Use Of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage Research Articles

Spinal Cord Protection During Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Endovascular Aortic Repair: 5-Year Results of a Preventive Protocol Including Prophylactic Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage in High-Risk Patients

Purpose: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic (TAA) repair. The use of prophylactic cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) as part of a protective protocol during endovascular repair is controversial. This article reports the results of the prophylactic use of CSFD as part of the of a prevention protocol implemented in 2016. Methods: Retrospective review of spinal cord outcomes (SCI rate and CSFD-related complications) in patients treated endovascularly for TAA disease at a single institution from 2016 (implementation of an institutional SCI risk reduction protocol) to 2021. Patients were classified as high risk (≥2 factors), intermediate risk (1 factor), or low risk (0 factor). Only high-risk patients without contraindications underwent a prophylactic CSFD placement. Results: One hundred eighty-one patients were analyzed (124 males; 69.6 years): 130 (69%) aneurysms (n=24 thoracic, n=28 Crawford 1–2–3, and n=78 Crawford 4/pararenal), 35 (19.9%) chronic aneurysmal dissections, and 16 (8.8%) acute complicated type B dissections. Interventions were staged in 31 (17.2%) cases, and consisted of 74 (41%) Thoracic EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR) and 107 (59%) Fenestrated Branched EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair (F-BEVAR). Sixty-nine (38.1%) patients were identified as being at high risk of SCI and CSFD was used prophylactically in 64 of them (4 failures and 1 contraindication). Spinal cord injury occurred in 8 cases (4 paraparesis, 4 paraplegias including 2 permanent), of which 3 had a prophylactic CSFD and 5 underwent rescue drainage. In addition, 4 patients developed SCI related to prophylactic CSFD (intradural hematoma), resulting in 1 paraparesis and 3 paraplegias. Other CSFD-related complications were mild (6) or moderate (2), for a total of 12 complications (17%). Factors associated with major drain complications were: curative anticoagulation 36 hours after drain removal (n=1), multiple punctures (n=1), platelet count <100 000 at drain removal (n=1), and bipolar disorder (n=2). Overall, 4 patients had permanent paraplegia and 1 had sphincter dysfunction at the last follow-up. Mean follow-up was 17 months. Mortality was 4.4% at 30 days and 13.3% at 18 months, including 3 (1.6%) aortic-related deaths. Conclusions: With the protocol we used to protect the spinal cord, we report results comparable with the SCI literature and highlight the risks associated with prophylactic CSFD use, which requires a better understanding of contraindications.

Therapy Intensity Level Scale for Traumatic Brain Injury: Clinimetric Assessment on Neuro-Monitored Patients Across 52 European Intensive Care Units.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) data from traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) cannot be interpreted appropriately without accounting for the effect of administered therapy intensity level (TIL) on ICP. A 15-point scale was originally proposed in 1987 to quantify the hourly intensity of ICP-targeted treatment. This scale was subsequently modified-through expert consensus-during the development of TBI Common Data Elements to address statistical limitations and improve usability. The latest 38-point scale (hereafter referred to as TIL) permits integrated scoring for a 24-h period and has a five-category, condensed version (TIL(Basic)) based on qualitative assessment. Here, we perform a total- and component-score analysis of TIL and TIL(Basic) to: 1) validate the scales across the wide variation in contemporary ICP management; 2) compare their performance against that of predecessors; and 3) derive guidelines for proper scale use. From the observational Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in TBI (CENTER-TBI) study, we extract clinical data from a prospective cohort of ICP-monitored TBI patients (n = 873) from 52 ICUs across 19 countries. We calculate daily TIL and TIL(Basic) scores (TIL24 and TIL(Basic)24, respectively) from each patient's first week of ICU stay. We also calculate summary TIL and TIL(Basic) scores by taking the first-week maximum (TILmax and TIL(Basic)max) and first-week median (TILmedian and TIL(Basic)median) of TIL24 and TIL(Basic)24 scores for each patient. We find that, across all measures of construct and criterion validity, the latest TIL scale performs significantly greater than or similarly to all alternative scales (including TIL(Basic)) and integrates the widest range of modern ICP treatments. TILmedian outperforms both TILmax and summarized ICP values in detecting refractory intracranial hypertension (RICH) during ICU stay. The RICH detection thresholds which maximize the sum of sensitivity and specificity are TILmedian ≥ 7.5 and TILmax ≥ 14. The TIL24 threshold which maximizes the sum of sensitivity and specificity in the detection of surgical ICP control is TIL24 ≥ 9. The median scores of each TIL component therapy over increasing TIL24 reflect a credible staircase approach to treatment intensity escalation, from head positioning to surgical ICP control, as well as considerable variability in the use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and decompressive craniectomy. Since TIL(Basic)max suffers from a strong statistical ceiling effect and only covers 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16-18%) of the information in TILmax, TIL(Basic) should not be used instead of TIL for rating maximum treatment intensity. TIL(Basic)24 and TIL(Basic)median can be suitable replacements for TIL24 and TILmedian, respectively (with up to 33% [95% CI: 31-35%] information coverage) when full TIL assessment is infeasible. Accordingly, we derive numerical ranges for categorising TIL24 scores into TIL(Basic)24 scores. In conclusion, our results validate TIL across a spectrum of ICP management and monitoring approaches. TIL is a more sensitive surrogate for pathophysiology than ICP and thus can be considered an intermediate outcome after TBI.

Safety of cerebrospinal fluid drainage in descending and thoracoabdominal aortic replacement surgery.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a significant morbidity of surgical repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). We present our 17-year experience with cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) as a protective strategy during open surgical repair of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic disease. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 132 patients who underwent open surgical repair of DTAA and TAAA and dissections with concurrent use of CSFD for spinal cord protection. Information regarding survival, postoperative course, and complications related to CSFD use were extracted from electronic health records (EHR) and analyzed. Mean patient age was 65.4±13.0 years, and 82 (62.1%) were male. A CSFD was successfully inserted in all patients. The mean hospital length of stay after surgery was 12.2±11.2 days, and in-hospital mortality was 7.6%. Postoperative transient paresis was observed in 5 patients (3.8%), and permanent paraplegia was seen in 4 (3.0%). CSFD related complications were reported in 25 patients (19%). Complications included persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, blood-tinged CSF (with subdural hematoma reported in 3 patients) and spinal cutaneous fistula in 9 (7%), 14 (11%), and 1 (1%), respectively. Long term survival was 50.9% at 15 years. CSFD is associated with minor complications, without major sequalae. It is a safe practice and likely contributes innocuously to decreased SCI in patients undergoing open repair of DTAA and TAAA.

Higher Plasma Osteopontin Concentrations Associated with Subsequent Development of Chronic Shunt-Dependent Hydrocephalus After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

A matricellular protein osteopontin (OPN) is considered to exert neuroprotective and healing effects on neurovascular injuries in an acute phase of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the relationships between OPN expression and chronic shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC) have never been investigated. In 166 SAH patients (derivation and validation cohorts, 110 and 56, respectively), plasma OPN levels were serially measured at days1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12 after aneurysmal obliteration. The OPN levels and clinical factors were compared between patients with and without subsequent development of chronic SDHC. Plasma OPN levels in the SDHC patients increased from days 1-3 to days 4-6 and remained high thereafter, while those in the non-SDHC patients peaked at days 4-6 and then decreased over time. Plasma OPN levels had no correlation with serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a systemic inflammatory marker. Univariate analyses showed that age, modified Fisher grade, acute hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and OPN and CRP levels at days 10-12 were significantly different between patients with and without SDHC. Multivariate analyses revealed that higher plasma OPN levels at days 10-12 were an independent factor associated with the development of SDHC, in addition to a more frequent use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and higher modified Fisher grade at admission. Plasma OPN levels at days 10-12 maintained similar discrimination power in the validation cohort and had good calibration on the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Prolonged higher expression of OPN may contribute to the development of post-SAH SDHC, possibly by excessive repairing effects promoting fibrosis in the subarachnoid space.

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage to prevent postoperative spinal cord injury in thoracic aortic repair.

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) is recommended as a spinal cord protective strategy in open and endovascular thoracic aortic repair. Although small studies support the use of CSFD, systematic reviews have not suggested definite conclusion and a large-scale study is needed. Therefore, we reviewed medical records of patients who had undergone descending and thoracoabdominal aortic repair (both open and endovascular repair) at multiple institutions to assess the association between CSFD and postoperative motor deficits. Patients included in this study underwent descending or thoracoabdominal aortic repair between 2000 and 2013 at 12 hospitals belonging to the Japanese Association of Spinal Cord Protection in Aortic Surgery. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate whether motor-evoked potential monitoring is effective in reducing motor deficits in thoracic aortic aneurysm repair. We use the same dataset to examine whether CSFD reduces motor deficits after propensity score matching. We reviewed data from 1214 patients [open surgery, 601 (49.5%); endovascular repair, 613 (50.5%)]. CSFD was performed in 417 patients and not performed in the remaining 797 patients. Postoperative motor deficits were observed in 75 (6.2%) patients at discharge. After propensity score matching (n = 700), mixed-effects logistic regression performed revealed that CSFD is associated with postoperative motor deficits at discharge [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 3.87; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.30-6.51]. CSFD may not be effective for postoperative motor deficits at discharge.

Medical and surgical management of acute type B aortic intramural hematoma.

Type B acute aortic dissection (AAD) and intramural hematoma (IMH) can both present as potentially catastrophic lesions of the descending aorta. IMH is distinguished from AAD by the absence of an intimal tear and flap. With short-term outcomes being similar to type B AAD, IMH is treated identically to AAD in the corresponding segment of the aorta. While all patients with any acute aortic syndrome of the descending aorta receive prompt anti-impulse therapy, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is reserved for patients presenting with certain complications, namely malperfusion, rupture, or periaortic hematoma. Technical aspects of TEVAR for IMH include maximal endograft oversizing of 10% with 20 mm landing zones of the healthy aorta, revascularization of the left subclavian artery when covered, use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage with extensive coverage, and restoration of branch vessel perfusion. With respect to disease evolution, IMH may progress to classic AD, frank rupture, or aneurysmal dilation; yet, IMH may also regress and be completely resorbed. However, since the natural history of IMH is unpredictable, TEVAR is being used more aggressively to improve long-term survival, rates of secondary reintervention, and positive aortic remodeling. Much remains unknown for acute type B IMH, including the use of prophylactic TEVAR for stable uncomplicated presentations, as well as the optimal timing of intervention and certain technical aspects of TEVAR. As such, IMH remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for cardiovascular surgeons.

A Single-Center Review of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage Complications After Open and Complex Endovascular Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repair

Use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) has become common practice for prevention and treatment of spinal cord ischemia/infarction (SCI) during thoracoabdominal aortic (TAAA) repair at most centers. However, CSFD has inherent risks that can contribute to morbidity and mortality in these patients. Here we present a contemporary single-center review of CSF drain-related complications at a tertiary medical center. Retrospective single-center review of all open and endovascular TAAA repairs who had a CSFD placed at our institution from 2017 to 2019. We included all indications including elective and emergent aneurysm, dissection, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, and IMH. CSFD complications were graded as mild (did not require intervention of prolong length of stay), moderate (did not require intervention but prolonged length of stay) and severe (required intervention, resulted in significant morbidity or mortality). A total of 97 patients who had 118 CSF drains placed were included in this analysis. Of the 118 drains, 102 (86%) were placed for endovascular repairs (TEVAR and complex EVAR), 17 of the 118 (14%) were placed for open TAAA and pararenal aortic repairs. The majority of drains (107/118; 90.6%) were preoperative prophylactic drains as our site utilizes a preoperative prophylactic CSFD policy, 11 of 118 (9.3%) were placed emergently as SCI postoperative therapeutic drains. In patients who had CSFD, our overall SCI rate was 5.1% with a temporary SCI (complete resolution) rate of 7.2% (7/97) and a permanent SCI (permanent paralysis) rate of 3.1% (3/97). Of those with permanent paralysis, 2 of 3 (66%) had a preoperative prophylactic drain and 1 of 3 (33%) had a postoperative therapeutic drain placed. CSFD-related minor complications (including headache [6/97] and epidural hematoma at entry site not requiring intervention [2/97]) incidence was 8.2% (8/97). Moderate CSFD related complications (including any neuroaxial bleeding not requiring intervention) was 4 of 97 (4.1%) with 3 patients having subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and 1 patient with cerebellar hemorrhage. Severe CSFD-related complications (including major bleeding and lumbar drain damage requiring intervention) incidence was 5/97 (5.1%); with 2.1% (2/97) related to subdural hemorrhage (SDH) and 3.1% (3/97) related to retained lumbar drains. Both major SDH events were in patients who had preoperative prophylactic drains placed and both developed symptoms of SDH >48 hours after removal of CSF drain. We had no CSFD-related mortalities. Rates of major CSFD-related complications at our institution parallel that of previously published data. CSFD-related complications are not insignificant and should be taken into consideration when determining the need for a prophylactic CSF drain.

Coverage of visible intercostal and lumbar segmental arteries can predict the volume of cerebrospinal fluid drainage in elective endovascular repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic disease: a pilot study.

Our goal was to identify anatomical and physiological factors that could predict the amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic disease. All consecutive elective endovascular procedures performed for descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic disease between January 2015 and December 2017 were included in the study. Routine use of CSF drainage was established in all patients. The goal of drainage was to reach a spinal fluid pressure of 10-12 mmHg by draining in 5-15-ml aliquots. The number of visible intercostal and lumbar segmental arteries (SAs) was evaluated before and after endovascular repair. The covering ratio of SAs was calculated as covered preoperative SAs/total preoperative SAs. Twenty-four consecutive patients were included in the final analysis. The indication for the intervention was a descending thoracic aneurysm in 13 cases, a thoracoabdominal aneurysm in 4 cases and a chronic type B dissection in 7 cases. The procedure performed was thoracic endovascular aortic repair in 20 cases and fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair in 4 cases. None of the patients developed spinal cord ischaemia. The mean volume of CSF drained was 46 ml. The mean length of aortic coverage was 231 mm. The mean number of total preoperative SAs and of covered preoperative SAs was, respectively, 22 and 9. The volume of CSF drained was significantly correlated with all these variables (length of aortic coverage, total visible SAs and covered SAs), but the most powerful correlation was individuated with the covering ratio of SAs. Our findings suggest that the percentage of intercostal and lumbar SAs covered by placement of a stent graft can predict the volume of CSF drained in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic disease.

Prevention of spinal cord injury during endovascular thoracoabdominal repair.

Spinal cord injury is the most devastating complication after aortic surgery. Rates of spinal cord injury vary from 0% up to 40%. Predictive factors include extent of coverage, hypogastric artery occlusion, prior aortic repair and perioperative hypotension. This article summarizes current strategies that are utilized to minimize risk of spinal cord injury including use of cerebrospinal fluiddrainage, early limb reperfusion, staging and neuro-monitoring.

Benefits and Risks of Prophylactic Cerebrospinal Fluid Catheter and Evoked Potential Monitoring in Symptomatic Spinal Cord Ischemia Low-Risk Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

To assess risks and benefits of a standardized strategy to prevent symptomatic spinal cord ischemia (SSCI) after thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) using routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) catheter placement and evoked potential (EP) monitoring. One hundred and ninety-five patients underwent 223 SSCI low-risk TEVAR procedures between 1998 and 2014. CSF catheter was used to measure CSF pressure and drain CSF if necessary throughout the procedure and up to 24 hours thereafter. EPs were used to monitor spinal cord integrity throughout the procedure. Underlying pathologies included descending thoracic aortic aneurysm in 115 (52%), type B aortic dissection in 85 (38%), traumatic aortic rupture in 16 (7%), and others in 7 (3%) patients. CSF catheter was inserted before TEVAR in 116 procedures (52%). Active CSF draining was required in 29 patients (25%). The CSF catheter caused no major and 11 (10%) minor complications. EP were monitored during 88 (40%) procedures. We observed a reduction in the amplitude, prolonged latencies, or complete signal loss in nine procedures. There were no EP monitoring-related complications. SSCI incidence was higher in patients without CSF drainage (0.8% vs 4.7%, p = 0.031). Use of CSF drainage is associated with a significant lower incidence of SSCI after SSCI low-risk TEVAR than nonuse, whereas the complication rate associated with CSF drainage insertion or removal is very low. Routine EP monitoring is a useful tool to detect immediate arterial inflow obstruction to the spinal cord. The combination of these two methods serves as a safe and reliable standardized strategy in reducing the incidence of SSCI to a minimum.

Effects of preemptive cerebrospinal fluid drainage on spinal cord protection during thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is reported to occur in 3-12% of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) cases, but is a potentially preventable complication of TEVAR for thoracoabdominal pathologies. Although many strategies have been devised to reduce the incidence of SCI, the effectiveness of prophylactic cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) and left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization remains controversial. From 2012 to 2014, 162 patients underwent TEVAR at a single institution. We prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed the data of 81 patients who underwent preoperative CSFD among the 162 patients. LSA revascularization was routinely used when LSA need to be covered. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative variables, and outcomes were analyzed. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 60.6 (12.5) years, and 57 patients (70%) were male. Twenty-five patients (31%) presented with degenerative aneurysm; 48 (59%), type B dissection; 5, (6%) penetrating aortic ulcer; and 3 (4%), intramural hematoma. Thirty-six patients (44%) underwent LSA revascularization before TEVAR. Two (2.5%) of the patients who underwent preoperative CSFD had SCI, of whom one recovered ambulatory status at discharge after hypertensive therapy and another had a permanent disability. Prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair tended to relate to SCI (P=0.065), and preoperative aortic rupture was a significant independent risk factor of SCI (P=0.002). Preemptive CSFD as an adjunctive procedure to TEVAR proved to be more effective than selective use of CSFD in other prior reports of SCI cases. Preoperative CSFD is recommended as a prophylactic procedure in patients at high risk of SCI during TEVAR.

Risk factors for spinal cord ischemia after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

The introduction of fenestrated and multibranched endografting transformed the treatment paradigm of patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). However, despite the minimally invasive character of the procedure, spinal cord ischemia (SCI) remains a devastating complication. The aim of this study was to address the SCI rates after endovascular TAAA repair and to analyze potential risk factors leading to this complication. A consecutive cohort of patients with nonruptured TAAAs treated by means of fenestrated and multibranched endografting between January 2010 and September 2014 was analyzed. Neurologic examination was routinely performed by an independent neurologist before operation and at discharge. The main outcome measure was the onset of SCI (paraplegia or paraparesis). Secondary outcomes were neurologic complications associated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) and 30-day mortality. Finally, a multivariate regression analysis identified risk factors for SCI. A consecutive 142 patients with TAAAs (Crawford type II, n = 54 [38%]; type III, n = 76 [54%]; type IV, n = 12 [8%]) were included in this study. The majority of patients (n = 129 [91%]) were treated for an atherosclerotic aneurysm, whereas 13 patients (9%) were treated for a postdissection aneurysm. The mean maximal aortic diameter was 65 ± 13 mm. SCI developed in 23 patients (16%; paraplegia in 12 [8%] and paraparesis in 11 [8%]). Of these 23 patients, 10 patients (43%) showed the neurologic deficit directly after the procedure, 11 patients (48%) in the first 24 hours, and 2 patients (9%) after 24 hours. There was an improvement of the neurologic status in the majority of patients, with only three patients (2%) showing irreversible paraplegia at discharge. There was no difference in the 30-day mortality between patients with and without SCI (no SCI, n = 3 [3%] vs SCI, n = 1 [4%]; P = .511). Prophylactic use of CSFD before the procedure was performed in 64 patients (45%), and among them, 4 patients (6%) developed a CSFD-associated complication. No clinical benefit for patients receiving prophylactic placement of CSFD was found (P = .498). The multivariate analysis revealed the percentage of thoracic aortic coverage as the only significant risk factor for SCI (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.05; P = .001). The SCI rate after endovascular repair of TAAA was 16%, with 8% of those patients suffering from paraplegia. Prophylactic use of CSFD could not reduce the SCI rate and was associated with 6% adverse events. The percentage of thoracic aortic coverage was the most powerful determinant of SCI in these series.

Current results of endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aneurysms†

Fenestrated and branch endografts represent a totally endovascular solution for high-risk patients with atherosclerotic thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). This study reports the early outcome of endovascular TAAA repair. Interrogation of a prospective database of consecutive patients who underwent endovascular repair (EVAR) for TAAA between June 2007 and October 2012. Sixty-two high-risk patients (55 men; median age 72, range 54-84 years) underwent fenestrated (n = 39) or branch (n = 23) EVAR for non-ruptured TAAA [extent I-III (n = 26) and IV (n = 36)]. Twenty patients had undergone 22 previous aortic procedures. A total of 221 target vessels (coeliac 50, superior mesenteric 61, renal 106, left subclavian 1 and hypogastric 3) were preserved with scallops (n = 17), fenestrations (n = 140) or branches (n = 62) and 201 of these vessels were stent-grafted (coeliac 34, superior mesenteric 58, renal 105, left subclavian 1 and hypogastric 3). The 30-day mortality was 1.6% (n = 1) and one further patient died on postoperative day 62 from respiratory complications. Spinal cord injury (SCI) developed in 5 (8%) patients (3 women and 2 men). Two patients required temporary renal replacement therapy and a further two commenced planned postoperative dialysis. In high-risk patients with TAAA, fenestrated and branch EVAR is associated with low early mortality and requirement for renal support, but the risk of SCI is not insignificant despite the use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and blood pressure manipulation. Our current practice is to stage the repair of extent I-III aneurysms and this has significantly reduced the incidence of SCI.

Chapter 10. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage

Chapter 10. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage

Open Repair of Extensive Thoracoabdominal and Thoracic Aneurysm: A Preliminary Single-Center Experience With Femorofemoral Distal Aortic Perfusion With Oxygenator and Without Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) and extensive thoracic descending aortic aneurysms (TDA) are not accessible through standard endovascular treatment. Fenestrated and branched endograft technology was developed rapidly without widespread application. The aim of this study was to review our open repair (OR) experience of TAAA and TDA. A total of 28 patients who underwent elective OR of TAAA or TDA between January 2001 and January 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age of the patients was 65.5 years (three women). The anatomic locations of the aneurysms were as follows: six in thoracic descending aorta and 22 in thoracoabdominal aorta (14 TAAA I, two TAAA II, six TAAA III). TDA (40 patients) available for ordinary endovascular treatment and TAAA IV (35 patients) were excluded from this study. To focus on spinal cord vascularization, 25 patients were submitted for angiography. Three patients suffering from back pain required quick treatment and were excluded from angiographic investigations. Angiography procedures were contributive in 23 patients (92%). Surgical repairs were driven through left thoraco-phreno-laparotomy, with the adjunct of distal aortic perfusion (femorofemoral bypass) including the use of an oxygenator and sequential aortic cross-clamping. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage was not used in this experience. The 30-day mortality rate was 14.3% (four of 28 patients): one multiorgan failure and three pulmonary sepsis. An immediate postoperative paraplegia occurred, affecting a patient with TDA who was previously submitted for infrarenal aorta replacement, despite angiographic identification and revascularization of intercostal artery destined to spinal artery. The 1-year survival rate was 82.1% (23 of 28 patients). In the preliminary experience of this study, OR of extensive TAAA and TDA with distal aortic perfusion and an oxygenator without use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage was associated with a significant perioperative mortality rate (14.2%), a reasonable rate of paraplegia (3%), and 1-year survival rate of 82.1%.

Spinal Cord Protection with a Cerebrospinal Fluid Drain in a Patient Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Paralysis and paraparesis are dreaded complications of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) that occur with an incidence of 2%-6%. Risks factors include the type of thoracic aortic pathology treated, coverage of the left subclavian artery origin without revascularization, concomitant infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, extent of stent graft coverage of the thoracic aorta, and renal failure. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drains have been advocated as one of several protective strategies to prevent spinal cord ischemia. This case discussion briefly addresses the evidence supporting the use of CSF drains in patients undergoing TEVAR and offers an algorithm for managing CSF drains.

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Results of Conventional Open Surgery

Objectives: The aim of this study is to report our experience in the surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) over the last 27 years against the background of evolving surgical techniques. Methods: We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 571 patients who underwent open TAAA repair between 1981 and 2008. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). Pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors were used to develop risk models for in-hospital mortality, spinal cord deficit and renal failure. Recent published series were used to highlight the different treatment modalities and explore results. Results: Seventy patients (12.3%) died in the hospital, the 30-day mortality was 8.9%, 37 patients (6.5%) required postoperative dialysis and 47 patients (8.3%) developed paraplegia or paraparesis. The incidence of paraplegia in the left heart bypass group was 4.4%. The predictors for hospital mortality were increasing age (odds ratio 1.096 per year, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.14) and the need for haemodialysis (odds ratio 10, 95% CI: 4.7–21.1). For postoperative spinal cord deficit, we found three protecting factors: age above 75 years (odds ratio 0.14, 95% CI: 0.19–1.09), the presence of a post-dissection aneurysm (odds ratio 0.4, 95% CI: 0.17–0.94) and the combined use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and motor-evoked potentials (odds ratio 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14–0.56). The urgency of procedure (odds ratio 4, 95% CI: 1.8–9) and preoperative serum creatinine level (odds ratio 1.007 per micromole per litre, 95% CI: 1.0–1.01) were significant risk factors for renal failure. Conclusions: Open TAAA repair intrinsically has substantial complications, of which spinal cord ischaemia and renal failure are the most devastating, despite major progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology and operative strategy. An overview of the results of recently published series is given along with an analysis of our data.

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Results of Conventional Open Surgery

The aim of this study is to report our experience in the surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) over the last 27 years against the background of evolving surgical techniques. We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 571 patients who underwent open TAAA repair between 1981 and 2008. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). Pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors were used to develop risk models for in-hospital mortality, spinal cord deficit and renal failure. Recent published series were used to highlight the different treatment modalities and explore results. Seventy patients (12.3%) died in the hospital, the 30-day mortality was 8.9%, 37 patients (6.5%) required postoperative dialysis and 47 patients (8.3%) developed paraplegia or paraparesis. The incidence of paraplegia in the left heart bypass group was 4.4%. The predictors for hospital mortality were increasing age (odds ratio 1.096 per year, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.14) and the need for haemodialysis (odds ratio 10, 95% CI: 4.7-21.1). For postoperative spinal cord deficit, we found three protecting factors: age above 75 years (odds ratio 0.14, 95% CI: 0.19-1.09), the presence of a post-dissection aneurysm (odds ratio 0.4, 95% CI: 0.17-0.94) and the combined use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and motor-evoked potentials (odds ratio 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14-0.56). The urgency of procedure (odds ratio 4, 95% CI: 1.8-9) and preoperative serum creatinine level (odds ratio 1.007 per micromole per litre, 95% CI: 1.0-1.01) were significant risk factors for renal failure. Open TAAA repair intrinsically has substantial complications, of which spinal cord ischaemia and renal failure are the most devastating, despite major progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology and operative strategy. An overview of the results of recently published series is given along with an analysis of our data.

Case 3—2005 Risk and Benefits of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage During Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

Repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) is associated with a substantial risk of perioperative spinal cord ischemia that may or may not lead to permanent postoperative paralysis. Several techniques that aim to increase the ischemia tolerance time of the spinal cord during the period of aortic cross-clamping have been described in the literature. 1 Afifi S. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage protects the spinal cord during thoracoabdominal aortic reconstruction surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2002; 16: 643-649 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar Hypothermia, left heart bypass, various shunts, myriad drugs, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage have all been used alone or in combination to potentially improve neurologic outcome after surgery. CSF drainage and distal aortic perfusion have been shown to lower the incidence of neurologic complications after repair of type I and type II TAAAs. 2 Coselli J. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage reduces paraplegia after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair Results of a randomized clinical trial. J Vasc Surg. 2002; 35: 631-639 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (527) Google Scholar Distal aortic perfusion increases distal aortic pressure, and CSF drainage decreases CSF pressure. These techniques potentially lead to an augmentation of spinal cord perfusion pressure during the period of aortic cross-clamping. However, CSF drainage can be associated with potentially serious complications, including fracture of the catheter during removal, catheter-associated meningitis, and/or temporary abducens nerve palsy, among others. 3 Cheung A.T. Pochettino A. Guvakov D.V. et al. Safety of lumbar drains in thoracic aortic operations performed with extracorporeal circulation. Ann Thorac Surg. 2003; 76: 1190-1197 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (76) Google Scholar Also, epidural hematoma at the catheter insertion site can complicate the clinical assessment of postoperative spinal ischemic injury. 4 Weaver K. Weisman D.B. Farber M. et al. Complications of lumbar drainage after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. J Vasc Surg. 2001; 34: 623-627 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (78) Google Scholar Intracranial subdural hematomas, with excessive CSF drainage, have also been reported and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. 5 Dardik A. Perler B.A. Roseborough G.S. et al. Subdural hematoma after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair An underreported complication of spinal fluid drainage?. J Vasc Surg. 2002; 36: 47-50 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (122) Google Scholar Subsequently, some authors have challenged the efficacy of CSF drainage and question the acceptable risk:benefit ratio of the technique. 6 Wallace L. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage does not protect the spinal cord during thoracoabdominal aortic reconstruction surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2002; 16: 650-652 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar , 7 Ling E. Arellano R. Systematic overview of the evidence supporting the use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage in thoracoabdominal aneurysm surgery for prevention of paraplegia. Anesthesiology. 2000; 93: 1115-1122 Crossref PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage to prevent paraplegia during thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives We undertook a quantitative systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to determine the effectiveness of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage to prevent paraplegia in thoracic aneurysm (TA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgery. Methods We included RCTs and cohort studies that met the following criteria: elective or emergent aneurysm surgery involving the thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta, documentation of postoperative neurologic deficits, and patient age older than 18 years. We excluded studies that reported results in 10 or fewer patients and duplicate publications. We identified eligible studies by searching computerized databases, our own files, and the reference lists of relevant articles and review articles. Database searching, eligibility decisions, relevance and method quality assessments, and data extraction were performed in duplicate with prespecified criteria. Results Of 372 publications identified in our search, 14 met our eligibility criteria. Three RCTs reported 289 patients with type I or type II TAAA. Lower limb neurologic deficits occurred in 12% of patients who underwent CSF drainage and 33% of control subjects (number needed to treat, 9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5-50). The pooled odds ratio (OR) for development of paraplegia in patients in the CSF drainage group was 0.35 ( P = .05; 95% CI, 0.12-0.99). Similar results were found in five cohort studies with a control group (pooled OR, 0.26; P = .0002; 95% CI, 0.13-0.53). When all studies were considered together the pooled OR of TA and TAAA was 0.3 (95% CI, 0.17-0.54). There was no statistical heterogeneity among studies included in the meta-analysis. In six cohort studies without a control group, the incidence of paraplegia in high-risk TA and TAAA was 7.6%. Conclusions Evidence from randomized and nonrandomized trials and from cohort studies support the use of CSF drainage as an adjunct to prevent paraplegia when this adjunct is used in centers with large experience in the management of TAAA.