Aortic Aneurysm Repair Research Articles

Does training paradigm matter? A comparison of outcomes of frail patients treated by integrated vascular surgery residency and vascular surgery fellowship-trained surgeons

BackgroundIt is unclear whether shortened training of integrated vascular surgery residencies (IVSR) has detrimental effects on graduates’ performance. We sought to investigate whether there is a difference in frail patient outcomes based on the training paradigm completed by their surgeon. MethodsIVSR and vascular surgery fellowship (VSF)-trained surgeons were identified in the American Board of Surgery database and linked to the Vascular Quality Initiative registry (2013–2019) to evaluate provider-specific patient outcomes for frail patients following vascular procedures using mixed-effects logistic regression. Results105 IVSR graduates (31%) and 233 VSF graduates (69%) were included. Composite 1-year outcomes of frail patients were comparable between IVSR and VSF-trained surgeons following carotid endarterectomy (16%-IVSR vs 25%-VSF; p = 0.76), lower extremity revascularization (37%-IVSR vs 36%-VSF; p = 0.83), and aortic aneurysm repair (25%-IVSR vs 23%-VSF; p = 0.89). ConclusionsThe type of training paradigm completed by vascular surgeons was not associated with differences in their post-operative outcomes in frail patients.

Aortic valve fenestration: respect it or fix it?

We investigated whether aortic valve fenestrations (respected or fixed) represent a factor associated with recurrent aortic insufficiency or reoperation after repair. Between 2003 and 2019, patients who underwent aortic valve repair were included. Aortic insufficiency phenotypes were root aneurysm (repair: root remodelling + annuloplasty), ascending aorta aneurysm (repair: tubular aortic replacement + annuloplasty) and isolated regurgitation (repair: single/double annuloplasty). Fenestrations were either respected or fixed according to their features. A total of 618 patients (out of 798 operated on; 77.4%) had their valve repaired, with 167 cases of fenestrations (128 were respected, 39 fixed-32 with a patch, 6 with running suture and 1 with both). After conducting propensity score matching between no-fenestration (n = 167) and fenestration groups (n = 167), respectively, we noted the following: survival [90.3% (n = 7 deaths) vs 95.8% (n = 4)], cumulative incidence of reoperation [6.7% (n = 7) vs 5.2% (n = 4)], aortic insufficiency grade ≥ 3 [6.4% (n = 6) vs 4.4% (n = 4)] and grade ≥ 2 [28.9% (n = 28) vs 37.1% (n = 35)] were similar at 9 years [P = 0.94; median follow-up: 2.2, interquartile range: (0.8, 5.8)], whether fenestration was respected (P = 0.55) or fixed (P = 0.6, at 6 years). Standardization of the surgical approach (consisting of double annuloplasty in isolated regurgitation phenotype and expansible subvalvular annuloplasty with effective height assessment with remodelling repair for root aneurysm phenotype) reduced the risk of reoperation (era before standardization: hazard ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.9-15.7, P = 0.002). Fenestration, respected or fixed, is not a factor associated with reoperation or recurrence of significant aortic insufficiency after valve repair if the surgical approach is standardized.

Clinical features and prognosis of patients with and without diabetes mellitus undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the clinical features and prognoses of patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent endovascular repair for aortic aneurysm (AA).MethodsWe analyzed the clinical database of a prospective multicenter study, registering 929 patients who underwent their first endovascular AA repair in Japan between January 2016 and June 2018. The baseline characteristics and prognoses (including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events) after repair were compared between the DM and non-DM groups. Prognoses were also compared between the groups after propensity score matching.ResultsIn total, 226 patients (24.3%) had DM. Compared with non-DM patients, DM patients had higher pack-years of smoking (P = 0.011), higher body mass index (P = 0.009), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P = 0.038), higher triglyceride levels (P = 0.025), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.005). Meanwhile, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure levels showed no significant intergroup difference (all P > 0.05). DM patients had a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (P = 0.016), history of coronary revascularization (P = 0.015), and lower extremity artery disease (P = 0.019). Lesion characteristics and procedures were similar between the groups (all P > 0.05). DM patients had a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events than non-DM patients (both P < 0.001). Subsequent propensity score matching also demonstrated that DM patients had a significantly lower rate of overall survival (P = 0.001) and freedom from cardiovascular events (P = 0.010). The Kaplan–Meier estimates at 1 year for the overall survival were 85.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.9% to 90.5%) and 94.3% (95% CI, 91.7% to 97.0%) for patients with and without DM, respectively. The corresponding estimates for freedom from cardiovascular events were 79.8% (95% CI, 74.5% to 85.5%) and 87.7% (95% CI, 84.2% to 91.3%), respectively.ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing endovascular AA repair, those with DM had more cardiovascular risk factors. DM patients had a higher incidence rate of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Matching analysis indicated that DM per se would be a risk factor for poor prognoses after AA repair.

Emphysematous Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Clostridium septicum with Synchronous Colon Cancer

Introduction: Clostridium septicum (C. septicum) aortitis is a rare condition frequently associated with colon adenocarcinoma and carries a poor prognosis. Case Report: We report the case of an 80-year-old man who was waiting for an elective endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a diameter of 5.8 × 5.4 cm. He underwent a colonoscopy because of a thickening of the colon wall in the preoperatory CT. One week after that, he presented at the emergency with a 48-hour duration of fever and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT imaging revealed an increased aneurysm size to 6.1 × 6.6 cm including gas within the aorta. Treatment consisted of antibiotics, urgent axillar to femoro-femoral bypass, excision and ligation of the infrarenal aorta and right hemicolectomy with end-ileostomy. Aortic cultures were positive for C. septicum. The postoperative was complicated by renal failure and the patient died. Conclusion: C. septicum-infected aortic aneurysm is a rare entity that is strongly associated with colon cancer. The presence of gas within the aorta or emphysematous aortitis is the most common sign of C. septicum infection. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated and emergency surgical management with excision of the infected aneurysm and grafting is required.

In-vitro and In-silico Haemodynamic Analyses of a Novel Embedded Iliac Branch Device.

BackgroundIliac branch devices (IBDs) are valid tools for internal iliac artery preservation during endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm and iliac aneurysm repair. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel IBD with an embedded branch configuration.MethodA typical iliac artery model was reconstructed, and two models were manufactured using three-dimensional printing technology. The novel IBD was deployed into one iliac artery model by an experienced vascular surgeon. A mock circulation loop (MCL) and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation were used to investigate the haemodynamic parameters of the iliac models without (Model A) and with (Model B) the IBD. A morphological analysis was conducted using computed tomography angiography and medical endoscopy. The flow distribution rate (FDR) and energy loss (EL) were used to quantify IBD performance.ResultsThe FDR of the right internal iliac artery in the MCL of Model A and Model B was 18.88 ± 0.12% and 16.26 ± 0.09%, respectively (P = 0.0013). The FDR of the right internal iliac artery in the CFD simulation of Model A and Model B was 17.52 and 14.49%, respectively. The EL of Model A was greater than Model B in both the MCL and the CFD simulation. Compared with Model A, Model B had a larger region (8.46 vs. 3.64%) with a relative residence time of >20 Pa−1 at peak systole. Meanwhile, the area where the oscillatory flow index was >0.4 was significantly smaller in Model B than in Model A (0.46 vs. 0.043%). The region with an average wall shear stress of >4 Pa was greater in Model B than in Model A (0 vs. 0.22%).ConclusionThe MCL and CFD simulation showed that the novel IBD had little impact on the FDR and EL of the iliac artery models. However, the IBD might be an effective tool for the treatment of abdominal aortic/iliac aneurysms that extend into branches. Further investigations are warranted to confirm whether this IBD could be useful in the clinic.

Relationship between intraoperative dopamine infusion and postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing open abdominal aorta aneurysm repair

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Dopamine has been frequently used in these patients to prevent AKI. We aimed to clarify the relationship between intraoperative dopamine infusion and postoperative AKI in patients undergoing open AAA repair.MethodsWe analyzed 294 patients who underwent open AAA repair at a single tertiary center from 2009 to 2018, retrospectively. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative AKI, determined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes definition, after open AAA repair. Secondary outcomes included survival outcome, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT).ResultsPostoperative AKI occurred in 21.8% (64 out of 294 patients) The risk of postoperative AKI by intraoperative dopamine infusion was greater after adjusting for risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 2.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–5.89; P = 0.028) and after propensity score matching (OR 3.22; 95% CI 1.12–9.24; P = 0.030). On the contrary, intraoperative norepinephrine use was not associated with postoperative AKI (use vs. no use; 19.3 vs. 22.4%; P = 0.615). Patients who used dopamine showed higher requirement for postoperative RRT (6.8 vs. 1.2%; P = 0.045) and longer hospital length of stay (18 vs. 16 days, P = 0.024).ConclusionsIntraoperative dopamine infusion was associated with more frequent postoperative AKI, postoperative RRT, and longer hospital length of stay in patients undergoing AAA repair, when compared to norepinephrine. Further prospective randomized clinical trial may be necessary for this topic.

Emphasis on Early Identification of Risk Factors to Curtail High Mortality Involved With Ischemic Colitis (IC) After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair.

Ischemic colitis (IC) is one of the most feared complications after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Though the complication is seen in only a handful of total repairs, the mortality rates after IC is very high. Due to infrequent presentation, attending doctors may overlook this possibility leading to a delay in diagnosis. Open repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are the two most common methods used for repairing aneurysms and both of these procedures have their implications in the development of IC. While the incidence of IC was greater after open repair, it also harbored more patients with ruptured aneurysms, emergency repairs, and patients in shock. Similarly, a significant proportion of patients having ruptured aneurysms developed IC. Controlling minor variables like acidosis, hypothermia, hypovolemia, and clamp time duration can play a cumulative role in diminishing this hazardous complication. Medical advancements and minimally invasive technologies have improved the quality of care and operation success considerably, but researchers have not identified a statistically significant association in the prevention of postoperative IC. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt management become crucial in reducing mortality rates. This can be achieved by being aware of impending signs and symptoms especially in patients with risk factors and being proactive in medical management.

Chunnel debranching for hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Hybrid repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm comprising thoracic endovascular aortic repair and total renovisceral debranching is a feasible alternative to open repair, especially for high-risk patients. However, transperitoneal debranching is a relatively complicated procedure that requires deep dissection around vital abdominal organs. Therefore, we developed a new debranching technique called Chunnel debranching, which was characterized by transaortic tunneling using a covered stent between the target artery and the prosthetic graft anastomosed on the aneurysmal wall using an inclusion technique. This procedure increases the feasibility of renovisceral debranching with fewer dissections than conventional transperitoneal debranching.

Clinical case of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in patient with multifocal atherosclerosis

Background. Until now, the issue of surgical treatment staging in patients with aortic pathology coexisting with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries remains controversial because of features of each clinical situation and association with the risk of periprocedural life-threatening complications (ruptured aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction, stroke).Objective. Present a clinical case of successful treatment of a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, clinically significant lesions of the coronary and carotid arteries.Design and methods. Diagnosis was carried out using computed tomography of the aorta with intravenous contrast. Instrumental examination included electrocardiography, echocardiography (EchoCG), ultrasound dopplerography of the BCA. Coronary angiography with BCA angiography was also performed.Results. Clinical diagnosis is an ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris III FC, chronic heart failure II FC and atherosclerosis of the aorta. Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (diameter 96 mm), stenosing atherosclerosis of the BCA, PVCA stenosis 80 % and occlusion of the LVCA were observed. Patient had hypertension stage III and risk of CVE 4. Firstly, the patient was underwent stenting of the right internal carotid artery, than coronary artery bypass grafting and on the last stage he was performed — endovascular aotric repair. There were no complications in the perioperative period.Conclusions. Endovascular repair of abdominal aotric aneurysm is an effective method of treating patients with comorbid conditions. However, it is possible the development of fatal cardiovascular complications in patients with combined atherosclerotic lesions of brachiocephalic and coronary arteries that is why they are required a multidisciplinary approach for choosing a safe treatment strategy.

Staged graft replacement with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for an extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm after total arch replacement

BackgroundOpen surgery for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is highly invasive. Staged repair for extensive TAAA is effective because it has low morbidity and mortality, and preserves spinal cord perfusion. An initial total arch replacement can create a proximal landing zone for thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair.Case presentationWe performed a staged hybrid thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair after total arch replacement, which consisted of a primary open repair procedure as Crawford Extent III and IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, and a secondary thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for the residual lesions for four patients. No spinal cord injury was observed. In one patient, the residual descending aortic aneurysm ruptured six months after the primary open surgery.ConclusionsOverall, staged hybrid repair is effective and shows low morbidity and mortality. Secondary thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair should be performed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of residual aneurysm rupture.

Endovascular repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using a physician-modified four-vessel fenestrated endograft

Endovascular repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using a physician-modified four-vessel fenestrated endograft

Update on the TREO endograft device: overview of its safety and efficacy

ABSTRACT Introduction The TREO abdominal aortic stent graft system (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, Fla) is a low-profile, trimodular endovascular endoprosthesis for the endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The objective of the present study was to collect and discuss all the available modern data of this device highlighting especially its mid-and long-term clinical results. Areas covered This updated review article presents the most current results from great-scale clinical studies and the RATIONALE registry involving also angulated neck anatomies and challenging AAA geometries, reflecting the real-world experience. Expert opinion The global, multicenter RATIONALE registry prospectively enrolled 202 patients (mean age 73.0 ± 7.8 years) who underwent EVAR. Technical success, primary clinical success and assisted primary patency rate was 96%, 92.2% and 97%, respectively. The clinical success at 1 year was 96%. Another multicenter, non-randomized, clinical trial confirmed also high technical and clinical success. Additionally, a comparative study comparing favorable and hostile necks in AAA, demonstrated a comparable technical success (95.2%), achieving proper sealing and technical success in the hostile neck group. TREO endograft seems to be safe and effective for EVAR, especially in hostile neck anatomies. Long-term outcomes from ongoing registries are awaited to complete these results.

A Unique Case of an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Graft Rupture 14 Years after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Open Repair Managed with Placement of a Thoracic Endograft.

We report a unique case of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tube graft rupture that occurred 14 years after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Endovascular repair with a thoracic endograft was performed. Postoperatively, an increase in the size of the existing hematoma with active extravasation occurred and was managed with iliolumbar artery embolization. Τo the best of our knowledge, rupture of ePTFE graft used for AAA repair has not been reported in the literature.

Hybrid repair of aberrant right subclavian artery with aortic dissection caused by Kommerell diverticulum

BackgroundAberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) with associated Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is a rare congenital aortic disease. KD patients have a high risk of rupture, dissection, and compression of adjacent structures. Although several treatment options have been proposed (traditional surgery, hybrid operation, and endovascular intervention), a consensus regarding optimal surgical management has not yet been established.Case presentationA case of successful hybrid repair of distal aortic arch dissection aneurysm by dissecting KD and ARSA with debranching of right and left common carotid arteries, left subclavian artery, and stent grafting was presented.ConclusionsThe hybrid operation is suitable for elderly patients or those with high risks. Along with intervention, the hybrid operation needs to be developed as a minimally invasive method.

Glasgow Aneurysm Score: a predictor of long-term mortality following endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm?

BackgroundTo evaluate the value of Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS) in predicting long-term mortality and survival in patients who have undergone endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).MethodsA retrospective single-center study of 257 patients with non-ruptured AAA undergoing EVAR between January 2013 and 2021. GAS scores were compared between the survivors (group 1) and the long-term mortality (group 2) groups. Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of late mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimum cut-off values of GAS values to determine the effect on late-mortality. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier.ResultsThe study included 257 patients with a mean age of 69.75 ± 7.75 (46–92), who underwent EVAR due to AAA. Average follow up period was 18.98 ± 22.84 months (0–88). Fourty-five (17.8%) mortalities occured during long-term follow-up. A past medical history of cancer resulted in a 2.5 fold increase in risk of long-term mortality (OR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.10–5.76; p = 0.029). GAS values were higher in group 2 compared to group 1 (81.02 ± 10.33 vs. 73.73 ± 10.46; p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for GAS was 0.682 and the GAS cut-off value was 77.5 (specificity 64%, p < 0.001). The mortality rates in patients with GAS < 77.5 and GAS > 77.5 were: 12.8% and 24.8% respectively (p = 0.014). Every 10 point increase in GAS resulted in approximately a 2 fold increase in risk of long-term mortality (OR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.5; p < 0.001). Five year survival rates in patients with GAS < 77.5 and > 77.5 were 75.7% and 61.7%, respectively (p = 0.013).ConclusionsThe findings of our study suggests that an increase in GAS score may predict long-term mortality. In addition, the mortality rates in patients above the GAS cut-off value almost doubled compared to those below. Furthermore, the presence of a past history of cancer resulted in a 2.5 fold increase in long-term mortality risk. Addition of cancer to the GAS scoring system may be considered in future studies. Further studies are necessary to consolidate these findings.

Assessing the Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Outcomes after Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Low Socioeconomic Status Does Not Appear to Be Associated with Worse Outcomes

Assessing the Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Outcomes after Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Low Socioeconomic Status Does Not Appear to Be Associated with Worse Outcomes

Quality of Procedural Videos on Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Viewer Beware

Quality of Procedural Videos on Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Viewer Beware

708 A 360 Degree Exploration of Key Factors in Consent in Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Abstract Introduction Shared decision making is the gold standard for treatment decisions. Although there is an evidence base to recommend either open surgical repair or endovascular repair (EVAR) for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) based on individual outcome factors, there is scope for choice depending on subjective factors. This study aims to identify key factors to be addressed in the consent process using a 360-degree exploration. Method A literature search conducted on Medline and Embase databases identified 13 key factors, which were formulated into questions with five-point Likert scales. Seven vascular surgeons, two interventional radiologists, two vascular anaesthetists, two intensivists, one vascular physician, and five patients who underwent either open surgical repair or EVAR were interviewed in a semi-structured manner. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to identify the importance of each factor. Results The most important factors for clinicians and patients were “pre-existing medical conditions” and “risk of post-operative complications”. The least important factors were “need for follow-up appointments” and “post-operative pain”. Patients placed the most importance on “type of anaesthetic used”, and relatively less importance on “length of hospital stay” and “probability of admission to ICU”. Analysis of free-flowing answers yielded another 14 factors. Factors were grouped into “surgical focus”, “medical and perioperative focus” and “patients and communication”. Conclusions There is heterogeneity in the importance given to factors between clinicians and patients. The factors identified from this 360-degree assessment should be integrated into formal topics of discussion in the consent process to support patients in making informed decisions regarding AAA treatment.

Using an Endovascular Strategy in the Open Setting: The Challenges of Hybrid Repair Using Frozen Elephant Trunk in an Extensively Dilated Aorta Associated with Coarctation.

With both stenosis and aneurysm, repairing a severely tortuous and coarcted aorta can present certain difficulties. The advent of hybrid arch frozen elephant trunk techniques, as well as other endovascular solutions, has produced safer surgical repair methods for such cases. We present the reconstruction and repair of a Type-1 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using a staged approach in less-than-optimal anatomy. Interventions included hybrid frozen elephant trunk, balloon dilation, and thoracic endovascular repair.

A video-graphic presentation of open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest

A video-graphic presentation of open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest