Validation of I71.3 code for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in Korea: misplaced diagnosis in claims data

Purpose@#Studies in western countries have shown a decline in the incidence of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) with advancements in endovascular repair and screening. However, according to health insurance data in Korea based on rAAA code (I71.3), overall rAAA has been increasing. This study aimed to validate the I71.3 code for rAAA and attempt to define the true incidence of rAAA in Korea. @*Methods@#A 20-year multicenter retrospective review of rAAA was undertaken from the period of January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020. All patients were diagnosed with the rAAA code I71.3 in each of the 4 hospitals. The CT images and surgical records of these patients were reviewed to differentiate true rAAA and misdiagnosis. Further data on true rAAA patient outcomes including mortality and treatment success were also collected. @*Results@#A total of 305 rAAA (I71.3) codes were identified in the 4 centers. However, medical record review showed true rAAA in only 131 (43.0%). The remaining 174 cases (57.0%) were misdiagnosed. Impending ruptures were the most common misdiagnoses (37.9%). The total in-hospital mortality including deaths before treatment was 38.9% (n = 51), while mortality of treated patients was 24.4% (n = 15). @*Conclusion@#The analysis of I71.3 code for rAAA showed that only 43.0% were true rAAA and the remaining 57.0% were misdiagnosed. This indicates that the I71.3 code is overestimated in National Health Insurance-based data and that the true incidence of rAAA could be much lower.

Late Type III Endoleak after Loss of Component Overlap after EVAR with AFX2 Device:A Case Report

Addressing the high incidence of late type III endoleaks in previous AFX models, Endologix upgraded the device material and updated its recommendation regarding component overlap. However, whether upgraded AFX2 models are safe for endoleaks remains controversial. Here we report a case of a 67-year-old male with an AFX2-implanted abdominal aortic aneurysm experiencing a delayed type IIIa endoleak. Aneurysmal sac enlargement occurred 36 months post-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), with a computed tomography scan at 52 months revealing component overlap loss and a significant type IIIa endoleak. We performed endograft explantation and endoaneurysmal aorto-bi-iliac interposition grafting.Our findings suggest that sufficient component overlap is necessary when using an AFX2 endograft outside the manufacturer’s instructions for use to prevent late type IIIa endoleaks. Moreover, patients who undergo EVAR with AFX2 for tortuous large aortic aneurysms should be carefully monitored for conformational changes.

Ectopic Variceal Bleeding from the Hepaticojejunostomy due to Extrahepatic Portal Vein Occlusion: How to Treat?

Atypical variceal bleeding, which primarily stems from extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO), is a severe complication of pancreatic hepatobiliary surgery. This review provides insights into this condition’s incidence, diagnosis, and management strategies. The treatment modalities for atypical variceal bleeding resulting from EHPVO range from endoscopic intervention to surgical procedures, including direct variceal ligation and shunt surgery. Here, we discuss the efficacy and potential limitations of each treatment approach. Additionally, we explored the utility and therapeutic advantages of the meso-Rex shunt, a particularly promising surgical technique for mitigating the hemodynamic and metabolic impacts of EHPVO.

Technical Tips for Performing Suprahepatic Vena Cava Tumor Thrombectomy in Renal Cell Carcinoma without Using Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy for advanced renal cell carcinoma is an oncologically relevant approach that can achieve long-term survival even in the presence of distant metastases. However, the surgical techniques pose significant challenges. The objective of this clinical review was to present technical recommendations for tumor thrombectomy in the vena cava to facilitate surgical treatment. Transesophageal echocardiography is required to prepare for this procedure. Cardiopulmonary bypass should be considered when the tumor thrombus has invaded the cardiac chamber and clamping is not feasible because of the inability to milk the intracardiac chamber thrombus in the caudal direction. Prior to performing a cavotomy, it is crucial to clamp the contralateral renal vein and infrarenal and suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC). If the suprahepatic IVC is separated from the surrounding tissue, it can be gently pulled down toward the patient’s leg until the lower margin of the atrium becomes visible. Subsequently, the tumor thrombus should be carefully pulled downward to a position where it can be clamped. Implementing the Pringle maneuver to reduce blood flow from the hepatic veins to the IVC during IVC cavotomy is simpler than clamping the hepatic veins. Sequential clamping is a two-stage method of dividing thrombectomy by clamping the IVC twice, first suprahepatically and then midretrohepatically. This sequential clamping technique helps minimize hypotension status and the Pringle maneuver time compared to single clamping. Additionally, a spiral cavotomy can decrease the degree of primary closure narrowing. The oncological prognoses of patients can be improved by incorporating these technical recommendations.

Campaign for the optimal treatment of varicose veins: welcoming the declaration of the Code of Ethics issued by the Korean Society for Phlebology

Varicose veins (VV) is a common chronic venous disorder that is often left untreated due to its minor symptoms. However, recent developments in minimal invasive surgery has resulted in a rapid increase of VV treatment cases. Unfortunately, there have been some ethical issues regarding the high cost of intervention and non-professional treatment administered for VV at some private clinics.Current Concepts: Most endovenous therapies for VV are not reimbursed by the national health insurance but are only covered by personal health insurance plans in Korea. Rapid increase in the coverage costs for VV treatment has led to conflicts between the insurance companies and doctors in several cases. Recently, the Korean Society for Phlebology declared the Code of Ethics to support evidence-based treatment and warn against unethical practices related to interventions for VV.Discussion and Conclusion: The Korean Society for Vascular Surgery and Korean Society for Phlebology have just launched a campaign for the optimal treatment of VV on their YouTube channel, which shares accurate information regarding VV treatment to inform patients and doctors. To strengthen doctor-patient relationship and to avoid falling prey to unethical practitioners, it is critical to educate and update patients and healthcare service providers regarding the options available for VV treatment.

Vein Graft Aneurysm after Aorto-Renal Bypass for Childhood Renovascular Hypertension Due to Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Renovascular hypertension (RVHT) is a major cause of surgically correctable secondary hypertension. Refractory hypertension despite multiple antihypertensive drugs requires angioplasty, surgical revascularization, or even nephrectomy. Herein, we report a pediatric patient who had been treated with angioplasty, nephrectomy, and aortorenal bypass surgery for RVHT due to fibromuscular dysplasia and re-do endoaneurysmal graft replacement for a vein graft aneurysm. This case highlights the various treatment modalities for RVHT and the recurrent nature of the disease with a rare presentation of a vein graft aneurysm after aortorenal bypass.

Inadvertent Stenting and Percutaneous Aspiration for Treatment of Adventitial Cystic Disease in the Popliteal Artery: A Case Report

Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is a rare, non-atherosclerotic disease that mainly affects the popliteal artery. Treatment is primarily surgical as endovascular approaches are affected by high recurrence rates. However, some studies have reported successful endovascular treatments of popliteal ACD cases. A 55-year-old female presented with right calf claudication. Computed tomography angiography revealed segmental occlusion of the right distal superficial femoral artery. Subsequently, a drug-eluting stent was successfully deployed. However, an unusual adventitial cystic lesion occluding the lumen that was characteristic of ACD was detected during a postoperative imaging review. It was aspirated using an ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle and drained using a pigtail catheter for 24 hours. Follow-up images after 39 months showed a patent artery with no recurrence of any cystic lesions, highlighting successful ACD treatment via stenting, ultrasound-guided aspiration, and cyst drainage. Stenting and cyst aspiration can be an alternative option for selected patients with ACD.

Characteristics and Effect of Rivaroxaban on Venous Thromboembolism in Korean Patients Compared to Western Population: A Subgroup Analysis from XALIA(-LEA) Study

Purpose@#This study aimed to compare the characteristics of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) in Korean to Caucasian population. @*Materials and Methods@#XALIA-LEA and XALIA were phase IV non-interventional prospective studies with identical designs that investigated the effect of rivaroxaban versus standard anticoagulation for VTE. Koreans accounted for the largest proportion of the overall enrolled population of XALIA-LEA. However, in the XALIA study, most patients were Caucasian. Therefore, Korean data from XALIA-LEA and Caucasian data from XALIA were used in this study. This study compared the clinical characteristics and primary outcomes of the XALIA program, including major bleeding, recurrent VTE, and all-cause mortality. @*Results@#The Korean population was older, was less obese, and had more active cancer at baseline than the Caucasian population. Provoked VTE was more common in the Korean population. Interestingly, Koreans showed less accompanying thrombophilia than Caucasians, and factor V Leiden mutations were not detected. Korean analyses comparing the effects of rivaroxaban and standard anticoagulation with primary outcomes showed a lower incidence of major bleeding, recurrent VTE, and all-cause mortality with rivaroxaban. Similar results were obtained in the propensity score matching analysis. @*Conclusion@#Characteristic differences were found between Korean and Caucasian VTE patients. Despite these ethnic differences, the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban therapy in these patients were consistent.

Intravascular Fasciitis in the Femoral Vein with Hypermetabolic Signals Mimicking a Sarcoma:The Role of Preoperative Imaging Studies with Review of Literature

Intravascular fasciitis (IVF) is a very rare disease that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Frequently, it can be misdiagnosed as a malignancy or deep vein thrombosis. A 26-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of intermittent cramping pain in the right calf. Duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography were performed in various hospitals. The work-up revealed a hypermetabolic mass in the femoral vein, suggestive of a malignancy, such as leiomyosarcoma. The tumor was located inside the femoral vein with no invasion, and the mass was resected en bloc with the vein wall. Intraoperative frozen section biopsy revealed no malignancy, and the final pathological diagnosis was IVF. Herein, we report a case of IVF and discuss the role of imaging studies in its preoperative diagnosis, with an extensive literature review.

Stump Length Changes after Endovenous Cyanoacrylate Closure or Radiofrequency Ablation for Saphenous Vein Incompetence

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to analyze changes in stump length over time in patients with saphenous vein incompetence treated with cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed data collected from patients with saphenous vein incompetence who underwent either CAC or RFA at Seoul National University Hospital between November 2015 and December 2018. The stump lengths were measured using duplex ultrasonography (DUS) within 1 month and 6 months after treatment. The Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) score were used to assess clinical outcomes. @*Results@#A total of 97 veins (64 great saphenous veins and 33 small saphenous veins) were analyzed. The stump length was not significantly different between the two groups at <1 month (P=0.311). However, the stump length in the CAC group was significantly longer than that in the RFA group at 6 months (P=0.004).At 6 months, the mean change in stump length was 1.41±2.28 cm in the CAC group and 0.51±0.54 cm in the RFA group (P=0.006). The VCSSs and AVVQ scores significantly improved after both procedures but were not significantly different between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#DUS at 6 months after treatment showed that the stump length in the CAC group increased more than that in the RFA group. No other factors affected the changes in stump length.

Better Efficacy of Balloon Assisted Maturation in Radial-Cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis

Purpose@#Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the first choice for hemodialysis access; however, the maturation failure rate remains high. Hence, balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) is increasingly being used to overcome maturation failure. This study evaluated the outcomes of BAM and compared the differences between radial-cephalic (RC) and brachial-cephalic (BC) AVF. @*Materials and Methods@#Between January 2013 and December 2017, 1,622 new AVFs were created. BAM was considered if the AVF did not satisfy the criteria for hemodynamic maturation (6-mm diameter and 500-mL/min flow rate within 8 weeks after the operation). @*Results@#Of the 1,622 AVFs, BAM was performed in 142 patients (8.75%). There were 92 RC and 50 BC AVFs. Multivariate analyses revealed that ipsilateral central vein catheter history was the sole risk factor for maturation failure after BAM. Oneyear functional primary patency (FPP) and functional secondary patency (FSP) in RC AVFs were higher than those in BC AVFs without statistical significance (FPP, RC vs. BC: 70.9% vs. 50.9%, P=0.099; FSP, 95.5% vs. 81.1%, P=0.146). Further, based on the multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for FPP in the RC and BC AVFs were the number of BAMs (odds ratio [OR], 3.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-8.37; P=0.03) and age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07; P=0.04), respectively. @*Conclusion@#BAM is a relatively good salvage method with tolerable patency. However, the risk factors for patency and the outcomes of BAM differ between RC and BC AVFs.

Do Not Tunnel the Small Bowel during the Tunneling of a Femoro-Femoral Bypass

A 62-year-old male with a history of femoro-femoral crossover bypass surgery 31 months previously presented with recurrent symptoms of fever and chills, along with a previous positive blood culture. Computed tomography showed vegetation in the bypass graft located in the peritoneal cavity, closely abutting the small bowel and soft tissue lesions in the right proximal thigh and distal calf. Under high suspicion of graft-enteric fistula with metastatic infection, surgery was performed to remove the previous graft and insert a new femoro-femoral bypass graft subcutaneously. Small bowel resection and anastomosis were also performed because the graft penetrated the small bowel mesentery and eroded into the small bowel.The patient had a patent graft without infection for more than 10 years. This case demonstrates the importance of tunneling in femoro-femoral crossover bypass free from the small bowel or other intraperitoneal organs.

Intravascular Fasciitis in the Femoral Vein with Hypermetabolic Signals Mimicking a Sarcoma:The Role of Preoperative Imaging Studies with Review of Literature

Intravascular fasciitis (IVF) is a very rare disease that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Frequently, it can be misdiagnosed as a malignancy or deep vein thrombosis. A 26-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of intermittent cramping pain in the right calf. Duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography were performed in various hospitals. The work-up revealed a hypermetabolic mass in the femoral vein, suggestive of a malignancy, such as leiomyosarcoma. The tumor was located inside the femoral vein with no invasion, and the mass was resected en bloc with the vein wall. Intraoperative frozen section biopsy revealed no malignancy, and the final pathological diagnosis was IVF. Herein, we report a case of IVF and discuss the role of imaging studies in its preoperative diagnosis, with an extensive literature review.

Stump Length Changes after Endovenous Cyanoacrylate Closure or Radiofrequency Ablation for Saphenous Vein Incompetence

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to analyze changes in stump length over time in patients with saphenous vein incompetence treated with cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed data collected from patients with saphenous vein incompetence who underwent either CAC or RFA at Seoul National University Hospital between November 2015 and December 2018. The stump lengths were measured using duplex ultrasonography (DUS) within 1 month and 6 months after treatment. The Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) score were used to assess clinical outcomes. @*Results@#A total of 97 veins (64 great saphenous veins and 33 small saphenous veins) were analyzed. The stump length was not significantly different between the two groups at <1 month (P=0.311). However, the stump length in the CAC group was significantly longer than that in the RFA group at 6 months (P=0.004).At 6 months, the mean change in stump length was 1.41±2.28 cm in the CAC group and 0.51±0.54 cm in the RFA group (P=0.006). The VCSSs and AVVQ scores significantly improved after both procedures but were not significantly different between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#DUS at 6 months after treatment showed that the stump length in the CAC group increased more than that in the RFA group. No other factors affected the changes in stump length.

Better Efficacy of Balloon Assisted Maturation in Radial-Cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis

Purpose@#Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the first choice for hemodialysis access; however, the maturation failure rate remains high. Hence, balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) is increasingly being used to overcome maturation failure. This study evaluated the outcomes of BAM and compared the differences between radial-cephalic (RC) and brachial-cephalic (BC) AVF. @*Materials and Methods@#Between January 2013 and December 2017, 1,622 new AVFs were created. BAM was considered if the AVF did not satisfy the criteria for hemodynamic maturation (6-mm diameter and 500-mL/min flow rate within 8 weeks after the operation). @*Results@#Of the 1,622 AVFs, BAM was performed in 142 patients (8.75%). There were 92 RC and 50 BC AVFs. Multivariate analyses revealed that ipsilateral central vein catheter history was the sole risk factor for maturation failure after BAM. Oneyear functional primary patency (FPP) and functional secondary patency (FSP) in RC AVFs were higher than those in BC AVFs without statistical significance (FPP, RC vs. BC: 70.9% vs. 50.9%, P=0.099; FSP, 95.5% vs. 81.1%, P=0.146). Further, based on the multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for FPP in the RC and BC AVFs were the number of BAMs (odds ratio [OR], 3.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-8.37; P=0.03) and age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07; P=0.04), respectively. @*Conclusion@#BAM is a relatively good salvage method with tolerable patency. However, the risk factors for patency and the outcomes of BAM differ between RC and BC AVFs.

Do Not Tunnel the Small Bowel during the Tunneling of a Femoro-Femoral Bypass

A 62-year-old male with a history of femoro-femoral crossover bypass surgery 31 months previously presented with recurrent symptoms of fever and chills, along with a previous positive blood culture. Computed tomography showed vegetation in the bypass graft located in the peritoneal cavity, closely abutting the small bowel and soft tissue lesions in the right proximal thigh and distal calf. Under high suspicion of graft-enteric fistula with metastatic infection, surgery was performed to remove the previous graft and insert a new femoro-femoral bypass graft subcutaneously. Small bowel resection and anastomosis were also performed because the graft penetrated the small bowel mesentery and eroded into the small bowel.The patient had a patent graft without infection for more than 10 years. This case demonstrates the importance of tunneling in femoro-femoral crossover bypass free from the small bowel or other intraperitoneal organs.

Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism and Extensive Deep Venous Thrombosis for Early Thrombus Removal

Traditional treatment with anticoagulation in nonfatal submassive pulmonary embolism can result in serious sequelae of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension or poor exercise tolerance, and functional impairment. To prevent long-term complications in previously healthy young patients, other treatment options to actively resolve existing thrombi should be considered. Despite recommendations for use in only severe clinical presentations, endovascular interventional techniques could serve as suitable treatment options for such patients. Here we report the case of a previously healthy 23-year-old female with submassive pulmonary embolism and extensive deep vein thrombosis in the inferior vena cava down to the right popliteal vein. The patient was initially treated with catheterdirected thrombolysis. However, she continued to show extensive venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Percutaneous thrombectomy and aspiration using an AngioJet successfully removed the main pulmonary artery embolism and venous thrombus. The patient’s recovery was uneventful, and 3-month follow-up showed no signs of recurrence or discomfort.

Directional Atherectomy for Treating In-Stent Restenosis of the Superficial Femoral Artery

Purpose@#The optimal treatment for in-stent restenosis (ISR) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) is still in debate. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of directional atherectomy (DA) as a primary treatment modality for ISR in SFA. @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted. In total, 617 stents were deployed in 242 limbs for SFA diseases during the study period. ISR was identified in 29 limbs (12.0%); 14 limbs were treated with DA and 15 limbs with balloon angioplasty (BAP) alone. Technical success rate, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and patency rates (PRs) at 12 months, and any complications were evaluated. @*Results@#DA group included complete occlusions in 50% of patients and BAP group included in 40%. Mean improvement in the ankle-brachial index was 0.29 and 0.32, respectively (P=0.638). Technical success was achieved in all patients.The procedural success rates were 85.7% and 73.3%, respectively (P=0.651). There was no significant difference regarding residual stenosis, distal embolization, or flow-limiting dissection. Primary PRs at 1 year were 85.7% and 73.3%, secondary PRs were 100.0% and 93.3%, and TLR rates were 14.3% and 20.0% (P=0.411, 0.326, and 0.684, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Short-term outcomes after DA for ISR were not different from those after BAP but showed a tendency of better primary PR and TLR. Larger multicenter prospective studies are needed to define the role of DA in ISR treatment.

Standard or Variant Meso-Rex Shunts for Children with Variceal Bleeding due to Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction: A Report of Two Cases

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is the most common cause of pediatric portal hypertension and can cause life-threatening variceal bleeding. MesoRex shunt (MRS) is a surgical procedure that restores physiological portal venous blood flow to the liver by using a graft to connect the superior mesenteric vein and the left portal vein within the Rex recess, and can relieve variceal bleeding and other complications associated with EHPVO. Although the MRS is regarded as an optimal and potentially curative treatment with good long-term patency, graft thrombosis or failure due to unknown causes is not rare, prompting the need for further research on the risk factors of graft failure or poor patency. Herein, we report two cases of EHPVO in patients with recurrent or uncontrolled variceal bleeding, one treated with the classic Rex shunt and the other with the modified Rex shunt, which resulted in a failure and success, respectively.

Inconsistent Use of Terminology and Different Treatment Outcomes of Venous Adventitial Cystic Disease: A Proposal for Reporting Standards

Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is a very rare condition characterized by the accumulation of a cyst filled with gelatinous substance in the adventitia of a vessel adjacent to the joint area. The cyst usually compresses the vessel lumen, causing claudication or leg swelling. The disease usually affects the popliteal artery. However, several cases of venous ACDs particularly in the common femoral or external iliac vein have been reported. The definition, diagnosis, and optimal treatment of ACD remain controversial because of its rarity and the inconsistent use of terminology. The heterogeneity of the reported cases is more prominent in venous ACD. Herein, the accurate terminology of cysts correlated to the joint (synovial cyst, ganglion cyst, and adventitial cyst) and the pathogenesis, anatomy, and optimal therapy of venous ACD are discussed in detail to establish reporting standards for future studies.