Postoperative Computed Tomography Angiography Research Articles

The benefit of automated sac volume measurements in postoperative endovascular aortic repair surveillance

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) shrinkage is considered a marker for success following endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Although maximum diameter is widely used to assess sac behavior, research indicates that changes in AAA morphology do not always affect the maximum diameter. The aim of this study is to investigate if automated AAA sac volume measurements after EVAR can add more nuanced information on sac behavior compared with maximum diameter evaluation alone. A retrospective review of all patients treated for AAA with a standard or fenestrated EVAR at two tertiary referral centers was performed. Patients with a pre- and postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) ≥ two years after treatment were included. Data were collected using medical charts, radiologic institutional databases, and a deep learning based method called Augmented Reality for Vascular Aneurysm (ARVA). Volume and diameter assessments were automatically performed on CTAs using ARVA. Preoperative sac volumes and diameters were compared with those obtained at least two years after repair. Information on endoleaks (ELs) was collected. Continuous data were tested using t-test, and categorical data were tested using chi-square or Fishers test, depending on sample size. A total of 89 patients (standard EVAR n=46; fenestrated EVAR n=43) were included in this study. Of the 89 patients, 41 (46%) had sac diameter shrinkage, 38 (43%) had stable sac diameters, and 10 (11%) had diameter sac growth during follow-up. The distribution of sac volume behavior was different amongst these patients: 51 (57%) had volume shrinkage, only 9 (10%) had stable volumes, and 29 (33%) had volume growth. Significantly more patients had sac growth, and fewer had sac stability, when assessed with volume compared with diameter, p=.003 and p<.001, respectively. The increase in patients with volume-assessed sac shrinkage (57% vs 46%) was not statistically significant. Of the 18 (20%) patients with stable sac diameters and simultaneous volume growth, 13 (72%) had ELs (T2ELs: n=9, T1ELs, n=2, T3EL: n=1, and EL of undefined origin: n=1). This study found that volume-assessed sac behavior identifies more sac shrinkage or growth, and less sac stability than diameter does. If confirmed by larger studies, sac volume assessment should be performed routinely after endovascular repair.

The impact of transcatheter aortic valve replacement on changes of coronary computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve

Background The effect of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on changes of computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) values was controversial. Thus, we aimed to identify the impact of TAVR on changes of CT-FFR values, plaque characteristics, and the associated clinical impact. Methods This single-center observational study included 39 consecutive patients with severe aortic valve disease undergone TAVR between August 2019 and April 2023, whom were performed with preoperative and postoperative coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The computation of CT-FFR and plaque characteristics was performed by an independent central core laboratory. Results Each patient underwent CCTA and CT-FFR assessment without encountering any complications. Notably, both at discharge and six months post-TAVR, there was a significant improvement observed in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, left ventricular fractional shortening, and ejection fraction compared to pre-operative levels. The CT-FFR for left anterior descending artery (LAD), left anterior descending artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) had no obvious change at discharge compared to pre-operation (0.92 ± 0.05 vs. 0.93 ± 0.05, p = 0.109; 0.96 ± 0.03 vs. 0.95 ± 0.03, p = 0.523; 0.97 ± 0.04 vs. 0.97 ± 0.03, p = 0.533; respectively). Furthermore, TAVR did not exert a significant impact on plaque burden during the perioperative period. Conclusions Our report suggested that TAVR did not significantly affect coronary CT-FFR measurements and plaque characteristics in the perioperative period, and furthermore, the patients’ cardiac function showed gradual improvement in the short-term following discharge.

A stented elephant trunk procedure with retrograde cerebral perfusion for a rare type of pseudoaneurysm with an aberrant right subclavian artery.

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly that increases the risk of aortic dissection (AD). Although several treatment options for cases of AD with ARSA have been proposed, such as traditional surgery, thoracic endovascular aortic repair, and a hybrid procedure, a consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy has not yet been established. And there are no reported cases of pseudoaneurysm combined with ARSA. A 44-year-old male was admitted with a 7-days history of chest pain. A physical examination was almost normal. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed an ARSA arose from the distal aortic arch and pseudoaneurysm located distal to the origin of the ARSA. The stented elephant trunk (SET) procedure with retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) was performed under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest. The postoperative CTA demonstrated a well-perfused ARSA, left subclavian artery (LSA), left common carotid artery (LCCA), and right common carotid artery (RCCA), and occluded pseudoaneurysm with no endoleaks. He was discharged on postoperative day 9 and was doing well during his 6-months follow-up. With a smaller incision, a simple cannulation method, shorter surgical and circulatory arrest times, fewer blood transfusion requirements, and effective brain protection, the SET procedure with RCP can be a safe and feasible treatment option for complicated aortic arch anomalies with ARSA.

Single-branched stent-graft with on-table fenestration for the management of zone 2 landing TEVAR with an isolated left vertebral artery: a pilot study

BackgroundIt is challenging to simultaneously conduct total endovascular repair and reconstruct the left subclavian artery (LSA) and isolated left vertebral artery (ILVA) in patients who had an ILVA and required zone 2 anchoring. This pilot study reported the initial application experience of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with a proximal zone 2 landing for aortic arch reconstruction in patients with ILVA.MethodsThis study was a retrospective consecutive single-center case series analysis, which involved four patients with ILVA who required zone 2 anchoring and received TEVAR combined with a single-branched stent graft and concomitant on-table fenestration between March 2021 and December 2022.ResultsThe postoperative follow-up period was 6–27 months, and no postoperative deaths or other primary complications occurred. There were no signs of a stroke or spinal cord ischemia, as well as no chest or back pain. The postoperative computed tomography angiography showed unobstructed ILVA and LSA, no stent stenosis and displacement, and no signs of endoleak.ConclusionThe outcome suggested that this technique might be a feasible, safe, and alternative treatment for such patients. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm our findings.

Feasibility of endovascular aortic arch repair after hemiarch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection

ObjectiveWe assessed the treatment feasibility of 4 investigational arch endografts currently available in the United States, for patients who have undergone hemiarch replacement for an acute DeBakey I dissection. MethodsWe evaluated 71 consecutive patients for suitability for treatment with the Cook Medical Zenith Arch Branched Device, Gore TAG Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis, Terumo Bolton Relay Dual Branch Device, and Endospan Nexus Aortic Arch Stent Graft System. Proximal landing zone anatomy was evaluated on postoperative computed tomography angiography using 3-dimensional imaging software and compared against each manufacturer recommended sizing criteria. ResultsTwenty-one patients (29.6%) were deemed unsuitable for branched endograft due to mechanical aortic valve, connective tissue disorder, and extension of dissection into the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT). Forty-one percent were excluded from all devices; 8.5% were candidates for only 1 device, 24% for 2, 4% for 3, and 23% for all 4 devices. Reasons for exclusion included ascending aortic/neck diameter being too large/small, insufficient ascending aorta length, insufficient BCT length, and BCT size being too large. Both patient-related factors (BCT diameter/length, dissection into BCT, and connective tissue disorder) and technical factors (mechanical aortic valve, ascending aorta graft length/diameter) influenced candidacy. ConclusionsDespite the availability of multiple branched endovascular devices, a significant number of patients may be unsuitable for subsequent endoarch repair. Awareness of anatomic inclusion criteria for arch endografts and modification of surgical technique for creation of a suitable landing zone at the initial operation may increase the likelihood of successful endovascular repair in the future.

Investigating the effects of percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm on the lumen size of the common femoral artery

BackgroundPercutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) is the definitive therapy of choice for abdominal aortic aneurysms worldwide. However, current literature regarding the anatomic changes in the common femoral artery (CFA) post-PEVAR is sparse and contradictory, and a significant proportion of these studies did not control for the potential confounding effects of ethnicity. Thus, this study aims to investigate the anatomical effects of PEVAR on the CFA using an Asian study cohort.MethodsBetween January 2019 and September 2023, the records of 113 patients who received PEVAR were reviewed. Groins with previous surgical interventions were excluded. The most proximate pre- and postoperative CT angiography of patients receiving PEVAR via the Perclose ProGlide™ Suture-Mediated Closure System were retrospectively analysed for changes in both the CFA inner luminal diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD), the latter also encompassing the arterial walls. Access site complications within 3 months post-PEVAR were also recorded per patient.ResultsOne hundred seventeen groins from 60 patients were included in this study, with 1 report of pseudoaneurysm. The CFA ID exhibited a 0.167 mm decrease (p-value = 0.0403), while the OD decreased by 0.247 mm (p-value = 0.0107). This trend persisted when the data was separately analysed with the common cardiovascular risk factors of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.ConclusionOur analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the CFA diameters post-PEVAR. However, the percentage changes were below established flow-limiting values, as reflected by the single access site complication reported. Hence, our findings give confidence in the safety profile of this procedure, even with the reported smaller baseline CFA lumen size in Asians. Moving forward, similar longer-term studies should be considered to characterise any late postoperative effects.Graphical

The Impact of Knee Bending on the Superficial Femoral Artery and Popliteal Artery Morphology Before and After Endovascular Repair of Popliteal Aneurysm.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the deformations of the femoropopliteal (FP) arterial segment due to knee flexion in patients suffering from popliteal aneurysm before and after endovascular treatment (ET). Nine patients were prospectively evaluated. Pre-operative and post-operative computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans were performed on the leg of each patient in both a flexed and extended knee position. The images were employed to reconstruct the FP segment through segmentation and the resulting models were subsequently used to calculate the average diameter, length, and tortuosity of both the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal artery (PA). Furthermore, the overall PA tortuosity was decomposed into 2 components, ie, antero-posterior and lateral direction. Following knee flexion, both arterial segments experienced shortening in the pre-operative and post-operative phases. Specifically, the SFA was shortened by 3.5% in pre (p<0.001) and 1.21% in post-stenting (p<0.001), while the PA was shortened by 4.8% (p<0.001) and 5.63% (p<0.001), respectively. Tortuosity significantly increased in all considered segments; in particular, in SFA there was a pre-intervention increase of 85.2% (p=0.002) and an increase of 100% post-intervention (p=0.004), whereas in the PA, there was an increase of 128.9% (p<0.001) and 254.8% (p<0.001), respectively. The only diameter variation occurred in the SFA pre-operatively with an increase of 11.9% (p=0.007). Tortuosity decomposition revealed significant differences between the 2 planes during the pre-operative and post-operative phases in both extended and flexed configurations, confirming a change in artery position and geometry due to treatment. Knee flexion induces arterial shortening and increased tortuosity in both the pre- and post-operative configuration. Stent placement does not induce significant geometric differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment. These results seem to indicate that the geometry of the covered stent is not affected by the flexion of the knee joint. Despite this, a more detailed analysis of arterial tortuosity showed a change in artery deformation following treatment. This study aimed to evaluate femoropopliteal arterial deformations in nine patients with popliteal aneurysm before and after endovascular treatment (ET) during knee flexion, using a standardized protocol for CTA acquisition and analysis. The result can be useful in procedure planning and have shown that the Viabahn stent used can adapt to the morphological variations induced by limb flexion. Consequently, device failure does not be attributed to stent compression but rather to other factors, such as alterations in hemodynamic and biomechanical forces on the implant due to the significant changes in tortuosity observed, or biological causes.

The impact of an anomalous third segment of the vertebral artery on bypass surgery: a case report and literature review.

The horizontal part of the third segment (V3) of the vertebral artery (VA) is a critical anastomotic site for bypass procedures involving either donor or recipient vessels. It is rare for the V3 segment to deviate from its typical course of passing through the atlanto-transverse foramen. V3 anomaly encountered in occipital artery (OA)-V3 bypass surgery has not been previously reported. Here, we present a case involving a patient undergoing bypass surgery due to recurrent post-stent occlusion at the first segment (V1) of the left VA. During the operation, it was noted that the V3 horizontal segment could not be identified within the left VA groove, leading to initial suspicion of left V3 disuse atrophy attributed to prolonged chronic ischaemia. Consequently, there was a need to modify the operative method and to transition from an OA-V3 bypass to an OA-posterior inferior cerebellar artery bypass. Post-operative computed tomography angiography confirmed that indeed, the left V3 did not traverse through the transverse foramen of the atlas and instead entered the dural membrane between the first cervical vertebra (C1) and the second cervical vertebra (C2).

Impact of Isolated Type 2 Endoleak on Subsequent Cardiovascular Events and Mortality

Assess subsequent cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treated by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) according to the existence of isolated endoleak type 2 (EL2) at 1year after EVAR implantation. This retrospective, single-center study included patients treated with EVAR between 2010 and 2017 in the vascular surgery department of the University Hospital of Lyon with an infrarenal AAA > 50mm. The baseline clinical characteristics collected just before EVAR were retrieved from electronic patient records of our institution. AAA characteristics, procedure, and the 1-year postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) were reported. Study end points, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), major adverse lower-extremity events (MALE), and all-cause mortality were recorded during follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of isolated EL2 (EL2 +) or absence (EL2 -) of any endoleak on CTA at 1year. MACE, MALE, and all-cause mortality were compared between both groups. During the study period, 589 patients were treated by endovascular surgery and 207 were included. According to the CTA results at 1year, 60 patients (29%) were included in the EL2+group and 147 patients (71%) in the EL2 - group. A total of 109 patients (53%) experienced a MACE or MALE; significantly fewer patients in the EL2+than in the EL2 - group did so (P=0.009). There were 47 patients (23%) who experienced at least 1 MALE, and the frequency was significantly lower in the EL2+group (P=0.017). Patients with AAA treated by EVAR who did not develop EL2 at 1year were at higher risk of MALE during follow-up. This might be explained by more frequent symptomatic lower extremity peripheral arterial disease at baseline in this group. These patients therefore require a closer follow-up and strict control of cardiovascular risk factors to prevent cardiovascular morbi-mortality.

Treatment of Recurrent, Twice Coiled, Previously Ruptured Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery-Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm With Excision and End-to-End Anastomosis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Anterior inferior cerebellar artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA-PICA) variant is a well-established variant of the vertebrobasilar system. AICA-PICA aneurysms are extremely rare.1-3 There are only 12 cases reported in the literature.1-3 Here, we are presenting a case of a previously ruptured AICA-PICA dissecting aneurysm which had undergone coil embolization twice at an outside institution. The aneurysm continued to grow, and therefore, the patient was transferred to our institution for definitive treatment. Placement of a flow diverter was felt not to be feasible because of the acute bend of the vessel at the neck of the aneurysm. After a retrosigmoid craniotomy, the aneurysm sac was opened to untether the coil mass from the neck of the aneurysm. Clip reconstruction was attempted but intraoperative blood flow measurements demonstrated no flow in the distal outflow artery, indicating that the clip was occluding the parent vessel at the neck because of the challenging geometry and atherosclerosis. We then proceeded with an excision and end-to-end anastomosis of the AICA-PICA. The details of vascular reconstruction while the inflow and outflow arteries are at acute angle are described. Intraoperative indocyanine video angiography demonstrated complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation and patency of the bypass. Postoperative computed tomography angiography demonstrated bypass patency. Postoperatively, the patient required a temporary external ventricular drain for hydrocephalus; however, she was eventually discharged home without any neurological deficits. The patient gave informed consent for the surgery and video recording. Institutional Review Board approval was deemed unnecessary.

Three-Dimensional Geometric Analysis of Viabahn VBX Bridging Stent Grafts in Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the 3-dimensional flare geometry of the Gore Viabahn VBX balloon-expandable covered stent (BECS) after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) and to determine and visualize BECS-associated complications. This multicenter retrospective study included patients who underwent FEVAR between 2018 and 2022 in 3 vascular centers participating in the VBX Expand Registry. Patients with at least one visceral artery treated with the VBX and with availability of 2 post-FEVAR computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans (follow-up [FU] 1: 0-6 months; FU2: 9-24 months) were included. The flare geometry of the VBX, including flare-to-fenestration distance, flare-to-fenestration diameter ratio, flare angle, and apposition with the target artery were assessed using a vascular workstation and dedicated CTA applied software. In total, 90 VBX BECS were analyzed in 43 FEVAR patients. The median CTA FU for FU1 and FU2 was 35 days (interquartile range [IQR], 29-51 days) and 14 months (IQR, 13-15 months), respectively. The mean flare-to-fenestration distance was 5.6±2.0 mm on FU1 and remained unchanged at 5.7±2.0 mm on FU2 (p=.417). The flare-to-fenestration diameter ratio was 1.19±0.17 on FU1 and remained unchanged at 1.21±0.19 (p=.206). The mean apposition length was 18.6±5.3 mm on FU1 and remained 18.6±5.3 mm (p=.550). The flare angle was 31°±15° on FU1 and changed to 33°±16° (p=.009). On FU1, the BECS-associated complication rate was 1%, and the BECS-associated reintervention rate was 0%. On FU2, the BECS-associated complication rate was 3%, and the BECS-associated reintervention rate was 1%. The flare geometry of the VBX bridging stent did not change significantly during 14 months follow-up in this study. Three-dimensional geometric analysis of the flare may contribute to identify the origin of endoleaks and occlusions, but this should be confirmed in a larger study including enough patients and BECS to compare complicated and uncomplicated cases. The three-dimensional flare geometry of the Gore Viabahn VBX BECS was assessed on the first and second postoperative CTA scans, and geometrical changes during this period were identified. For BECS that were diagnosed with a type 3c endoleak or occlusion, the BECS geometry was analyzed to detect geometrical components that were related to the complication. Geometric analysis of the flare may help to better detect and identify the cause of such complications.

Changes in aortic root dimensions post aortic root enlargement with Y-incision and modified aortotomy.

Lifetime management in aortic stenosis (AS) can be facilitated by aortic root enlargement (ARE) to improve anatomy for future valve-in-valve (ViV) procedures. A mitral valve-sparing ARE technique ("Y-incision") and sinotubular junction (STJ) enlargement ("roof" patch aortotomy) allow upsizing by 3-4 valve sizes, but quantitative analysis of changes in root anatomy is lacking. Among 78 patients who underwent ARE by Y-incision technique (± roof aortotomy closure) we identified 45 patients with high-quality pre- and post-operative computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans to allow analysis of change in aortic root dimensions. Detailed measurements of the annulus/basilar ring and sinuses were performed by an expert imager on both pre- and post-operative CTAs. The basal ring was defined as the functional annulus when a bioprosthetic valve was present. Average age was 65±11 years, the majority were female (29, 64%), and 9 (20%) had undergone prior aortic valve replacement (AVR). Valve upsizing was ≥3 sizes in 41 (91%). Post-operative mean basal ring diameter was larger compared to the native annular diameter (26.3 vs. 25.3 mm, P<0.01) and substantially larger than prior prosthetic valve in redo AVR (25.6 vs. 19.3 mm, P<0.001). Diameters of the sinuses at pre-operative computed tomography (CT) increased by +7.7±2.8 [right sinuses of Valsalva (R SVS)], +6.7±3.0 [left sinuses of Valsalva (L SVS)], and +6.6±2.9 mm [non-coronary sinuses of Valsalva (N SVS)]. Mean diameter of the STJ increased to 38.3±3.7 post-operative (+8.1±3.2 mm). Left main (LM) and right coronary artery (RCA) heights decreased by -6.3±3.3 and -3.7±3.4 mm respectively due to the supra-annular position of the valve, however, the post-operative valve-to-coronary (VTC) artery distances were 6.6±2.3 and 4.9±2.0 mm, respectively. The Y-incision root enlargement technique significantly enlarges the sinus and STJ diameters by 6-7 mm while preserving VTC distances despite upsizing by 3-4 valve sizes, resulting in post-operative anatomy that is favorable for future transcatheter aortic valve-in-surgical aortic valve (TAV-in-SAV).

Early multicentric outcomes of the on-label and CE-marked combination of the Endurant with the Radiant chimney graft for the chimney endovascular aortic repair (EnChEVAR): The LaMuR Registry.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early results of the CE-marked standardized device combination consisting of Endurant and the Radiant chimney graft (En-ChEVAR) for the treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. We analyzed multicentric non-industry sponsored case series evaluating the EnChEVAR technique for patients treated between December 2022 and February 2024. Clinical, perioperative procedure-related and radiological data were collected. The primary outcome measure was the freedom of a type Ia gutter-related endoleak at postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA). Secondary outcome measures included early type Ia endoleak-related reinterventions, target vessel complications including dissection or loss of target vessel, major adverse events, and mortality. Continuous variables were presented as median (interquartile range [IQR]) and categorical variables as count and percentage. Ten patients were included in the present study. Eight (80%) were males, in nine cases a single chimney was implanted, and the other one was a double chimney graft placement. The treated aneurysms had an infrarenal neck length of 3.4 (1.2) mm. The rate of main body oversizing was 30%. The new neck length after chimney graft placement was 18 (3) mm. The median procedural time was 130 (17) mm, contrast medium use was 109 (26) mL, radiation time was 45 (12) min. The technical success was 100%. No type Ia endoleak was detected at the postoperative CTA. There were no target vessel issues. No major adverse events or death were observed. First reported cohort of patients treated with EnChEVAR demonstrated reproducible clinical and procedural outcomes within the 3 vascular centers with total exclusion of the aneurysms, patent renal arteries, and no evidence of gutter-related type IA endoleak. Further evidence with larger sample size of treated patients and longer follow-up are needed.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Accessory Renal Artery Exclusion during Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Accessory renal arteries (ARAs) frequently coexist with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and can influence treatment. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the ARA's exclusion effect on patients undergoing standard endovascular aneurysm repair for AAA. The study focused on medium- and long-term outcomes, including type II endoleak, aneurysmal sac changes, mortality, reoperation rates, renal function, and infarction post-operatively. 76 patients treated with EVAR for AAA were included. One hundred and two ARAs were identified: 69 originated from the neck, 30 from the sac, and 3 from the iliac arteries. The ARA treatment was embolization in 15 patients and coverage in 72. Technical success was 100%. One-month post-operative computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed that 76 ARAs (74.51%) were excluded. Thirty-day complications included renal deterioration in 7 patients (9.21%) and a blood pressure increase in 15 (19.73%). During follow-up, 16 patients (21.05%) died, with three aneurysm-related deaths (3.94%). ARA-related type II endoleak (T2EL) was significantly associated with the ARA's origin in the aneurysmatic sac. Despite reinterventions were not significantly linked to any factor, post-operative renal infarction was correlated with an ARA diameter greater than 3 mm and ARA embolization. ARAs can influence EVAR outcomes, with anatomical and procedural factors associated with T2EL and renal infarction. Further studies are needed to optimize the management of ARAs during EVAR.

Geometric Analysis of the Gore Excluder Conformable Endoprosthesis in the Infrarenal Aortic Neck: One Year Results of the EXCeL Registry

The Gore Excluder Conformable Endoprosthesis (CEXC) is designed to treat challenging infrarenal anatomy because of its active angulation control, repositionability, and enhanced conformability. This study evaluated 30 day and one year position and apposition of the CEXC in the infrarenal neck. Patients treated with the CEXC between 2018 and 2022 with an available 30 day computed tomography angiogram (CTA) were selected from four hospitals in a prospective registry. Endograft apposition (shortest apposition length [SAL]) and position (shortest fabric distance [SFD]) were assessed on the 30 day and one year CTAs. Maximum infrarenal aortic curvature was compared between the pre- and post-operative CTAs to evaluate conformability of the CEXC. There were 87 patients with a 30 day CTA, and for 56 of these patients the one year CTA was available. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) pre-operative neck length was 22 mm (IQR 15, 32) and infrarenal angulation was 52° (IQR 31, 72). Median SAL was 21.2 mm (IQR 14.0, 29.3) at 30 days for all included patients. The SAL in 13 patients (15%) was < 10 mm at 30 days, and one patient had a SAL of 0 mm and a type Ia endoleak. There was no significant difference in SAL between patients within and outside instructions for use. The SAL significantly increased by 1.1 mm (IQR-2.3, 4.7; p= .042) at one year. The SAL decreased in seven patients (13%), increased in 13 patients (23%), and remained stable in 36 patients (64%). Median SFD was 2.0 mm (IQR 0.5, 3.6) at 30 days, which slightly increased by 0.3 mm (IQR-0.5, 1.8; p= .019) at one year. One patient showed migration (SFD increase ≥ 5 mm). Median endograft tilt was 15.8° (IQR 9.7, 21.4). Pre-operative maximum infrarenal curvature was 36 m-1 (IQR 26, 56) and did not significantly change thereafter. In most patients, the CEXC was implanted close to the renal arteries, and sufficient (≥ 10 mm) post-operative apposition was achieved at 30 days, which slightly increased at one year. Post-operative endograft tilt was relatively low, and aortic geometry remained unchanged after implantation of the CEXC, probably due to its high conformability.

Thoracic endovascular repair of descending thoracic aorta aneurysm using thoracic stent graft in a challenging complex patient: An innovative access technique during an emergency using a mini-thoracotomy approach.

Repairing thoracic aortic aneurysms with endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a safe and minimally invasive method with low morbidity and short postoperative recovery. We developed a novel method to treat descending thoracic aortic aneurysms using a mini-thoracotomy approach in complex patients with difficult access. A 56-year-old male patient presented with a 3-day history of chest pain. His past surgical history included infrarenal aortic ligation and right axillobifemoral bypass. Thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a saccular aortic aneurysmal dilatation at zone 2 measuring 4.4 × 4cm. Owing to his surgical history, vascular access through the femoral and iliac arteries or abdominal aorta was impossible. We developed a new technique using a left posterolateral mini-thoracotomy approach to gain vascular access and perform TEVAR, avoiding the need for an open thoracotomy repair. Thoracic CTA performed before discharge revealed complete aneurysmal exclusion and no endoleaks. Postoperative follow-up CTA (6months and annually thereafter) revealed no aneurysm formation or aortic restenosis. The femoral artery, followed by the iliac artery, is the traditional access route for TEVAR. Left posterolateral mini-thoracotomy may be required as an alternative access in complex patients.

Mid-term Results of Endovascular Reconstruction of Aortic Bifurcation Using COVERA Stent Graft.

This article aims to evaluate the short-term and mid-term performance of a self-expanding covered stent (COVERA Plus, Bard Tempe, Arizona) during the treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C/D aortoiliac obstructive lesions involving the aortic bifurcation. A single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent endovascular reconstruction of the aortoiliac bifurcation for obstructive disease, with the use of Covera, from January 2018 to March 2023. All patients received a postoperative CTA (computed tomography angiography) scan within 1 month from the intervention. Precision of deployment, stent conformation, and stent symmetry were evaluated at the arterial phase of the CTA. Early outcomes were technical success and freedom from open aortic reintervention and/or mortality. Late outcomes were primary and assisted primary patency rates and freedom from reintervention. During the study period, 35 patients underwent primary endovascular treatment of obstructive lesions involving the aortic bifurcation with parallel COVERA stents. Aortoiliac lesions were classified as TASC-IIC in 23 (65.7%) patients and TASC D in 12 (34.2%). Median follow-up was 49 months (interquartile [IQR]: 18-60). Overall survival was 97.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]=91-100) at 60 months. During follow-up, there were one early stent stenosis, treated with an angioplasty and stent relining with an estimated primary patency at 60 months of 97.1% (95% CI=94-100) and a primary-assisted patency of 100%. Estimated freedom from all types of reinterventions at 60 months was 94.3% (95% CI=89-99.3). The new self-expanding covered Bard COVERA Plus stent used for endovascular treatment of TASC C/D aorto iliac disease proved to be safe and feasible with high technical procedural success rates. Comparison with other types of stents is necessary to further assess the role of the COVERA Plus stent in aortic bifurcation repair. This study investigates the safety and feasibility of the new self-expanding covered Bard Covera Plus stent used for endovascular treatment of TASC C/D aorto iliac disease. The retrospective analysis of 35 patients highlights high technical success and primary patency rate at 60 months. The geometric analysis also helped to underline how this stent can be used precisely in particular conditions. These findings suggest the need for further research to compare COVERA with other types of stents in aortic bifurcation repair.

Endovascular Repair of Juxtarenal and Pararenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using a Novel Low-Profile Fenestrated Custom-Made Endograft: Technical Details and Short-Term Outcomes.

The aim of this study is to share preliminary experiences and outcomes with a novel custom-made fenestrated TREO® Abdominal Stent-Graft System to treat juxtarenal and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Juxtarenal and pararenal AAA patients treated with the custom-made fenestrated TREO® Abdominal Stent-Graft System were included from 4 high-volume European academic medical centers from June 2021 to September 2023. Technical success and 30-day/in-hospital mortality and complications were analyzed. Technical success was defined as successful endovascular implantation of the stent graft with preservation of antegrade flow to the target vessels, and absence of type 1 or 2 endoleak (EL) at the first postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA). Forty-two consecutive patients were included. The majority of the devices were constructed with 2 (N=4; 9.5%), 3 (N=9; 21.4%), or 4 (N=27; 64%) fenestrations. In 1 case, the device was constructed with a single fenestration (2.4%) and 1 device contained 5 fenestrations (2.4%); 17% had previous AAA repair. Target vessel cannulation with placement of a bridging stent was successful in all but 1 vessel (99, 3%). One aneurysm-related death occurred in the direct postoperative period and 2 limb occlusions necessitated reintervention during admission. In the median follow-up period of 101 (2-620) days, 3 more patients died due to non-aneurysm-related causes. Technical success was achieved in 90% of the cases. Nineteen ELs were seen on the first postoperative CT scan: 1 type 1b EL (N=1; 2%), 15 type 2 ELs (N=15; 36%), and 3 type 3 ELs (N=3%). Eleven patients received more than 1 CT scan during a median follow-up of 361 days (82-620): 3 type 2 ELs resolved and 1 type 3 EL was treated in this period. In the follow-up, 1 patient had a coagulation disorder that caused occlusions of the branches. The results of the first experiences using the custom-made fenestrated TREO® Abdominal Stent-Graft System in Europe are promising. There was a low short-term mortality and morbidity rate in these patients of which 17% had previous AAA repair. Mid-term and long-term follow-up data are needed to evaluate endograft durability and performance. This study shows the first experiences and short-term results of a novel low-profile custom-made device: the custom-made fenestrated TREO® Abdominal Stent-Graft System. Showing these results and experiences can help the physicians in clinical decision-making for their patients.

Comparison of IMD and ICG videoangiography in combined bypass surgery: a single-center study.

Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass combined with an encephaloduromyosynangiosis (EDMS) had gained significant role in treating chronic cerebral ischemia. Invasiveness and costs of intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) limited its application in operations. To find the reliable parameters for determining bypass patency with intraoperative micro-Doppler (IMD) sonography and compare the diagnostic accuracy of indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography with IMD in combined bypass. One hundred fifty bypass procedures were included and divided into patent and non-patent groups according to postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) within 72h. The surgical process was divided into four phases in the following order: preparation phase (phase 1), anastomosis phase (phase 2), the temporalis muscle closure phase (phase 3), and the bone flap closure phase (phase 4). The IMD parameters were compared between patent and non-patent groups, and then compared with the patency on CTA by statistical analyses. IMD with CTA, ICG videoangiography with CTA,IMD with ICGvideoangiography were performed to assess bypass patency. The agreement between methods was evaluated using kappa statistics. No significant differences of baseline characteristics were found between patent and non-patent group. Parameters in the STA were different between patent and non-patent groups in phases 2, 3, and 4. In patent group, Vm was apparently higher and PI was lower in phases 2, 3, and 4 compared with phase 1 (P < .001). In non-patent group, no differences of Vm and PI were found within inter-group. The best cutoff value of IMD in the STA to distinguish patent from non-patent bypasses was Vm in phase 4 > 17.5cm/s (sensitivity 94.2%, specificity 100%). In addition, the agreement for accessing bypass patency was moderate between ICGvideoangiography and CTA (kappa = 0.67), IMD and ICG videoangiography (kappa = 0.73), and good between IMD and CTA (kappa = 0.86). ICG videoangiography could directly display morphology changes of bypass. IMD could be used for providing half-quantitative parameters to assess bypass patency. Vm in phase 4 > 17.5cm/s suggesting the patency of bypass on CTA would be good. Also, compared with ICG videoangiography, IMD had more accuracy.

In situ interposition bypass for complex intracranial aneurysms: A single-center experience and efficacy analysis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the application and efficacy analysis of in situ interposition bypass in complex intracranial aneurysms. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 patients with complex intracranial aneurysms treated with in situ interposition bypass grafting in the Department of Neurosurgery at Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from June 2015 to December 2022. The aneurysms were located in the middle cerebral artery in 16 cases, the anterior cerebral artery in 3 cases, the posterior cerebral artery in 1 case, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery in 1 case. The interposition graft vessels were taken from the radial artery in 15 cases, the superficial temporal artery in 5 cases, and the occipital artery in 1 case. All patients underwent end-to-end anastomosis with in situ interposition bypass after aneurysm resection, including 13 cases of "I-shaped" type, 5 cases of "V-shaped" type, and 3 cases of "Y-shaped" type. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) reviews were performed for all the patients, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was used to assess patient prognosis. Three patients developed postoperative basal ganglia infarction and two of them recovered well. One case developed transient incomplete aphasia and one case developed mild hemiparesis, which recovered well after 3months. The remaining 16 patients did not develop new neurological deficits. Postoperative DSA or CTA showed that the anastomosis of the bypass graft and the graft vessels were patent, and all aneurysms were completely eliminated. Regular postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 89months, and no aneurysm recurred. The percentage of patients with mRS ≤ 2 at the final follow-up was 90.5%. Based on the experience of surgical treatment in our center, in situ interposition bypass technique is a safe and effective option for the treatment of some complex intracranial aneurysms.