Effect Of Fenestration Configuration On Renal Artery Outcomes During Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of fenestration configuration and fenestration gap on renal artery outcomes during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR). METHODS: A retrospective multicenter analysis was performed, including patients with complex aortic aneurysms treated with F/BEVAR that incorporated at least one small fenestration to a renal artery. The renal fenestrations were divided into groups 1 (8x6 mm) and 2 (6x6 mm). Primary patency, target vessel instability (TVI), freedom from secondary interventions (SIs), occurrence of type IIIc endoleak, all related to the renal arteries, were analyzed at 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year landmarks. The fenestration gap (FG) distance was analyzed as a modifier, and clustering was addressed at the patient level. RESULTS: Seven hundred and ninety-six patients were included in this study, 71.7% male, with a mean age of 73.3±8.1 years. The mean follow-up was 30.0±20.6 months. Of the 1474 small renal fenestrations analyzed, 47.6% were 8x6, and 52.4% were 6x6mm. At the 30-day landmark, primary patency (99.9% vs 98.0%, p-value <0.001 for groups 1 and 2, respectively), freedom from TVI (99.6% vs 97.1%, p-value <0.001 for groups 1 and 2, respectively), and freedom from SI (99.8% vs 98.4%, p-value = .022 for groups 1 and 2, respectively) were higher in 8x6 compared to 6x6 fenestrations, and the incidence of AKI was similar across the groups (92.6% vs 92.7%, p-value = .953 for groups 1 and 2 respectively). The primary patency at 1 and 5 years was higher in 8x6 fenestrations (1-year: 98.8% vs 96.9%; 5-year: 97.8% vs 95.7%, for groups 1 and 2, respectively, p values = .010 and 0.021 for 1 and 5 year comparisons, respectively). The freedom from SIs was significantly higher among 6x6 fenestrations at 5 years (93.1% vs 96.4%, for groups 1 and 2, respectively, p value = .007). The groups were equally as likely to experience a type Ic endoleak (1.3 % and 1.6% for 8x6 and 6x6mm fenestrations, respectively, p = .689). The 6x6 fenestrations were associated with higher risk of kidney function deterioration (17.8%) when compared with 8x6 fenestrations (7.6%) at 5 years (p <.001). The risk of type IIIc endoleak was significantly higher among 8x6 fenestrations at 5 years (4.9% and 2% for 8x6 and 6x6 mm fenestrations, respectively, p= .005). A FG ≥5 mm negatively impacted the cumulative 5-year freedom from TVI (group 1: FG ≥5 mm = 0.714, FG <5 mm = 0.857, p<.001; group 2: FG ≥5 mm = 0.761, FG <5 mm = 0.929, p<.001) and the cumulative 5-year freedom from type IIIc endoleak (group 1: FG ≥5 mm = 0.759, FG <5 mm = 0.921, p=.034; group 2: FG ≥5 mm = 0.853, FG <5 mm = 0.979, p<.001) in both groups and the cumulative 5-year patency in group 2 (group 1: FG ≥5 mm = 0.963, FG <5 mm = 0.948, p=.572; group 2: FG ≥5 mm = 0.905, FG <5 mm = 0.938, p=.036). CONCLUSIONS: Fenestration configuration for the renal arteries impacts outcomes. The 8x6 small fenestrations have better patency at 30-days, 1 year, and 5 years, while 6x6 small fenestrations are associated with lower rates of secondary interventions, primarily due to a lower incidence of type IIIc endoleaks. Fenestration gap ≥ 5 mm at the level of the renal arteries significantly impacts the freedom from TVI, freedom from type IIIc endoleak and 5-year patency independently of the fenestration size or vessel diameter.

Trends in hospitalization of patients undergoing endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms based on cerebrospinal fluid drainage strategy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify trends in hospital length of stay (HLOS) and intensive care unit length of stay (ICULOS), and the relationship with cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) protocols in patients undergoing fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent elective FB-EVAR for extent I to IV TAAAs between 2008 and 2023 at a single aortic center of excellence was conducted. Patient demographics, cardiovascular comorbidities, surgical risk, technical details, CSFD strategy (prophylactic or therapeutic), procedural success, and perioperative outcomes were collected. Patients were divided into two groups based on CSFD protocol. Group 1 included patients treated before 2020 when prophylactic CSFD was performed widely, and Group 2 consisted of patients treated since 2020 with therapeutic CSFD. Primary end points were HLOS, ICULOS, major adverse events, and perioperative mortality. RESULTS: FB-EVAR was performed in 702 patients; 412 underwent elective TAAA repair and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 73 ± 8 years and 68% were male. Patient-specific manufactured devices were used in 252 patients (61%), physician-modified endografts in 110 (27%), and 50 patients (12%) were treated with off-the-shelf devices. Demographics, aneurysm extent, major adverse events (including spinal cord ischemia [SCI]), and mortality were similar in both groups. A significant reduction in mean HLOS between the groups (9 ± 9 vs 6 ± 5 days; P = .02) coincided with decreased use of prophylactic CSFD (70% vs 1.2%; P < .001), with similar rates of SCI (7.6% vs 4.9%; P = .627) and ICULOS (3 ± 3 vs 2.5 ± 3; P = .19). Patients in the therapeutic drainage cohort (group 2) had a higher incidence of congestive heart failure (24% vs 11%; P = .003), hypercholesterolemia (91% vs 80%; P = .015), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (55% vs 37%; P = .004), and peripheral artery disease (39% vs 19%; P < .001) compared with group 1, suggesting treatment of a more complex patient cohort. On adjusted multivariable analysis accounting for American Society of Anesthesiologists score, comorbidities, and device type, the difference in HLOS remained statistically significant (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: HLOS decreased over time in patients undergoing FB-EVAR for TAAA after transition from a prophylactic to a therapeutic CSFD protocol. This transition was the only modifiable, independent risk factor for a shorter HLOS, without an increase in SCI, albeit with similar ICULOS.

Ruptured Mycotic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in the Setting of Streptococcus Bacteremia with Underlying Colonic Malignancy.

Ruptured mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) pose complex clinical challenges which are often compounded by existing comorbidities of the typical patient. We present the case of an 85-year-old female presenting emergently with a ruptured mycotic TAA with underlying Streptococcus bacteremia who was successfully treated with a thoracic endograft and antibiotics.

The semi-compliant balloon bounce technique for total femoral approach during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

A total femoral approach for fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair has been increasingly favored to minimize risks of aortic arch manipulation. We describe a novel technique to support the advancement of endovascular devices into a target vessel. Following catheterization of the intended target artery and deployment of the diameter-reducing ties, a Coda semi-compliant balloon (Cook Medical) is advanced and inflated immediately above the target artery. It is used as a support as the wire, catheter, or sheath "bounces" on the balloon, stabilizing the support wire to advance stent grafts, balloons, or sheaths into the downward renal or mesenteric vessels.

Risk factors for low back pain after iliac vein stenting for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Iliac vein stenting is an option being explored to treat chronic venous insufficiency. We have noted that our most common postoperative complication is low back pain after stent placement, which is occasionally quite severe. We wanted to investigate risk factors that are involved in this phenomenon and identify potentially modifiable factors. METHODS: Patients who failed 3 months of conservative therapy had iliac vein interrogation performed. We limited the scope of this database to non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions treated in the office in which Wallstents were placed. Data were collected from September 2012 to August 2020 for 2308 consecutive outpatients who underwent 3747 procedures. Before August 2016, patients received pre-procedure oral valium (n = 2679) and thereafter, patients received intravenous (IV) sedation (n = 1068). A pain score, on a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 10, was assessed within 1 hour postoperatively. We analyzed the medications administered and correlated them with pain scores. RESULTS: The average of all the pain scores was 0.86 (range, 0-10; standard deviation [SD], 2.00). Age had a slight inverse effect on pain scores (r = -0.12; P < .00001). Presenting signs (based upon CEAP) (P = .11) and body mass index (P = .88) did not have a significant effect on pain scores. Average pain score for females (0.96) was slightly higher than for males (0.70), with P < .0001. Average pain score for procedures on the right side (0.67) was lower than for procedures on the left side (1.01), with P < .0001. Average pain score for patients who received IV sedation (mean, 0.68; SD, 1.58) was lower than that for those who did not (mean, 0.93; SD, 2.15), with P = .0004. When using a single agent, propofol was associated with the lowest pain scores (P < .0001). Toradol displayed a dose-dependent effect on pain score (P < .0001). The best combination of agents for pain control was propofol and toradol together. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the vast majority of pain scores were low. Factors that were associated with lower pain scores were older age, male sex, procedures on the right side, and IV sedation, in particular with the use of propofol. These data may help us better target patients anticipated to have high pain scores and suggest the preferential use of propofol and toradol.

Value and limitations of postoperative duplex scans after endovenous thermal ablation.

BACKGROUND: Endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) of the lower extremity veins has risen to become the main treatment modality for symptomatic venous reflux disease. One of the main reported side effects of EVTA is recanalization. As of today, there is no clear protocol as to when follow-up duplex ultrasound scans should be performed. However, the standard for postoperative duplex after truncal ablation is within 1 week of the procedure. Our aim is to try to find whether there is a particular time period when postoperative duplex ultrasound scans should be performed to allow us to best diagnose recanalization. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 9799 procedures in 3237 patients with chronic venous insufficiency owing to great, small, and anterior accessory saphenous vein insufficiency from 2012 to 2018. We excluded 466 perforator veins. All 9799 procedures were performed using EVTA in patients who failed to respond to conservative management initially. Postoperative duplex ultrasound scans were performed within 1 week (3-7 days postoperatively). We defined a successful obliteration as lack of color flow on postoperative scan. We defined symptomatic recanalization as presence of reflux on duplex ultrasound examination in the targeted vessel at follow-up with symptom recurrence. Follow-ups were performed every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: Patient ages ranged from 15 to 99 years. The median patient age at the time of the procedures was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR], 51-73 years). The median overall follow-up was 25 months (IQR, 4-56 months). The Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) class of all the procedures were: C1, 21; C2, 208; C3, 3585; C4, 4680; C5, 188; and C6, 1117. There were 145 redo procedures performed after symptomatic recanalization was diagnosed in patients. CEAP class of the redo patients were: C1, 0; C2, 2; C3, 49; C4, 70; C5, 5; and C6, 19. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients underwent a redo procedure performed within the first year after the initial procedure. Conversely, there was great variability as to when redo procedures were performed. Because there is no defined pattern as to when these symptomatic occurrences arise, it may not be required to perform postoperative duplex ultrasound scans after EVTA routinely, but instead when a patient comes back with symptoms such as swelling.

Preoperative predictors of nonhome discharge after fenestrated-branched endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Nonhome discharge (NHD) has significant implications for patient counseling and discharge planning and is frequently required following fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (CAAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). We aimed to identify preoperative predictors of NHD after elective FB-EVAR for CAAA and TAAA and develop a risk calculator able to predict NHD. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing FB-EVAR between January 2007 and December 2021 at a single institution was performed. Exclusion criteria were admission from a nonhome setting, emergency and repeat FB-EVAR, and discharge to an unknown destination. The cohort was randomly split into separate development (70% of patients) and validation (30%) cohorts to develop a predictive calculator for NHD. Independent variables associated with NHD were assessed in a series of logistic regression analyses from 100 bootstrapped samples of the development set, and a model was developed using the most predictive variables. Resulting parameter estimates were applied to data in the validation set to assess model discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: From the initial cohort of 712 FB-EVAR patients, 644 were included in the study (74% male; mean age, 75.4 ± 7.6 years), including 452 with CAAA (70%) and 192 with TAAA (30%). Early mortality occurred in eight patients (1.2%; 5 in CAAA and 3 in TAAA) and the median hospital stay was 5 days (4 for CAAA and 7 for TAAA). Ninety-seven patients (15%) had a NHD. On multivariable analysis, older age (per year, odds ratio [OR], 1.08; P < .001), female gender (OR, 3.03; P < .001), smoking (OR, 2.86; P = .01), congestive heart failure (OR, 3.05; P = .004), peripheral artery disease (OR, 1.81; P = .07), and extent I (OR, 3.17), II (OR, 2.84), and III (OR, 2.52; all P = .08) TAAAs were associated with an increased likelihood of NHD in the development set. Based on these factors, the risk calculator was developed which accurately predicts NHD in the validation set with an area under the curve of 0.7. CONCLUSIONS: Older, female smokers with congestive heart failure and peripheral artery disease and more extensive aneurysms are at highest risk of NHD after FB-EVAR. Using only preoperative factors, our risk calculator can predict accurately who will have a NHD, allowing enhanced preoperative patient counselling and accelerated hospital discharge.

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.

Mid-Term Outcomes of "Complete Aortic Repair": Surgical or Endovascular Total Arch Replacement With Thoracoabdominal Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a single-center experience of "complete aortic repair" consisting of surgical or endovascular total arch replacement/repair (TAR) followed by thoracoabdominal fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR). METHODS: We reviewed 480 consecutive patients who underwent FB-EVAR with physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) or manufactured stent-grafts between 2013 and 2022. From those, we selected only patients treated with open or endovascular arch repair and distal FB-EVAR for aneurysms involving the ascending, arch and thoracoabdominal aortic segments (zones 0-9). Manufactured devices were used under an investigational device exemption protocol. Endpoints included early/in-hospital mortality, mid-term survival, freedom from secondary intervention, and target artery instability. RESULTS: There were 22 patients, 14 men and 8 women with a median age of 72±7 years. Thirteen postdissection and 9 degenerative aortic aneurysms were repaired with a mean maximum diameter of 67±11 mm. Time from index aortic procedure to aneurysm exclusion was 169 and 270 days in those undergoing 2- and 3-stage repair strategies, respectively. The ascending aorta and aortic arch were treated with 19 surgical and 3 endovascular TAR procedures. Three (16%) surgical arch procedures were performed elsewhere, and perioperative details were unavailable. Mean bypass, cross-clamp, and circulatory arrest times were 295±57, 216±63, and 46±11 minutes, respectively. There were 4 major adverse events (MAEs) in 2 patients: both required postoperative hemodialysis, 1 had postbypass cardiogenic shock necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and the other required evacuation of an acute-on-chronic subdural hematoma. Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair was performed with 17 manufactured endografts and 5 PMEGs. There was no early mortality. Six (27%) patients experienced MAEs. There were 4 (18%) cases of spinal cord injury with 3 (75%) experiencing complete symptom resolution before discharge. Mean follow-up was 30±17 months in which there were 5 patient deaths-0 aortic related. Eight patients required ≥1 secondary intervention, and 6 target arteries demonstrated instability (3 IC, 1 IIIC endoleaks; 2 TA stenoses). Kaplan-Meier 3-year estimates of patient survival, freedom from secondary intervention, and target artery instability were 78±8%, 56±11%, and 68±11%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Complete aortic repair with staged surgical or endovascular TAR and distal FB-EVAR is safe and effective with satisfactory morbidity, mid-term survival, and target artery outcomes. CLINICAL IMPACT: The presented study demonstrates that repair of the entirety of the aorta - via total endovascular or hybrid means- is safe and effective with low rates of spinal cord ischemia. Cardiovascular specialists within comprehensive aortic teams at should feel confident that staged repair of the most complex degenerative and post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms can be safely performed in their patients with complication profile similar to that of less extensive repairs. Meticulous and intentional case planning is imperative for immediate and long-term success.

Covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation with inferior mesenteric artery chimney for management of bilateral lower extremity tissue loss with concomitant mesenteric stenosis.

Aortoiliac occlusive disease involving mesenteric branches poses an interesting challenge. Although an open surgical approach is considered the gold standard, endovascular techniques such as covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation with inferior mesenteric artery chimney have been presented as alternatives for patients unfit for major surgical repair. A 64-year-old man with bilateral chronic limb-threatening ischemia and severe chronic malnutrition underwent covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation with inferior mesenteric artery chimney due to significant intraoperative risk. We have presented the operative technique used. The intraoperative course was successful, and, postoperatively, the patient underwent successful, planned, left below-the-knee amputation and his right lower extremity wounds healed.

External iliac vein dimensions can change after placement of a more proximal iliac vein stent.

OBJECTIVE: We have occasionally observed during vein stenting for proximal iliac vein stenosis, the appearance of a more distal stenosis in the iliac vein that had not been initially observed before placement of the more proximal vein stent. In the present retrospective study, we aimed to document this observation. METHODS: We identified patients in whom changes in the area measurement and linear dimensions of the external iliac vein (EIV) were observed on venography and/or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after stent placement for chronic nonthrombotic iliac stenosis in the common iliac vein (CIV). The images of these IVUS scans were subsequently analyzed to determine the cross-sectional area, major axis, and minor axis measurements in the EIV, before and after placement of a proximal CIV stent. RESULTS: A total of 32 limbs with complete and quality IVUS and venography images available that allowed for measurement of the EIV before and after vein stent placement in the CIV were evaluated. The patient cohort was 55% men, with a mean age of 63.8 ± 9.9 years and a mean body mass index of 27.8 ± 7.8 kg/m2. Of the 32 limbs, 18 were left sided and 14 were right sided. Most (n = 12 [60%]) of the limbs had presented with venous-related skin changes (C4 disease). The remainder of the cohort had had active (C6 disease; n = 4 [20%]) or recently healed (C5 disease; n = 1 [5%]) venous ulceration and isolated venous-related edema (C3; n = 3 [15%]). The minimal CIV area before and after CIV stenting was 28.47 ± 23.53 mm2 and 196.34 ± 42.62 mm2, respectively. The minimal mean EIV cross-sectional area before and after CIV stenting was 87.44 ± 38.55 mm2 and 50.69 ± 24.32 mm2, respectively, a statistically significant reduction of 36.75 mm2 (P < .001). The mean EIV major axis and minor axis had both decreased similarly. The minimal mean EIV major axis before and after CIV stenting was 15.22 ± 3.13 mm and 11.13 ± 3.58 mm, respectively (P < .001). The minimal mean EIV minor axis before and after CIV stenting was 7.26 ± 2.40 mm and 5.84 ± 1.42 mm, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present study have shown that the dimensions of the EIV can change significantly after placement of a proximal CIV stent. Possible explanations include masked stenosis due to distal venous distention resulting from the more proximal stenosis, vascular spasm, and anisotropy. The presence of proximal CIV stenosis can potentially lessen the appearance, or completely mask the presence, of an EIV stenosis. This phenomenon appears unique to venous stenting, and the prevalence is unknown. These findings underscore the importance of completion IVUS and venography after venous stent placement.

Five-year outcomes of physician-modified endografts for repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: There is paucity of data on the durability of physician modified endografts (PMEGs) for complex abdominal (CAAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) despite widespread use. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the early and long-term outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) for CAAAs and TAAAs using PMEGs. METHODS: We reviewed clinical data and outcomes of patients treated by FB-EVAR using PMEGs for CAAAs (defined as short-neck infrarenal, juxtarenal, and pararenal AAAs) and TAAAs between 2007 and 2019. All patients were treated by a dedicated team with extensive manufactured device experience. Endpoints included 30-day mortality and major adverse events, patient survival and freedom from aortic-related mortality (ARM), freedom from secondary intervention, target artery (TA) patency, and freedom from TA endoleak and TA instability. RESULTS: Of 645 patients undergoing FB-EVAR, 156 patients (24%) treated with PMEG (121 males; mean age, 75 ± 8 years) were included. There were 89 CAAAs, 33 extent IV TAAAs and 34 extent I to III TAAAs. A total of 452 renal-mesenteric targets (3.1 ± 1.0 vessels/patient) were incorporated. Patients with TAAAs had significantly (P < .05) larger aneurysms (73 ± 11 vs 68 ± 14 mm), more TAs incorporated (3.4 ± 0.9 vs 2.8 ± 1.0), and more often had previous aortic repair (54% vs 27%). Technical success was higher in patients treated for CAAAs (99% vs 91%; P = .04). Thirty-day and/or in-hospital mortality was 5.7% and was significantly lower for CAAAs compared with TAAAs (2% vs 10%; P = .04), with three of nine early mortalities (33%) among patients treated emergently. After a mean follow-up of 49 ± 38 months, there were 12 aortic-related deaths (7.6%), including nine early deaths (5.7%) from perioperative complications and three late deaths (1.9%) from rupture. At 5 years, patient survival was 41%. Patients treated for CAAAs had higher 5-year freedom from ARM (P = .016), TA instability (P = .05), TA endoleak (P = .01), and TA secondary interventions (P = .05) with a higher, but non-significant, freedom from sac enlargement ≥5 mm (P = .11). Primary and secondary TA patency was 91% ± 2% and 99% ± 1%, respectively. Sac regression ≥5 mm occurred in 67 patients (43%) and was associated with increased survival (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.80) compared with those without sac regression. CONCLUSIONS: FB-EVAR using PMEGs was performed with acceptable long-term outcomes. Overall patient survival was low due to significant underlying comorbidities. Patients treated for CAAAs had higher freedom from ARM, TA instability, TA endoleak, TA secondary interventions, and a trend towards higher freedom from sac enlargement compared with patients treated for TAAAs. Sac regression was associated with improved patient survival.

Anatomic factors to guide patient selection for fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair.

Endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms has become increasingly common, with some specialized centers using fenestrated and branched endografts as a first-line therapy, given the decreased early morbidity and mortality compared with open surgical repair. However, the long-term durability of fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair remains in question, given the high rate of secondary interventions. Contraindications, complications, and causes of secondary interventions after fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair are often related to the anatomic factors of the aorta, target arteries, and access vessels. This article provides an overview of anatomic factors that should be considered when determining eligibility, as well as designing and executing fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair procedures.

Impact of gap distance between fenestration and aortic wall on target artery instability following fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Target artery (TA) instability has been the most frequent indication for secondary intervention after fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the gap distance between the endograft reinforced fenestration and TA origin at the aortic wall (fenestration gap [FG]) on target-related outcomes after FB-EVAR. METHODS: The clinical data and imaging studies of 430 patients enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized study to evaluate FB-EVAR using manufactured stent grafts were reviewed. Of the 430 patients, 340 (79%) had had more than one vessel incorporated by fenestration. The FG was retrospectively measured on postoperative imaging studies and classified into three groups: no gap (FG, 0 mm), FG 1 to 4 mm, and FG ≥5 mm. The primary outcome was freedom from TA instability. The secondary end points included TA-related endoleak, TA secondary intervention, and TA patency. RESULTS: A total of 1558 renal-mesenteric TAs were incorporated by 1104 reinforced fenestrations and 454 directional branches (DBs), with a mean of 3.9 ± 0.5 vessels per patient. The mean FG was 2.8 ± 4.5 mm, with an FG of 0 mm for 646 TAs, 1 to 4 mm for 209 TAs, and ≥5 mm for 249 TAs. An FG of ≥5 mm was associated with significantly lower (P < .001) freedom from TA instability, type Ic or IIIc endoleak, and secondary interventions at 5 years. Compared with DBs, fenestrations with an FG of ≥5 mm had similar primary patency and freedom from TA instability but significantly lower freedom from type Ic or IIIc endoleak (91% ± 2% vs 95% ± 1%; log rank, P = .02) and secondary interventions (87% ± 3% vs 93% ± 2%; log-rank, P = .02) at 5 years. The independent predictors of TA instability included postdissection TAAAs (hazard ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.4) and FG ≥5 mm (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8). TAs incorporated by reinforced fenestrations had higher primary (99% ± 0.8% vs 97% ± 1.0%; P = .039) and secondary (100% vs 98% ± 1.0%; P = .012) patency rates at 5 years compared with DBs, with the lowest primary patency observed for renal DBs (80% ± 6% vs 92% ± 2%; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: An FG of ≥5 mm was independently associated with an increased risk of TA instability, type Ic or IIIc endoleaks, and secondary interventions for patients treated by FB-EVAR using fenestrated designs. TAs incorporated by DBs had lower 5-year primary and secondary patency compared with those with reinforced fenestrations, with the lowest 5-year patency of 80% for renal branches. Compared with DBs, fenestrations with an FG of ≥5 mm carried a greater risk of type Ic or IIIc endoleak and secondary interventions. Independent predictors of TA instability included postdissection TAAAs and a greater FG. In contrast, dual antiplatelet therapy and larger TA diameters were protective.

Correlation of body mass index with recanalization risk after endovenous thermal ablation.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) has an increased prevalence among obese individuals with body mass indices (BMI) over 30. A safe, efficacious, and evidence-based recommended treatment for CVI due to superficial venous reflux (SVR) in great saphenous veins (GSVs), small saphenous veins (SSVs), accessory saphenous veins (ASVs), and reflux in the perforator veins (PVs) is endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA). We sought to identify if BMI is an independent risk factor for recanalization after EVTA. METHODS: All patients with CVI were initially managed conservatively, and those with pathologic SVR refractory to compression therapy were offered EVTAs depending on the site of reflux. Sonographic confirmation of SVR was defined as >500 milliseconds of reflux in the GSVs, SSVs, and ASVs and a diameter >4 mm. PV reflux was confirmed as >350 milliseconds of reflux and a diameter >2.5 mm. All patients received a follow-up duplex ultrasound 1 week after the procedure, every 3 months for the first year, and every 6 months thereafter. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was performed regarding patients' age, ablation modality (laser vs radiofrequency ablation), vein location and laterality, BMI, and recanalization. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2018, 9739 endovenous ablations were performed on 3070 patients. Endovenous laser was used in 3862 procedures and radiofrequency ablation in 5831 procedures. Veins treated with EVTA were distributed as follows: 6182 GSVs, 2509 SSVs, 597 ASVs, and 451 PVs. The mean patient age was 61.1 years (15-99, standard deviation [SD] ±15.6) with a mean BMI of 31.2 kg/m2 (13.7-69.5, SD ±7.3). A total of 68.4% patients were women and 31.4% men. The mean follow-up was 25.8 months (0-65.9, SD ±12.9). Multivariate statistical analysis with logistic regression was used to determine potential statistical significance between BMI and vein recanalization after EVTA. Overall, obese patients experienced more recanalizations than nonobese patients (P = .032), with an average BMI of 33 kg/m2 for recanalizations. PVs were statistically more likely to recanalize than any other vein (P = .0001). A secondary analysis was performed with the exclusion of PVs, due to their five times increased risk of recanalization, and showed no significant difference of recanalization across all BMI subgroups (P = .127). CONCLUSIONS: BMI does not predict recanalization risk after EVTA, except for ablations performed on PVs.

Sphygmomanometer-induced hemostasis following iatrogenic guidewire perforation during lower extremity angioplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Iatrogenic guidewire perforation is a well-known complication of lower extremity angioplasty that is often benign or can be easily treated with endovascular techniques. However, perforations that occur in arterial side branches may be more challenging to manage. If bleeding persists, open surgery and fasciotomy may be required to evacuate the resulting hematoma and prevent compartment syndrome. These subsequent procedures increase morbidity and, if the angioplasty was performed in the outpatient setting, necessitate patient transfer to a hospital. To address these challenges, we describe a non-invasive hemostasis technique involving serial sphygmomanometer cuff inflations over the affected site in a series of five patients who experienced this complication at our office. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients undergoing lower extremity angioplasty that were found to have an arterial guidewire perforation on completion angiogram at our outpatient center between February 2012 and February 2017. Patients found to have iatrogenic guidewire perforations were administered intravenous protamine sulfate and were transferred to the surgical recovery room. Patients received ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain management. A blood pressure cuff was placed around the site of perforation, and patients received serial cuff inflation cycles with repeated examinations of both limbs until patients reported cessation of pain and there were no signs of a developing hematoma. Patients were observed for two hours before they were discharged home. A follow-up duplex ultrasound examination was completed within one week of the intervention. RESULTS: Over the course of five years, 536 angioplasties were performed at our outpatient office. Five of these patients experienced iatrogenic guidewire perforation (0.93%). Perforations occurred in branches of the anterior or posterior tibial artery. All of these patients were successfully managed with the aforementioned hemostasis technique. None of these patients required transfer to a hospital for further management, and no complications were reported at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of iatrogenic guidewire perforations in lower extremity arterial side branches can be safely and effectively managed by applying external compression around the affected site with an automatic blood pressure cuff.

Success rate and factors predictive of redo endothermal ablation of small saphenous veins.

OBJECTIVE: Endothermal ablation, such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), has been increasingly used for treatment of small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency. Prior studies have shown recurrence rates of 0% to 10% in incompetent SSVs (ISSVs). The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of redo venous ablation for symptomatic recanalized SSVs and to predict the factors related to recanalization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 2566 procedures in 1752 patients with chronic venous insufficiency due to ISSVs from 2012 to 2018 was performed, using individual medical record review for data extraction. All 2566 procedures were performed using endothermal ablation for patients in whom initial conservative management had failed. Postoperative duplex ultrasound scans were performed within 3 to 7 days after treatment. We defined successful obliteration as a lack of color flow using postoperative duplex ultrasound. We defined recanalization as the presence of reflux on duplex ultrasound in the target vessel during follow-up. We conducted follow-up examinations every 3 months during the first year and every 6 months subsequently. RESULTS: Of the 2566 procedures, redo ablation was performed in 91 ISSVs for 86 patients, including 58 women and 28 men. Of the 91 procedures, 54 were performed on the left lower extremity and 37 on the right lower extremity. The mean body mass index was 32.2 ± 7.66 kg/m2. The mean age was 62.4 ± 15.10 years. The CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) class was C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 for 0, 0, 29, 43, 1, and 18 patients, respectively. The mean maximum diameter of the targeted veins for the redo procedures was 4.51 ± 1.33 mm. Of the 91 procedures, 40 were performed using EVLA and 51 were performed using RFA. The initial technical success was 98.9%. The redo procedures showed an early closure of 96.7%. At a mean follow-up duration of 24.9 ± 14.9 months, the closure rate was 96.5%. No correlation was found between successful obliteration with the redo procedure and age, gender, CEAP class, laterality, EVLA vs RFA, body mass index, or vein diameter. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of successful closure for ISSVs with initial and redo procedures were comparable. These data have validated the potential usefulness of performing redo SSV ablation.