Primary Technical Success Rate Research Articles

Long-term balloon indwelling technique for the treatment of single benign biliary stricture.

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of long-term balloon indwelling technique for the treatment of single benign biliary stricture. Five patients with single benign biliary stricture were included from December 2014 to November 2016. The patients were three men and two women with a mean age of 50 years (range, 30-65 years). A balloon catheter was inserted into the drainage catheter and emerged through the side hole of the catheter so that the balloon and drainage catheters could be placed together at the stricture site. Follow-up fluoroscopic examination was performed at least once every 2 weeks to evaluate the adequacy of expansion and location of the balloon. The balloon was reinflated at each session, and then removed after an approximately two-month indwelling period. The catheters used were 10-16 French and the diameter of indwelling balloons were 4-8 mm. The primary technical and clinical success rates were 100%. Maintenance of the balloon location was achieved in 25 of 26 follow-up fluoroscopic examinations (mean, 5.2 times per patient) with a rate of 96.1%. The mean follow-up period after successful removal of the balloon was 542.2 days (range, 93-1042 days), and there were no recurrences in the five cases. The long-term balloon indwelling technique is a good way to induce maximal dilatation at the stricture site without large diameter skin and subcutaneous tract dilatation and can be successfully used for single benign biliary stricture.

Computed tomography-guided cryoablation for adrenal metastases: local control and survival.

To evaluate the feasibility, local control, and survival after computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablation for adrenal metastases.This study included 31 consecutive patients with adrenal metastases who were treated by CT-guided cryoablation in our center from July 2011 to October 2017. The technical success rate, local progression rate, local progression-free survival (LPFS), systemic progression-free survival (SPFS), and overall survival were assessed. The predictors of survival were determined using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.The primary and secondary technical success rates were 90.3% and 100%, respectively. None of the patients experienced a hypertensive crisis. The local progression rate during follow-up was 19.4%. Systemic progression was found in 9 patients. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year LPFS rates were 80.6%, 37.8%, and 18.4%, respectively. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year SPFS rates were 77.4%, 31.9%, and 14.6%, respectively. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 83.9%, 45.0%, and 30.0%, respectively. The existence of an extra-adrenal tumor was a significant independent predictor of worse overall survival (P = .012). The mean overall survival durations were significantly different between patients with and without an extra-adrenal tumor (16.6 ± 2.4 vs 50.9 ± 4.5 months, P <.001).Our findings support that CT-guided cryoablation is a safe and effective method for controlling adrenal metastases and imply that this approach may improve the survival of patients with adrenal metastases.

Primary Endovascular Elective Repair and Repair of Ruptured Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms Is Durable—Results of 72 Consecutive Patients

PurposeTo evaluate outcome of endovascular elective repair and repair of ruptured isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IIAAs) as a primary treatment strategy. Materials and MethodsAll patients with an IIAA undergoing endovascular treatment were included. Aneurysms were classified according to an anatomic classification and treated with coiling of the internal iliac artery, stent graft placement in the common to external iliac artery, or placement of a bifurcated aortoiliac stent graft. Between November 1996 and November 2015, 72 patients with 85 IIAAs underwent endovascular repair. Mean age was 73.9 years ± 9.2. Common iliac artery was involved in 63 patients (74.1%), internal iliac artery was involved in 21 patients (24.7%), and external iliac artery was involved in 1 patient (1.2%). Mean diameter was 5 cm (range, 2.5–11 cm). Emergency repair was performed in 19 patients owing to rupture (26.4%). ResultsOverall primary technical success rate was 95.8% with conversion rate to open surgery of 4.2% (all in the emergency group) and in-hospital mortality rate of 1.4%. During mean follow-up of 4.3 years ± 3.3 (median 3.8 y; range, 0–14.2 y), 17 endoleaks were observed (6 type I, 10 type II, 1 type IIIa). Overall reintervention rate was 16.7%. Primary patency rate was 98.6%. During the follow-up period, 22 deaths occurred (30.6%), including 2 aneurysm-related deaths (2.8%). ConclusionsPrimary endovascular repair of IIAAs shows excellent results and should be considered as first-line therapy. Surgical backup should be available in emergency cases.

Aortic remodeling in Type B aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair with an aortic extender cuff implantation.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the safety and efficiency of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) plus an aortic extender cuff placement in treating Stanford Type B aortic dissections (TBADs).MethodsClinical data on 157 patients with TBADs who underwent TEVAR in two tertiary medical centers from February 2013 to March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. An estimated mismatch rate >120% was the indication for placement of an aortic extender cuff. Results in the perioperative and follow-up periods (≥3 months) were analyzed, especially those of aortic remodeling.ResultsIn total, 106 patients (67.5%) underwent standard TEVAR, and 51 (32.5%) received TEVAR plus an aortic extender cuff placement. The primary technical success rate was 96.8% (152/157). Perioperative adverse events included endoleak (2%, 3/157), spinal cord ischemia (SCI) (1.3%, 2/157), and transient renal failure (0.6%, 1/157), with no between-group differences. The median follow-up was 15 months (range 3–71 months). Ten cases of late stent complications were observed, including three endoleak, one upper limb ischemia, one stent distortion, and five stent graft-induced distal re-dissection (SIDR). Patients with a cuff had less distal re-dissection and fewer second interventions, but the differences lacked significance. In the last follow-up, the TEVAR+Cuff group were found to have better true lumen recovery and false lumen shrinkage, and increased complete false lumen thrombosis in the thoracic and abdominal segments; however, no statistical difference was evident in comparison with the TEVAR group (P>0.05).ConclusionTEVAR plus an aortic extender cuff implantation improves remodeling of the dissected thoracic aorta, thus reducing the potential of SIDR. Furthermore, the covered stent with a length of 250 mm does not increase the rate of SCI or paraplegia. However, these results should be confirmed in a larger series of patients with longer follow-up.

Efficacy of Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC) for the Management of Perforations, Leaks, and Fistulas: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Published Literature

Introduction: Over the scope clip (OTSC) offers a non-operative management option for perforations, leaks and fistulas in the gastrointestinal tract. Since there are no published large scale studies using OTSC, we performed a systematic review and pooled analysis of published literature to derive efficacy rates of OTSC for the management of perforations, leaks and fistulas. Methods: An electronic database search was conducted (Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane) for eligible articles (case reports, case series, observational or cohort studies) using OTSC (Ovesco, Germany) for cases of gastrointestinal perforation, post-surgical anastomotic leak and fistula. The primary outcome was: durable clinical success rate (% of patients who had closure of the defect at the end of the study). Secondary outcomes were: primary technical success (% of patients who had successful OTSC placement) and primary clinical success (% of patients with successful initial closure of defect after OTSC placement). Pooled rates were expressed as proportions of events over total patients with 95% confidence limits and heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Results: A total of 17 studies were determined where OTSC was used for perforation management (175 patients, 45% males, average age 64.1 years). The primary technical success rate was 95.8% (93%-98.7%, I2=0%, p=0.7) and the durable clinical success rate was 90.9% (86.8%-95.1%, I2=0%, p=0.88). Among 13 studies, where OTSC was used for closure of post-surgical anastomotic leaks (90 patients,68% males, average age 62.2 years), primary technical success was achieved in 89.9% (84.2%-95.6%, I2=0%, p=0.49) patients with primary clinical success in 84.8% (78%-91.6%, I2=0%, p=0.46) patients and durable success was noted in 80.7% (72.2%-89.2%, I2=15.7%, p=0.29) patients. Among 23 studies where OTSC was used for fistula closure (334 patients, 43% males, average age 60 years), primary technical success was achieved in 85.6% (80.2%-91.1%, I2=52%, p=0.002) patients with a primary clinical success rate of 77.1% (70%-84.3%, I2=59%, p<0.001) and durable clinical success in 66.6% patients (57.2%-76.1%, I2=68%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Perforations in the GI-tract have been generally managed by surgeons but appear to be amenable to endoscopic closure. TOTSC offers an effective non-surgical option for the closure of GI luminal defects with durable clinical success and technical success being the highest in perforations followed by anastomotic leaks and fistulas respectively.511 Figure 1 No Caption available.

Assessing the institutional learning curve for pararenal aortic repair using the fenestrated Anaconda endograft.

Custom-made fenestrated aortic endografts allow exclusion of pararenal aortic aneurysms while maintaining blood flow to aortic branches. Meticulous device planning and precise deployment of the main body are essential to allow successful cannulation of the fenestrations. This study investigates whether a learning curve can be observed with more reliable cannulation and connection of fenestrations over time at a single department of vascular and endovascular surgery with multiple surgeons trained to use the device. A retrospective analysis of data from all patients undergoing primary fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair during the study period was performed. Outcome measures included case volume and average number of fenestrations over time, average fluoroscopy dose area product per calendar year and primary unconnected fenestration and 30-day mortality rates. Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016, 89 patients with no history of endovascular aneurysm repair underwent fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair at our institution. The number of fenestrations per case increased over time, averaging 2.6 in 2013 and 3.3 in 2016. Primary unconnected fenestration and 30-day mortality rates were 5.6%. Primary-assisted technical success was 93.3%, secondary-assisted technical success was 94.4%. Fluoroscopy dose area product declined over the study period. Thirty-day mortality and primary unconnected fenestration rates did not significantly change over the study period. Albeit the reduction in lethal complications and primary technical success rates were not statistically significant, a lower percentage of unconnected fenestrations and 30-day mortality per calendar year were observed over time. At the same time, an increasing complexity of performed cases, as reflected by an increasing number of fenestrations per case, was observed. Complications associated with this complex endovascular procedure are potentially lethal and remain an unfortunate reality and may not be entirely dependent on overcoming a learning curve. A higher volume of cases performed over the study period and a reduction in fluoroscopy use can be considered a representation of the institutional development and learning curve for the Anaconda fenestrated endograft at a department with prior complex endovascular aortic repair experience, but due to limitations of the current retrospective observation, deserve further consideration in future trials, ideally designed in a prospective fashion.

The use of crossing catheters in the recanalization of below-the-knee chronic total occlusions in patients with critical limb ischemia.

This study investigates the procedural success of the use of a hydrophilic crossing catheter in the recanalization of below-the-knee artery chronic total occlusions in patients with critical limb ischemia. We retrospectively identified below-the knee chronic total occlusion interventions in 30 patients performed between March 2013 and July 2017 in our institute. The inclusion criteria were critical limb ischemia (Rutherford Class 4 or greater) and occlusion of at least one tibial vessel with revascularization performed with the use of a crossing catheter. Primary technical success was defined as placement of a guide wire in the true lumen, past the distal chronic total occlusions cap. Thirty patients underwent 34 procedures, in which 41 lesions were treated with the use of crossing catheters. Nineteen anterior tibial arteries, 18 posterior tibial arteries, and four peroneal arteries were treated. Mean length was 110.2±36 mm and 20 lesions (48.8%) were severely calcified. The primary technical success rate was 80.5%. Recanalization was achieved with a guide wire and crossing catheter in 25 lesions (76%) and with the crossing catheter alone in eight cases (24%). The use of a crossing catheter showed a high rate of technical and procedural success in infrapopliteal chronic total occlusions without significant complications.

Percutaneous thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas located in the hepatic dome using artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax: retrospective evaluation of safety and efficacy

Introduction: The targeting of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) in the hepatic dome can be challenging during percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA). The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PTA of HCC in the hepatic dome that cannot be visualized under US, using artificial CO2 pneumothorax and CT-guidance and (2) to compare the results with US-visible HCC located in the liver dome treated under US-guidance.Materials: Over a 32-month period, 56 HCC located in the hepatic dome were extracted from a prospectively maintained database. Twenty-eight cases (US-guidance group) were treated under US-guidance, while the others (n = 28, CT-CO2 group) were treated under CT-guidance using artificial CO2 pneumothorax after lipiodol tagging of the tumor. The primary technical success and complications rates of this technique were retrospectively assessed. Local tumor progression (LTP), intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) were also compared between both groups.Results: Primary technical success was 100% in both groups. No major complications occurred. After a median follow-up of 13.8 months (range, 1–33.4 months), LTP occurred in 10.7% (3/28) in CT-CO2 vs. 25% (7/28) in the US-guidance group (p = NS). IDR occurred in 39.3% (11/28) in CT-CO2 vs. 28.6% (8/28) in the US-guidance group (p = NS). Death occurred in 17.9% (5/28) of patients in both groups. LRFS and OS did not significantly differ using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates.Conclusion: CT-guided PTA after artificially induced CO2 pneumothorax is a safe and efficient technique to treat HCC located in the hepatic dome.

Outcomes of Pulmonary Artery Embolization and Stent Graft Placement for the Treatment of Hemoptysis Caused by Lung Tumors

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular management of pulmonary artery lesions caused by lung tumors. Materials and MethodsNineteen patients (15 men, 4 women; average age: 60.3 years, range, 51–86 years) treated for massive or recurrent hemoptysis with transarterial pulmonary artery embolization between 2010 and 2016 were included in this multicenter, retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were: patients with lung cancer and at least 1 episode of hemoptysis with a pulmonary artery lesion detected by computed tomography (CT) angiography or after failed bronchial artery embolization. No patient undergoing pulmonary embolization for a lung tumor was excluded. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were recorded. The survival curve was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method ResultsMean follow-up was 188.1 days (range, 0–1440 days). Primary and assisted technical success rates were 73.7% (14/19) and 84.2% (16/19), respectively. Two patients died during the procedure due to massive hemoptysis and cardiac arrest, and 1 patient was treated with surgery. All patients with technical success achieved clinical success without further bleeding. No complications were noted, and no pulmonary infarction was detected on CT scan during follow-up. Survival rates after embolization at 1 and 3 months were 67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40%–90%) and 46% (95% CI: 23%–80%), respectively, with 36.8% (n = 7) of the patients still alive at the end of the study. ConclusionsEmbolization is an effective and safe treatment of lung tumors with pulmonary arterial bleeding.

Contemporary Results of Endovascular Repair of Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection with Unibody Bifurcated Stent Grafts

To report the midterm safety and efficacy of the Aegis™-B (Microport, Shanghai, China) unibody bifurcated stent graft for endovascular treatment of isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). Isolated abdominal aorta dissection (IAAD) is a rare event. Endovascular stent grafts seem to offer an efficient therapeutic approach to treat IAAD. However, the relatively small diameter of the infrarenal aorta and aortic bifurcation remains the main anatomical limitation to endovascular repair. Between 2008 and 2015, we retrospectively evaluated 32 IAAD patients (21 men; mean age 58±18years), who underwent endovascular repair using Aegis™-B unibody bifurcated stent graft. Narrow proximal landing zone and narrow distal aorta was present in 11 (34.4%) patients and 10 (31.3%) patients, respectively. In the follow-up period, aortic remodeling was observed with computed tomography angiography. All patients were treated by endovascular means, with a primary technical success rate of 100%. During a mean follow-up period of 30.71±16.36months (range, 8-56months), no death, rupture, stent fracture, material failure, or device migration was observed. Complete false lumen thrombosis was observed in all patients at 1year, and all patients were free from false lumen growth in the follow-up. Endovascular treatment of IAAD using the Aegis™-B system appears to be safe and effective. Results from this study suggest this algorithm can provide stable, secure fixation for IAAD patients with narrow proximal landing zone, and distal aorta.

Predictors of Shunt Dysfunction and Overall Survival in Patients with Variceal Bleeding Treated with Transjugular Portosystemic Shunt Creation Using the Fluency Stent Graft

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established method for portal hypertension. This study was to investigate the long-term safety, technical success, and patency of TIPS, and to determine the risk factors and clinical impacts of shunt dysfunction. A total of 154 consecutive patients undergoing embolotherapy of gastric coronary vein and/or short gastric vein and TIPS creation were prospectively studied. Follow-up data included technical success, patency and revision of TIPS, and overall survival of patients. During the study, the primary and secondary technical success rates were 98.7% and 100%, respectively. Sixty-three patients developed shunt dysfunction, 30 with shunt stenosis and 33 with shunt occlusion. The cumulative 60-month primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 19.6%, 43.0%, and 93.4%, respectively. The cumulative 60-month overall survival rates were similar between the TIPS dysfunction group and the TIPS non-dysfunction group (68.6% vs. 58.6%, P = .096). Baseline portal vein thrombosis (P < .001), use of bare stents (P = .018), and portal pressure gradient (PPG) (P = .020) were independent predictors for shunt dysfunction, hepatocellular carcinoma (P < .001), and ascites (P = .003) for overall survival. The accuracy of PPG for shunt dysfunction was statistically significant (P < .001), and a cutoff value of 8.5 had 77.8% sensitivity and 64.8% specificity. The long-term safety, technical success, and patency of TIPS were good; baseline portal vein thrombosis, use of bare stents, and PPG were significantly associated with shunt dysfunction; shunt dysfunction has little impact on patients' long-term survival because of high secondary patency rates.

Clinical Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with the Kilt Technique for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Hostile Aneurysm Neck Anatomy: A Korean Multicenter Retrospective Study.

We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and short-term clinical outcomes of Kilt technique-based endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with Seal® stent-grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with hostile neck anatomy (angle>60°). We retrospectively evaluated the pre-EVAR and follow-up computed tomography angiography findings of 24 patients (mean age 71±11years; age range 32-87years; mean follow-up 50±12months) with hostile neck AAAs treated between 2010 and 2015. Serial change in aneurysmal neck angle was calculated using a standardized protocol. Relationships between clinical variables and outcomes were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses and mixed-model regression. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the cumulative rates of survival, endoleak, and reintervention. The primary technical success rate (success within 24h after EVAR) was 100% (24/24). The survival rate was 96±8% at 1month, 6months, 1year, and 3years, and 87±18% at 5years. Endoleaks occurred in three patients. Four reinterventions were performed in three patients; no surgical revisions were required. Causes of post-EVAR mortality included intracerebral hemorrhage at 14days and rhabdomyolysis at 32months. The most remarkable change after Kilt-based EVAR was an acute decrease in the neck angle, which was observed between the pre-EVAR and first follow-up visits (at 1month) (P=0.001). Kilt-based EVAR with Seal® stent-grafts for AAAs with a severely angulated neck (angle>60°) provided high technical success, low mortality, and low complication rates during short-term follow-up.

Preliminary Dual-Center Experience with the Bolton Treovance Endograft.

To present the performance and safety of the Treovance stent graft for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in a "real-world" patient cohort. Patients from 2 centers, deemed unfit for open repair, were electively treated with the Treovance endograft. Clinical preoperative, operative, and up to 1-year postoperative follow-up data of patients were retrospectively analyzed. This study included 46 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (44 male), mean age of 78 years ± 8 standard deviation (SD; range: 58-93 years). All met the manufacturer's recommended anatomical requirements: average maximum sac diameter 63 mm ± 10 SD (range: 52-86 mm), proximal neck length 29 mm ± 12 SD (range: 11-60 mm), and neck angulation 30° ± 21 SD (range: 0°-70°). Fourteen had moderate to severe iliac tortuosity. A primary technical success rate of 80% was achieved (100% assisted primary technical success rate): 7 patients required adjunctive procedures intraoperatively and 2 successful treatments for type I endoleaks, which occurred within 24 hours postoperatively. There was 100% survival at 1-year follow-up; however, 4 (8.7%) patients required reintervention: 1 for a type I endoleak, 2 for limb stenosis, and 1 for a type II endoleak with an enlarging sac. No other device-related complications were identified. Reintervention and complication rates in hostile versus nonhostile anatomies were not statistically significant ( P = .28 and P = .42, respectively). The Treovance stent graft has a comparable safety profile to other next-generation stent grafts during the first year after endovascular aneurysm repair, which provides a rationale for further interrogation of its outcomes through clinical trials.

A Challenging Treatment for Aortic Arch Aneurysm With Fenestrated Stent Graft

The endovascular stent graft is a novel therapeutic technique that is used in the treatment of aortic aneurysms. However, the aortic arch is a still an area that requires endovascular repair. Since 2008, the authors have treated aortic arch aneurysms (AAA) in patients without an extraanatomical bypass using a fenestrated stent graft (FSG). This study aimed to evaluate the early outcomes of FSG treatment. The authors retrospectively investigated the early outcomes of 54 AAA cases that were performed in their department from January 2008 to May 2016. The early results were analyzed retrospectively. The primary technical success rate was 100%. There were 2 operative deaths due to shower embolism and respiratory failure (2 of 54, 3.7%). Two patients suffered central nervous system injury (2 of 54, 3.7%) without remaining sequelae. At a mean follow-up period of 41.4 months, the survival rate was 75.0% and there were no aortic-related deaths. On follow-up, secondary intervention was necessary in 3 cases. The rate of freedom from secondary reintervention was 92.5%. Although further observation and prospective studies involving larger numbers of patients will be needed to validate this process, the outcomes of FSG treatment and our procedures were acceptable. This procedure has the potential to expand the indications for treatment in patients with AAA that are deemed to be suitable for this treatment.

Midterm outcomes and evolution of gutter area after endovascular aneurysm repair with the chimney graft procedure

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe our experience with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the use of chimney grafts for branch vessel preservation. MethodsPatients treated with a chimney graft procedure between October 2009 and May 2015 were included for analysis. Patients who were not considered eligible for open surgical repair or for conventional, branched, or fenestrated endovascular repair were selected. A standardized operating procedure with left brachial or axillary artery cutdown access for the chimney grafts and bilateral femoral artery cutdown access for the aortic main device was used. Outcomes were noted according to the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. In addition, evolution of gutter area over time was determined. Estimated rates of survival, freedom from aneurysm growth, and clinical success at 24 months of follow-up were calculated. ResultsThirty-three patients (mean age, 77.6 ± 6.8 years; 87.9% male) with a mean preoperative maximum aneurysm diameter of 71.7 ± 13.5 mm were included. A total of 54 of an intended 54 chimney grafts were deployed. Primary technical success and 30-day secondary clinical success rates were 87.9% and 84.8%, respectively. The early mortality rate was 6.1% (n = 2). The early type IA endoleak rate was 6.1% (n = 2), and the chimney graft occlusion rate was 6.1% (n = 2). Median follow-up duration was 26 months (interquartile range, 14.8-37.3 months). The estimated 2-year actuarial survival rate was 78.1% (standard error, ±7.4%). Late complications included type IA endoleak (n = 1), chimney graft occlusion (n = 2), type II endoleak with aneurysm growth (n = 4), and distal stent graft limb kinking and occlusion (n = 1). Late reinterventions included coil or glue embolization (n = 3), distal limb extension (n = 2), open endoleak ligation (n = 2), Palmaz stent placement (n = 1), repeated EVAR (n = 1), and femorofemoral bypass graft (n = 1). At 2 years, the estimated secondary clinical success and freedom from aneurysm growth rates were 80.5% (±7.2%) and 84.4% (±7.2%). Gutter size showed a small but significant decrease over time at the level of the proximal markers and at 10 mm distal from the markers. ConclusionsMidterm results show that a standardized procedure for EVAR using chimney grafts for branch vessel preservation is an acceptable option for high-risk patients with large, complex aneurysms who are unfit for open repair and who have been excluded from fenestrated EVAR. Gutter size decreases over time, but the rate of branch vessel loss and reinterventions demonstrate that this approach should remain reserved for those who are at truly prohibitive risk for open or fenestrated stent graft repair.

Rescue of failed endovascular aortic aneurysm repair using the fenestrated Anaconda device

ObjectiveEndovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with a fenestrated device (FEVAR) allows an extension of the proximal sealing zone above the renal arteries to an adequate, healthier segment of the aorta. This feature makes FEVAR an option to treat patients with a diseased aortic neck or type Ia endoleak after EVAR. The aim of this investigation was to present a single-center experience with FEVAR for patients with an abdominal aortic endograft in situ compared with primary FEVAR. MethodsA prospectively held database on FEVAR patients treated with the fenestrated Anaconda device (Vascutek/Terumo, Inchinnan, Scotland, United Kingdom) at our institution was screened for individuals who had previously undergone EVAR. ResultsBetween April 1, 2013, and July 31, 2016, 94 fenestrated Anaconda devices were implanted at our institution. Twelve patients with prior EVAR were treated for pathology of the proximal neck: type I endoleak (n = 7), for stent migration with aneurysm progression but no visible endoleak (n = 2), and progressive aortic disease at the level of the visceral segment (n = 3). When redo cases and primary FEVARs were compared, primary technical success rates were 58.3% and 87.8% (P = .02) and primary functional success rates were 91.7% and 95.1%, respectively (P = .62). Perioperative rate of major deployment-related (14.6% and 16.7%) and systemic complications (8.5% and 8.3%) as well as 30-day mortality (6.1% and 0%; P = .5) were comparable between groups. After an average follow-up interval of 10 months (range, 0-43 months), no late occlusions of connecting stents were observed. The late reintervention rates were 11.0% and 16.7%, respectively (P = .57). ConclusionsThe risk of a failure to cannulate one or more visceral arteries through the respective fenestrations was increased in patients who had previously undergone EVAR. This is most likely caused by increased friction between the fenestrated endograft and the failing graft in situ, which may impair the adaption of the unsupported Anaconda device to the aortic wall. As a consequence, fenestrations may not line up perfectly at the respective openings of the visceral or renal arteries, and folding of the fabric may be increased, making cannulation of the fenestrations more difficult.

Bilateral versus unilateral placement of metal stents for inoperable high-grade malignant hilar biliary strictures: a multicenter, prospective, randomized study (with video)

The efficacy of palliative biliary drainage by using bilateral or unilateral self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for a malignant hilar biliary stricture (MHS) remains controversial. This prospective, randomized, multicenter study investigated whether bilateral drainage by using SEMSs is superior to unilateral drainage in patients with inoperable MHSs. Patients with inoperable high-grade MHSs who underwent palliative endoscopic insertion of bilateral or unilateral SEMSs were enrolled. The main outcome measurements were the rate of primary reintervention for malfunction after successful placement of SEMSs, stent patency, technical and clinical success rates, adverse events, and survival duration. A total of 133 pathology-diagnosed patients were randomized to the bilateral group (n= 67) or the unilateral group (n= 66). The primary technical success rates were 95.5% (64/67) and 100% (66/66) in the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively (P= .244). The clinical success rates were 95.3% (61/64) and 84.9% (56/66), respectively (P= .047). The primary reintervention rates based on the per-protocol analysis were 42.6% (26/61) in the bilateral group and 60.3% (38/63) in the unilateral group (P= .049). The median cumulative stent patency duration was 252 days in the bilateral group and 139 days in the unilateral group. The risk of stent patency failure was significantly higher in the unilateral group (log-rank test; P< .01). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to assess stent patency, bilateral SEMS placement was a favorable factor (adjusted hazard ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval, 0.172-0.521; P< .001). Survival probability and late adverse events were not different between the 2 groups. Unilateral and bilateral drainage strategies by using SEMSs had similar technical success rates, but bilateral drainage resulted in fewer reinterventions and more durable stent patency in patients with inoperable high-grade MHSs. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02166970.).

Long-term follow-up of fenestrated endovascular repair for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm.

BackgroundFenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is increasingly being used for juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. The aim of this study was to review long‐term results and assess the importance of changing stent‐graft design on outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent FEVAR within a single unit over 12 years (February 2003 to December 2015). Kaplan–Meier analysis of survival, and freedom from target vessel loss, aneurysm expansion, graft‐related endoleak and secondary intervention was performed. Comparison between outcomes of less complex grafts (fewer than 3 fenestrations) and more complex grafts (3 or 4 fenestrations) was undertaken.ResultsSome 173 patients underwent FEVAR; median age was 76 (i.q.r. 70–79) years and 90·2 per cent were men. Median aneurysm diameter was 63 (59–71) mm and median follow‐up was 34 (16–50) months. The adjusted primary technical operative success rate was 95·4 per cent. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 5·2 per cent; there was no known aneurysm‐related death during follow‐up. Median survival was 7·1 (95 per cent c.i. 5·2 to 8·1) years and overall survival was 60·1 per cent (104 of 173). There was a trend towards an increasing number of fenestrations in the graft design over time. In‐hospital mortality appeared higher when more complex stent‐grafts were used (8 versus 2 per cent for stent‐grafts with 3–4 versus fewer than 3 fenestrations; P = 0·059). Graft‐related endoleaks were more common following deployment of stent‐grafts with three or four fenestrations (12 of 90 versus 6 of 83; P < 0·001).ConclusionFenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair for juxtarenal aneurysm is associated with few aneurysm‐related deaths in the long term. Significant numbers of secondary interventions are required, but the majority of these can be performed using an endovascular approach.

Percutaneous Aspiration Embolectomy in the Treatment of Acute Arterial Embolic Infrainguinal Vascular Occlusion

Background: Since its introduction, percutaneous aspiration embolectomy (PAE) has become a well-known, widely accepted and frequently applied technique for the treatment of acute arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion in lower limb ischemia. Purpose: To evaluate the technical and clinical success of sole percutaneous aspiration embolectomy (PAE) for the treatment of acute arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion. Material and Methods: During a period of 7 years, 50 patients (24 fermale, 48%) with a mean age of 73 (range 53–95) years were identified in whom 54 cases of PAE were performed for the treatment of arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion. Primary technical success was defined as residual stenosis of <50% in diameter after sole PAE, secondary technical success was defined as residual stenosis of <50% in diameter after PAE and additional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and/or stenting. Clinical outcome parameters (e.g. need for further intervention and/or amputation) were evaluated for the 30-day postinterventional period. Results: The primary technical success rate was 85% (46 of 54 cases). The secondary technical success rate was 96% (52 of 54 cases). Clinical outcome data were achievable in 50 of the 54 cases (93%). In 43 of the 50 patients (86%) there was no need for further intervention within the 30-day postinterventional period. In summary, during this 30-day postinterventional period after PAE amputation was carried out or death occurred in 5 of 50 patients (10%). Conclusion: Minimally invasive PAE is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of acute arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion.

Evaluation for the efficacy and safety of the crosser catheter as a CTO crossing device and a flossing device.

The Crosser catheter is a unique device that facilitates antegrade intraluminal recanalization by high-frequency vibration energy and cavitation. We used this device not only as a chronic total occlusion (CTO) crossing device, but also as a flossing device in stenotic lesions and we also evaluated the efficacy of this device when used with both the "Crosser preceding" and the "Guidewire preceding" in CTOs. Complications related to this device were investigated, too. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 90 consecutive patients with peripheral artery disease in the femoropopliteal artery and below-the-knee artery (BTA). Primary technical success was defined as the successful delivery of this device into the distal true lumen. Secondary technical success was defined as successful revascularization. The safety endpoints were events of angiographic complications, including the occurrence of detachment of the metal tip from the shaft, slow flow, dissections, and perforations. Overall primary technical success rate was 93.3% and the secondary technical success rate was 96.7%. Detachment and slow flow occurred 14.4 and 4.4%, respectively, with no occurrences of either dissection or perforation. A predictor of detachment was Proposed Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System (PACSS) grade 4 (OR 14.6; CI 1.26-168.5; P=0.032). The Crosser catheter is useful not only as a CTO crossing device used with both the "Crosser preceding" and the "Guidewire preceding", but also as a flossing device in stenotic lesions. But we have to pay attention to complications related to the Crosser.