Visceral Ischemia Research Articles

Comparative insights into type non-A non-B vs type B acute aortic syndromes and their blood pressure management: a monocentric, retrospective, 11-year study

Abstract Background Acute aortic syndromes (AAS) are classified either as type A, if the ascending aorta is involved, or as type B, if only the descending aorta is; AAS affecting the aortic arch, alone or in combination with the descending aorta, have recently been classified as type non-A-non-B (NANB). Few and discordant data are available about the differences between type B and type NANB AAS, especially in terms of presentation, management and prognosis. Little evidence also exists about the effects of blood pressure (BP) management, peaks and variability on in-hospital outcomes in such context. In particular, the largest international AAS registry suggests a comparable course and prognosis, while a recent meta-analysis indicates a poorer clinical outcome with higher rate of complications, need of invasive treatment and mortality in the case of type NANB AAS. Methods We conducted a monocentric, observational, analytical, retrospective registry study including all patients ≥ 18 years old admitted to our tertiary referral hospital with a diagnosis of type B or type NANB AAS from January 2011 to December 2021. Epidemiological, clinical, operative and outcome data were analyzed by comparing type B and type NANB AAS patients. We also focused on systolic and diastolic BP, in terms of both peak values as well as BP variability (BPV); BPV was defined as the difference between the peak and the through value on a certain day. Blood pressure variables were analyzed in relationship with mortality and the failure of an initial conservative management. Results 274 type B and 44 type NANB AAS patients were enrolled. The only significant differences between the two groups were a higher rate of pre-operative complications in type NANB patients (p=0.002) resulting in a higher rate of invasive management (p=0.005), particularly as failure of an initial conservative strategy (p=0.018). However, comparable rates of post-operative complications and in-hospital mortality (overall 7%) were observed. In the overall population, lower limb ischemia, ST segment depression, and post-operative visceral ischemia were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Peri-aortic effusion was independently associated with failure of conservative management, whereas diagnosis of intramural hematoma (as opposed to other subtypes of AAS) appeared to be protective. Among all BP variables (including anti-hypertensive treatment intensity and daily systolic or diastolic BP peaks and variability), only peak systolic BP on day 5 was found to be non-independently associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality and failure of an initially conservative strategy. Conclusions In our study type NANB AAS were more often complicated and treated invasively than type B AAS, while having the same rates of post-operative complications and overall mortality. BP peaks had only a minor effect on outcomes, while BPV and BP management intensity did not have any significant impact.OutcomesBlood Pressure

Elective open repair with the debranch, perfuse, reconstruct technique to treat suprarenal or type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

BackgroundOpen surgical repair of suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (SRAAA) and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) remains a surgical challenge because of the inducted intraoperative visceral and renal ischemia. We report a novel three-step technique named debranch, perfuse, reconstruct (DPR), using debranching and passive arterial shunt to decrease these ischemic complications. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the 30-day and 1-year mortality rates associated with these DPR technique. The secondary aim was to evaluate the impact on renal function and the primary patency of the repaired arteries. MethodsThis retrospective study included all consecutive patients who underwent elective surgery for SRAAA or type IV TAAA using the DPR technique between January 2011 and June 2022. In debranching, using partial side clamping, a multibranch graft was implanted side-to-end into the descending thoracic aorta. The left renal artery was anastomosed end-to-end to the graft. As needed, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), the celiac trunk, and the right renal artery could also be anastomosed to the graft. In the perfusion step, cannulas were connected to the last branch of the multibranch graft to perfuse other arteries during aortic cross-clamping. For repair, a tube or bifurcated graft was used for the aortic repair. The branch used as a passive temporary arterial shunt was ligated at the end of the intervention. Clinical, radiological, and biological preoperative and postoperative factors were reviewed using a standardized database. Procedural complications and reinterventions were analyzed, as well as artery patency. ResultsThere were 40 patients who underwent DPR technique. The mean patient age was 67 ± 13 years and two were women. Twenty-three patients presented with a SRAAA and 17 with a type IV TAAA. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 2.5% (one patient). Two respiratory complications (5%) and three mesenteric ischemic complications (7%) have been recorded. No patient developed signs of cardiac or spinal cord dysfunction. We did not observe a significant change in postoperative renal function. The celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, left renal artery, and right renal artery bypass patency rates at 1 year were 95%, 100%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. ConclusionsThe SRAAA and type IV TAAA repair with DPR technique provides short visceral and renal ischemia times with a low mortality rate. This technique could be an option to consider for visceral and renal protection during open surgical repair.

Controlled Reversible Visceral Arterial Ischemia, Venous Congestion and Combined Malperfusion via Midline Laparotomy in Rats.

Besides sepsis and malignancy, malperfusion is the third leading cause of tissue degradation and a major pathomechanism for various medical and surgical conditions. Despite significant developments such as bypass surgery, endovascular procedures, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and artificial blood substitutes, tissue malperfusion, especially of visceral organs, remains a pressing issue in patient care. The demand for further research on biomedical processes and possible interventions is high. Valid biological models are of utmost importance in enabling this kind of research. Due to the multifactorial aspects of tissue perfusion research, which include not only cell biology but also vascular microanatomy and rheology, an appropriate model requires a degree of biological complexity that only an animal model can provide, rendering rodents the obvious model of choice. Tissue malperfusion can be differentiated into three distinct conditions: (1) isolated arterial ischemia, (2) isolated venous congestion, and (3) combined malperfusion. This article presents a detailed step-by-step protocol for the controlled and reversible induction of these three types of visceral malperfusion via midline laparotomy and clamping of the abdominal aorta and caval vein in rats, underscoring the significance of precise surgical methodology to guarantee uniform and dependable results. Prime examples of possible applications of this model include the development and validation of innovative intraoperative imaging modalities, such as Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI), to objectively visualize and differentiate malperfusion of gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urological organs.

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.

A Multicenter Study of the Mid-term Outcomes of Patients with Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection After Distal Porous Talos Stent-Graft Implantation

ObjectivesThe Talos stent-graft has extended length to improve aortic remodeling, and distal porous design to decrease the rate of spinal cord ischemia. This study retrospectively analyzed its mid-term outcomes for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection in a multicenter study. MethodsThe primary safety endpoint was 30-day major adverse events, including all-cause mortality, dissection-related mortality, conversion to open surgery, and device-related adverse events. The primary efficacy endpoint was treatment success at 12 months post-operation, defined as no technical failure or secondary dissection-related reintervention. The survival status of the patients was visualized using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Aortic growth was assessed at four levels, and spinal cord ischemia was evaluated at 12 months. Results113 patients participated with a mean age of 54.4 (11.1) years and 71.7% (81/113) were male. The 30-day mortality was 0.9% (1/113), no conversions to open surgery or device-related adverse events were recorded. The 12-month treatment success rate was 99.1% (112/113), with no dissection-related reinterventions. There was no spinal cord or visceral ischemia at 12 months. At a median of 34 months follow-up, 9 further deaths were recorded and the 3-year survival rate was 91.7%. The percentage of aortic growth was 1.8% (2/111) at the tracheal bifurcation, 3.6% (4/111) below the left atrium, 6.0% (5/83) above the celiac artery, and 12.1% (9/74) below the lower renal artery. The total thrombosis rate of the false lumen at the stented segment was 80.5% (91/113). ConclusionsThe results showed satisfactory results of Talos stent-graft in terms of safety and efficacy. More data are needed to confirm the long-term performance.

Safety, Efficacy and Outcome of Rotational Thrombectomy assisted Endovascular Revascularisation of the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Acute Thromboembolic Mesenteric Ischaemia.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous rotational thrombectomy-assisted endovascular revascularization of acute thromboembolic superior mesenteric artery occlusions in acute mesenteric ischemia. Fifteen cases of percutaneous rotational thrombectomy- assisted (Rotarex S, BD, USA) revascularization were retrospectively analyzed. The etiology was embolic in 40 % of cases and thrombotic in 60 %. A "Thrombectomy in Visceral Ischemia" (TIVI) 5-point score determined vessel patency at presentation, after percutaneous rotational thrombectomy, and after adjunctive technologies. TIVI 3 indicated nearly complete revascularization (minimal residual side branch thrombus). TIVI 4 indicated complete revascularization. Technical success was defined as successful device application and a final TIVI score of 3/4 after adjunctive technologies. Safety and outcome were also analyzed. Device application via femoral access was feasible in 100 % of cases and improved flow in 86.7 % of cases (1 × TIVI 0→1, 11 × TIVI 0→2, 1 × TIVI 1→2). There was no change in 13.3 % of cases (2 × TIVI 2→2). Additional devices resulted in further flow improvement in 93.3 % of cases (8 × TIVI 3, 6 × TIVI 4). One recanalization failed (TIVI 2→2→2). After adjunctive technologies (10 × manual aspiration, 11 × angioplasty, 9 × stenting), the technical success rate was 93.3 %. The mean procedure time was 40.5(± 14) minutes for embolism and 72.1(± 20) minutes for thrombosis. There was one device-related major complication (catheter tip fracture) resulting in a device-related safety rate of 93.3 %. The overall major complication rate was 20 %. Surgical exploration (13 ×), bowel resection (9 ×) and Fogarty embolectomy/bypass (3 ×) were also performed. The 30-day mortality rate was 40 %. Percutaneous rotational thrombectomy is an effective adjunct for rapid endovascular recanalization of acute thromboembolic superior mesenteric artery occlusions with an acceptable rate of major procedural complications. · Percutaneous rotational thrombectomy-assisted superior mesenteric artery revascularization in acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia is feasible and effective.. · Percutaneous rotational thrombectomy facilitates rapid flow restoration in native and stented superior mesenteric artery segments.. · Brachial access should be considered in the case of steep take-off angles of the superior mesenteric artery..

Risk factors, prevention, and therapy of intraluminal stent thrombosis in frozen elephant trunk prostheses-what we know so far.

Intraluminal thrombus formation (ILT) is a recently discovered and highly clinically relevant complication after frozen elephant trunk implantation in cardiovascular surgery. In this phenomenon, a thrombus forms within the lumen of the stent graft component of the frozen elephant trunk prosthesis and puts the patient at risk for downstream embolization with visceral or lower limb ischemia. Incidence of ILT reported in the currently available studies ranges from 6% to 17% of patients after frozen elephant trunk implantation. Adverse thromboembolic events include acute occlusion of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries, both renal arteries as well as acute lower limb ischemia due to iliac or femoral artery embolization that not infrequently require interventional or open embolectomy. Therefore, the presence of ILT is associated with increased short-term mortality and morbidity. Currently proposed strategies to avoid ILT formation include a more aggressive anticoagulation management, minimization of postoperative coagulation factor application, and even technical optimizations of the stent graft portion itself. If ILT is manifested, the therapeutic strategies tested to date are long-term escalation of anticoagulation and early endovascular extension of the FET stent graft with overstenting of the intraluminal thrombus. The long-term efficiency of these prophylactic and therapeutic measures has yet to be proven. Nonetheless, all surgeons performing the frozen elephant trunk procedure must be aware of the risk of ILT formation to facilitate a timely diagnosis and therapy.

Axillary vs Femoral Arterial Cannulation in Acute Type A Dissection: International Multicenter Data

BackgroundCannulation strategy in acute type A dissection (ATAD) varies widely without known gold standards. This study compared ATAD outcomes of axillary vs femoral artery cannulation in a large cohort from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD). MethodsThe study retrospectively reviewed 2145 patients from the IRAD Interventional Cohort (1996-2021) who underwent ATAD repair with axillary or femoral cannulation (axillary group: n = 1106 [52%]; femoral group: n = 1039 [48%]). End points included the following: early mortality; neurologic, respiratory, and renal complications; malperfusion; and tamponade. All outcomes are presented as axillary with respect to femoral. ResultsThe proportion of patients younger than 70 years in both groups was similar (n = 1577 [74%]), as were bicuspid aortic valve, Marfan syndrome, and previous dissection. Patients with femoral cannulation had slightly more aortic insufficiency (408 [55%] vs 429 [60%]; P = .058) and coronary involvement (48 [8%] vs 70 [13%]; P = .022]. Patients with axillary cannulation underwent more total aortic arch (156 [15%] vs 106 [11%]; P = .02) and valve-sparing root replacements (220 [22%] vs 112 [12%]; P < .001). More patients with femoral cannulation underwent commissural resuspension (269 [30.9%] vs 324 [35.3%]; P = .05). Valve replacement rates were not different. The mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was longer in the femoral group (190 [149-237] minutes vs 196 [159-247] minutes; P = .037). In-hospital mortality was similar between the axillary (n = 165 [15%]) and femoral (n = 149 [14%]) groups (P = .7). Furthermore, there were no differences in stroke, visceral ischemia, tamponade, respiratory insufficiency, coma, or spinal cord ischemia. ConclusionsAxillary cannulation is associated with a more stable ATAD presentation, but it is a more extensive intervention compared with femoral cannulation. Both procedures have equivalent early mortality, stroke, tamponade, and malperfusion outcomes after statistical adjustment.

Endovascular Therapy for Thoracic Aortic Mobile Thrombus

Thoracic aortic mobile thrombus (TAMT) in the absence of atherosclerosis, traumatic injury, or thrombophilia represents an uncommon but well-acknowledged form of a non-cardiogenic thromboembolic source. The morbidity and mortality of acute visceral thromboembolism from an aortic thrombus remains elevated, though delay in diagnosis is common given its underappreciated source as a potentially catastrophic aetiology. Nomenclature to describe any thromboembolism to abdominal viscera remains varied throughout the literature with a cardiac source from arrhythmias most prevalent. Computerized tomographic angiogram (CTA) of chest and abdomen is the modality that most commonly diagnoses TAMT. Trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE), however, has been the imaging modality of choice in defining the specific thrombus morphology of TAMT. Patient morbidity and mortality of TAMT may entail devastating thromboembolism to myriad sites: cerebrum, mesentery, renal and upper and/or lower extremity peripheral vasculatures. Risks factors of developing aortic mural thrombus are explored within each case. Herein are two illustrative cases of TAMT presenting with acute peritoneal signs and symptoms of visceral ischemia, respectively involving spleen and kidney in the first, and spleen and intestine, the second case. Both cases were successfully managed by physical examination, CTA-diagnosis, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to define the morphology of the aortic thrombus, and subsequent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) graft deployment.

Decreased Angiopoietin Expression in Underactive Bladder Induced by Long-term Bladder Outlet Obstruction.

Ischemia of the bladder can occur if neovascular formation cannot keep pace with hypoxia induced by chronic bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The aim of this study was to examine changes in angiogenesis growth factor expression generated by chronic BOO in a rat model of underactive bladder. Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 weeks were assigned to 4 groups (5 rats per group). Group 1 was the control. Group 2 underwent sham surgery. The rats in groups 3 and 4 underwent BOO and were followed up for 1 week and 8 weeks. Cystometry was carried out together with bladder tissue analysis at 1 week and 8 weeks postoperatively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were conducted to determine the expression level of angiogenesis-related growth factors. A hypoxia signaling pathway PCR array was additionally carried out. The group that underwent BOO for 8 weeks showed abnormal bladder function, with a diminished intercontraction interval, decreased maximal voiding pressure, and higher volume of residual urine (P<0.05). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha expression was elevated in this group. The expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) in the BOO group were comparable to those in the control group. However, angiotensin/tie receptor mRNA expression levels increased at 1 week after BOO, but decreased at 8 weeks after BOO. In animals that underwent BOO, fewer blood vessels exhibited positive immunofluorescent staining for von Willebrand factor. Alterations were also seen in the hypoxia signaling pathway PCR array. In a rat model of underactive bladder caused by surgical BOO, reduced angiopoietin expression was demonstrated. This observation might underlie visceral ischemia and fibrosis associated with the procedure. The findings of this study might offer an improved understanding of the disease processes underlying BOO and facilitate selection of the appropriate time to repair the organ in this condition.

Off-the-Shelf Single-Fenestrated Endograft for Emergent Juxtarenal and Pararenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Endovascular solutions to emergent juxtarenal and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are complicated. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) with in situ laser fenestration (ISLF) is promising but requires a period of visceral ischemia. With an off-the-shelf, single superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-fenestrated device mesenteric ischemia is avoided and renal ischemia decreased. The aim was to develop an optimized design of such an endograft suitable for >90% of juxtarenal and pararenal AAAs. Single-center analysis on 44 consecutive preoperative CTs for previously elective fenestrated EVARs for juxtarenal and pararenal aneurysms. Anatomical characteristics were analyzed to define: (1) shortest aortic coverage above SMA fenestration to achieve ≥4 cm seal; (2) feasibility of a scallop for the celiac artery; (3) shortest distance between the SMA and lowest renal, to facilitate renal ISLF in a straight endograft; (4) distance from the lowest renal to the aortic bifurcation, to allow an overlapping zone >40 mm with a bifurcated stent graft; (5) aortic diameter in the sealing zone, for optimal proximal stent graft diameter with 10% to 30% oversizing; (6) the final design was then tested on individual level. (1) The stent graft needs to start 40 mm above the SMA fenestration to achieve a 4 cm sealing zone in >90% of cases. (2) A proximal sealing zone of 40 mm without a scallop covers 77% of celiac arteries. With an addition of a 20 mm deep, 20 mm wide scallop at 12:30, the stent graft still covers 27% of celiacs. This suggests that a scallop would not be practically feasible. (3) In >90% of cases, the lowest renal was <31 mm from the SMA, suggesting that the tapering should start 30 mm below the SMA. (4) The distance from the lowest renal to the aortic bifurcation ranged from 82 to 166 mm. This allows for a 20 mm tapering and 50 mm straight part in all cases. (5) The 5th and 95th percentile of the aortic diameter in the sealing zone was 22 and 31 mm, respectively. Thus, 2 different stent graft diameters (28 and 34 mm) would fit >90% of cases. (6) The final design was suitable in 91% cases. Two sizes of a single-fenestrated aortic stent graft without scallop cover >90% of juxtarenal and pararenal anatomies. Emergent juxta- and pararenal aortic aneurysms is a difficult clinical scenario that continuously challenges physicians. An endovascular option is in situ laser fenestrated endografts. One risk with these is the complete visceral ischemia occurring before the fenestrations are completed. An off-the-shelf single-fenestrated stent graft facilitates the treatment by removing the ischemia time for the SMA and reducing the ischemia time for the celiac and renal arteries thus decreasing the risk of visceral ischemia complications.

Frozen elephant trunk technique using hybrid grafts: 15-year outcomes from a single-centre experience.

The purpose of the study is to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique based on 2 different hybrid grafts implanted from January 2007 to July 2022. The study includes patients who underwent an elective or emergency FET procedure. Short-term, long-term mortality and freedom from thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) were the primary end points. Analyses were carried out separately for the periods 2007-2012 and 2013-2022. Of the 367 enrolled, 49.3% received E-Vita Open implantation and 50.7% received Thoraflex Hybrid implants. Overall mean age was 61 years [standard deviation (SD) = 11] and 80.7% were male. The average annual volume of FET procedures was 22.7 cases/year. Compared to E-Vita Open, patients implanted with Thoraflex Hybrid grafts were more likely to receive distal anastomosis in zone 2 (68.3% vs 11.6%, P < 0.001) with a shorter stent portion, mean = 103mm (SD = 11.3) vs mean = 149 mm (SD = 12.7; P < 0.001) and they underwent a reduced visceral ischaemia time, mean = 42.5 (SD = 14.2) vs mean= 61.0 (SD = 20.2) min, P < 0.001. In the period 2013-2022, overall survival at 1, 2 and 5 years was 74.8%, 72.5% and 63.2% for Thoraflex and 73.2%, 70.7% and 64.1% for E-Vita, without significant differences between groups (log-rank test = 0.01, P = 0.907). Overall freedom from TEVAR at 1, 2 and 5 years was 66.7%, 57.6% and 39.3% for Thoraflex and 79%, 69.7% and 66% for E-Vita, with significant differences between groups (log-rank test = 5.28, P = 0.029). In a competing risk analysis adjusted for chronic/residual aortic syndromes and stent diameter, the Thoraflex group was more likely to receive TEVAR during follow-up (subdistribution hazard ratio SHR = 2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.06-4.22). The FET technique addresses acute and chronic arch disease with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Downstream endovascular reinterventions are very common during follow-up.

Incidence and Outcomes of Visceral Ischemia in Acute Aortic Occlusion

Acute aortic occlusion (AAO) is a morbid diagnosis in which mortality correlates with severity of ischemia on presentation. Visceral ischemia (VI) is challenging to diagnose and its presentation as a consequence of AAO is not well-studied. We aim to identify characteristics associated with VI in AAO to facilitate diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with AAO who underwent revascularization were identified retrospectively from institutional records (2006-2020). The primary outcome was the development of VI (intra-abdominal ischemia). Univariate analysis was used to compare demographic, exam, imaging, and intraoperative variables between patients with and without VI in the setting of AAO. Ninety-one patients were included. The prevalence of VI was 20.9%. Preoperative comorbidities, time to revascularization, and operative approach did not differ between patients with and without VI. Patients with VI more frequently were transferred from outside institutions (100% vs. 53%, P=0.02), presented with advanced acute limb ischemia (Rutherford III 36.9% vs. 7.5%, P<0.01), and had elevated preoperative serum lactate (4.31 vs. 2.41mmol/L, P<0.01). VI patients had an increased occurrence of bilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) occlusion (47.4% vs. 18.1%, P=0.01). Unilateral IIA occlusion, level of aortic occlusion, and patency of inferior mesenteric arteries were not associated with VI. Patients with VI had worse postoperative outcomes. In particular, VI conferred significant risk of mortality (odds ratio 5.45, P<0.01). Visceral ischemia is a common consequence of AAO. Elevated lactate, bilateral IIA occlusion, and advanced acute limb ischemia (ALI) should increase clinical suspicion for concomitant VI with AAO and may facilitate earlier diagnosis to improve outcomes.

The Role of Releasing Incisions in Emergency Inguinal Hernia Repair.

The majority of inguinal hernia repairs worldwide are performed on an outpatient basis. However, incarceration and concern for strangulation of abdominal contents necessitates emergent repair in order to address visceral ischemia. In the setting of salvageable ischemia, this necessitates release of strangulation of blood supply by the hernia defect and reduction of visceral contents into the abdominal cavity. In certain cases, this cannot be achieved with simple manual reduction, and requires enlargement of the aperture of the hernia defect with releasing incisions in order to allow reduction. We aim to describe strategies for releasing incisions via open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches in emergency inguinal hernia repair.

One Year on: Test Your Knowledge from June 2022

1. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 observational studies on 236 patients investigated the clinical impact of coeliac artery (CA) coverage during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), with visceral ischaemia, spinal cord ischaemia (SCI), 30 day/in hospital mortality, endoleaks, re-intervention, and caudal stent graft migration following CA coverage as the outcome measures. According to the results of this study, which of the following is correct? 1A)Pooled visceral ischaemia and SCI rates were 13% and 5%, respectively.B)Pooled visceral ischaemia and SCI rates were 15% and 10%, respectively.C)Pooled visceral ischaemia and SCI rates were 20% and 15%, respectively.D)Pooled visceral ischaemia and SCI rates were 4% and 9%, respectively.E)Pooled visceral ischaemia and SCI rates were 8% and 13%, respectively.

Complete zone 0-10 aortic endovascular reconstruction.

To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first on the safety and efficacy of complete endovascular aortic reconstruction from zone 0 to 10 using a standardized approach and parallel stent graft configurations in high-risk patients considered unfit for surgery. During a 7-year period, five patients with complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections involving zone 0-10 presented with rupture (n= 1; 20%), were symptomatic (n= 2; 40%), or had an aortic pseudoaneurysm (n= 2; 40%) and underwent complete endovascular zone 0-10 reconstruction using off-the-shelf stent grafts in parallel configurations that included chimneys, periscopes, and endovascular docking stations. The zone 0-5 complete arch chimney thoracic endovascular repair included chimneys that extended from the ascending thoracic aorta to the innominate, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries and a thoracic stent graft extending from zone 0 to 5. The zone 5-10 aortic reconstructions were staged. Stage 1 included either thoracic stent graft and antegrade four visceral chimney placement or abdominal aortic stent graft and retrograde four visceral chimney placement. Stage II included completion of the remainder of the aortic reconstruction with cerebrospinal fluid drainage. A total of 15 aortic procedures included 34 chimneys (14 aortic arch and 20 visceral). Two patients (40%) underwent zone 0-5 aortic reconstruction first, and three patients (60%) underwent zone 5-10 aortic reconstruction first. The incidence of 30-day mortality, spinal cord ischemia, myocardial infarction, stroke, and visceral ischemia was 0%. At a mean follow-up of 4.5± 3.1 years, the aortic reconstruction-related mortality was 0%. All-cause mortality was 20%; one patient had died of pneumonia at 3years postoperatively. Two endoleaks each occurred in zone 0-5 and zone 5-10 (40% for both groups). All endoleaks were treated with coil embolization. Complete endovascular zone 0-10 aortic reconstruction using parallel stent grafts with a docking station is a feasible and relatively safe technique that offers the ability to customize off-the-shelf devices for the treatment of high-risk patients with limited morbidity and mortality.

Hybrid repair strategies for acute type B aortic dissection complicating prior standard and complex endovascular aortic repair

Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) in the presence of an existing aortic endograft is a rare, but potentially catastrophic, event. False lumen pressurization and propagation leads to several failure modes. Endograft collapse can lead to spinal cord, visceral, or lower extremity ischemia, and rupture of a previously sealed aneurysm sac is often fatal. A successful treatment strategy must incorporate the patient's symptoms, urgency of intervention, extent of dissection, and the location and status of the existing graft. In this series, we present three cases of TBAD complicating prior endovascular aortic repairs-infrarenal, iliac branched, and thoracoabdominal branched endografts-successfully treated with tailored, hybrid interventions.

Longitudinal Assessment of Inflammatory Activity in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection with Integrated Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The significance of the inflammatory response in the natural course of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is unknown. The aim was to characterise inflammation and its transformation over time in ATBAD using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ten patients underwent FDG-PET/MRI within two weeks of ATBAD (acute phase), three to four months (subacute phase), nine to 12 months (early chronic phase), and 21 to 24 months (late chronic phase) after ATBAD. Target background ratios (TBRs) were measured in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta. MRI inflammatory markers were assessed in the descending aorta. Ten patients were included: median age 69 years, median clinical follow up 32 months. In the acute phase there was increased FDG uptake in the descending aorta (maximum TBR 5.8, SD [standard deviation] 1.3) compared with the ascending aorta (TBR 3.3, SD 0.8, p < .010) and arch (TBR 4.2, SD 0.6, p= .010). The maximum TBR of the descending aorta decreased from the acute to subacute phase (TBR 3.5, SD 0.6, p= .010) and further to the early chronic phase (TBR 2.9, SD 0.4, p= .030) but was stable thereafter. The acute phase maximum TBR in the ascending aorta (TBR 3.3) and arch (TBR 4.2) decreased to the subacute phase (ascending: TBR 2.8, SD 0.6, p= .020; arch: TBR 2.7, SD 0.4, p= .010) and was stable thereafter. Four patients underwent surgical aortic repair (three for aortic dilatation at one, five, and 28 months and one for visceral ischaemia at three weeks). MRI signs of inflammation were present in all surgically treated patients vs. two of six of medically treated patients (p= .048). ATBAD is associated with increased FDG uptake in the acute phase primarily in the descending aorta, but also involving the aortic arch and ascending aorta, indicating an inflammatory response in the whole aorta. Inflammation subsides early in the ascending aorta and arch (three months), whereas it stabilised later in the descending aorta (nine to 12 months). MRI signs of inflammation were more frequent in patients who later needed surgical treatment and merit further investigation.

Postoperative Renal Complications Adversely Impact Late Survival Following Open Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Preoperative renal function is a predictor of morbidity and mortality after the repair of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. However, the impact of postoperative renal failure on late outcomes after repair are poorly understood. Therefore, our objective was to assess the impact of postoperative renal dysfunction on long-term outcomes after juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair. We identified all open repairs of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms in the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2011 to 2018 with linkage to Medicare claims data. Juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair was defined as the placement of proximal clamp above at least one renal artery during open repair. Postoperative renal function was categorized as stable renal function, acute kidney injury (AKI; ≥0.5 mg/dL serum creatinine increase) or new renal replacement therapy (RRT). Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression were used to identify the effect of AKI or RRT on 5-year mortality, rupture, and reintervention. Of 1643 open repairs, 29% experienced postoperative AKI, and 6.5% required RRT. Renal visceral ischemia time >25 minutes was higher in the AKI and RRT cohorts (stable: 52% vs AKI 65% vs RRT 67%; P < .001). Postoperative mortality was higher with increasing severity of postoperative renal dysfunction (2.5% vs 9.5% vs 31%; P < .001). Increasing renal dysfunction severity was also associated with higher risk of 5-year mortality (14% vs 25% vs 57%; AKI: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.7 [1.3-2.4]; P < .001/RRT: aHR, 4.6 [3.1-7.0]; P < .001) (Fig). In addition, RRT was associated with higher risk of late rupture (3.1% vs 6.8% vs 10%; AKI: aHR, 1.1 [0.3-3.7]; P < .788/RRT: aHR, 5.5 [1.2-25]; P < .026) and late reintervention (15% vs 20% vs 55%; AKI: aHR, 1.4 [0.9-2.2]; P = .114/RRT: aHR, 3.4 [1.7-7.0]; P = .001). Postoperative renal dysfunction adversely impacts late mortality, rupture, and reintervention. In addition increasing severity of postoperative renal dysfunction has a dose-dependent effect on perioperative and late outcomes after repair. Preoperative and intraoperative care should be taken to prevent renal complications after repair. Furthermore, these patients may benefit from closer follow-up after repair.

The 'island technique' for aortic arch and FET surgery: an 'evergreen' or a 'rekindled flame'?

The 'island technique' for aortic arch and FET surgery: an 'evergreen' or a 'rekindled flame'?