-73 years]) were treated for extent I (7%), extent II (55%), and extent III (35%) PD-TAAAs by FB-EVAR. The median aneurysm diameter was 65 mm (interquartile range, 59-73 mm). Eighteen patients (7%) were octogenarians, 212 (86%) were American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3, and 21 (9%) presented with contained ruptured or symptomatic aneurysms. There were 917 renal-mesenteric vessels targeted by 581 fenestrations (63%) and 336 directional branches (37%), with a mean of 3.7 vessels per patient. Technical success was 96%. Mortality and rate of major adverse events at 30 days was 3% and 28%, including disabling complications such as new onset dialysis in 1%, major stroke in 1%, and permanent paraplegia in 2%. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimated patient survival at 3 and 5 years was 79% ± 6% and 65% ± 10%. KM estimated freedom from ARM was 95% ± 3% and 93% ± 5% at the same intervals. Unplanned secondary interventions were needed in 94 patients (38%), including minor procedures in 64 (25%) and major procedures in 30 (12%). There was one conversion to open surgical repair (<1%). KM estimated freedom from any secondary intervention was 44% ± 9% at 5 years. KM estimated primary and secondary TA patency were 93% ± 2% and 96% ± 1% at 5 years, respectively. ConclusionsFB-EVAR for chronic PD-TAAAs was associated with high technical success and a low rate of mortality (3%) and disabling complications at 30 days. Although the procedure is effective in the prevention of ARM, patient survival was low at 5 years (65%), likely due to the significant comorbidities in this cohort of patients. Freedom from secondary interventions at 5 years was 44%, although most procedures were minor. The significant rate of reinterventions highlights the need for continued patient surveillance.

Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Narrative Review.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) describes the partial or complete occlusion of blood flow in the distal arteries of the body. A decreased arterial patency may occur due to a reduction in the elasticity or diameter of the vessel. The goal of interventions is to decrease incidence and reduce complications by identifying and minimizing the primary causes. This paper discusses PAD affecting the aortoiliac, common femoral, and femoropopliteal arteries. In a significant portion of the population, PAD may lack usual symptoms such as limb pain, claudication, and diminished pulses. Imaging techniques become crucial to ensuring timely diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and preventing recurrence. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is a cheap and non-invasive preliminary technique to detect atherosclerotic plaques and grade arterial stenosis. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides the added advantage of minimizing artifacts. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold standard for grading the degree of stenosis but is only employed second-line to DUS or MRA due to the high dose of nephrotoxic contrast. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is able to overcome the anatomical limitations of DUS and MRA and proves to be a suitable alternative to DSA in patients with renal disease. Preventative measures involve monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and tobacco usage. First-line treatment options include endovascular procedures as well as surgical interventions in cases of significant arterial involvement. Endovascular treatments involve the use of balloon angioplasty, drug-coated balloons, and drug-coated stents, to name a few, that serve as minimally invasive techniques to manage PAD. Surgical procedures, although more complex, are considered gold-standard treatment options for long and intricate lesions. Endovascular methods are generally preferred over surgical options as the complication risk is severely reduced and the rates of reintervention are comparable to surgical options.

The fate of spinal arteries after the stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair technique: A case series

We evaluated the patency of the spinal arteries (intercostal and lumbar) after the STABILISE (stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair) technique. A retrospective analysis of all patients with aortic dissection treated with the STABILISE technique between April 2018 and July 2021 was performed. Imaging analysis of the spinal cord vascular supply was accomplished using multiplanar and maximum intensity projection reconstructed images of pre- and postoperative computed tomography angiograms at 1month, 12months, and annually thereafter. Twelve patients were treated for complicated aortic dissection. Primary technical success was 100% and mid-term clinical success, at a mean follow-up of 27± 12months, was 90%. No cases of spinal cord ischemia were identified. One patient died after 1year (non-aortic related), and one patient was lost to follow-up. A significant decrease was found in the mean number of patent spinal arteries in the stent graft area at 1month (P< .001), 1year (P< .001), and 2years (P= .004). However, no significant reduction was found in the number of spinal arteries in either the bare metal stented or nonstented aorta (P > .05). Use of the STABILISE technique decreased intercostal artery patency in the thoracic stent graft area, but spinal artery patency was not significantly affected by the bare metal stent nor its aggressive ballooning. These findings constitute a step toward a better understanding of the safety of this technique.

Comparison of angiography and ultrasound for femoropopliteal angioplasty: decision-making and 12-month outcomes.

This study aimed to investigate whether intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) combined with angiography during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty impacts treatment strategies and the 12-month patency of the femoropopliteal artery, compared to angiography alone. This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 137 patients who underwent a femoropopliteal endovascular intervention between February 2020 and May 2021. Among these interventions, 43 were guided by IVUS combined with angiography and the remaining 94 were guided by angiography only. Treatment strategies and 12-month patency were analyzed in both groups. Multivariable analysis was performed to clarify the predictors of restenosis within 12 months. Primary patency at 12 months was significantly higher in the IVUS group than in the angiography group (56.4% vs. 76.7%, P=0.047). The reference diameter on IVUS images was greater than that on angiography images. Therefore, the IVUS group presented a higher balloon-to-vessel ratio [1.0 (0.97, 1.01) vs. 1.06 (1.0.1.25)]. More adjunctive stents were required in the angiography group. However, more dissections were performed in the IVUS group, with no difference in flow-limiting dissections between groups. Target disease length (odds ratio 1.02, P=0.021) and balloon-to-vessel ratio (odds ratio 0.01, P=0.021) were independent predictors of restenosis. Compared with angiography guidance alone, IVUS guidance for femoropopliteal artery-related treatment can significantly increase primary patency. This finding may be explained by the selection of larger balloons in IVUS and the resulting sufficient plaque compression and elastic membrane stretch. Moreover, IVUS was shown to detect more non-flow-limiting dissections than angiography.