Secondary Clinical Success Rates Research Articles

Superior limb salvage with endovascular therapy in octogenarians with critical limb ischemia

The goal of this study is to compare our results following open and endovascular infrainguinal revascularizations in patients >or=80 and <80 years old presenting with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and to determine if limb salvage (LS) attempt is justified in patients >or=80 with CLI, especially following endovascular interventions. A retrospective analysis of 344 consecutive patients (399 limbs) who presented with CLI and underwent infrainguinal open or endovascular (EV) revascularizations between June 2001 and December 2007 was performed. Patients >or=80 (89 patients, 101 limbs) and <80 years old (255 patients, 298 limbs) were compared for demographics, characteristics, patency, limb salvage, sustained clinical success (preservation of limb, freedom from target extremity revascularization (TER), and resolution of symptoms), secondary clinical success (preservation of limb and resolution of symptoms), overall improvement (preservation of limb, improvement of symptoms), and survival. Patients >or=80 were more likely to be nonambulatory and have coronary artery disease, whereas those <80 were more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dialysis-dependence, active tobacco abuse, and taking beta-blockers. Primary amputation rates were similar between two groups (<80 vs >or=80, 6.7% vs 8.1%, P = .530). Perioperative mortality was significantly worse in >or=80 group in the open-treated group (16.2% vs 2.9%, P = .009), whereas it was similar in EV-treated patients (3.1% vs 0.6%, P = .197). The patency rates were similar between groups, however, LS was significantly better in >or=80 EV-treated patients than <80 group, whereas it was similar between groups in open-treated patients. Sustained clinical success, secondary clinical success, and overall improvement rates were similar between age groups. Endovascular-treated patients in >or=80 had significantly better overall improvement than those who were treated by open revascularization (24-month overall improvement 83% +/- 5% vs 61% +/- 9%, P = .043). Multivariate analysis showed diabetes, infrapopliteal intervention, presence of gangrene, nonambulatory status, dialysis-dependence, and runoff status being associated with limb loss whereas age being >/= or <80 was not. Age, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nonambulatory status, and dialysis-dependence were found to be independently associated with decreased survival. Our results suggest that revascularization in patients >/=80 with CLI is justified, especially when an endovascular intervention can be accomplished. Although limb salvage following endovascular interventions were better in the >/=80 group, sustained clinical success, and secondary clinical success rates were similar following open and endovascular interventions in both age groups. Open procedures carry a high perioperative mortality in the >/=80 age group and should be avoided if possible.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for osteoid osteoma: How we do it

Aims and Objectives:To describe our technique for performing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in osteoid osteoma and to evaluate the results of treatment.Materials and Methods:We evaluated 40 patients in whom RFA was performed for osteoid osteomas between October 2005 and February 2008. The lesions were located in the femur (n = 22), tibia (n = 10), humerus (n = 2), acetabulum (n = 2), radius (n = 1), fibula (n = 1), patella (n = 1), and calcaneum (n = 1). The procedure was performed using a standard technique.Results:Technical success was achieved in all patients, with intranidal localization of the needle and complete ablation. All patients were fully weight bearing 2–3 h after the procedure. Successful pain relief was achieved in all patients within 48 h. Immediate complications included a case of minor thermal skin burn and a small cortical chip fracture, which healed on its own. There were no delayed complications. The average follow-up period was 12 months. Two patients (5% of cases) had recurrence of pain after intervals of 5 and 8 months, respectively, following the ablation; this was due to recurrence of the lesion. Complete pain relief was however achieved after a second ablation in both cases. Thus, our primary and secondary clinical success rates were 95 and 100%, respectively.Conclusion:RFA is a safe, quick, minimally invasive, and extremely effective method for the management of osteoid osteomas.

Chronische mesenteriale Ischämie: Technische und klinische Erfolgsrate der perkutanen Stentangioplastie

To evaluate the technical and clinical success rates of percutaneous stent revascularization in the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). 17 patients (12 female) with typical symptoms of CMI were treated by percutaneous stent placement for stenoses of the splanchnic arteries (celiac trunk; superior mesenteric artery, SMA; inferior mesenteric artery, IMA). The primary and secondary technical success, primary and secondary clinical success, and the long-term clinical outcome were determined. A total of 24 stents were implanted in 21 splanchnic arteries (12 stents in the celiac trunk, 11 in the SMA and 1 in the IMA). The primary technical success rate was 91% (19/21 arteries), the secondary technical success rate was 95% (21/22 arteries). Clinical follow-up was available for 16 patients. The primary clinical success rate was 81% (13/16 patients). Following two secondary interventions, the secondary clinical success rate was 94% (15/16 patients). Long-term clinical success was achieved in 15 of 16 patients (94%) with a mean follow-up of 26 months. One patient died within 30 days of the intervention and two patients demonstrated major complications (1 dissection, 1 stent dislocation). None of the patients required surgical revascularization and none of the patients died due to recurrent mesenteric ischemia. Percutaneous stent placement for the treatment of CMI can be performed with a high technical and clinical success rate as well as an excellent long-term clinical outcome.

Retrievable Biliary Stent-Graft in the Treatment of Benign Biliary Strictures

To investigate the technical and clinical efficacy of a retrievable stent-graft in the treatment of benign biliary strictures. From February 2004 to December 2006, 29 patients with 32 benign biliary strictures (17 patients with 18 chronic cholangitis strictures and 12 with 14 postoperative strictures) were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four patients had 26 recurrent strictures despite prolonged catheter interposition after balloon dilation procedures. Five patients with six strictures had not previously undergone interventional treatment. A total of 36 stent-grafts were placed, and all stent-grafts were removed by means of a percutaneous route or via a T-tube 6.7 weeks (range, 2-10 weeks) after stent-graft placement. The retrievable stent-grafts were successfully placed and removed in all cases. Migration occurred in four of the 36 (11%) stent-grafts (11%). Immediately after stent-graft removal, all strictures were widened significantly. From 2 days to 8 weeks after removal, 29 of 32 lesions (91%) remained patent with or without recurrence of minimal strictures. During the mean follow-up of 27.9 months (range, 9-34 months), none of the 29 lesions had recurrence of clinically significant strictures. The primary patency rate was 90.6%. Three additional stent-graft placements for recurrent stricture were required in three lesions (9.4%). During a mean follow-up of 13.3 months (range, 9-16 months), two patients had no evidence of biliary obstruction. The secondary patency rate and clinical success rate was 97% (31 of 32 lesions). The placement and removal of a retrievable stent-graft in the treatment of benign biliary strictures is technically feasible and appears to be a clinically effective method.

Revascularization for chronic critical lower limb ischemia in octogenarians is worthwhile

Advanced age is considered a relative contraindication for surgical revascularization in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Our aim was to analyze the usefulness of endovascular and surgical revascularization in patients older than 80 years with chronic critical leg ischemia (CLI). Our hypothesis was that the clinical benefit of lower extremity revascularization is limited in octogenarians. This was a prospective cohort study with a 1-year follow-up. Subjects included a consecutive series (January 1999 to June 2004) of patients presenting with CLI. Revascularization cohorts were either open surgical or endovascular with conservatively treated patients as a reference group. Prospective follow-up occurred after 30 days and 2, 6, and 12 months. The primary end point was sustained clinical success, defined as a categorical upward shift in clinical symptoms according to Rutherford, without major amputation and without the need for repeated target extremity revascularization (TER). Secondary clinical success was defined accordingly, including repeated TER. Mortality, major amputation, and TER were separately calculated end points. All results were stratified for age categories of nonoctogenarians (<80 years) and octogenarians (> or =80 years). Cumulative outcome was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were assessed by log-rank tests. Multivariable analysis was performed by using Cox proportional regression. A total of 376 patients (158 women; mean age, 75.8 +/- 10.7 years) with 416 critically ischemic limbs were analyzed. Overall, 150 patients (39.9%) were older than 80 years, and 85 limbs were treated surgically (26 octogenarians; 30.6%), 207 limbs (96 octogenarians; 46.4%) were treated by endovascular means, and 124 limbs (45 octogenarians; 36.3%) were treated conservatively, including delayed revascularization procedures. Both sustained and secondary clinical success rates, as well as limb salvage rates, were higher in the revascularization cohorts as compared with conservatively treated patients, regardless of age category (P < .001, P < .001, and P = .006, respectively, by Cox proportional hazard model). Mortality was significantly higher in octogenarians (P = .006 by Cox proportional hazard model), particularly within 30 days after surgical revascularization (hazard ratio, 5.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-24.9). Patient age category did not affect the rate of major amputations or TER. Individually tailored revascularization improves the outcome of CLI in octogenarians as well as in nonoctogenarians; even so, endovascular revascularization should be preferred in octogenarians because of the higher mortality associated with surgery.

Efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in children

Percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteoma has high technical and clinical success rates. However, there are limited data on its use in the treatment of osteoid osteoma in children. To assess the safety and efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation of osteoid osteoma in children and compare the outcomes with published data on its use in patients unselected for age. From January 2003 to July 2006, 23 children with osteoid osteoma were treated with CT-guided RF ablation using a straight rigid electrode. Their mean age was 11 years (range 3.5-16 years) and there were 15 boys and 8 girls. The procedures were carried out under general anaesthesia. Follow-up was performed to assess technical and clinical outcome. The mean follow-up period was 2.5 years (range 13-49 months). Technical success was achieved in 21 children (91.3%). Failure occurred in two children, in one due to failure to adequately localize the nidus within the dense sclerosis and in the other because of a short ablation time (2 min) because he developed hyperthermia. Clinical success was achieved in 18 patients within 2-5 days (primary clinical success rate 78.2%).These patients were allowed to fully weight-bear and function without limitation 1 week after the procedure. Pain recurrence was observed in two patients; one was treated successfully with a second ablation after 6 months (secondary clinical success rate 82.6%). Hyperthermia was observed in two patients during the procedure. Three other minor complications were observed: wound infection in one child and skin burn in two children. No major immediate or delayed complications were observed. Percutaneous CT-guided RF ablation is an effective and safe minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of osteoid osteoma in children. It has high technical and clinical success rates that are slightly lower than those of patients with a wider range of ages.

Abstract 3316: Revascularization for Chronic Critical Lower Limb Ischemia in Octogenarians

Objective: Advanced age is considered a relative contraindication for surgical revascularization in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). Aim was to analyze usefulness of endovascular and surgical revascularization for chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI) in patients older than 80 years. Materials: Prospective cohort study of a consecutive series (01/1999 to 06/2004) of patients presenting with CLI. Revascularization cohorts were either surgical or endovascular with conservatively treated patients used as reference. Prospective follow-up after 30 days, 2, 6, and 12 months. Methods: Primary endpoint was sustained clinical success defined as categorical upward shift in clinical symptoms according to Rutherford without major amputation or need for repeated target extremity revascularization (TER). Secondary clinical success was defined accordingly including repeated TER. Mortality, major amputation and TER were secondary endpoints. Results were stratified for age (non-octogenarians [&lt;80 years] vs octogenarians [≥80 years]). Cumulative outcome was determined by Kaplan-Meier method and differences assessed by log-rank tests. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional regression. Results: 376 patients (158 women, mean age 75.8 ± 10.7 years) with 416 critically ischemic limbs were analysed. Overall, 150 patients were octogenarians (39.9%). 85 limbs were treated surgically (31% octogenarians), and 207 limbs by endovascular means (46% octogenarians). Both sustained and secondary clinical success rates as well as limb salvage were higher in revascularization cohorts as compared to conservatively treated patients regardless of age category ( P =.013, P =.006, and P =.041, respectively). Mortality was significantly higher in octogenarians ( P =.006), and particularly high within 30-days after surgical revascularization (HR 5.35, 95%CI 1.15–24.9). Patient age category did not affect major amputation and TER rate in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Individually tailored revascularization improves outcome of CLI in octogenarians comparably to non-octogenarians, even so endovascular revascularization should be preferred in octogenarians due to high 30-day mortality associated with surgery.

Percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment with combination of radiofrequency and alcohol ablation

Aim To assess the efficacy of percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment using a combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and alcohol ablation with regard to technical and long-term clinical success. Materials and methods From December 2001 to November 2004, RFA and subsequent alcohol ablation was performed on 54 patients with osteoid osteoma, diagnosed clinically using radiography, computed tomography (CT) and symptoms. Under general anaesthesia, treatment was performed via percutaneous access under thin section (2 mm) spiral CT guidance in all cases with an 11 G radiofrequency-compatible coaxial needle and 2 mm coaxial drill system and 1.0 cm active tip 17 G non-cooled radiofrequency needle. RFA was performed at 90 °C for a period of 6 min. After needle removal, 0.5–1.0 ml absolute alcohol (99.8% concentration) was injected directly into the nidus using a 20 G needle. Patients were discharged within 24 h and followed up clinically (at 1 week, 1 month and every 3 months thereafter). Results The technical success rate was 100%. Complications occurred in two patients consisting of local mild cellulitis in entry site and peripheral small zone paresthesia on the anterior part of leg. The follow-up period range was 13–48 months (mean ± SD, 28.2 ± 7.4 months). Prompt pain relief and return to normal activities were observed in 52 of 54 patients. Recurrent pain occurred in two patients after a 1 and 3 months period of being pain free, respectively; a second RFA and alcohol ablation was performed achieving successful results. Primary and secondary clinical success rates were 96.3% (52/54 patients) and 100% (2/2 patients), respectively. Conclusion Percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment with combination of radiofrequency and alcohol ablation is safe, effective and minimally invasive with high primary and secondary success rates. Persistent or recurrent lesions can be effectively re-treated.

Percutaneous treatment of benign bile duct strictures

Purpose To evaluate long-term results of treatment of benign bile duct strictures. Materials and methods From February 1994 to November 2005, 21 patients (9 men, 12 women) with median age of 50.6 years (range 27–77 years) were indicated to percutaneous treatment of benign bile duct stricture. Stricture of hepatic ducts junction resulting from thermic injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy was indication for treatment in one patient, stricture of hepaticojejunostomy was indication for treatment in all other patients. Clinical symptoms (obstructive jaundice, anicteric cholestasis, cholangitis or biliary cirrhosis) have appeared from 3 months to 12 years after surgery. Results Initial internal/external biliary drainage was successful in 20 patients out of 21. These 20 patients after successful initial drainage were treated by balloon dilatation and long-term internal/external drainage. Sixteen patients were symptoms free during the follow-up. The relapse of clinical symptoms has appeared in four patients 9, 12, 14 and 24 months after treatment. One year primary clinical success rate of treatment for benign bile duct stricture was 94%. Additional two patients are symptoms free after redilatation (15 and 45 months). One patient is still in treatment, one patient died during secondary treatment period without interrelation with biliary intervention. The secondary clinical success rate is 100%. Conclusion Benign bile duct strictures of hepatic ducts junction or biliary-enteric anastomosis are difficult to treat surgically and endoscopically inaccessible. Percutaneous treatment by balloon dilatation and long-term internal/external drainage is feasible in the majority of these patients. It is minimally invasive, safe and effective.

Percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment with combination of radiofrequency and alcohol ablation

To assess the efficacy of percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment using a combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and alcohol ablation with regard to technical and long-term clinical success. From December 2001 to November 2004, RFA and subsequent alcohol ablation was performed on 54 patients with osteoid osteoma, diagnosed clinically using radiography, computed tomography (CT) and symptoms. Under general anaesthesia, treatment was performed via percutaneous access under thin section (2mm) spiral CT guidance in all cases with an 11 G radiofrequency-compatible coaxial needle and 2mm coaxial drill system and 1.0 cm active tip 17 G non-cooled radiofrequency needle. RFA was performed at 90 degrees C for a period of 6 min. After needle removal, 0.5-1.0 ml absolute alcohol (99.8% concentration) was injected directly into the nidus using a 20 G needle. Patients were discharged within 24h and followed up clinically (at 1 week, 1 month and every 3 months thereafter). The technical success rate was 100%. Complications occurred in two patients consisting of local mild cellulitis in entry site and peripheral small zone paresthesia on the anterior part of leg. The follow-up period range was 13-48 months (mean+/-SD, 28.2+/-7.4 months). Prompt pain relief and return to normal activities were observed in 52 of 54 patients. Recurrent pain occurred in two patients after a 1 and 3 months period of being pain free, respectively; a second RFA and alcohol ablation was performed achieving successful results. Primary and secondary clinical success rates were 96.3% (52/54 patients) and 100% (2/2 patients), respectively. Percutaneous osteoid osteoma treatment with combination of radiofrequency and alcohol ablation is safe, effective and minimally invasive with high primary and secondary success rates. Persistent or recurrent lesions can be effectively re-treated.

Traitement par embolisation endovasculaire d’hémorragies gastro-intestinales hautes non variqueuses et aiguës après échec du traitement endoscopique

ObjectivesEvaluate the efficacy of endovascular embolization for patients with endoscopically unmanageable acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage as well as the factors that may influence mortality. Materials and methodsRetrospective study over a 4-year period including a historical cohort of 37 consecutive patients (22 men), with a mean age of 69.2 years (range, 22-93 years). In most cases (54%), the hemorrhage stemmed from a gastrointestinal ulcer. Technical, primary clinical, and secondary clinical success rates, as well as complication rates, were calculated. Several clinical and angiographic parameters were compared to the early mortality rate using Kruskal-Wallis or Fisher tests. ResultsTechnical, primary clinical, secondary clinical success rates, and complication rates were, respectively, 89.2%, 83.8%, 88.9%, and 10.8%. The early mortality rate was 32.4%. The APACHE II and IGS II scores were strongly correlated with mortality (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). ConclusionEndovascular embolization in patients with endoscopically unmanageable acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is effective. However, the mortality rate remains high because of the changes in the clinical condition of these patients.

The Outcome of Endovascular Repair of Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

To assess the outcome of endovascular repair (EVAR) of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA, <or=5.5 mm maximum diameter) in Australia. Randomized trials have suggested that small AAAs should not be treated by open surgery. EVAR is associated with less perioperative mortality than open surgery for large AAAs. We assessed the outcome of EVAR of small AAAs as part of a national audit. ASERNIP-S carried out a prospective audit of EVAR performed between November 1999 and May 2001 in Australia. A total of 478 of the 961 patients entered underwent treatment of a small AAA. Data were collected regarding preoperative characteristics, procedural outcome, and intermediate success. Median follow-up was 3.2 years. Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses. The 30-day mortality and technical success rates were 1.1% and 98%, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 29%. Survival was 84% and 52% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary clinical success rates were 72%, 79%, and 82%, respectively, at 3 years. Reintervention rate was 11% at 3 years; however, 15% of patients continued to have significant aortic sac enlargement. Survival was reduced in patients considered unfit for general anesthesia (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.8, P = 0.002) or those who had elevated preoperative serum creatinine (odds ratio = 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.0, P = 0.001). EVAR can be carried with good perioperative outcome in patients with small AAA; however, intermediate success is hampered by the need for reintervention and continued aortic sac enlargement. At present, widespread treatment of small AAAs by EVAR would appear inappropriate.

Osteoid Osteoma: CT-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation Using a Water-Cooled Probe

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteoma by using the water-cooled probe. During the period from July 2002 to February 2006, fifty-one patients with osteoid osteomas localized in femur (29), tibia (10), calcaneus (2), talus (2), metatarsus (2), humerus (1), sacrum (1), scapula (1), olecranon (1), patella (1) and thoracic vertebra (1) were treated with CT-guided RF ablation using the Cooltiptrade mark Tyco Healthcare probe. Mean age was 20 (range, 3.5-57 years) and male to female ratio was 36/15. Mean follow-up period was reported 2 years (range, 9-51 months). The procedures were carried out under general anesthesia and the patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 h. Technical failure was reported in only one procedure. Pain disappeared postoperatively in all the patients within 2-3 days and no patients needed analgesic treatment after a week. All patients were allowed fully weight bear and function without limitation after the procedure. Recurrence of the pain was observed in one patient who was treated successfully with a second ablation. Our primary and secondary clinical success rates were 98 and 100% respectively. In one case, wound infection was observed after the procedure as the only post-operative complication in our series. CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation of osteoid osteomas using the water-cooled probe is a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure with high success rate and lack of relapses.

Balloon Dilation of Anastomotic Strictures Secondary to Surgical Repair of Esophageal Atresia in a Pediatric Population: Long-term Results

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and long-term results of balloon dilation treatment for strictures secondary to surgical repair of esophageal atresia (EA) in 29 children. The study involved 29 children aged 1-60 months with strictures of greater than 50% at anastomotic sites. The interval between surgical repair and balloon dilation ranged from 1 to 36 months (mean, 6.4 months). All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with use of fluoroscopic guidance. Balloon catheter diameters ranged from 8 mm to 16 mm. Outcome parameters measured included the number of dilations, procedural success rates, primary and secondary clinical success rates, and complications such as esophageal perforation. Primary clinical success was defined as an absence of dysphagia for at least 1 year and weight gain appropriate to the patient's age after initial balloon dilation. Secondary clinical success was defined as an absence of dysphagia for at least 1 year after the final dilation and weight gain appropriate to the patient's age after one or more balloon dilation sessions. A total of 44 balloon dilation sessions were performed, with patients undergoing one to five dilation procedures (mean, 1.6 per patient; median, 1 per patient). Primary and secondary clinical success rates were 59% (17 of 29) and 93% (27 of 29), respectively. During the mean follow-up period of 3.1 years (range, 1-12 y), all 27 children with clinical success showed no recurring symptoms. In terms of complications, transmural perforation occurred in three children (10%), two of whom received conservative management and one of whom underwent surgery for combined esophageal rupture and esophagotracheal fistula. No mortalities occurred. Balloon dilation is a safe and effective procedure with excellent long-term results for the treatment of anastomotic strictures secondary to surgical repair of EA in a pediatric population.

Endovascular Therapy for Management of Oral Hemorrhage in Malignant Head and Neck Tumors

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy in oral hemorrhage from malignant head and neck tumors. Ten patients (mean age 56 years) with oral hemorrhage caused by malignant head and neck tumors underwent a total of 13 emergency embolization procedures using gelatin sponge particles, steel and/or platinum coils, or a combination of these embolic materials. Angiographic abnormalities, technical success rate, clinical success rate, recurrence rate, complications, hemostatic period, hospital days, survival days, and patient outcome were all analyzed. Angiographic abnormalities were identified during 85% of procedures (11/13). The technical success rate was 100% (13/13 procedures). The primary and secondary clinical success rates were 77% (10/13 procedures) and 67% (2/3 procedures), respectively. The overall clinical success rate was 92%, and the recurrence rate was 22% (2/9 procedures) in patients whom we were able to observe during the 1-month period after embolization. No major complications occurred. Several patients in whom gelatin sponge particles had been used complained of transient local pain after the procedure. The median hemostatic period was 71 days (range 0-518 days). Median hospital and survival days were 59 days (range 3-209 days) and 141 days (range 4-518 days), respectively. Three patients survived and 7 patients died during the observation period. Only 1 of these 7 patients died from hemorrhage. In conclusion, our findings suggest that endovascular therapy is an effective, safe, and repeatable treatment for oral hemorrhage caused by malignant head and neck tumors.

CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma: long-term results.

The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteoma (OO). From 1997 to 2001, RF ablation was performed on 38 patients with OO, diagnosed clinically and by radiography, scintigraphy, contrast-enhanced MRI, and CT. Treatment was performed via percutaneous (n=29) or surgical (n=9) access, under CT guidance in all cases, with an 18-gauge straight electrode. Patients were discharged within 24 h and followed up clinically (at 1 week and every 6-12 months) and with MRI (at 6 months) and scintigraphy (after 1 year). The technical success rate was 100%. Complications occurred in two patients, consisting in local skin burns. The follow-up range was 12-66 months (mean +/- SD, 35.5+/-7.5 months). Prompt pain relief and return to normal activities were observed in 30 of 38 patients. Persistent pain occurred in eight patients; two patients refused further RF ablation and were treated surgically; RF ablation was repeated in six cases achieving successful results in five. One patient reported residual pain and is being evaluated for surgical excision. Primary and secondary clinical success rates were 78.9 (30/38 patients) and 97% (35/36 patients), respectively. CT-guided RF ablation of OO is safe and effective. Persistent lesions can be effectively re-treated. Several imaging modalities are needed for the diagnosis of OO and for the follow-up after treatment, particularly in patients with persistent symptoms.

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: risk stratified outcomes.

The impact of co-morbid conditions on early and late clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was assessed in concurrent cohorts of patients stratified with respect to risk for intervention. As a minimally invasive strategy for the treatment of AAA, endovascular repair has been embraced with enthusiasm for all prospective patients who are suitable anatomical candidates because of the promise of achieving a durable result with a reduced risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. From April 1994 to March 2001, endovascular AAA repair was performed in 236 patients using commercially available systems. A subset of patients considered at increased risk for intervention (n = 123) were categorized, as such, based on a preexisting history of ischemic coronary artery disease, with documentation of myocardial infarction (60%) or congestive heart failure (35%), or due to the presence of chronic obstructive disease (21%), liver disease, or malignancy. Perioperative mortality (30-day) was 6.5% in the increased-risk patients as compared to 1.8% among those classified as low risk (P = NS). There was no difference between groups in age (74 +/- 9 years vs. 72 +/- 6 years; mean +/- SD), surgical time (235 +/- 95 minutes vs. 219 +/- 84 minutes), blood loss (457 +/- 432 mL vs. 351 +/- 273 mL), postoperative hospital stay (4.8 +/- 3.4 days vs. 4.0 +/- 3.9 days), or days in the ICU (1.3 +/- 1.8 days vs. 0.5 +/- 1.6 days). Patients at increased risk of intervention had larger aneurysms than low-risk patients (59 +/- 13 mm vs. 51 +/- 14 mm; P <.05). Stent grafts were successfully implanted in 116 (95%) increased-risk versus 107 (95%) low-risk patients (P = NS). Conversion rates to open operative repair were similar in increased-risk and low-risk groups at 3% and 5%, respectively. The initial endoleak rate was 22% versus 20%, based on the first CT performed (either at discharge or 1 month; P = NS). To date, increased-risk patients have been followed for 17.4 +/- 15 months and low-risk patients for 16.3 +/- 14 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis for cumulative patient survival demonstrated a reduced probability of survival among those patients initially classified as at increased risk for intervention (P <.05, Mantel-Cox test). Both cohorts had similar two-year primary and secondary clinical success rates of approximately 75% and 80%, respectively. Early and late clinical outcomes are comparable after endovascular repair of AAA, regardless of risk-stratification. Notably, 2 years after endovascular repair, at least one in five patients was classified as a clinical failure. Given the need for close life-long surveillance and the continued uncertainty associated with clinical outcome, caution is dictated in advocating endovascular treatment for the patient who is otherwise considered an ideal candidate for standard open surgical repair.

Long-term Results After Recanalisation of Chronic Iliac Artery Occlusions by Combined Catheter Therapy Without Stent Placement

Objectives to evaluate the long-term outcome after recanalisation of chronic iliac artery occlusions by combined catheter therapy without stent placement. Design retrospective study. Material and methods between 1979 and 1995 75 consecutive patients were treated (53 men, 22 women; mean age 63.1±13.7 years; mean length of the occluded segment 6.9±3.5 cm). The indication for treatment was incapacitating claudication (n=55) or chronic critical ischaemia (n=20). At follow-up clinical data, pulse volume and pressure measurements were recorded and duplex-sonography and/or angiography performed, if clinically indicated. Results mean follow-up was 7.2±4.1 years. The primary clinical success rate was 64% at 12 months, 57% at 4 years and remained stable for up to ten years. The secondary clinical success rate after 12 months was 83% and remained stable at 81% for up to 10 years. Peripheral embolisation as complication of the intervention occurred in 18 patients (24%) and was treated by percutaneous thromboembolectomy in 15 patients during the same procedure. In the remaining three patients no intervention was necessary. One patient had to undergo surgery for a groin haematoma. Conclusions recanalisation of segmental chronic iliac artery occlusions by catheter therapy without stent placement has favourable long-term results comparable to primary stent placement. Randomised controlled studies are required to determine the appropriate role of catheter therapy alone and primary or selective stenting for iliac artery occlusions.

The use of below-knee percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in arterial occlusive disease causing chronic critical limb ischemia.

To determine the efficacy, safety and long-term results of crural artery percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in limbs with chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI). Patients undergoing crural artery PTA due to CLI were followed at regular clinic visits with ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) measurements. PTA of the crural arteries was attempted either alone (n = 39) or in combination with PTA of the superficial and/or popliteal artery (n = 55) in 86 limbs (82 patients and 94 procedures) presenting with CLI. The ages of patients ranged from 37 to 94 years (mean 72 years). The indications for PTA were rest pain in 10 and ulcer/gangrene in 84 limbs. A technically successful PTA with at least one crural level was achieved in 88% of cases (n = 83). Cumulative primary clinical success rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 55%, 51%, 36%, and 36%, respectively. Cumulative secondary clinical success and limb salvage rates at 36 months were 44% and 72%, respectively. PTA of the crural arteries might be considered the primary choice of treatment in patients with CLI and distal lesions with localized stenosis or segmental short occlusions.