Stent Migration Research Articles

Feasibility, Tolerability, and Effectiveness of Transbronchial Interventions in Elderly Patients With Malignant Central Airway Obstruction: A Retrospective Single-institution Study.

In elderly patients with malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO), the treating physicians often hesitate to undertake transbronchial interventions (TBIs) as a palliative procedure in view of the advanced age of the patients. We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the differences in the feasibility, tolerability, and effectiveness of TBIs between elderly (aged 75 years old or above; elderly group; n=27) and nonelderly (aged below 75 years old; nonelderly group; n=50) patients with MCAO. The primary endpoint was the incidence of complications during (within 24 hours) and after (>24 hours) TBIs. The mean age of the patients was 81 years in the elderly group and 61 years in the nonelderly group. The complications encountered during/after TBI included endobronchial bleeding or hypoxemia requiring intubation occurring during the TBIs, and bacterial pneumonia, airway reocclusion, and stent migration occurring after the TBIs, although there was no difference in the frequency of complications during/after the TBIs between the elderly group and nonelderly group (26% vs. 30%, P =0.706). There was no difference in the percentage of patients in whom successful airway recanalization was achieved by TBI (93% vs. 80%, P =0.197), the percentage of patients who showed symptomatic improvement after the TBIs (67% vs. 76%, P =0.380) and the OS after the TBIs (6.1 vs. 7.3 months, P =0.704) between the 2 groups. TBIs can be undertaken without hesitation as a palliative procedure in elderly patients with MCAO.

Endovascular treatment of chronic ilio-femoral vein obstruction with extension below the inguinal ligament in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate postoperative outcomes of patients with chronic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) who underwent endovascular recanalization and stenting across the inguinal ligament. MethodsAll consecutive patients with chronic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction and PTS were included in the analysis, from January 2018 and February 2022. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Primary endpoints analyzed were major adverse events (MAEs) at 30 days and primary patency rate at 2 years of follow-up. Secondary endpoints assessed were secondary patency rate, target vessel revascularization, and clinical improvement evaluated with the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) classification, Villalta scale, and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. ResultsA total of 63 patients (mean age, 48.1 ± 15.5 years; female, 61.9%) were evaluated. No intraoperative and 30-day postoperative complications were documented. The technical success rate was achieved at 100%. Overall, one in-stent occlusion and five in-stent restenosis were detected during follow-up. The primary patency rate was 93.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.8%-99.9%) and 92.1% (95% CI, 85.6%-99%), at 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively (Kaplan-Meier analysis). Target vessel revascularization was conducted in two cases, resulting in a secondary patency of 98.4% (95% CI, 95.4%-100%) at 2 years of follow-up. Stent fracture and/or migration were not observed during follow-up. A significant clinical improvement in the patient’s quality of life was documented. The median improvement of VCSS and Villalta scores were 4 (interquartile range, 2-7; P = .001), and 3 (interquartile range, 1.5-5; P = .001) vs baseline at the last follow-up. Overall, pain reduction of 17 mm on the VAS scale was documented at 2 years of follow-up. At multivariate analysis, presence of trabeculation into the femoral vein and deep femoral vein (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 0.15-6.11; P = .043), and Villalta scale >15 points at admission (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 0.15-6.11; P = .043) were predictive for in-stent occlusion during the follow-up. ConclusionsThe use of a dedicated venous stent across the inguinal ligament was safe and effective for the treatment of symptomatic iliofemoral venous disease with acceptable primary and secondary patency rates at 2 years of follow-up.

Salvage technique for covered metal stent migration during endoscopic reintervention after endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy.

Salvage technique for covered metal stent migration during endoscopic reintervention after endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy.

Outcome of forgotten biliary stents for more than fiveyears-A two-decade experience.

Prolonged biliary stenting may lead to complications such as cholangitis, stentolith and stent migration. There is limited data on forgotten biliary stents for more than fiveyears in literature. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the complications and outcomes in patients who forgot to get their biliary stents removed or exchanged for more than fiveyears. The study population included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and plastic biliary stent placements in a tertiary care center from 1990 to 2022 for benign biliary diseases. Loss to follow-up and subsequent forgotten stent for more than fiveyears were observed in 40 patients who underwent ERCP during this study period. We retrospectively analyzed the indications of stenting, present status of stent, complications and outcomes in the study patients. The mean age of the study patients was 51.5 ± 11.5years with 27 females. Indications of biliary stent placement were choledocholithiasis (33, 82.5%), bile leak (3, 7.5%), benign biliary stricture (2, 5%) and choledochal cyst (2, 5%). The mean duration of forgotten stent was 5.9 ± 3.6years. Presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (37, 92.5%), fever (26, 65%) and jaundice (32, 80%). Most commonly placed stent was 7 French double pigtail of 10cm length. Complications in the study patients were cholangitis (35, 87.5%), internal migration (2, 5%), pancreatitis (1, 2.5%) and portal hypertension (1, 2.5%). The outcomes were stone removal (30, 90.9%), stent removal (31, 77.5%), stent reinsertion (19, 47.5%), broken stent (3, 7.5%) and surgery (2, 5%). Prolonged duration (> 5years) of forgotten stent is uncommon and is observed most commonly in patients with choledocholithiasis. The most common complication of long duration of forgotten stents was cholangitis followed by internal migration, pancreatitis and portal hypertension. Stone and stent removal was successful in amajority of patents, while surgery was required in less number of patients.

Dexamethasone eluting polydopaminated polycaprolactone-poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid for treatment of tracheal stenosis.

Tracheal stenosis is commonly caused by injury, resulting in inflammation and fibrosis. Inhibiting inflammation and promoting epithelization can reduce recurrence after initial successful treatment of tracheal stenosis. Steroids play an important role in tracheal stenosis management. This study in vitro evaluated effectiveness of a polydopaminated polycaprolactone stent coated with dexamethasone-eluting poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microparticles (μPLGA) for tracheal stenosis management. Polydopamination was characterized by Raman spectroscopy and promoted epithelialization while dexamethasone delivery reduced macrophage activity, assessed by individual cell area measurements and immunofluorescent staining for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Dexamethasone release was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography over 30 days. Activation-related increase in cell area and iNOS production by RAW 264.7 were both reduced significantly (p < .05) through dexamethasone release. Epithelial cell spreading was higher on polydopaminated polycaprolactone (PCL) than PCL-alone (p < .05). Force required for stent migration was measured by pullout tests of PCL-μPLGA stents from cadaveric rabbit and porcine tracheas (0.425 ± 0.068 N and 1.082 ± 0.064 N, respectively) were above forces estimated to occur during forced respiration. Biomechanical support provided by stents to prevent airway collapse was assessed by comparing compressive circumferential stiffness, and stiffness of the stent was about 1/10th of the rabbit trachea (0.156 ± 0.023 N/mm vs. 1.420 ± 0.194 N/mm, respectively). A dexamethasone-loaded PCL-μPLGA stent platform can deliver dexamethasone and exhibits sufficient mechanical properties to anchor within the trachea and polydopamination of PCL is conducive to epithelial layer formation. Therefore, a polydopaminated PCL-μPLGA stent is a promising candidate for in vivo evaluation for treatment of tracheal restenosis.

Esophageal Stent in Acute Refractory Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acute esophageal variceal bleeding accounts for up to 70% of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. About 10-20% of patients with acute variceal bleeding have refractory bleeding that is not controlled by medical or endoscopic therapy, and this condition can be life-threatening. Balloon tamponade is a long-standing therapy which is only effective temporarily and has several complications, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and liver transplantation may not be readily available at some centers. The use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) in refractory esophageal variceal bleeding has been studied for effectiveness and adverse events and has been recommended for use as a bridge to a more definitive treatment. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of SEMSs in managing refractory variceal bleeding. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was performed from inception to October 2022 using the following terms: "esophageal stent", "self-expandable metal stents", "endoscopic hemostasis", "refractory esophageal varices", and "esophageal variceal bleeding". Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they met the following criteria: (1) patients' age older than 18 and (2) a study (or case series) that has at least 10 patients in the study. Exclusion criteria included (1) non-English publications, (2) in case of overlapping cohorts, data from the most recent and/or most appropriate comprehensive report were collected. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the meta package in R statistical software(version 4.2.2). Results: Twelve studies involving 225 patients with 228 stents were included in the analyses. The mean age and/or median age ranged from 49.4 to 69 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4 to 1. The median follow-up period was 42 days. The mean SEMS dwell time was 9.4 days. The most common cause of acute refractory variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients included alcohol use followed by viral hepatitis. The pooled rate of immediate bleeding control was 91% (95% CI 82-95%, I2 = 0). The pooled rate of rebleeding was 17% (95% CI 8-32%, I2 = 69). The pooled rate of stent ulceration was 7% (95% CI 3-13%, I2 = 0), and the pooled rate of stent migration was 18% (95% CI 9-32%, I2 = 38). The pooled rate of all-cause mortality was 38% (95% CI 30-47%, I2 = 34). Conclusions: SEMSs should be primarily considered as salvage therapy when endoscopic band ligation and sclerotherapy fail and can be used as a bridge to emergent TIPS or definitive therapy, such as liver transplantation.

Endovascular management of aortic aneurysm with severe neck angulation and/or iliac artery tortuosity using multiple stiff wire technique: a case series.

Suitable aortic neck is one of the essential components for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Advanced techniques were developed to adjust and compromise the aneurysm neck angulation but with adding additional devices and complexity to the procedure. We proposed a simple technique to modify severe neck angulation and/or iliac artery tortuosity by using the multiple stiff wire (MSW) technique. Two femoral accesses were required for the MSW technique. A guidewire with a support catheter was inserted through the right and left femoral arteries and positioned in the abdominal or thoracic aorta. Wire exchanges were done with extra stiff wire in both femoral accesses. It can be considered to add multiple stiff wires to align the torturous neck / iliac artery. Delivery of the stent graft main body can be done via one of the accesses. Six patients with different aortic pathology were admitted to our hospital. Four patients undergo EVAR procedure and two patients undergo TEVAR procedure. All patients had aortic neck angulation problems with one patient having iliac artery tortuosity. MSW technique was performed on the patients with good results. Follow-up CTA after 3 months revealed a good stent position without stent migration and no endoleak was found in all but one patient. MSW technique is a simple and effective technique to modify aortic neck/iliac artery angulation in TEVAR or EVAR procedure.

Spontaneous migration of a dedicated plastic stent after endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy in a patient with surgically altered anatomy: a case report.

Objective: We report a case of spontaneous migration of a dedicated plastic stent after endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) in a patient with surgically altered anatomy. Patient: The patient was a male in his 70s. He underwent EUS-HGS with the successful insertion of a dedicated plastic stent and had no obvious postprocedural complications. However, nine days after the procedure, the patient visited our hospital because of abdominal pain, fever, and stent excretion. We performed EUS-HGS with antegrade stenting, after which the patient had no further complications. Conclusion: Stent migration is considered a complication requiring caution when performing EUS-HGS in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

Clinical outcomes and aortic remodeling after Castor single-branched stent-graft implantation for type B aortic dissections involving left subclavian artery.

The left subclavian artery (LSA) can be intentionally covered by a stent graft to acquire adequate landing zones for a proximal entry tear near the LSA during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The Castor single-branched stent graft is designed to treat type B aortic dissection (TBAD) to retain the LSA during TEVAR. This study investigates clinical outcomes, aortic remodeling, and abdominal aortic perfusion patterns after TEVAR with the novel Castor device. From November 2020 to June 2023, 29 patients with TBAD involving the LSA were treated with the Castor single-branched stent graft. In-hospital clinical outcome and aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) data were analyzed. CTA was performed preoperatively and at follow-up to observe stent morphology; branch patency; endoleak; change in true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL), and transaortic diameters; and abdominal aortic branch perfusion pattern. The technical success rate was 96.6%. One failure was that the branch section did not completely enter the LSA and the main body migrated distally. No in-hospital mortality, paraplegia, or stroke occurred. During follow-up, one type Ib endoleak, four distal new entry tears, and one recurrent type A dissection arose from a new entry tear at the ascending aorta, no stent migration was observed, and the branch patency rate was 100%. At the thoracic aorta, TL diameters significantly increased, FL diameters markedly decreased, and FL was partially or completely thrombosed in most patients at follow-up. At the abdominal aorta, we observed 33.3% of TL growth and 66.7% of TL stabilization or shrinkage. The initial TL ratio at iliac bifurcation negatively predicted abdominal TL growth after TEVAR with a cutoff of 21.0%. Of the 102 abdominal aortic branches, 94.1% of the branches showed no change in perfusion pattern, 3.9% of the branches had an increased TL perfusion, and 2.0% of the branches had an increased FL contribution. The Castor unibody single-branched stent graft offers an efficient endovascular treatment for TBAD involving the LSA. TEVAR with the Castor device effectively induced thoracic FL thrombosis and thoracic TL enlargement and resulted in abdominal TL growth when the initial TL ratio at iliac bifurcation is less than 21.0%. Abdominal aortic branch perfusion patterns remain relatively stable after TEVAR with the Castor stent graft.

Endoscopic Intervention for Anastomotic Leakage After Gastrectomy.

Anastomotic leaks and fistulas are significant complications of gastric surgery that potentially lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Surgical intervention is reserved for cases with severe symptoms or hemodynamic instability; however, surgery carries a higher risk of complications. With advancements in endoscopic treatment options, endoscopic approaches have emerged as the primary choice for managing these complications. Endoscopic clipping is a traditional method comprising 2 main categories: through-the-scope clips and over-the-scope clips. Through-the-scope clips are user friendly and adaptable to various clinical scenarios, whereas over-the-scope clips can close larger defects. Another promising approach is endoscopic stent insertion, which has shown a high success rate for leak closure, although vigilant monitoring is required to monitor stent migration. Infection control is essential in post-surgical leakage cases, and endoscopic internal drainage provides a relatively safe and noninvasive means to manage fluids, contributing to infection control and wound healing promotion. Endoscopic suturing offers full-thickness wound closure, but requires additional training and endoscopic versatility. As a promising tool, endoscopic vacuum therapy potentially surpasses stent therapy by draining inflammatory materials and closing defects. Furthermore, the use of tissue sealants, such as fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate, has been reported to be effective in selected situations. The choice of endoscopic device should be tailored to individual cases and specific patient conditions, with careful consideration of the nature of the defect. Further extensive studies involving larger patient populations are required to provide more robust evidence on the efficacy of endoscopic approach in managing post-gastric anastomotic leaks.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in neonates and infants is safe and efficient.

Dismembered laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) is a well-accepted treatment modality for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children. However, its efficacy and safety in infants, particularly neonates, remain uncertain. To address this significant knowledge gap, we aimed to compare outcomes between a cohort of neonates and infants undergoing LP vs. open pyeloplasty (OP) at less than 6 months and 6 weeks of age. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent primary pyeloplasty at our institution between 2000 and 2022. Only patients aged 6 months or less at the time of surgery were included, excluding redo-procedures or conversions. Ethical approval was obtained, and data were assessed for redo-pyeloplasty and postoperative complications, classified according to the Clavien-Madadi classification. A standard postoperative assessment was performed 6 weeks postoperatively. This included an isotope scan and a routine ultrasound up to the year 2020. A total of 91 eligible patients were identified, of which 49 underwent LP and 42 underwent OP. Patients receiving LP had a median age of 11.4 (1-25.4) weeks, compared to 13.8 (0.5-25.9) weeks for those receiving OP (p > 0.31). Both groups in our main cohort had an age range of 0-6 months at the time of surgery. Nineteen patients were younger than 6 weeks at the time of surgery. The mean operating time was longer for LP (161 ± 43 min) than that for OP (109 ± 32 min, p < 0.001). However, the mean operating time was not longer in the patient group receiving LP at ≤6 weeks (145 ± 21.6) compared to that in our main cohort receiving LP. There was no significant difference in the length of stay between the groups. Four patients after LP required emergency nephrostomy compared to one patient after OP. The rate of revision pyeloplasty in our main cohort aged 0-6 months at surgery was 8% in the patient group receiving LP and 14% in the patient group receiving OP (not significant). Three revisions after LP were due to persistent UPJO, and one was due to stent migration. Only one patient requiring revision pyeloplasty was less than 6 weeks old. To our knowledge, this is one of the largest collectives of laparoscopic pyeloplasty performed in infants, and it is the youngest cohort published to date. Based on our experience, LP in neonates and infants under 6 months appears to be as effective as open surgery.

Small Bowel Perforation at the Duodeno-Jejunal Junction from a Migrated Biliary Stent: A Case Report

Background: The most common sites of reported bowel perforation secondary to migrated biliary stents were duodenal or colonic. However, small bowel perforations were reported in a few cases. Herein we present a case of small bowel perforation secondary to migrated biliary plastic stent at the duodeno-jejunal junction (DJ). We think this peculiar site is the first to be reported as a perforation site secondary to migrated biliary stent. Case Presentation: We present the case of female Egyptian patient with severe abdominal pain and air under diaphragm after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for Klatskin tumor. The patient underwent a midline laparotomy. A moderate collection of enteric fluid was encountered with migrated stent causing perforation of the small intestine at DJ. The stent was removed, and primary closure was done. The patient could not be extubated due to bad chest condition and admitted to ICU for 48 hours then extubated after improvement of the chest condition and ability of the patient to maintain good oxygen saturation in room air. Unfortunately, the patient developed massive pulmonary embolism on the fifth postoperative day and died. Conclusion: Suspicion of stent migration should be put in mind in any patient presented with abdominal pain with history of previous ERCP and biliary stenting. Endoscopic removal and mucosal repair are possible in select cases. This is still not available for DJ or small bowel. Further research and future innovations may overcome this challenge.

Comparative study of cystoscopic control vs. radiological control in the endoscopic treatment of primary obstructive megaurater.

High-pressure balloon pneumatic dilatation for the treatment of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) was initially described under cystoscopic and radiological control. However, some groups use cystoscopic control only, in an attempt to avoid the ionizing radiation associated with the procedure. A retrospective study of POM patients treated with pneumatic dilatation in our unit from 2008 to 2021 was carried out. Success rates, complications, and follow-up were compared between two groups -dilatation under cystoscopic control alone (CS) vs. dilatation under radiological control only (RX). 23 patients -9 CS and 14 RX- underwent surgery. Both groups were demographically comparable. Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the CS group (1 vs. 2 days; p = 0.009). Operating time was longer in the RX group (78 vs. 30 min; p = 0.001). Ureterovesical junction (UVJ) dilatation was successful in 100% of CS vs. 79% of RX cases; RR: 3.87 (0.51-26.99). Postoperative complications were similar in both groups; RR: 3.87 (0.51-26.99). Double J stent migration occurred in one case in both groups; RR: 0.64 (0.05-9.03). In the long-term, treatment success rate was higher in the CS group (100% vs. 71%); RR: 3.87 (0.51-26.99). POM pneumatic dilatation under cystoscopic control alone is faster, without increasing the risk of complications. Based on our experience, we suggest ionizing radiation be removed, since we consider it to be unnecessary.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided lumen-apposing metal stent with or without coaxial plastic stent for pancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing safety and efficacy.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are preferred for draining symptomatic large pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). A concurrent coaxial double-pigtail plastic stent (DPPS) is proposed to reduce adverse events associated with LAMS. We aimed to perform a comparative outcome analysis of LAMS with or without DPPS for PFCs. Electronic databases from January 2005 through July 2023 were searched for studies comparing the use of LAMS with or without DPPS for PFCs. Pooled proportions were calculated using fixed (inverse variance) and random-effects (DerSimonian-Laird) models. After reviewing 1780 studies, we extracted data from 6 studies comprising 348 patients. The weighted odds of overall technical success, using LAMS plus DPPS compared to LAMS alone, were 0.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-1.83), and the odds of clinical success were 1.10 (95%CI 0.59-2.05). The weighted odds of total adverse events with LAMS compared to LAMS plus DPPS were 2.21 (95%CI 1.37-3.59). Analysis of individual adverse events showed that the odds of stent occlusion when LAMS alone was used compared to LAMS plus DPPS was 2.36 (95%CI 1.12-4.98). The odds of bleeding were 1.84 (95%CI 0.77-4.38), and the odds of stent migration 0.95 (95%CI 0.40-2.23). EUS-guided LAMS placement is the current standard of care for managing symptomatic large PFCs. Concurrent use of coaxial DPPS can mitigate the overall adverse events observed with LAMS, while maintaining similar technical and clinical success.

Esophageal stent dysfunction: unclogging the Red Sea.

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have been widely used for the palliation of esophageal malignant dysphagia. Stent-related dysphagia is frequent and should raise the suspicion of stent migration, tumor ingrowth or overgrowth. In addition, bleeding has been reported in nearly 7% of patients. Nonetheless, this is the first case report of a complete stent obstruction by abundant blood clot formation. The authors present a 76-year-old male with severe ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation, requiring cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator and anticoagulation. After being diagnosed with metastasized squamous cell mid-esophageal cancer, he was proposed for chemotherapy and palliative esophageal stenting.

A novel lumen-apposing metal stent for endoscopic drainage of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections: a retrospective study.

Previous studies showed that lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) provides a feasible route to perform direct endoscopic necrosectomy. However, the high risk of bleeding and migration induced by the placement of LAMS attracted attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel LAMS. In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) to perform EUS-guided drainage with a LAMS in our hospital. Evaluation variables included technical success rate, clinical success rate, and adverse events. Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 41.38 ± 10.72 years (53.1% males) were included in our study, and the mean size of PFC was 10.06 ± 3.03 cm. Technical success rate and clinical success rate reached 96.9% and 93.8%, respectively. Stent migration occurred in 1 patient (3.1%), and no stent-induced bleeding occurred. The outcomes of using LAMS in 10 patients with pancreatic pseudocyst and 22 patients with walled-off necrosis were comparable. Compared with pancreatic pseudocyst, walled-off necrosis needed more direct endoscopic necrosectomy times to achieve resolution (P = 0.024). Our study showed that the novel LAMS is effective and safe for endoscopic drainage of PFCs with a relatively low rate of adverse events. Further large-scale multicenter studies are needed to confirm the present findings.

Endovascular treatment for thoracic aortic disease from the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment

ObjectiveGlobal Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT) is an international prospective multicenter registry collecting real-world data on performance of W. L. Gore thoracic and abdominal aortic endografts. This analysis evaluated the long-term differences in patient survival and device performance in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for any thoracic aortic pathology. MethodsFrom August 2010 to October 2016, 5014 patients were enrolled in GREAT. The population of interest was comprised of only patients treated for thoracic aortic pathologies. Through 5 years, primary outcomes were all-cause and aortic-related mortality, stroke, aortic rupture, endoleaks, migration, fracture, compression, paraplegia, and any reintervention through 5 years, grouped by pathology. Secondary outcomes were reintervention rate and freedom from serious device- and aortic-related events. ResultsThe 578 patients with thoracic aortic pathologies enrolled in GREAT and identified for this analysis were categorized by common pathologies: thoracic aneurysm (n = 239), thoracic dissection (n = 203), arch (n = 26), and other (n = 110). The mean age of this population was 66.1 ± 12.8 years, and 64.7% were male. Procedure survival was 99.7%. In the overall group, at index procedure to 30 days and 31 days to 5 years, Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from all-cause mortality were 99.6% and 66.4%, respectively, and for aortic-related mortality were 97.7% and 94.6%, respectively. Aortic rupture rate was 0.5% (n = 3) at 30 days and 1.4% (n = 8) through 5 years. Stroke and spinal cord ischemic events were 1.9% (n = 11) and 1.6% (n = 9) at 30 days and at 5 years were 3.6% (n = 20), 0.5% (n = 3), respectively. Reinterventions were required in 7.3% (n = 42) at 30 days and 12.4% (n = 69) through 5 years. The number of patients with endoleaks at 30 days was 2.1% (n = 12): n = 3 (1.1%) for each of types IA, 1B, and II; n = 2 (0.3%) for type III; and n = 4 (0.7%) for unspecified. Through 5 years, the percentage of patients was 8.3% (n = 40): n = 15 (3.1%) for type IA; n = 10 (2.1%) for type IB; n = 11 (2.3%) for type II; and n = 9 (1.9%) for unspecified. One patient (0.2%) had stent migration at 30 days (aneurysm group); none were reported through 5 years. There were no incidents of stent compression or fracture from index procedure through 5 years. ConclusionsData herein demonstrates durability and support for treatment of thoracic aortic disease with the GORE TAG conformable thoracic stent graft, including no incidents of stent compression/fracture and high freedom from aortic-related mortality. The planned analysis of follow-up to 10 years in GREAT will be beneficial.

Evaluation of ERCP-related perforation: a single-center retrospective study.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related perforation is a rare and serious adverse event. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk factors and management of ERCP-related perforation, and to further determine the predictive factors associated with perforation outcome. A total of 27,018 ERCP procedures performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (Nanchang, China) between January 2007 and March 2022 were included in the investigation of ERCP-related perforation. Medical records and endoscopic data were extracted to analyse the risk factors, management, and clinical outcome of ERCP-related perforation. Seventy-six patients (0.28%) were identified as having experienced perforation following ERCP. Advanced age, Billroth II anatomy, precut sphincterotomy, and papillary balloon dilatation were significantly associated with ERCP-related perforation. Most patients with perforation (n = 65) were recognized immediately during ERCP whereas 11 were recognized later on. The delay in recognition primarily resulted from stent migration (n = 9). In addition, 12 patients experienced poor clinical outcome including death or hospice discharge (n = 3), ICU admission for >3 days (n = 6), and prolonged hospital stay for >1 month due to perforation (n = 3). Cancer and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are associated with a higher risk of poor outcome. Advanced age, Billroth II anatomy, precut sphincterotomy, and balloon dilation increase the risk of ERCP-related perforation whereas cancer and SIRS independently predicted poor clinical outcome.

An unusual cause of severe tricuspid regurgitation: migration of left renal vein stent in nutcracker syndrome

An unusual cause of severe tricuspid regurgitation: migration of left renal vein stent in nutcracker syndrome

Zone 2 Aortic Arch Repair With Single-Fenestrated Physician-Modified Endografts, at Least 3 Years of Follow-up.

The aim of this study is to report the efficiency and safety of single-fenestrated physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) in zone 2 aortic arch pathologies with at least 3 years of follow-up. All consecutive patients with a pathological aortic arch who underwent aortic repair combined with homemade single-fenestrated stent-graft from 2015 to 2020 were reviewed. The patients with a target vessel different from the left subclavian artery (LSA) were excluded. A total of 63 patients were treated for a pathological arch in zone 2 with a single-fenestrated PMEG. 73% were male, and the mean age was 65 years old. 25% were treated for a degenerative aneurysm, 19% for a post dissection aneurysm and 24% for an acute type B dissection. 52% of the patients were treated as an emergency and half of those for an aortic rupture. The LSA fenestration was stented in 70%. During 30 days of follow-up, 2 strokes (3%) were reported, 6 patients (10%) died with 4 of those treated for aortic rupture and 1 had a retrograde aortic dissection. During at least 3 years of follow-up (median 49 months), no reintervention was needed for endoleaks, there was no stent fracture or stent migration. No patient died from an aortic cause. Subgroup analysis comparing the endovascular treatment for various aortic pathologies did not find significant differences in death rate or comorbidity including stroke. When comparing emergent and elective aortic repair, operating time was similar (64 vs 65 minutes), and the LSA fenestration was less frequently stented (52%) in the emergency group. There was no difference in stroke frequency. There was a higher rate of death in the emergency group at 30 days of follow-up, but no patient died from aortic cause in the long-term follow-up. Aortic arch repair with single-fenestrated PMEGs for zone 2 pathological arch disease is associated with acceptable early and midterm major morbidity and mortality. It is suitable for emergency situations. Single-fenestrated PMEG for the left subclavian artery is a safe and efficient option in the short and medium term for the treatment of the aortic arch in zone 2 with 98% technical success. It allows for aortic repair and subclavian artery revascularization in a single step for all patients. It is suitable for a range of main pathologies, including degenerative, dissection-related, isthmus rupture, and embolic pathologies. Additionally, it is always available and easily utilized in emergency cases.