Outcomes of Arteriotomy Closure Technique for Carotid Endarterectomy: Bovine Pericardial Patch Closure versus Primary Closure

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of our study was to compare the primary closure (PRC) and patch angioplasty closure (PAC) of carotid artery following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: Data of patients who underwent CEA in the period from January 2005 to June 2020 were reviewed through files. Demographic characteristics, information about the operation, and postoperative follow-up outcomes of the patients were compared. Results: Of the 144 CEA cases included in the study, PRC and PAC were applied to 62 (43.7%) and 82 (56.3%) patients, respectively, for the carotid artery closure. Duration of surgery and carotid artery clamping time were not different between the PRC and PAC groups (106.73±17.13 minutes vs. 110.48±20.67 minutes, P=0.635; 24.25±11.56 minutes vs. 25.19±8.99 minutes, P=0.351, respectively). Postoperative respiratory impairment was more common in the PRC group (P=0.012); however, nerve injuries (P=0.254), surgical wound hematomas (P=0.605), surgical site infections (P=0.679), and mortality (P=0.812) were not significantly different between the groups. During the mean patient follow-up time of 26.13±19.32 months, restenosis was more common in the PRC group than in the PAC group (n=26, 41.9% vs. n=4, 4.9%, respectively; P=0.003). Frequencies of stroke (n=4, 2.8% vs. n=2, 2.4%, respectively; P=0.679), transient ischemic attacks (n=2, 1.4% vs. n=0, 0%, respectively; P=0.431), and mortality (n=4, 6.5% vs. n=4, 4.9%, respectively; P=0.580) were not significantly different between the PRC and PAC groups. Conclusion: We are of the opinion that the PAC method is effective and safe for carotid artery closure in patients undergoing CEA.

Cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies in patients with acute arterial occlusion

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies in patients who were operated for acute arterial occlusion. METHODS: Between March 2010 and March 2018, a total of 120 patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute arterial occlusion were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: 84 (70%) and 27 (22. 5%) of the patients had cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies, respectively. In 9 (7. 5%) of the cases, no reason for arterial occlusion could be found. Pure atrial fibrillation was found in 39 (32. 5%) patients. Atrial fibrillation and cardiac valvular pathologies were detected in 45 patients (37. 5%). Among those with a cardiac valvular pathology, 9 patients (7. 5%) had pure mitral stenosis, 21 patients (17. 5%) had moderate to advanced mitral stenosis with tricuspid regurgitation, 9 patients (7. 5%) had 20-30 mitral regurgitation with 30 tricuspid regurgitation, 3 patients (2. 5%) had moderate mitral stenosis, 30-40 tricuspid regurgitation and 20-30 aortic stenosis, and 3 patients (2. 5%) had 30 mitral regurgitation, 10- 20 tricuspid regurgitation, calcific moderate aortic stenosis, and coronary artery disease. Among those 27 patients with an extra-cardiac pathology, 21 patients (22. 5%) had peripheral artery disease, 3 patients (2.5%) had an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and 3 patients (2. 5%) had Behçet's Disease. CONCLUSION: Cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies should be kept in mind in patients with acute arterial occlusion. Thus, detected pathologies could be treated, and the development of additional peripheral emboli could be prevented.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo é investigar patologias cardíacas e extracardíacas em pacientes operados por oclusão arterial aguda. MÉTODOS: Entre março de 2010 e março de 2018, um total de 120 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico para oclusão arterial aguda foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes incluídos, 84 (70%) e 27 (22.5%) apresentavam, respectivamente, patologias cardíacas e extracardíacas. Em 9 (7.5%) dos casos, nenhuma cause para a oclusão arterial foi encontrada. Fibrilação atrial isolada foi encontrada em 39 (32.5%) pacientes. Fibrilação atrial e valvopatias cardíacas foram detectadas em 45 pacientes (37.5%). Entre aqueles com valvopatias cardíacas, 9 (7.5%) tinham estenose mitral isolada, 21 (17. 5%) tinham estenose mitral moderada a avançada com regurgitação tricúspide, 9 (7. 5%) tinham 2°-3° de regurgitação mitral com 3o regurgitação tricúspide, 3 (2. 5%) tinham estenose mitral moderada, 3°-4° regurgitação tricúspide e 2°-3° estenose aórtica, e 3 (2.5%) tinham 3o mitral, 1°- 2° regurgitação tricúspide moderada, estenose aórtica moderada calcificada e doença coronariana. Entre os 27 pacientes com patologia extracardíaca, 21 (22.5%) tinham doença arterial periférica, 3 (2,5%) tinham aneurisma da aorta abdominal, e 3 (2.5%) tinham Doença de Behçet. CONCLUSÃO: Patologias cardíacas e extracardíacas devem ser consideradas em pacientes com oclusão arterial aguda. Assim, patologias detectadas podem ser tratadas e o desenvolvimento de trombos periféricos adicionais pode ser evitado.