Retrograde Dissection Research Articles

Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR) in Patients With Connective Tissue Disorders

A review of the Vascular Quality Initiative national registry from January 2010 to December 2018 was performed. Of 12,207 patients treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), 102 were identified as having Marfan syndrome (86%), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS; 9%), or Loeys-Dietz syndrome (5%). The indications were type B dissection in 75% and aneurysmal disease in 25% of the patients. Spinal drains were placed in one half of the patients. No significant differences were found in the incidence of perioperative complications between those with dissections and those with aneurysms. The overall mortality was 5%. The mean follow-up was slightly longer than 1 year. Endoleak occurred during follow-up in 27% (eight acute type B dissections) of 30 patients for whom endoleak data were available. TEVAR for patients with connective tissue disorders can be performed with low perioperative mortality, spinal cord ischemia, and stroke. Acute type B aortic dissections represent a higher risk subgroup with increased rates of endoleak and retrograde dissection.

Endovascular Outcomes in Aortic Arch Repair with Double and Triple Parallel Stent Grafts

PurposeTo report early and midterm outcomes of treating thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and aortic dissection (AD) involving zone 1 and zone 0 with multiple parallel stent grafts (PSGs). Materials and MethodsFrom February 2011 to August 2018, 31 of 1,806 patients (1.7%) who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with double PSGs (DPSGs) (n = 20) or triple PSGs (TPSGs) (n = 11) were retrospectively reviewed. Procedures were performed in high-risk patients who had TAA or AD involving zone 1 or zone 0. ResultsFifteen patients (48.4%) who presented with symptomatic or impending rupture underwent urgent or emergent TEVAR with DPSGs or TPSGs. Nineteen patients (61.3%) were treated for zone 0 disease. Technical and clinical success rates were 70.0% for DPSG cohort and 45.5% for TPSG cohort. Intraoperative type Ia endoleak was observed in 30% of DPSG cohort and 45.5% of TPSG cohort. One patient in the DPSG cohort died of aortic sinus rupture intraoperatively. Minor stroke during the 30-day postoperative period was more frequent in the TPSG cohort (P = .042). Mean duration of follow-up was 28.9 months ± 17.7. The TPSG cohort had a higher incidence of major adverse events (72.7% vs 25.0%, P = .021). The most common adverse events were endoleaks (12.9%), endograft migration (9.7%), PSG stenosis or occlusion (6.5%), retrograde dissection (6.5%), and stroke (3.2%). Endograft migrations were more common in TPSG cohort (27.3%, P = .037). Overall mortality rate was 16.1% (5/31) perioperatively and during follow-up. There were no statistical differences in overall survival and reintervention-free survival. ConclusionsIn the context of TEVAR with multiple PSGs for aortic arch repair, TPSGs may have a high risk of major complications.

Our experience with retrograde technique in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Gall bladder pathologies are some of the commonly encountered conditions in one’s surgical practice. Cholecystectomy is among the routinely performed procedures in most surgical units. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred to open cholecystectomy because of its various advantages. In straightforward cases, the antegrade technique is routinely employed. The retrograde technique is generally reserved for the difficult cases. The retrograde technique may be used safely with adequate experience, thus reducing the need for conversion into open surgery.Methods: Total 100 cases of consecutive difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies were included in this study, which were operated using retrograde technique.Results: Out of the 100 patients 79 were females and 21 were males. Mean age of the patients was 44.2 years. Out of the 100 cases, 98 cases could be successfully managed using the retrograde technique. 2 cases were converted to open surgery. Bleeding was encountered in 3 cases, which was successfully managed laparoscopically. Bile duct injury was seen in 1 case which was managed after conversion.Conclusions: With adequate surgical expertise and proper instrumentation, retrograde dissection technique may be safely used in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy, reducing the rate of conversion to open surgery.

Retrograde Bladder Dissection for Prevention of Bladder Injury during Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Study Objective To demonstrate a technique for retrograde bladder dissection in a patient with extensive adhesive disease of the pelvis. Design Step-by-step video demonstration of retrograde bladder dissection during robotic-assisted hysterectomy. Setting Academic tertiary referral center. Patients or Participants 38-year-old gravida 3, para 2 with history of two prior Cesareans and tubal ligation, presented with long-standing abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea as well as chronic pelvic pain. She was referred to minimally invasive gynecology for definitive surgical management. Preoperative pelvic ultrasound revealed uterus measuring 10.1 × 4.9 cm and was otherwise unremarkable. Interventions Patient was taken to the operating room for robotic-assisted hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy. After general anesthesia was administered, patient was placed in dorsal lithotomy position. Intraoperatively, the anterior cul-de-sac was obliterated due to her prior surgeries. The bladder was densely adherent to the entire length of the uterine arteries bilaterally, starting at their origin. The retroperitoneum was entered medially, then paravesical and pararectal avascular spaces were dissected bilaterally. The uterine artery was ligated at the origin to decrease pulse pressure of uterine circulation. Ureterolysis was performed bilaterally. The bladder was carefully dissected and mobilized caudally, in a lateral-to-medial and inferior-to-superior fashion to avoid injury, following the anatomical landmarks. After the bladder was mobilized, hysterectomy was safely completed without complications. Measurements and Main Results The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home on the day of surgery. Pathology was benign and revealed adenomyosis as well as endometriosis in right fallopian tube. The patient was symptom-free at her 4-week postoperative visit. Conclusion Retrograde bladder dissection is a useful technique to safely restore anatomy in patients with dense adhesive disease and obliterated anterior cul-de-sac. Knowledge of anatomical landmarks is essential for this technique.

Obliterated Cul-De-Sac in Endometriosis: Retrograde Dissection of Rectum

Study Objective To demonstrate a retrograde dissection technique for safe management of the obliterated cul-de-sac during hysterectomy in stage IV endometriosis. Design A case report. Setting Academic tertiary care hospital. Patients or Participants 50-year-old G3P3 with chronic pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding requiring blood transfusion who failed medical management and was referred to our clinic for definitive surgical management. Her surgical history is significant for three prior cesarean sections and tubal ligation. Pelvic ultrasound notable for fundal fibroid, left ovary with 8 cm cystic mass and left hematosalpinx. Interventions Patient placed in dorsal lithotomy in Trendelenburg position with uterine manipulator in place. Patient underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy and left oophorectomy with lysis of adhesions and bilateral ureterolysis. Measurements and Main Results The obliterated cul-de-sac can pose risk for injury to rectum, ureters and hypogastric nerves during hysterectomy. Here, we present a technique to safely dissect rectum from the obliterated cul-de-sac. First, we show bilateral ureterolysis and ligation of uterine artery at the origin to decrease risk of ureteral injury and for early control of blood supply. We show mobilization of the sigmoid colon starting above the pelvic brim. We then show a technique to perform dissection of the rectum starting at the rectovaginal septum medial to the uterosacral ligaments. The dissection is carried from deep to superficial until the rectosigmoid was completely mobilized. The remainder of hysterectomy and resection of side wall endometriosis was thus completed without any complications. Final pathology was consistent with 18cm endometrioma and uterine leiomyoma. Conclusion The retrograde technique to dissect the obliterated cul de sac in stage IV endometriosis is a safe surgical approach to restore normal anatomy in advanced endometriosis. These steps will help surgeon access correct surgical planes to minimize risk of injury and blood loss.

Further advancement in the percutaneous revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusions: the redefined "Minimalistic Hybrid Approach" algorithm

A careful angiographic assessment of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) is essential for optimal procedural planning. In the classic hybrid approach, the insertion of two guiding catheters at the beginning of the intervention is recommended. This is fundamental to perform simultaneous double injection, to achieve complete visualization of the coronary circulation and to choose the best starting strategy between antegrade wire escalation (AWE), antegrade dissection and re-entry (ADR) and the retrograde techniques (retrograde wire escalation [RWE] and retrograde dissection and re-entry [RDR]). In the hybrid algorithm the set-up is the same, regardless of the chosen first strategy, and therefore routinely uses double access. Because revascularizations of CTOs commonly require large bore catheters (7-8 French) to ensure high back-up support, the femoral arterial access is preferred by most of the operators. However, the use of a double access, large introducer sheaths and femoral approach are associated with a greater risk of access-related complications and even the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events. We have previously proposed an algorithm, called "minimalistic hybrid approach," which aims to limit the routine use of dual injection, and to favor the use of trans-radial access and smaller (6-7 French) guiding catheters. In this algorithm the chosen starting strategy depends on the complexity of the lesion assessed by J-CTO Score and on the presence of favorable contralateral interventional collateral circulation. However, this novel algorithm proved to have some limitations, such as the non-specific evaluation of CTOs with ipsilateral collateral circulation and the too arbitrary choice of the starting strategy based on a J-CTO Score cut-off. These considerations led to the development of an "updated" minimalistic hybrid approach algorithm that considers the type of collaterals (ipsilateral or contralateral) and the a-priori choice of the hybrid technique, with the highest chance of success in that specific CTO lesion (independently from the J-CTO Score). One important aspect that makes this algorithm unique is its "dynamicity:" not only for the technique to be used, as in the classic hybrid algorithm (shifting between AWE, ADR, RWE and RDR), but also for the set-up, with access site and French size to be adapted during the PCI to the technique adopted. We believe that this novel approach could further improve the safety of CTO-PCI without losing its current efficacy.

Initial medical management in acute type A aortic dissection patients with a thrombosed false lumen in the ascending aorta combining intramural hematoma and retrograde dissection from the descending to the ascending aorta.

The feasibility of medical management for select patients with acute type A aortic dissection has been reported from a few institutions. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the safety and feasibility of our conservative approach for patients with type A aortic dissection in daily practice. From January 2013 to December 2017, 131 consecutive patients were admitted to our institution for acute aortic dissection, including 58 patients of type A. Initial medical management was attempted in select patients who were clinically stable and had a thrombosed false lumen of the ascending aorta without ulcer-like projections in the ascending aorta. Except for nine patients contraindicated for surgery, urgent surgery was performed in 26 patients (SRG group), while 23 patients (MED group) were treated with the initial medical management. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was significantly larger in the SRG group than in the MED group. In the MED group, the heart rate and blood pressures were well-controlled at admission to the intensive-care unit, and the systolic blood pressure was further reduced at 24 h after. The in-hospital mortality rates of the MED and SRG groups were 0% and 15%, respectively. During the follow-up period, the survival rate was significantly higher in the MED group than in the SRG group, and the aortic event-free survival at one year was 80%. The initial medical management for select patients with a thrombosed false lumen in the ascending aorta was a safe and feasible strategy in real-world practice.

Gaussian Surface Curvature Mapping Indicating High Risk Type B Thoracic Aortic Dissections

Identifying fragile aortas that are more likely to lead to adverse clinical outcomes would provide surgeons with a better sense of how to balance the risks of surgical versus medical management in patients with type B dissections. We examine the progression of a type B dissection into a type A dissection in a patient and analyze changes in the Gaussian surface curvature distribution, as well as the response of the stress distribution at the lesser curve in response to pressurization. We hypothesize that examining the Gaussian curvature will provide us with a link between aortic surface geometry and the stress distribution, which is crucial to understanding the process driving aortic dissection. Computed tomography scans of a patient before and after the type A dissection are obtained. These are segmented in Simpleware ScanIP. Centerline curvatures are calculated on segmented models in ScanIP. Models are then pressurized in the finite element analysis software Abaqus. The Gaussian curvature is calculated by exporting segmentations into the computational program Matlab and applying a modified previously published algorithm. The centerlines generated in ScanIP fail to capture the change in the acuity of the lesser curve before and after the type A dissection. Instead, Gaussian curvature analysis shows that the curvature distribution before the type A dissection is much wider compared with the distribution after the type A dissection. In addition, analyzing the stress distribution in response to pressurization reveals that before the type A dissection there is a large divergence in the principal stress vectors at the lesser curve but this transitions to a more uniform hoop stress after the type A dissection. Our analysis demonstrates that Gaussian surface curvature analysis captures changes in aortic geometry that are otherwise silent in centerline curvature analysis. Here, we show that as the aorta develops a type A dissection it is able to more smoothly handle the hoop stress at the lesser curve compared with the stress focusing seen in the before type A geometry. We propose that the geometric focusing before type A creates a higher energy stress state, which is relaxed on retrograde dissection. Thus, Gaussian curvature analysis may provide a window to capture underlying geometric instability in type B dissections.

Effect of proximal fixation length on complications after endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection

ObjectiveWe evaluated the effect of the achieved proximal seal length on the outcomes after endovascular repair of acute type B aortic dissection (aTBAD). MethodsA post hoc analysis was performed using data from two prospective, multicenter investigational studies of the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (STABLE I and II). Patients treated for aTBAD within 14 days of symptom onset were included if complete preoperative and postoperative imaging data were available for review. The patients were divided into four groups according to the length of the achieved proximal seal according to the centerline imaging findings: ≥20 mm, ≥10 to <20 mm, ≥0 to <10 mm, and <0 mm. The outcomes stratified by the achieved proximal seal length were evaluated. All imaging findings were based on core laboratory analysis. ResultsA total of 110 patients were included in the present analysis; 51 were from STABLE I and 59 from STABLE II. Although the study protocol criteria required a ≥20 mm length of nondissected aorta distal to the left common carotid artery to serve as a proximal seal zone, an achieved proximal seal length of ≥20 mm was observed in only 19 of the 110 patients (17.3%) according to the location of stent-graft placement. After a mean follow-up duration of 41.6 ± 21 months, the cumulative rate of the composite device outcome (ie, proximal entry flow, retrograde dissection, transaortic growth, and stent-graft migration) was lowest in patients with an achieved proximal seal length of ≥20 mm (15.8%; 3 of 19). The cumulative rate increased as the seal length decreased (32.0% [8 of 25], 55.6% [20 of 36], and 60.0% [18 of 30] with a proximal seal length of ≥10 to <20 mm, ≥0 to <10 mm, and <0 mm, respectively; P < .01, Cochran-Armitage trend test). ConclusionsA clear inverse relationship was found between the proximal seal length achieved and associated adverse outcomes. This finding underscores the importance of landing the stent-graft in healthy, nondissected aorta to minimize the risk of complications and provide a durable repair in patients with aTBAD.

Retrograde percutaneous transgastric esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a peculiar endoscopic submucosal dissection technique for therapy of esophageal cancer with esophageal stenosis after chemoradiation therapy.

The patient was a 69-year-old man who had received chemoradiotherapy for T3N2M0, stage III cervical esophageal cancer 10 years earlier and exhibited complete response. He developed cervical esophageal stenosis caused by fibrosis as a result of treatment and experienced dysphagia within 1 year after treatment.

Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR) in Patients With Connective Tissue Disorders.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains controversial in patients with connective tissue disorders given the concern for durability. We report on the largest series to date on outcomes of patients with thoracic aortic disease and connective tissue disorders treated with TEVAR. The Vascular Quality Initiative registry identified 12 207 patients treated with TEVAR from January 2010 to December 2018, including 102 with Marfans, Ehlers-Danlos, or Loey-Dietz syndrome. Outcomes were analyzed per the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. Median age was 50.6 years (interquartile range: 57.0-75.0), and 62 (60.7%) were male. Eighty-eight (86.3%) patients had Marfan, 9 (8.8%) had Ehlers-Danlos, and 5 (4.9%) had Loey-Dietz syndrome. Twenty-six (25.5%) patients were treated for degenerative aneurysmal disease and 76 (74.5%) patients for type B dissections (33 acute, 31 chronic). Most common indications for interventions in patients with type B dissection were pain (n = 41), aneurysmal degeneration (n = 16), and malperfusion (n = 8), with 3 patients who presented ruptured. There was no significant difference in perioperative complications between acute/chronic dissections and aneurysms (P = .14). Percutaneous access was utilized in 61.7% of patients, with a 2.9% rate of arterial injury requiring reintervention. Follow-up data were available for 75 (73.3%) patients at a mean follow-up of 15.6 months. Overall mortality was 5.3%. There were 30 patients with follow-up endoleak data, and 8 (26.7%) endoleaks were identified. All endoleaks were in patients treated for acute type B dissection, and all resolved after a mean of 2.1 reinterventions. Three patients treated for acute Type B Aortic Dissection (TBAD) had retrograde dissections requiring intervention. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for patients with connective tissue disorders can be performed with low perioperative mortality, spinal cord ischemia, or Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA). On follow-up, acute type B aortic dissections represent a higher risk subgroup with increased rates of endoleak and retrograde dissection. Closer follow-up for these patients and early reintervention may be beneficial.

Preliminary results of spot-stent grafting in Stanford type B aortic dissection and intramural haematoma.

Optimal treatment for patients with diseased proximal landing zones in acute/subacute Stanford type B dissection and intramural haematoma remains unclear. This study describes the preliminary outcomes of a localized endovascular treatment [spot-stent grafting (SSG)] of main entries/intramural blood pooling located downstream (aortic zones 4 and 5) using one single short device comprising diseased landing zones, looking particularly at the technical and morphological outcomes. Patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute/subacute aortic dissection Stanford type B/intramural haematoma Stanford type B between 1997 and 2018 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. In a total of 183 cases, 22 patients (7 women; median age 62 years; range 35-79 years) received SSG. The primary study end point was technical success. The primary morphological end point was false lumen thrombosis/aortic remodelling. Secondary end points were TEVAR-related mortality/morbidity and reinterventions. The median follow-up was 28.5 months (5 days-15.6 years). The primary technical success rate was 100% (22/22). During follow-up, false lumen thrombosis was seen in 21 patients (95.5%) at a median of 6 days (0 days to 2.7 years) after the index procedure (limited/extended false lumen thrombosis: n = 9 vs 12). Aortic remodelling was achieved in 15 of 22 patients (68.2%) at a median of 360 days (3 days to 7.2 years). Limited/extended remodelling was observed in 8/15 and 7/15, respectively. Retrograde dissection or stent graft-induced new entry was not observed. No stroke or spinal cord injury occurred. Reinterventions were performed in 4/22 cases. The in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were 0%. Overall mortality during the follow-up period was 22.7% (5/22). This study shows favourable technical and morphological results for SSG in selected patients with acute/subacute aortic dissection Stanford type B/intramural haematoma Stanford type B. Patient allocation to SSG remains individual. Prospective large-scale long-term data may allow refinement of the application.

Safe Zones for Temporal Muscle Hook Retraction: A Technical Note

The temporal muscle (TM) needs to be dissected and reflected downward in some anterolateral cranial approaches, and failing to preserve its integrity could have severe functional and cosmetic consequences. Most articles focus on techniques to prevent vascular injury during retrograde dissection or techniques to preserve the facial nerve; however, information on how to take care of the muscle during hook retraction is limited. We presented an anatomic study of vascularization of the TM, and we established safe areas for muscular hook retraction. We dissected 16 TMs in 8 cadaveric heads. The TM was reflected downward, and we measured the distance between the anterior branch of the posterior deep temporal artery (PDTA) and the frontozygomatic suture and the distance between the posterior branch of the PDTA and the external auditory meatus projection. The average distance between the anterior branch of the PDTA and the frontozygomatic suture was 19.5 mm (range, 14-26 mm). The average distance between the posterior branch of the PDTA and the external auditory canal was 37.1 mm (range, 31-43 mm). We established 2 safe zones for hook placement: an anterior safe zone 14 mm posterior to the frontozygomatic suture and a posterior safe zone 30 mm anterior to the external auditory meatus. We delimited 2 safe zones for hook placement during TM retraction aiming to avoid direct vascular damage in anterolateral cranial approaches.

Fenestrated and Scalloped Endovascular Grafts in Zone 0 and Zone 1 for Aortic Arch Disease

The aim of this study is to present midterm results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using scalloped or fenestrated custom-made endovascular grafts (CMEGs) in aortic arch Zones 0 and 1. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data involving consecutive patients with aortic arch disease treated by scalloped or fenestrated Relay Plus stent grafts (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, FL) landed in Zones 0 and 1. Patient demographics, operative details, clinical outcomes, and complications were analyzed. Between February 2014 and February 2020, 14 patients (9 male and 5 female) with a median age of 66years (range 48-84) underwent scalloped or fenestrated TEVAR to preserve flow to the supra-aortic trunks (SATs). In 6 cases the landing zone was Zone 0 and in 8, Zone 1. Target vessels for the scallops were left common carotid artery in 8 cases (Zone 1) and innominate artery (IA) in 1 (Zone 0). All 5 fenestrations were designed to preserve the IA (Zone 0). Technical success was 100% with no endoleaks on completion angiography. One fatal perioperative stroke (7%) occurred in a patient with a fenestration for the IA and atherosclerotic plaques in the arch. During median follow-up of 37.5 (3-72) months, no other patient died, and all the target vessels and cervical revascularizations remained patent. There was no paraplegia, no retrograde dissection, and no other complication. Two patients (14%) with scallops in Zone 1 developed late endoleak: 1 type Ib at 6months and 1 type Ia endoleak at 12months. There were no endoleaks at all in the group of fenestrated endografts (Zone 0). When anatomy allows, endovascular treatment using scalloped or fenestrated CMEGs in Zones 0 and 1 is a feasible technique to treat patients with aortic arch disease involving the SATs.

Percutaneous treatment of vascular access-site complications: a ten years\u2019 experience in two centres

BackgroundThe spread of percutaneous arterial catheterization in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures has led to a parallel increase of vascular access site complications. The incidence of these events is between 0.2–1%. A detailed analysis of injuries by type of procedure shows a higher incidence of injuries after therapeutic procedures (3%) than those observed for diagnostic ones (1%), due to the greater size of the vascular devices used and the necessity to frequently administer anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy during procedures. The iatrogenic arterial injuries requiring treatment are the pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, arterial rupture and dissection. Less frequent complications include distal embolization of the limbs, nerve damage, abscess and lymphocele.Moreover, the use of percutaneous vascular closure devices (VCD) has further expanded the types of complications, with an increased risk of stenosis, thrombosis, distal embolism and infection. Our work aims to bring the personal 10 years’ experience in the percutaneous treatment of vascular access-site complications.ResultsNinety-two pseudoaneurysms (PSA), 12 arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), 15 retrograde dissections (RD) and 11 retroperitoneal bleedings (RB) have been selected and treated. In 120/130 cases there were no periprocedural complications with immediate technical success (92.3%). Nine femoral PSA, treated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection, showed a failure to close the sac and therefore they were treated by PTA balloon inflation with a contralateral approach and cross-over technique. Only one case of brachial dissection, in which the prolonged inflation of the balloon has not led to a full reimbursement of the dissection flap, was then surgically repaired. At the 7 days follow-up, complications were two abscesses in retroperitoneal bleedings, treated by percutaneous drainage. At 3 months, acute occlusion of 3 covered femoral stents occurred, then treated by loco-regional thrombolysis and PTA. A total of 18 major complications was recorded at 2 years, with a complication rate at 2 years of 13.8%.ConclusionsThe percutaneous treatment of vascular access-site complications is the first-choice treatment. It represents a safe and effective option, validated by a high technical success rate and a low long-term complication rate, that allows avoiding the surgical approach in most cases.

Use of 3D Printing to Guide Creation of Fenestrations in Physician-Modified Stent-Grafts for Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Disease

Purpose: To summarize the experience and outcomes of total endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic disease using 3-dimensional (3D) printed models to guide on-site creation of fenestrations in aortic stent-grafts. Materials and Methods: From April 2018 to March 2019, 34 patients (mean age 58±14 years; 24 men) with thoracoabdominal aortic disease were treated in our department. Nineteen patients had thoracoabdominal aortic dissection and 15 had thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Preoperatively, a 3D printed model of the aorta was made according to computed tomography images. In the operating room, the main aortic stent-graft was completely released in the 3D printed model, and the position of each fenestration or branch was marked on the stent-graft. The fenestrations were then made using an electric pen. Wires were sewn to the edge of the fenestrations using nonabsorbable sutures. After customization, the aortic stent-graft was reloaded into the delivery sheath and deployed. Results: The printing process took ~5 hours (1 hour for image reconstruction, 3 hours for printing, and 1 hour for postprocessing). The physician-modified stent-grafts had a total of 107 fenestrations secured by 102 bridging stent-grafts, including 73 covered stents and 29 bare stents. The average procedure time was 5.6±1.2 hours, including a mean 1.3 hours for stent-graft customization. No renal insufficiency or paraplegia occurred. Two branch arteries were lost during the operation. One patient (3%) died 1 week after surgery from a retrograde dissection rupture. One patient developed a minor cerebral infarction postoperatively. The mean follow-up time was 8.5 months. There was 1 endoleak from a fenestration (coil embolized) and 4 distal ruptures of the aortic dissection (3 treated and 1 observed). Conclusion: Three-dimensional printing can be used to guide creation of fenestrated stent-grafts for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic diseases involving crucial branches. This technique appears to be more accurate than the traditional measurement method, with short-term follow-up demonstrating the safety and reliability of the method. However, further research and development are needed.

The Modified Arch Landing Areas Nomenclature predicts proximal endograft failure after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Our goal was to assess the value of the Modified Arch Landing Areas Nomenclature (MALAN) for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), in which each landing area (LA) is identified by a proximal landing zone and the type of arch (e.g. 0/I), as predictors of postoperative proximal endograft performance. A multicentre retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated with arch TEVAR (i.e. proximal landing zone 0-3) for various indications between 2007 and 2017. Patients were stratified by the MALAN classification into hostile LAs (i.e. 2/III and 3/III) and favourable LAs (i.e. 0/I-III, 1/I-III, 2/I-II and 3/I-II). Outcome criteria included composite proximal endograft failure (including type Ia endoleak, persistent false lumen perfusion at the level of the most proximal communication between the lumina in aortic dissections, endograft migration and retrograde dissection) and deaths from all causes. Competing risk analyses were performed. A total of 359 patients (hostile LAs 133; favourable LAs 226) were identified. The median age was 71.0 (62.0-77.0); 78.3% were men. Proximal endograft failure occurred in 28/133 patients (21.1%) in the hostile LA group and in 12/226 (5.3%) in the favourable LA group. On multivariate analysis, hostile LAs were independently associated with proximal endograft failure (P < 0.0001). There was no other independent risk factor. Favourable LAs were associated with an increased mortality rate (P = 0.006), which could be attributed to the proximal LA subgroup (i.e. 0/I-III and 1/I-III) (P < 0.0001), in addition to age (P < 0.0001). The MALAN classification identifies hostile proximal landing zones for TEVAR, namely 2/III and 3/III LAs, which are associated with dismal proximal endograft performance. The MALAN appears to be an intuitive and valuable tool to improve the preoperative decision-making process.

Flow dynamics, false lumens and implications for endografting

The complications of endovascular stenting for type B aortic dissections are well-described and include paralysis from spinal cord ischemia, retrograde dissection, stroke, and access site complications. Owing to the inherent risk associated with this procedure, current practice is to withhold endovascular therapy unless the risk-benefit balance is in favor of intervention, such as with acute malperfusion or aneurysmal degeneration. Emphasis is placed on coverage of the entry tear, which has been advocated theoretically as the primary method to restore normal aortic hemodynamics and induce false lumen thrombosis, despite notable paucity of direct flow modeling to support this claim.

Outcome comparison of thoracic endovascular aortic repair performed outside versus inside proximal landing zone length recommendation

ObjectiveSuccess of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) relies heavily on the proximal landing zone (PLZ) sealing. Most instructions for use of thoracic endografts recommend a PLZ length of at least 2 cm. Because of the complex aortic anatomic features, TEVAR landing in zone 1 to zone 3 may not meet this requirement. The aim of this study was to examine whether 2-cm PLZ nonadherence was related to adverse outcomes after TEVAR. MethodsA retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3 landing TEVAR at a single institution between November 2013 and October 2018. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography images were analyzed using three-dimensional reconstruction. The patients were categorized into two groups: PLZ ≥2 cm (adherence group) and PLZ <2 cm (nonadherence group). Collected data included patient and anatomic characteristics. Primary outcomes were type IA endoleak, retrograde dissection, and graft migration. ResultsThe cohort comprised 63 patients (18 in the adherence group and 45 in the nonadherence group) with a mean age of 53.3 ± 20.6 years. Indications for TEVAR were blunt thoracic aortic injury (65.1%), thoracic aneurysm (23.8%), penetrating ulcer (9.5%), and type B dissection (1.6%). Mean PLZ length was significantly shorter for the nonadherence group (8 ± 7 mm for the nonadherence group vs 34 ± 15 mm for the adherence group; P < .0001). PLZ location (2 zone 1, 15 zone 2, 46 zone 3) and oversizing (19.4% ± 8.3% for the adherence group; 20.3% ± 10.2% for the nonadherence group; P = .7) were similar between the groups. The mean PLZ aortic diameter of the adherence group was significantly larger than that of the nonadherence group (29 ± 5 mm for the adherence group; 25 ± 5 mm for the nonadherence group; P = .004). Mean follow-up time was 126.7 days (range, 0-644 days) for the adherence group and 233.8 days (range, 0-1750 days) for the nonadherence group (P = .2). During the study period, no primary outcome was observed in the adherence group, whereas 12 adverse events occurred in 10 patients in the nonadherence group (type IA endoleak, n = 10; graft migration, n = 1; retrograde dissection, n = 1). Of 10 type IA endoleaks, five were immediate (4 resolved spontaneously, 1 remained persistent) and five were delayed (1 resolved spontaneously, 1 remained persistent, 1 ruptured causing death, 2 required total arch replacement). ConclusionsAchieving recommended sealing zone of 2-cm centerline length is paramount to avoid device-related adverse outcomes. We recommend careful surveillance in patients undergoing urgent TEVAR with <2-cm PLZ.

Early and midterm outcomes of in situ laser fenestration during thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute and subacute aortic arch diseases and analysis of its complications

ObjectiveAn analysis was conducted of early and midterm outcomes of a large series of patients treated with in situ laser fenestration (ISLF) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of acute and subacute complex aortic arch diseases, such as Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD), type B aortic dissection (TBAD) requiring proximal sealing at zone 2 or more proximal, thoracic aortic aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, and penetrating aortic ulcer. We present the perioperative and follow-up outcomes and discuss the rate of complications. MethodsThis is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from January 2017 to March 2019 of patients treated with TEVAR and ISLF of aortic arch branches at a large tertiary academic institution in an urban city in China. Preoperative, intraoperative, and follow-up clinical and radiographic data are analyzed and discussed. ResultsA total of 148 patients presented with symptomatic and acute or subacute TAAD, TBAD, thoracic aortic aneurysm, or penetrating aortic ulcer for a total of 183 arch vessels. There were 105 men and 43 women, 21 to 79 years of age (mean, 54.9 ± 12.9 years). Time from symptom onset to time of surgery was an average of 7 ± 3 days. Survivor follow-up duration ranged from 5 to 24 months (mean, 15 ± 5 months). Single-vessel fenestration was carried out in 124 cases, two-vessel fenestration in 13 cases, and three-vessel fenestration in 11 cases. There were four cases with technical failure to laser fenestration, with a technical success rate of 97.3%. Postoperatively, there were seven cases of endoleak (4.7%; one type IB distal from the left subclavian artery branch stent graft, three type IIIC at the fenestration site, and three type II), three retrograde dissections (2.0%), and five strokes (3.4%); death occurred in three patients with 30-day mortality of 2.9%, and two deaths occurred during follow-up for 3.4% mortality at an average 15 months of follow-up. There was no branch stent graft occlusion or spinal ischemia postoperatively or during follow-up. The distribution of arch diseases varied significantly according to the number of vessels that were laser fenestrated; TAAD was more likely to receive multivessel laser fenestrations, and TBAD was more likely to receive single-vessel fenestration (P < .001). The rate of complications was distributed differently between the three ISLF groups, with more complications occurring in multivessel fenestrations. However, a statistical weakening was observed when frequency of complications between the three groups was stratified by type of arch disease. The complication rate varied significantly between the different arch diseases, higher in TAAD than in TBAD (P = .008). ConclusionsISLF during TEVAR for treatment of acute and subacute complex aortic arch diseases in the proximal aortic arch is safe and effective on the basis of these early to midterm follow-up data of a large cohort. However, care should be taken in intervening on TAAD using TEVAR with adjunctive multivessel laser fenestration. Continued investigation of TEVAR and adjunctive ISLF is needed to elucidate the long-term outcomes of this minimally invasive treatment for complex aortic arch disease in an urgent setting.