Carotid endarterectomy for symptomic and asymptomic stenosis: Report of 65388 cases (Russian register).

AIM: Analysis of in-hospital and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was formed by completely including all cases of carotid endarterectomy (n = 65,388) performed during the period from May 1, 2015 to November 1, 2023. Depending on the symptomatic/asymptomatic nature of the stenosis, all patients were divided into two groups: group 1 - n = 39,172 (75.2%) - patients with asymptomatic stenosis; Group 2 - n = 26216 (24.8%) - patients with symptomatic stenosis. The postoperative follow-up period was 53.5 ± 31.4 months. RESULTS: In the hospital postoperative period, the groups were comparable in the incidence of death (group 1: n = 164 (0.41%); group 2: n = 124 (0.47%); p = .3), transient ischemic attack (group 1: n = 116 (0.29%); group 2: n = 88 (0.33%); p = .37), myocardial infarction (group 1: n = 32 (0.08%); group 2: n = 19 (0.07%); p = .68), thrombosis of the internal carotid artery (group 1: n = 8 (0.02%); group 2: n = 2 (0.007%); p = 0, 19), bleeding (group 1: n = 58 (0.14%); group 2: n = 33 (0.12%); p = .45). In group 2, ischemic stroke developed statistically more often (group 1: n = 328 (0.83%); group 2: n = 286 (1.09%); p = .001), which led to a higher value of the combined endpoint (group 1: n = 640 (1.63%); group 2: n = 517 (1.97%); p = .001). In the long-term postoperative period, the groups were comparable in cases of death (group 1: n = 65 (0.16%); group 2: n = 41 (0.15%); p = .76) and death from cardiovascular causes (group 1: n = 59 (0.15%); group 2: n = 33 (0.12%); p = .4). A greater number of ischemic strokes were detected in patients of group 2 (group 1: n = 213 (0.54%); group 2: n = 187 (0.71%); p = .006). In group 1, hemodynamically significant restenosis (≥70%) of the internal carotid artery was more often diagnosed (group 1: n = 974 (2.49%); group 2: n = 351 (1.34%); p < .0001) and myocardial infarction (group 1: n = 66 (0.16%); group 2: n = 34 (0.13%); p < .0001). When analyzing stroke-free survival, analysis of Kaplan-Meier curves showed that a statistically larger number of strokes were diagnosed in group 2 (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Due to the fact that the patients were initially not comparable for a number of indicators, to achieve balance, we applied propensity score matching analysis. Thus, group 1 consisted of 24,381 patients, and group 2 consisted of 17,219 patients. In the hospital postoperative period, statistically significant differences were obtained only in the combined end point, which was greater in group 2 (group 1: n = 465 (1.9%); group 2: n = 382 (2.2%); p = .02). In the long-term follow-up period, after applying propensity score matching, no statistically significant differences were obtained between groups.

Hospital and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy in patients with different severity of coronary artery lesion according to syntax score.

AIM: Analysis of in-hospital and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy (CEE) in patients with different severity of coronary atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This comparative, retrospective, open study for the period from January 2013 to April 2020 included 1719 patients operated on for occlusive-stenotic lesions of the internal carotid arteries (ICA). Classical and eversion CEA were used as revascularization strategies. The criteria for inclusion in the study were: 1. Presence of coronary angiography within six months before the present CEE; 2. A history of myocardial revascularization in patients with severe coronary lesions. Depending on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, all patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1-871 (50.7 %) patients - with the presence of hemodynamically significant stenosis of the coronary arteries (CA) with a history of myocardial revascularization; Group 2-496 (28.8 %) patients - with the presence of hemodynamically insignificant lesions of the coronary artery (up to 70 %, not inclusive, and the trunk of the left coronary artery, up to 50 %, not inclusive); Group 3-352 (20.5 %) patients - without signs of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary artery. In group 1, the observation period was 56.8±23.2 months, in group 2-62.0±15.6 months, in group 3-58.1±20.4 months. RESULTS: During the hospital observation period, there were no significant intergroup differences in the number of complications. All cardiovascular events were detected in isolated cases. The most common injury was damage to the cranial nerves, diagnosed in every fifth patient in the total sample. The combined endpoint (CET), including death + myocardial infarction (MI) + acute cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack (stroke/TIA), was 0.75 % (n=13). In the long-term follow-up period, when comparing survival curves, group 3 revealed the largest number of ischemic strokes (p = 0.007), myocardial infarction (p = 0.03), and CCT (p = 0.005). There were no intergroup differences in the number of deaths (p=0.62). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that there was no significant intergroup difference in the development of complications at the hospital postoperative stage. However, in the long-term follow-up period, a group of patients with isolated lesions of the ICA demonstrated a rapid increase in the number of MI, stroke/TIA, and a combined endpoint, which was apparently associated with low compliance and progression of atherosclerosis in previously unaffected arteries.

A Multicentric Study of Different Methods of Open Surgical Cerebral Revascularization for Internal Carotid Artery Orifice Stenosis.

To analyze the long-term results of transposition of the internal carotid artery (ICA) into the lateral wall of the external carotid artery (ECA) in the presence of hemodynamically significant stenosis of the ICA. During the period from 3.10.2017 to 28.12.2020, 784 patients with isolated hemodynamically significant ICA orifice stenosis were included in the present retrospective multicentric open comparative study "Russian Birch." Depending on the implemented surgical technique, groups were formed: group 1 (n = 517) - eversion carotid endarterectomy (eCEA); group 2 (n = 193) classic CEA with implantation of a xenopericardium patch treated with di-epoxy compounds; group 3 (n = 74) - transposition of the ICA into the lateral wall of the ECA. Transposition of the ICA into the lateral wall of the ECA is performed as follows. The common carotid artery, ECA, and ICA are isolated and then they are clamped with vascular clamps. At the same time, the ICA and ECA are clamped 4 cm above the orifice. The ICA is cut 2.5 cm above the orifice. Then the section of the ICA with local stenosis in the orifice is sutured with a polypropylene suture. At the same time, the redundant nonfunctioning ICA stump is not resected due to the fact that there are receptors of the carotid sinus at the ICA orifice. Thus, such manipulation may damage the sinus, causing arterial hypertension that is difficult to control in the postoperative period. Then, in the lateral wall of the ECA 2.5 cm above the orifice, a 0.5 cm diameter round hole is formed using a scalpel and angled vascular scissors. Then an end-to-side anastomosis between the severed section of the ICA and the rounded opening formed in the lateral wall of the ECA is performed using a polypropylene suture. Vascular clamps are removed and blood flow is started. No complications were detected in the hospital postoperative period. No adverse cardiovascular events were registered in group 3 in the long-term follow-up period. The group of classic CEA with implantation of a xenopericardium patch treated with di-epoxy compounds showed the highest number of fatal outcomes from acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (Group 1: 0.2%, n = 1; group 2: 2.6%; n = 5; p = 0.008); nonfatal ischemic CVA (group 1: 0.6%, n = 3; group 2: 14.0%, n = 27; p < 0.0001); ICA restenosis (more than 60%) requiring a repeat revascularization (group 1: 0.8%, n = 4; group 2: 16.6%, n = 32; p < 0.0001). The cause of all CVAs after classical CEA was restenosis of the ICA due to neointimal hyperplasia; after eversion CEA and progression of atherosclerosis. The composite end point was statistically more frequent after classical CEE with plasty of the reconstruction area with a diepoxy-treated xenopericardium patch (group 1: 1.0%, n = 5; group 2: 17.7%, n = 33; p < 0.0001). When analyzing the survival curves free of ICA restenosis, it was determined that the overwhelming number of all ICA restenosis requiring revascularization in the group of classical CEA with implantation of a diepoxy-treated xenopericardium patch is diagnosed as early as 6 months after surgery. In the group of eversion CEA, the loss of the vessel lumen is most often visualized more than a year after the intervention. When comparing the survival curves (Logrank test), it was determined that restenosis of the ICA develops statistically more frequently (p < 0.0001) after classical CEA with implantation of a diepoxytreated xenopericardium patch. Transposition of the ICA into the lateral wall of the ECA is not accompanied by the risk of ICA restenosis due to the absence of inflammation of the internal artery wall after endarterectomy. Thus, this technique can be an alternative to CEA and be routinely used in case of local hemodynamically significant stenosis of the ICA orifice. Classical CEA with patch implantation is the least preferable operation due to the high risk of ICA restenosis in the mid-term and long-term follow-up.

Prospective multicenter online testing of the carotid endarterectomy risk stratification calculator carotidscore.ru.

Aim: To evaluate the incidence of complications, including fatal outcomes, ischemic strokes, and transient ischemic attacks, associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients categorized as low-, medium-, and high-risk based on their CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru). Material and Methods: This prospective, multicenter study was conducted from January 1, 2022, to December 20, 2022, and enrolled 5,496 patients with stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA), who were categorized into four groups according to their risk level. Group 1 (n=1,759) included patients at low risk; Group 2 (n=2,483) included those at medium risk; Group 3 (n=429) included those at high risk, who underwent carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) due to the high risk of complications associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA); and Group 4 (n=825) did not use CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru). Patients in Groups 1, 2, and 4 underwent CEA. Results: During the postoperative hospital stay, the highest number of complications, including fatal outcomes (p=0.0007), ischemic strokes (p<0.0001), and the combined endpoints (p<0.0001) were observed in Group 4. No complications were reported in Group 1. Conclusion: The use of CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru) allows for the identification of high-risk patients, enabling clinicians to opt for CAS instead of CEA and reduce the incidence of complications.

Results of carotid endarterectomy with the use of temporary shunts with reduced retrograde pressure in the internal carotid artery - analysis of the multicenter Russian register.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the role of a temporary carotid shunt in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, multicentric (n = 159) study carried out between January 2005 and October 2020. The study included 3114 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy who had a reduced retrograde internal carotid artery pressure (<60% of systolic blood pressure). A temporary carotid shunt was used in 1328 patients and 1786 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy without a shunt. Results: The in-hospital outcomes were comparable in terms of the incidence of deaths, myocardial infarctions, and stroke between the two groups. However, asymptomatic strokes (confirmed on computed tomography) occurred more frequently in the group where the temporary shunt was used (34 (2.5%) vs. 10 (0.55%), p < 0.0001). The composite endpoints of adverse events were also higher in the group where a temporary shunt was used (44 (3.3%) vs. 28 (1.5%), p = 0.002). The risk of symptomatic stroke (both fatal and non-fatal) was higher in the group where a temporary shunt was not used, though this was statistically not significant. Logistic regression analysis identified diabetes mellitus and stenosis (81-90%) of the contralateral internal carotid artery to be important predictors for stroke. Conclusion: Temporary carotid shunts during carotid endarterectomy were associated with increased rates of asymptomatic stroke. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of non-fatal or fatal stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality.

Effects of different types of carotid endarterectomy on the course of resistant arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the dynamics of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the results of various types of carotid endarterectomy (СЕЕ) (classical with plasty of the reconstruction zone with a patch, eversion, formation of a new bifurcation, autoarterial reconstruction, glomus-saving techniques) in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The actual cohort, comparative, retrospective, open research for the period from January 2013 to December 2021 includes 1577 patients with significant hemodynamic stenosis of the internal carotid artery Depending on revascularization strategy five groups were formed: Group 1: 18.3% (n = 289) - classical Carotid endarterectomy with plasty of the reconstruction zone with a patch (from diepoxy-treated xenopericardium or synthetic); Group 2: 29.9% (n = 472) - eversional CEE with cut-off of carotid gloomus (CG); Group 3: 6.9% (n = 109) - the formation of a new bifurcation; Group 4: 7.4% (n = 117) - autoarterial reconstruction; Group 5: 37.4% (n = 590) - glomus-saving CEE (1 technique - according to A.N. Kazantsev; two technicians - according to R.A. Vinogradov; three technicians - according to K.A.Antsupov). According to the 24-h blood pressure monitor in the preoperative period, the following degrees of AH were identified: 1° - 5.7% (n = 89); 2° - 64.2% (n = 1013); and 3° - 30.1% (n = 475). RESULTS: In the postoperative period, no significant differences were obtained in the frequency of deaths, myocardial infarction, stroke, hemorrhagic transformation. However, according to the frequency of the combined endpoint (death + myocardial infarction + ischemic stroke + hemorrhagic transformation), the lowest rates were observed in the group of classical carotid endarterectomy with plasty of the reconstruction zone with a patch and glomus-sparing CEE (group 1: 1.03% (n = 3); group 2: 3.6% (n = 17); group 3: 3.67% (n = 4); group 4: 2.56% (n = 3); group 5: 0.5% (n = 3); p = 0.10). This is due to the absence of cases of labile AH and hypertensive crises among patients of groups 1 and 5, which was ensured by the preservation of carotid glomus (CG). As a result, the number of patients with 2 and 3 degrees of hypertension in these groups decreased statistically significantly. The vast majority of patients after these operations achieved a stable target SBP. In groups 2, 3, and 4, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of patients with 2 and 3 degrees of AH, which is associated with excision of the CG. CONCLUSION: Classical CEE and glomus-sparing CEE techniques make it possible to achieve a stable target SBP level in patients with RAH as a result of CG preservation. Removal or traumatization of the latter during eversional CEE, the formation of a new bifurcation, autoarterial reconstruction is accompanied by the development of labile hypertension, an increase in the degree of hypertension and a high risk of hemorrhagic transformation in the brain. Thus, the most effective and safe types of CEE in the presence of RAH are classical CEE with plasty of the reconstruction zone with a patch and glomus-sparing CEE, accompanied by the lowest incidence of adverse cardiovascular events caused by postoperative hypertensive crisis and hyperperfusion syndrome.

Features of Carotid Endarterectomy in Russia. How do we Resolution Issues?

This review of the literature discusses the solution of unresolved issues related to carotid endarterectomy in Russia: (1) A program has been created for choosing the tactics of revascularization of patients with simultaneous atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary and carotid arteries; (2) Using the methods of computer modeling, studying the genetics and morphology of restenosis, it was found that the classic carotid endarterectomy with plasty of the reconstruction zone with a patch is an unsafe type of revascularization; (3) An eversion carotid endarterectomy with transposition of the internal carotid artery over the hypoglossal nerve has been developed, which makes it possible to prevent damage to the latter during repeated carotid endarterectomy for restenosis; (4) It has been established that carotid endarterectomy is associated with a high risk of complications in patients over 75 years of age; (5) It has been proven that emergency carotid endarterectomy in the first hours after the development of a stroke is not safe because. combined with the maximum number of all non-favorable cardiovascular events; (6) 3 new types of carotid endarterectomy with carotid glomus preservation have been developed.