Treatment Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Research Articles

Associations Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Traits, and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Cross-Ethnic Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes mellitus may protect from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, it is unclear whether a causal relationship exists between these two conditions and, if so, whether it remains consistent among racial groups. Cross-ethnic Mendelian randomization was used to examine the causal relationships between type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic traits, and AAA. Inverse variance weighted was the primary analysis tool, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, and Mendelian randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were assessed using the Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept, respectively. According to inverse variance weighted, an inverse correlation between type 2 diabetes mellitus and AAA was detected in Europeans (odds ratio [OR] 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-0.99; p = 0.034) and East Asians (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.99; p = 0.038). Fasting glucose was inversely associated with AAA in Europeans (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.96; p = 0.034) but not in East Asians. In Europeans, fasting insulin was a risk factor for AAA (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.53-6.01; p = 0.001), while 2-hour glucose was protective (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.91; p = 0.011). Glycated hemoglobin had no effect. Insufficient instrumental variables prevented the evaluation of the relationships of fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and 2-hour glucose with AAA in East Asians. Type 2 diabetes mellitus protects against AAA in Europeans and East Asians. The effects of different glucose metabolism characteristics on AAA may inform AAA treatment.

Nationwide analysis of EVAR explantation outcomes in Korea: A comprehensive dataset study.

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the primary treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms, constituting 70%-80% of interventions. Despite initial benefits, long-term studies show increased mortality. Using nationwide data, this study assesses outcomes of EVAR, open aortic repair (OAR), and EVAR explantation (EE) in Korea, while exploring characteristics of late open conversion, including the rising EE incidence. Employing the National Health Insurance Service database, covering health-related data for nearly 50 million Koreans, the study spanned from 2002 to 2020. Patients with AAA diagnoses (I71.3 or I71.4) were categorized into OAR, EVAR, and EE groups based on procedural codes. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Fisher's exact tests, Cox proportional hazard models, and multivariate Cox regression, assessed baseline characteristics, mortality risks, and factors within the EE group. The analysis encompassed 26,195 patients, with 66.19% in the EVAR group, 31.87% in the OAR group, and 1.94% in the EE group. EVAR cases steadily increased from 2002 to 2018. Survival rates favored EVAR, followed by OAR and EE. 30-day survival was lower in EE than EVAR. Multivariate analysis for EE revealed no risk factors for 30-days survival but identified age, chronic kidney disease, high Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, and less than 6months since EVAR as risk factors for overall mortality. Rising EE trends with increased EVAR adoption, particularly evident in the Korean dataset, underscore inferior outcomes. This highlights the critical need for strategic initial treatment decisions and timely interventions to enhance overall results and mitigate the unfavorable EE incidence.

Multicenter Study on Physician-Modified Endografts for Thoracoabdominal and Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Physician modified endografts (PMEGs) have been widely used in the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, however, previous data are limited to small single center studies and robust data on safety and effectiveness of PMEGs are lacking. We aimed to perform an international multicenter study analyzing the outcomes of PMEGs in complex abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. An international multicenter single-arm cohort study was performed analyzing the outcomes of PMEGs in the treatment of elective, symptomatic, and ruptured complex abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Variables and outcomes were defined according to the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. Device modification and procedure details were collected and analyzed. Efficacy outcomes included technical success and safety outcomes included major adverse events and 30-day mortality. Follow-up outcomes included reinterventions, endoleaks, target vessel patency rates and overall and aortic-related mortality. Multivariable analysis was performed aiming at identifying predictors of technical success, 30-day mortality, and major adverse events. Overall, 1274 patients were included in the study from 19 centers. Median age was 74 (IQR, 68-79), and 75.7% were men; 45.7% were complex abdominal aortic aneurysms, and 54.3% were thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms; 65.5% patients presented electively, 24.6% were symptomatic, and 9.9% were ruptured. Most patients (83.1%) were submitted to a fenestrated repair, 3.6% to branched repair, and 13.4% to a combined fenestrated and branched repair. Most patients (85.8%) had ≥3 target vessels included. The overall technical success was 94% (94% in elective, 93.4% in symptomatic, and 95.1% in ruptured cases). Thirty-day mortality was 5.8% (4.1% in elective, 7.6% in symptomatic, and 12.7% in ruptured aneurysms). Major adverse events occurred in 25.2% of cases (23.1% in elective, 27.8% in symptomatic, and 30.3% in ruptured aneurysms). Median follow-up was 21 months (5.6-50.6). Freedom from reintervention was 73.8%, 61.8%, and 51.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years; primary target vessel patency was 96.9%, 93.6%, and 90.3%. Overall survival and freedom from aortic-related mortality was 82.4%/92.9%, 69.9%/91.6%, and 55.0%/89.1% at 1, 3, and 5 years. PMEGs were a safe and effective treatment option for elective, symptomatic, and ruptured complex aortic aneurysms. Long-term data and future prospective studies are needed for more robust and detailed analysis.

A Single Injection of ADRCs Does Not Prevent AAA Formation in Rats in a Randomized Blinded Design.

There is a pressing need for alternative medical treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Mesenchymal regenerative cells derived from adipose tissue (ADRCs) have shown potential in modulating the inflammation and immune responses that drive AAA progression. We hypothesized that ADRCs could reduce inflammation and preserve vascular integrity, potentially slowing the progression of AAA. In our study, subcutaneous adipose tissue was harvested from male Sprague Dawley rats, from which ADRCs were isolated. AAA was induced in these rats using intraluminal porcine pancreatic elastase, followed by intravenous administration of either ADRCs (106 cells) or saline (0.1 mL). We monitored the progression of AAA through weekly ultrasound, and the rats were sacrificed on day 28 for histological analysis. Our results showed no significant difference in the inner abdominal aortic diameter at day 28 between the control group (172% ± 73%, n = 17) and the ADRC-treated group (181% ± 75%, n = 15). Histological analyses of AAA cross-sections also revealed no significant difference in the infiltration of neutrophils or macrophages between the two groups. Furthermore, the integrity and content of elastin in the tunica media were similar between groups. These findings indicate that a single injection of ADRCs does not inhibit the development of AAA in rats in a randomized blinded study.

358 Driving Endovascular Solutions for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A 9-Year International Experience with the Fenestrated Anaconda Endograft

Abstract Aim Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become the mainstay treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms and is associated with optimal outcomes. However, there remains a risk of complications requiring reintervention. Several EVAR devices exist commercially, yet, the Fenestrated Anaconda™ (FA) has demonstrated outstanding results. This study aims to presents a 9-year cross-sectional international analysis of custom-made FA outcomes. Method Patient data was collected prospectively in 27 countries over 9 years and stored in an international registry. This was later retrieved and analysed retrospectively. Results A total of 5058 patients received the FA endograft. This was indicated either due to complex anatomy for competitor devices (n = 3891, 76.9%) or based on surgeon preference (n = 1167, 23.1%). Overall, the FA was utilised to rescue 2987 (59%) failed previous EVARs. The predominant device category and proximal ring stent configuration were bifurcate (83.6%) and standard (64.5%). Most devices were delivered within 6-8 weeks (55.4%) of diagnosis and 95% came with a prototype. As for clinical outcomes, both survival and TVP were 100% during the first 6 postoperative years but dropped to 77.1% and 81% thereafter. A sac regression of 0-30% was observed in 4772 (94.3%) patients over the first 4 years, whilst all patients had 20-45% sac regression in years 5-9 of follow-up. No cases of endograft migration or reintervention were recorded. All clinical outcomes were further stratified by indication group. Conclusions The custom-made FA endograft features a highly unique and innovative design which enables it to treat highly complex aortic anatomy while achieving favourable results.

Evaluating the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for detecting after preemptive coiling endoleaks in endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: A pilot study

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is widely used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), but has a 10% to 40% incidence of type II endoleak during follow-up. There are various techniques to treat these endoleaks in the case of enlarging of the AAA, but the clinical effectiveness is low. In recent years, preemptive AAA sac embolization has shown some encouraging results with significant AAA shrinkage. However, the presence of embolic material can complicate continued endoleak detection making assessment of treatment outcome difficult. We investigate the ability of contrast-enhanced-ultrasound examination to detect endoleaks in patients undergoing preemptive coil embolization of the AAA sac.

The Importance of Cell Saver Usage in Complex Endovascular Repair of Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

The use of the cell-saver is well established in open aneurysm repair, however, its role in endovascular repair is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of cell-saver usage in patients undergoing complex endovascular procedures. Single-center retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing fenestrated and/or branched repair for the treatment of thoracoabdominal and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms between January 2019 and December 2022. The cell-saver was a standard part of the intraoperative setup of these procedures and its use was readily available. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients in which autologous blood collected was transfused (CSBT), alongside the usable amount obtained. Secondary endpoints included mean blood loss, postoperative haemoglobin levels and 30-day mortality. A total of 170 patients (77.1% male, mean age 71.2 ± 9.2 years) were included, with a median blood loss of 700mL (IQR 400-1200mL). A total of 96 patients received some kind of blood transfusion (BT) (56.5%): 35 (20.6%) allogenic BT, 31 (18.2%) CSBT only and 30 (17.6%) a combination of both. In total, 61 patients (35.9%, or 63.5% of all patients requiring BTs) received CSBT, with a median usable blood volume of 282mL (IQR, 194.5 - 508mL). Thirty-day mortality was similar in both groups. Although the CSBT group had lower intraoperative hemoglobin values (9.25 ± 1.55 vs. 10.36 ± 1.88 mg/dL; p<0.001), both groups presented similar postoperative hemoglobin levels. Blood loss during complex endovascular repair is not insignificant. In this cohort, over 50% of included patients required some kind of BT, 32.3% of which received exclusively CSBT while 31.3% had supplementary CSBT alongside allogenic BT. This data showcases its potential role in these repairs, paving the way for its standardization in the intraoperative setup of these complex procedures.

Construction of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis based on ferroptosis-related gene AKR1C1 to explore the potential pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a cardiovascular disease that seriously threatens human health and brings huge economic burden. At present, its pathogenesis remains unclear and its treatment is limited to surgical treatment. With the deepening and analysis of studies on the mechanism of ferroptosis, a new idea has been provided for the clinical management of AAA patients, including diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Therefore, this paper aims to construct a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory axis based on ferroptosis to preliminarily explore the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of AAA. We obtained upregulated and downregulated ferroptosis-related DEGs (FRGs) from GSE144431 dataset and 60 known ferroptosis-related genes. Pearson correlation analysis was used to find aldoketone reductase 1C (AKR1C1) in AAA samples. Enrichment analysis of these genes was performed via Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Correlation test between immune cells and AKR1C1 was investigated through single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The AKR1C1-miRNA pairs were predicted by the TargetScan database and miRWalk database. Circular RNA (CircRNA)-miRNA pairs were selected by the CircInteractome database. Overlapping miRNA between circRNA-miRNA and AKR1C1-miRNA pairs was visualized by Venn diagram. Finally, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis was constructed by searching for upstream circRNA and downstream mRNA of overlapping miRNA. Only one downregulated AKR1C1 gene was found in GSE144431 and 60 ferroptosis-related genes. Functional Enrichment and Pathway Analysis of AKR1C1-related genes were further explored, and it was observed that they were mainly enriched in "response to oxidative stress," "glutathione biosynthetic process" and "nonribosomal peptide biosynthetic process," "Ferroptosis," "Glutathione metabolism" and "Chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species." They were also found to be significantly associated with most immune cells, including Activated Dendritic cells, CD56dim Natural killer cells, Gamma Delta T cells, Immature B cells, Plasmacytoid dendritic cell, Type 2 T helper cell, Activated CD4 T cell and Type 1 T helper cell. Has_circ_0005073-miRNA-543 and AKR1C1-miRNA-543 were identified by Online Database analysis. Therefore, we have established the has_circ_0005073/miRNA-543/AKR1C1 axis in AAA. We found AKR1C1 was differentially expressed between normal and AAA groups. Based on AKR1C1, we constructed the has_circ_0005073/miRNA-543/AKR1C1 axis to analyze AAA.

Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) Compared to Open Repair in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: An Umbrella Meta-Analysis.

This umbrella meta-analysis aims to investigate two surgical treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgery repair (OSR). Our study aims to elucidate the 30-day mortality rate, reintervention rates, and aneurysm-related mortality in EVAR versus OSR for AAA. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of meta-analyses (n = 34 articles) comparing EVAR and OSR for AAA. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and considered statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05. For the 30-day mortality rate, a pooled odds ratio (pOR) of 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.77, P= 0.0001, and I2 = 98%) indicates that EVAR was associated with a lower risk of mortality compared to OSR. For reintervention rates, a pOR of 1.33 (95% CI = 0.98-1.82, P = 0.11, and I2 = 90%). In aneurysm-related mortality, a pOR of 0.78 (95% CI = 0.63-0.97, P =0.03, and I2 = 43%). In postoperative rupture of aneurysm, a pOR of 3.28 (95% CI = 2.16-4.98, P < 0.00001, and I2 = 50%). Furthermore, when analyzing systemic complications, only for visceral ischemia, significant results showed lower odds for EVAR, with a pOR of 0.57 (95% CI = 0.40-0.80, P = 0.001, and I2 = 0%) was found. EVAR is better in terms of short-term mortality rate and aneurysm-related mortality. Furthermore, EVAR is still a safer procedure in elective settings, as the studies we included recruited patients for this setting. However, given the high reintervention rates and recent developments in surgical techniques and materials, more recent data and extensive research are needed.

Thirty-Nine Percent of Patients with a Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Have an Incidentally Detected AAA Prior to Rupture

IntroductionAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening has been offered to 65-year-old men living in Oslo, Norway, since May 2011. A significant number of AAA-related deaths occurred in individuals who are not eligible for screening. The primary aim of this study was to describe the group of patients admitted to Oslo University Hospital with a ruptured AAA after the implementation of the local AAA screening project. The following parameters were investigated: AAA detection prior to rupture, surveillance status, eligibility for screening and comorbidities. We also sought to compare outcomes (repair rates and 30-day mortality) between patients with and without an AAA detected prior to rupture. MethodsThis cohort study included patients admitted acutely to Oslo University Hospital due to a symptomatic or ruptured AAA in the period January 2011 to December 2022. Data on demographics, prior AAA detection, surveillance status, treatment and mortality were collected retrospectively through electronic medical records. ResultsWe identified 200 patients with a symptomatic or ruptured AAA, among which 79 (40%) had an AAA detected prior to rupture – one (1%) through screening and 78 (39%) incidentally. Up to 30% of the incidentally detected AAAs were not under any surveillance. Six patients were found eligible for screening: one had attended, three were non-attenders and two had not been invited. Patients with an incidentally detected AAA prior to rupture had a more advanced age and a significantly higher degree of comorbidities than patients without a previously detected AAA, and the repair rates in these groups were 56% and 84% respectively (p < 0.001). Adjusted for comorbidities and risk factors, the odds ratio for repair among patients with incidentally detected AAA was 0.56 (p = 0.292). The 30-day mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.097). ConclusionMost patients with a ruptured AAA were not eligible for screening, but 39% of the patients had an incidentally detected AAA prior to rupture. Standardized reporting and follow-up of incidentally detected AAAs is thus identified as an additional measure to organized screening in the effort to reduce AAA-related mortality.

Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Impact of Diabetes on Endoleaks and Reintervention.

Background: Diabetes has a protective effect on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs); however, there are contrasting reports on the impact of diabetes on endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) outcomes, endoleaks (ELs) being the major negative outcome. The present study characterizes ELs and their outcomes in AAA patients, diabetic or not. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, comparative study was carried out on 324 AAA patients who underwent elective EVARs between 2007 and 2016 at the University Hospital of Liège (Belgium). The primary endpoint was the incidence and effect of ELs on the evolution of the aneurysmal sac; the secondary endpoints were surgical reintervention and mortality rate. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients were compared with respect to various risk factors by logistic regression, while a Cox regression was used to analyze survival. Results: In AAA patients meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 248), 23% were diabetic. EL incidence was comparable (p = 0.74) in diabetic (38.7%) vs. non-diabetic (43.9%) patients. EL risk factors were age (HR = 1.04, p = 0.014) and fibrate intake (HR = 3.12, p = 0.043). A significant association was observed between ELs and aneurysm sac enlargement (p < 0.001), regardless of group (p = 0.46). Aneurysm sac regression per month for non-diabetic patients was -0.24 ± 0.013, while for diabetics it was -0.18 ± 0.027 (p = 0.059). Dyslipidemia (HR = 3.01, p = 0.0060) and sulfonylureas (HR = 8.43, p = 0.043) were associated with shorter EL duration, while diabetes (HR = 0.080, p = 0.038) and beta blockers (HR = 0.46, p = 0.036) were associated with longer EL duration. The likelihood of reoperation decreased with more recent surgery (OR = 0.90, p = 0.040), regardless of diabetic status. All-cause mortality was higher for the non-diabetic group (45.5% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.0096). Conclusions: Endoleak occurrence is a known risk factor for sac expansion. In diabetic patients, endoleaks lasted longer, and regression of the aneurysm sac tended to be slower. The number and type of reintervention was not related to the diabetic status of AAA patients, but overall survival was higher in patients with diabetes.

Epigenetic modifications in abdominal aortic aneurysms: from basic to clinical.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a disease characterized by localized dilation of the abdominal aorta, involving multiple factors in its occurrence and development, ultimately leading to vessel rupture and severe bleeding. AAA has a high mortality rate, and there is a lack of targeted therapeutic drugs. Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in AAA, and the treatment of AAA in the epigenetic field may involve a series of related genes and pathways. Abnormal expression of these genes may be a key factor in the occurrence of the disease and could potentially serve as promising therapeutic targets. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of AAA is of significant importance in revealing the mechanisms underlying the disease and identifying new therapeutic targets. This knowledge can contribute to offering AAA patients better clinical treatment options beyond surgery. This review systematically explores various aspects of epigenetic regulation in AAA, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification. The analysis of the roles of these regulatory mechanisms, along with the identification of relevant genes and pathways associated with AAA, is discussed comprehensively. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion is provided on existing treatment strategies and prospects for epigenetics-based treatments, offering insights for future clinical interventions.

Dealer’s Choice: Do What You Do Best for Treatment of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Dealer’s Choice: Do What You Do Best for Treatment of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Medical Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: No Good Evidence or No Good Trials?

Medical Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: No Good Evidence or No Good Trials?

Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate-to-Threonine Ratio Promotes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms via Up-Regulation of HLA-DR on Natural Killer Cells: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomized Analysis.

Objective: Immune-metabolic interactions may have causal and therapeutic impacts on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, due to the lack of research on the relationship between immune-metabolic interactions and AAAs, further exploration of the mechanism faces challenges. Methods: A two-sample, two-step mediation analysis with Mendelian randomization (MR) based on genome-wide association studies (GWASs) was performed to determine the causal associations among blood immune cell signatures, metabolites, and AAAs. The stability, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy of the results were verified using a multivariate sensitivity analysis. Results: After multiple two-sample MRs using the AAA data from two large-scale GWAS databases, we determined that the human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) levels on HLA-DR + natural killer (NK) cells (HLA-DR/NK) were associated with the causal effect of an AAA, with consistent results in the two databases (FinnGen: odds ratio (OR) = 1.054, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003-1.067, p-value = 0.036; UK Biobank: OR = 1.149, 95% CI: 1.046-1.261, p-value = 0.004). The metabolites associated with the risk of developing an AAA were enriched to find a specific metabolic model. We also found that the ratio of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) to threonine could act as a potential mediator between the HLA/NK and an AAA, with a direct effect (beta effect = 0.0496) and an indirect effect (beta effect = 0.0029). The mediation proportion was 5.56%. Conclusions: Our study found that an up-regulation of HLA-DR on HLA-DR/NK cells can increase the risk of an AAA via improvements in the AMP-to-threonine ratio, thus providing a potential new biomarker for the prediction and treatment of AAAs.

Exploring Socioeconomic Disparities in Outcomes and Follow-up After Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Exploring Socioeconomic Disparities in Outcomes and Follow-up After Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Results of open prosthetics of abdominal aortic aneurysms using laparotomic and retroperitoneal approaches

The OBJECTIVE was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm using laparotomic and retroperitoneal approaches.METHODS AND MATERIALS. The study included 206 patients operated on at the Department of Vascular Surgery of the Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital from 2010 to 2018. All patients were divided into 2 groups. The first – 112 people, whose surgical intervention was performed through laparotomic approach. The second – 94 patients, approach to the aorta was made by the retroperitoneal technique according to Rob. comparison of non-specific life-threatening complications included the development of myocardial infarction and acute cardiovascular failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure, the development of ischemic colitis and small bowel obstruction, which required repeated interventions. The development of acute renal injury was characterized as an increase in creatinine by 50 % from baseline or a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by more than 25 %. This group of complications also included ischemic stroke, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. Wound complications included insolvency of postoperative wounds of retroperitoneal and laparotomic approaches, cases of eventration.RESULTS. When analyzing the incidence of nonspecific complications, it was found that in group I their frequency was 41 (46.6 %) clinical cases, and in group II – 26 (27.6 %) (p=0.173*). In group I, the incidence of cardiovascular complications significantly exceeded those in group II – 17 (15.2 %) vs 6 (6.4 %) (p*=0.046). The incidence of gastrointestinal complications was also significantly higher in group I – 9 (8 %) vs 1 (1.06 %) (p*=0.021). The frequency of deaths in groups I and II did not differ significantly in 7 (6.25 %) and 5 (5.3 %) cases (p*=0.77).CONCLUSION. As our study showed, retroperitoneal approach is a worthy alternative to laparotomy, mainly in case of repeated interventions, as well as in the presence of signs of visceral obesity of the patient. At the same time, laparotomic approach is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Simultaneous Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Severe Aortic Stenosis and Symptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Mini Review.

Background: The treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS) who concomitantly present with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is not defined. Aortic valve replacement surgery, performed alone, increases the risk of AAA rupture. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the same intervention, especially in high-risk patients, is a safe alternative. Purpose: We report a case of simultaneous endovascular treatment of SAS and AAA and a mini literature review of nineteen cases with similar characteristics. Research design: Case report and literature review. Data Collection: An electronic search of PubMed and Scopus was performed from inception to December 2023. Results: Nineteen case reports of simultaneous transcatheter aortic valve repair and endovascular aneurysm repair for SAS and symptomatic AAA were identified published in the literature. Conclusions: We regard the simultaneous endovascular approach to both pathologies as a promising treatment alternative for selected patients with severe aortic stenosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. We highlight the need to conduct randomized clinical trials in this patient population.

Mobile vs Fixed Fluoroscopy System for EVAR Image Quality and Radiation Doses for Patients and Professionnals: Mobile C-Arm vs Hybrid Room for EVAR

Abstract Background Allowing less invasive treatments, endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become the gold standard worldwide for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, leading to questions regarding staff and patients’ exposure to radiation. Widely performed in our center, EVAR was initially carried out on mobile C-arm (Cios-alpha, Siemens). Since 2022, EVAR was then performed in a hybrid room (Artis-Pheno, Siemens). Aims The aim of this study is to compare image quality and patients and professionals’ radiation exposure between both systems. Methods Image quality has been tested for fluoroscopy and fluorography mode on the moving system, with PMMA plates and copper disc. A Radcal ionization chamber was used to measure patient skin dose. Dosimetric and clinical parameters (e.i. Kerma, fluoroscopy time, BMI…) were recorded for 79 and 43 patients, respectively, on mobile C-arm and hybrid room. Staff exposure was measured with thermoluminescent detectors, on an anthropomorphic phantom, representative of the physician. Scattered radiation was created by irradiating PMMA plates. Different radiation protection gears have been tested comparable to daily clinical use. Results We showed that using the fluoroscopy mode, Cios-alpha was more irradiating for similar image quality as compared to the Artis-Pheno. Moreover, using the fluorography mode, Artis-Pheno provided a comparable dose rate but significantly better image quality. When comparing similar patient cohorts (BMI, sex), kerma was twice higher on Artis-Pheno due to fluorography, accounting for 27% of the total dose. In terms of staff exposure, the dose rate decreased by 51% and 99% in fluoroscopy, and 22% and 99% in fluorography when using Artis-Pheno compared to Cios-alpha (respectively, without any and with radiation protection gear). Conclusion Our study highlights the advantage of a fixed system (hybrid room) in term of both image quality and staff exposure compared to mobile system. However, particular attention must be paid to optimize protocols of such a machine to guarantee the best possible radiation protection for the patient.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, computed tomography-derived body composition, systemic inflammation and survival after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: A retrospective cohort study.

Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPEX) is selectively used before intervention for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Sarcopenia, a chronic condition defined by reduced skeletal muscle function and volume, can be assessed radiologically by computed tomography (CT)-derived body composition analysis (CT-BC), and is associated with systemic inflammation. The aim was to describe the association between CT-BC, CPEX, inflammation and survival in patients undergoing elective intervention for AAA. Patients were recruited retrospectively from a single, secondary-care centre-operative database. Cases undergoing elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) between 31 March 2015 and 25 June 2020 were included. There were 176 patients (130 EVAR, 46 OSR) available for analysis in the final study; median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up was 60.5 [27] months, and all completed a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Preoperative CPEX tests were recorded. CT sarcopenia score [CT-SS, range 0 to 2, calculated based on normal/low SMI (0/1) and normal/low SMD (0/1)] assessed radiological sarcopenia. Preoperative modified Glasgow Prognostic score (mGPS) was used to assess systemic inflammation. Mean [95% confidence interval (CI) survival in the CT-SS 0 vs. CT-SS 1 vs. CT-SS 2 subgroups was 80.1 (73.6 to 86.6) months vs. 70.3 (63.5 to 77.1) months vs. 63.8 (53.4 to 74.2) months] ( P = 0.01). CT-SS was not associated with CPEX results ( P > 0.05). Elevated CT-SS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.83, 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.89, P < 0.01] was independently associated with increased hazard of long-term mortality; however, CPEX results were not ( P > 0.05). CPEX test results were not consistently associated with body composition and did not have significant prognostic value in patients undergoing elective treatment for AAA.