A meta-analysis of outcomes of in-situ reconstruction after total or partial removal of infected abdominal aortic graft.

INTRODUCTION: There is currently a lack of evidence for the relative effectiveness of partial resection (PR) and total resection (TR) before managing abdominal aortic graft infection (AGI). Most authorities agree that TR is mandatory for intracavitary AGI in patients with favorable conditions but there is an increasing number of patients with severe comorbidities for whom this approach is not suitable, resulting in a prohibitive mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate indication for TR or PR. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A meta-analysis was conducted on the rates of early/late mortality, amputations and reinfection. A meta-regression was performed with eight variables: patient age, male prevalence, presence of virulent or nonvirulent organisms, urgency, omentoplasty and follow-up. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twenty-one studies and 1052 patients were included. For TR and PR, the rates of early mortality and reinfection were 16.8% and 10.5%, 11% and 27%, respectively. For TR urgency and male gender were associated with increased rate of early mortality and male gender, PDF and virulent organisms were associated with increased risk of reinfection. For PR no statistical correlation was analyzable except for PDF with increased risk of reinfection. CONCLUSIONS: Early mortality rates are higher for TR and reinfection rates are higher for PR. For TR early mortality increases in urgent cases and it is suggested that alternative option must be discussed, reinfection decreases in the presence of nonvirulent organisms and TR seems optimal. For TR and PR reinfection increases in presence of PDF and alternative technique may be more appropriate.

A Meta-Analysis of Outcomes After In Situ Reconstructions for Aortic Graft Infection.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the advantage of in situ reconstruction (ISR) over extra-anatomic reconstruction (EAR) for aortic graft infection and determine the most appropriate conduit including autogenous veins, cryopreserved allografts, and synthetic prosthesis (standard, rifampicin of silver polyesters). METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted with rate of mortality, graft occlusion, amputation, and reinfection. A meta-regression was performed with 4 factors: patients' age, presence of prosthetic-duodenal fistula (PDF), virulent organisms, or nonvirulent organisms. RESULTS: In situ reconstruction over EAR seems to favor all events. For the 5 conduits used for ISR, according to operative mortality, age of the patients looks to have a positive correlation only for silver polyester and no conduit present any advantage in the presence of PDF. Reinfection seems to be not significantly different for the 5 conduits, and only autogenous veins appear to have a positive correlation with infecting organisms. CONCLUSION: In situ reconstruction may be considered as first-line treatment. Our results suggest that silver polyesters appear to be most appropriate for older patients, and in order to limit reinfection, autogenous veins are probably the most suitable conduit.

Angioplasty of the superior gluteal artery in 34 patients with buttock claudication.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of balloon angioplasty in the treatment of superior gluteal artery (SGA) lesions and the factors influencing results. METHODS: Between April 1997 and June 2012, 217 patients were treated for disabling buttock claudication. Of these, 34 (15%) consecutive patients (30 men; mean age 70±9 years) underwent angioplasty for 44 SGA origin lesions (5 bilateral): 24 stenoses and 20 occlusions. Standardized follow-up included clinical examination at 1 and 6 months and annually thereafter; angiography or computed tomography was obtained in cases of recurrent buttock claudication. RESULTS: Angioplasty was successful in 31 patients; 3 of the 20 SGA occlusions could not be recanalized. Twenty-four (59%) SGAs were treated without a stent (14 stenoses and 10 occlusions), while 10 stenoses and 7 occlusions were stented. There were no instances of SGA rupture, occlusion, or pseudoaneurysm. Two recanalizations were complicated with contrast extravasation in the buttock without consequence. Over a mean 49.8±39 months (range 1-132), 5 patients died of unrelated causes. Buttock claudication recurred in 13 (38%) patients (14 SGA lesions) at a mean 21.5±14 months (range 1-132); repeat angioplasty was successful in 8 patients. Estimates of primary and secondary freedom from symptom recurrence at 4 years were 60% and 68%, respectively. There was no difference in patency between SGAs treated for occlusion or stenosis or between those treated with or without a stent. CONCLUSION: In this series, angioplasty has proven to be a safe and efficacious way to treat SGA lesions with disabling claudication. Repeat balloon dilation was effective in treating SGA restenosis but failed in three quarters of the reocclusions. Progress in guidewire design and optimal use has improved success with SGA occlusions.

Percutaneous embolization of symptomatic dissecting aneurysms of the celiac artery.

BACKGROUND: Isolated spontaneous dissection of visceral arteries, not associated with aortic dissection, is a rare condition. To date, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment strategy. PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous embolization for the treatment of isolated and symptomatic dissecting aneurysm of the celiac artery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2010 to October 2011, four patients were diagnosed at our institution with symptomatic dissecting aneurysm of the celiac trunk. All patients had acute abdominal pain, two had intra-abdominal hemorrhage and bleeding shock. Three patients underwent elective "trapping" embolization of the celiac trunk with Amplatzer vascular plugs in the hepatic and splenic artery and celiac trunk, and coils in left gastric artery. One patient had a splenic artery rupture and underwent selective embolization of this vessel with platinum-fiber coils. RESULTS: Angiography and postoperative CT scan confirmed artery occlusion after embolization in all cases. Revascularization of celiac trunk branches was obtained via collaterals. No procedure-related adverse events occurred during follow-up (median, 4.5 months; range, 3-24 months) and vessel occlusion was maintained. CONCLUSION: Isolated and symptomatic dissecting aneurysm of the celiac trunk can be successfully managed by embolization techniques with good short- to mid-term results.

Surgical management of isolated superficial femoral artery degenerative aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mode of presentation, diagnosis, association with other aneurysms, operative management, and outcomes of superficial femoral artery (SFA) aneurysms. METHODS: Records of all patients who underwent surgery for isolated, true SFA aneurysms (not due to infection, vasculitis, or tissue disorders) from 2002 to 2012 in two European centers were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic (sex, age), clinical (cardiovascular risk factors, location of the aneurysm, symptoms, presentation, emergency setting), surgical and radiological data (diameter, surgical technique, runoff vessels patency, presence of aneurysms elsewhere) were obtained for analysis. Follow-up was undertaken with clinical and ultrasound examinations at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. The patency of the graft and the status of the anastomoses and inflow and outflow vessels were assessed. Main end points were represented by 30 days and long-term mortality and amputation-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 27 cases of SFA aneurysm were analyzed. Mean age at operation was 78 years ± 8.5. At presentation, SFA aneurysms were often symptomatic (rupture was present in 7/27 cases and acute distal ischemia in 6/27 cases), large (mean diameter, 54 mm ± 33.1 mm), bilateral (38% of the cases), and associated with aneurysms elsewhere (84%). Sixteen patients underwent resection of the aneurysm and polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft, seven patients exclusion of the aneurysm with a femoropopliteal bypass (autogenous bypass in five cases, prosthetic in two), three patients simple ligation, and one patient underwent primary amputation. Mean follow-up was 41.47 months (range, 0.43-128.67 months). Early (<30 days) mortality and amputation rate were 4% and 7%, respectively. Estimated 5-year survival, limb salvage, and graft patency rates were 62%, 88%, and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative aneurysms of the SFA display peculiar characteristics (in terms of clinical onset, diagnostic timing, and clinical behavior) so that they differ from other peripheral aneurysms. In fact, they often grow to reach a considerable diameter before medical attention is sought, presenting with rupture or ischemia at diagnosis. SFA aneurysms preferentially affect elderly men and are often associated with aneurysms elsewhere. However, despite their rarity, the treatment is usually feasible, and long-term outcomes are good.

Contemporary management of infrarenal aortic graft infection: early and late results in 82 patients.

Management of aortic graft infection (AGI) remains contentious. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors of clinical significance which influence the outcome of different treatment modalities for AGI. From 2000 to 2008, 82 consecutive patients were treated for AGI. In situ reconstruction (ISR) was performed in 63 patients with various conduits, extra-anatomic reconstruction (EAR) in 11, conservative treatment in five and resection without reconstruction in three. The perioperative mortality rate for the series (33%) was similar for EAR and ISR and was higher in patients with secondary aortoenteric fistula (P < 0.001) in those undergoing emergency aortic reconstruction (P < 0.001) and in AGI caused by virulent organisms (P < 0.05). Fifteen (27%) of the surviving patients developed a recurrence of infection (RI). EAR patients were more exposed to RI (P < 0.04). In conclusion, ISR may be more appropriate for AGI, but this study cannot draw a conclusion relating to the optimal conduit for ISR.

Successful percutaneous embolization of a symptomatic celiac artery dissection with aneurysmal dilation with detachable vascular plugs.

This report describes a 43-year-old man with a history of acute abdominal pain with shock. Emergency intervention was decided. No evidence of active bleeding was found. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan after the intervention revealed a celiac artery dissection with an intimal flap, with associated aneurysmal dilation. The patient was referred to our institution for endovascular management by upstream and downstream occlusion. Coils and detachable vascular plugs were successfully deployed to occlude the aneurysm. Vascular plugs are easy to use, reduce costs, and shorten the duration of the procedure. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan at 9 months showed complete occlusion of the aneurysm.

An analysis of the French multicentre experience of fenestrated aortic endografts: medium-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the medium-term outcomes following aortic aneurysm repair utilizing fenestrated endografts performed in 13 French academic centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. All patients had asymptomatic aneurysms involving or close to the visceral-bearing abdominal aorta and were judged to be at high-risk for open surgical repair. Fenestrated endografts were designed using computed tomography reconstructions performed on three-dimensional workstations. The procedures were conducted under fluoroscopic control by experienced endovascular teams. All patients were evaluated with computed tomography, duplex ultrasound, and plain film radiograph at discharge, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Eighty patients (78 males) were treated over 44 months (May 2004-January 2008). Median age and aneurysm size were 78 years (range: 48-90 years) and 59 mm (range: 47-82 mm), respectively. A total of 237 visceral vessels were perfused through a fabric fenestration (median of 3 per patient). One early conversion to open surgery was required. Completion angiography showed that 234 of 237 (99%) target vessels were patent. Two patients (2.5%) died within 30 days of device implantation. Predischarge imaging identified 9 (11%) endoleaks: 3 type I, 5 type II, and 1 type III. The median duration of follow-up was 10 months (range: 1-38 months). No aneurysms ruptured or required open conversion during the follow-up period. Four of 78 (5%) died during follow-up (actuarial survival at 24 months 92%), none of these deaths were aneurysm related. Aneurysm sac size decreased by more than 5 mm in 33%, 53%, and 58% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. One patient had sac enlargement within the first year, associated with a persistent type II endoleak. In-stent stenoses or occlusion affected 4 renal arteries. Secondary procedures were performed in 8 patients (10%) during follow-up, 5 to correct endoleaks and 3 to correct threatened visceral vessels. CONCLUSIONS: The use of endovascular prostheses with graft material incorporating the visceral arteries is safe in high risk patients with high risk aneurysms. In the medium-term it is effective in preventing rupture. However, meticulous follow-up to assess sac behavior and visceral ostia is critical to ensure optimal results.

Paraplegia with lumbar artery compression by the diaphragmatic crus.

The authors report three cases of transient and recurrent paraplegia due to compression of the second right lumbar artery by the diaphragmatic crus. Circumstances of appearance are suggestive when paraplegia occurs in dorsolumbar hyperlordosis and low cardiac output is an associated hemodynamic risk factor. Selective medullary arteriography is indispensable for diagnosis and can demonstrate three signs: an anterior spinal dorsolumbar artery (artery of Adamkiewicz) that does not descend to the conus medullaris; posterior spinal arteries arising from the second lumbar arteries that vascularize the conus medullaris; existence of a tight stenosis on the second right lumbar artery that is aggravated during dynamic maneuvers. Section of the right diaphragmatic crus and release of the second right lumbar artery from the aorta to the fibrous arcade of the psoas permits definitive cure of symptoms.

Axillary loop grafts for hemodialysis access: midterm results from a single-center study.

PURPOSE: This study reports our midterm results with arteriovenous axillary loop grafts (AVALG) and evaluates their role in construction of vascular access for patients on chronic hemodialysis. METHODS: The clinical data of 27 patients who underwent construction of an AVALG for hemodialysis access at our institution between July 2002 and December 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. Outcome measures included graft patency, the complication rate, and the frequency and morbidity of secondary procedures after AVALG creation. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the primary and secondary patency curves. RESULTS: AVALG was constructed as the first access procedure in eight patients: five patients with no suitable vein to construct an adequate angioaccess on the upper limbs, and three patients with elbow and forearm arteritis. The 19 other patients had all had two to five failed prior vascular accesses leading to exhaustion of venous access sites on the upper extremities (18 cases), or a steal syndrome (one case). No postoperative death occurred, but four patients died of causes unrelated to the intervention between the second and the tenth postoperative months. The mean follow-up was 15 months (range, 2-48 months). The primary patency rate at 12 months and the secondary patency rate at 18 months were 51% and 80%, respectively. Infection (three cases), thrombosis (seven cases), and stenosis of the outflow vein (two cases) were the main complications, occurring in 10 of the 27 patients (41%). Twelve secondary procedures were performed in these 10 patients with little additional morbidity. Five of the 27 patients developed irreversible AVALG occlusion leading to access loss: two patients with concomitant graft infection and three patients with a history of subclavian vein catheterization. CONCLUSION: AVALG may represent a supplementary option for chronic hemodialysis patients with vascular steal or inadequate upper extremity venous access sites.

Iliac conduit for renal and visceral artery access during endovascular repair of a pararenal aneurysm with a fenestrated stent-graft.

PURPOSE: To report a technique for fenestrated stent-graft repair involving a conduit implanted at the origin of a patent aneurysmal common iliac artery (CIA) in a patient with a pararenal aortic aneurysm and iliac artery occlusion. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man with multiple comorbidities presented with an 8-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with no infrarenal neck according to computed tomography (CT). Both CIAs were aneurysmal; the left was occluded, as were the left internal and external iliac arteries and the inferior mesenteric artery. Two patent accessory renal arteries were depicted. Because an infrarenal neck was absent, treatment with a fenestrated endograft was performed under general anesthesia. The right CIA was approached via an oblique retroperitoneal incision. A 10-mm polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft was implanted on the origin of the right CIA aneurysm in an end-to-side fashion to facilitate delivery of a Zenith endograft constructed with 2 small fenestrations for the renal arteries, 1 large strut-free fenestration for the superior mesenteric artery, and a scallop for the celiac trunk. The proximal fenestrated body of the Zenith device was introduced via the right iliac artery by direct puncture of the common femoral artery. The conduit was used to cannulate the 3 fenestrations for subsequent deployment and for delivery of the distal Zenith aortomonoiliac device. The procedure was completed successfully, but 12 hours after surgery, the patient developed a significant right retroperitoneal hematoma, which was treated surgically. CT confirmed patency of all visceral arteries and no endoleak. One month after the initial procedure, he had recovered totally and was discharged. CONCLUSION: Iliac conduits could widen the feasibility of fenestrated endografting in patients unfit for open surgery with pararenal aneurysms and challenging iliac anatomy. However, this adjunctive procedure has its own morbidity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatments for aortic graft infection.

OBJECTIVE: We compared pooled estimates of event rates for amputations, conduit failures, reinfections, early mortalities, and late mortalities in patients with aortic graft infection who were treated by extra-anatomic bypass, rifampicin-bonded prostheses, cryopreserved allografts, or autogenous veins. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of English language reports in MEDLINE back to 1985 and a meta-analysis was performed on the results. Studies were selected on the basis of medical subject headings aortic, graft, and infection, and also by a standardized and independent quality rating. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were met by 37 clinical studies. Pooled estimates of mean event rates for amputations, conduit failures, reinfections, early (< or =30 day) mortalities, and late (>30 days) mortalities were determined for each treatment modality. Tests of heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Fixed effect analyses, derived after tests of heterogeneity, yielded overall pooled estimates of mean event rates for all outcomes combined of 0.16 for extra-anatomic bypass, 0.07 for rifampicin-bonded prostheses, 0.09 for cryopreserved allografts, and 0.10 for autogenous vein; a lower value signifies fewer overall events associated with the treatment modality. Overall, the robustness of our meta-analysis was demonstrated by the reasonable heterogeneity of pooled data from individual studies (Q statistic <25; P >.1 for all treatment outcomes across all modalities) and the limited variability of outcomes after sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Although limited by the design of individual published studies whose data were pooled together in this meta-analysis, our results lead to questions concerning whether extra-anatomic bypass should remain the gold standard for treatment of aortic graft infection.

Percutaneous angioplasty of the superior gluteal artery for buttock claudication: a report of seven cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Buttock claudication due to stenosis or occlusion of the superior gluteal artery is infrequent. The recent development of noninvasive gluteal duplex scanning, combined with aortoiliac angiography using oblique projections and the availability of low-profile devices for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), led us to review our recent experience concerning the diagnosis and mid-term results of PTA for superior gluteal artery stenosis or occlusion. METHODS: The files of all patients who had been treated in our department by PTA for superior gluteal artery stenosis or occlusion with buttock claudication were analyzed retrospectively, and any associated arterial lesions, morbidity, restenosis, or recurrent buttock claudication were noted. Outcomes were compared with published reports. RESULTS: Retrospective review identified six patients (5 men, 1 woman; mean age, 64 years) with seven cases of buttock claudication (1 bilateral localization) who had undergone PTA within the past 2 years. There was no case of isolated buttock claudication. Buttock claudication was associated with impotence, thigh claudication, or calf claudication in seven cases. Gluteal duplex scans were performed for three of the patients diagnosed with two stenoses and one occlusion. Aortoiliac angiography revealed five superior gluteal artery stenoses and two occlusions. PTA without stenting was successful in all cases, without morbidity or mortality. During a mean follow-up of 13 months, restenosis occurred in one patient. A repeat PTA without stenting was successful, with resolution of the buttock claudication. CONCLUSIONS: Buttock claudication due to superior gluteal artery stenosis is probably underestimated when gluteal duplex scanning and aortoiliac angiography with oblique projections are not performed. PTA gives good results, and the procedure can be repeated should restenosis occur.

Acute compartment syndrome: an unusual complication of a previously bypassed popliteal aneurysm--case report and literature review.

An acute compartment syndrome of the calf due to popliteal vein compression is described in a 71-year-old man who had undergone popliteal aneurysm bypass and ligation 10 years previously. Acute pain and extensive edema of the right leg and a pulsatile mass in the right popliteal fossa prompted arteriography that revealed collateral filling of the aneurysm. Aneurysm decompression by using a posterior approach was completed, including genicular artery ligation, and fasciotomy was performed. Irreversible ischemia of the foot necessitated tibial amputation on the third day after surgery. The literature on complications of excluded popliteal aneurysms after bypass and ligation, clinical presentations, and surgical management is reviewed.

Efficacy of low-dose intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia after abdominal aortic surgery: a double-blind randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies suggest that intrathecal morphine (ITM) improves analgesia after aortic surgery. We tested the hypothesis that in combination with multimodal postoperative pain management, low-dose ITM associated with general anesthesia would decrease postoperative analgesic requirements in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomized to receive either general anesthesia alone or preceded by low-dose ITM (0.2 mg) administration. Patients and providers were blinded to treatment. Postsurgical multimodal pain management was similar in both groups, including parenteral paracetamol, followed by intravenous nefopam and then morphine if not sufficient. Intravenous analgesic requirements, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and the incidence and severity of side effects were recorded for 48 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Intraoperative data were comparable between the 2 groups, except sufentanil consumption, which was significantly lower in the ITM group when compared with the control group (P = .023). ITM decreased postoperative total-morphine requirements with respect to both the number of patients who received morphine (4 v 12 patients, P = .003) and the cumulative dose of morphine administered (0 [0-12.4] v 23 [13.9-45.6] mg, P = .006). VAS scores at rest were higher in the control group than in the ITM group at awakening (P < .01), at 4 hours (P < .01) after surgery, and at 8 hours (P < .05) after surgery but did not differ between groups after this period. Whereas VAS scores on coughing were higher in the control group at awakening (P < .01) and 4 hours after surgery (P < .05), no differences were found between groups from 8 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery, intrathecal morphine (0.2 mg) improves postoperative analgesia and decreases the need in intraoperative and postoperative analgesics. Further studies are indicated to evaluate the role of ITM in postoperative recovery.

Long-term outcome of femoral above-knee popliteal artery bypass using autologous saphenous vein versus expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

Despite a recent flurry of publications on preferred techniques for femoral above-knee popliteal artery bypass, controversy persists over the use of autologous saphenous vein and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. The purpose of this study was to compare our long-term results using these two bypass materials. In a series of 474 infrainguinal bypasses performed between January 1993 and December 1998, we performed a total of 75 femoral above-knee popliteal artery bypass using an autologous saphenous vein graft in 48 cases (64%) and an ePTFE graft in 27 cases (36%). Prosthetic grafts were used by choice in 17 cases and by necessity due to the absence of useable vein in 10 cases. There were 55 men and 18 women with a mean age of 70 years. The indication for bypass was lower extremity arterial occlusive disease at stage II in 17 cases (22.7%), stage III in 9 cases (12%), and stage IV in 36 cases (48%); subacute ischemia in 8 cases (10.7%); and femoropopliteal aneurysm in 5 cases (6.7%). Preoperative arteriography demonstrated three patent leg arteries in 15.5% of cases, two patent leg arteries in 43.5%, and one patent leg artery in 41%. There was no significance difference between the vein graft and ePTFE graft groups with regard to indications and arteriographic findings. No patient died during the immediate postoperative period. The mean duration of follow-up was 25.5 months (range, 3 to 108 months). The primary patency rate at 4 years was 82.2 +/- 8% for venous bypass vs. 80.6 +/- 11.8% for ePTFE bypass (p = 0.42). The secondary patency rate at 4 years was 84.7 +/- 7.4% for vein bypasses and 79.5 +/- 12% for ePTFE bypasses (p = 0.26). In our experience, there was no statistically significant difference in long-term outcome of femoral above-knee popliteal artery bypass using autologous vein grafts or prosthetic ePTFE grafts.

In situ revascularization with silver-coated polyester grafts to treat aortic infection: early and midterm results.

PURPOSE: In this prospective study we analyzed the immediate and midterm outcome in patients with abdominal aorta infection (mycotic aneurysm, prosthetic graft infection) managed by excision of the aneurysm or the infected vascular prosthesis and in situ replacement with a silver-coated polyester prosthesis. METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2001, 27 consecutive patients (25 men, 2 women; mean age, 69 years) with an abdominal aortic infection were entered in the study at seven participating centers. Infection was managed with either total (n = 18) or partial (n = 6) excision of the infected aorta and in situ reconstruction with an InterGard Silver (IGS) collagen and silver acetate-coated polyester graft. Assessment of outcome was based on survival, limb salvage, persistent or recurrent infection, and prosthetic graft patency. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients had prosthetic graft infections, graft-duodenal fistula in 12 and graft-colonic fistula in 1; and the remaining 3 patients had primary aortic infections. Most organisms cultured were of low virulence. The IGS prosthesis was placed emergently in 11 patients (41%). Mean follow-up was 16.5 months (range, 3-30 months). Perioperative mortality was 15%; all four patients who died had a prosthetic graft infection. Actuarial survival at 24 months was 85%. No major amputations were noted in this series. Recurrent infection developed in only one patient (3.7%). Postoperative antibiotic therapy did not exceed 3 months, except in one patient. No incidence of prosthetic graft thrombosis was noted during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results in this small series demonstrate favorable outcome with IGS grafts used to treat infection in abdominal aortic grafts and aneurysms caused by organisms with low virulence. Larger series and longer follow-up will be required to compare the role of IGS grafts with other treatment options in infected fields.

Importance of a arteriography for intraoperative quality control during carotid artery surgery.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of intraoperative quality control using arteriography on the conduct and immediate outcome of carotid artery surgery. This retrospective study included 623 carotid artery repair procedures performed between January 1993 and January 2000. There were 427 men and 159 women (37 bilateral procedures) with a mean age of 71.6 years. The repair technique consisted of conventional endarterectomy alone in 353 cases, conventional endarterectomy with patch closure in 95 cases, eversion in 44 cases, and vein (n = 105) or prosthetic (n = 26) grafting in 131 cases. Findings of intraoperative arteriography, which is used routinely in our department, were reviewed and analyzed in all cases. Our findings indicate that intraoperative quality control with arteriography is an important part of carotid artery surgery. In 11.7% of cases in this study, intraoperative arteriography revealed significant defects that are the main cause of postoperative neurological complications.

Outcome of common iliac arteries after aortoaortic graft placement during elective repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was determination of the expansion rates relative to the size of the common iliac artery (CIA) after elective placement of a straight aortic tube graft for an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Between January 1993 and December 1997, 74 men (mean age, 69 years) with AAA underwent surgical repair with a straight tube graft. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. The mean follow-up period was 68.3 months. The preoperative CT scan revealed a dilatation of at least one of the two CIAs in 32 patients (43.2%; group A). Within this group, the CIA was ectatic (12 mm < diameter < 18 mm) in 13 patients (subgroup A1) and aneurysmal (diameter >/=18 mm) in 19 patients (subgroup A2). The diameters of both CIAs were normal (diameter