Preclinical Evaluation of a Modular Inner-Branched Stent Graft to Reconstruct the Left Subclavian Artery in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: Experimental Study in Pigs.

PURPOSE: In approximate 40% of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedures, the left subclavian artery (LSA) needs to be covered to obtain sufficient proximal sealing zone. To preserve the LSA during the TEVAR for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) adjacent to LSA, our team designed a modular single inner-branched stent graft. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of deploying a modular single inner-branched stent graft in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modular inner-branched stent grafts were implanted in 14 pigs via right femoral and right carotid arterial access. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and angiography were performed in all pigs to appraise the morphological characteristics of the stent grafts at the end of follow-up. The pigs were then euthanized, and tissues were collected for gross and histological examination. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100% (14/14). One pig suddenly died 5 hours after operation, and 1 pig died after completing the follow-up CTA. During the follow-up period, all surviving pigs showed good mental state, normal diets and activities. Computed tomography angiography examinations showed that all stent grafts were intact without fracture. All bridging covered stents were patent. Angiography showed that the position, shape, and adhesion of the stent grafts were good, and no obvious endoleaks were found. Histological examination showed that the biocompatibility of the stent grafts was good. CONCLUSIONS: This study's outcomes demonstrate that it is safe and feasible to deploy a modular single inner-branched stent graft in a porcine model. CLINICAL IMPACT: This device is the first modular device designed to treat TBAD adjacent to LSA in China. This device is a modular two-component system consisting of a thoracic aortic stent graft with a retrograde inner branch and a bridging covered stent. The modular design and the retrograde inner branch are the two important innovations of this device. Theoretically, the device could make it easier and safer for clinicians to treat TBAD adjacent to the LSA.

Murine model of elastase-induced proximal thoracic aortic aneurysm through a midline incision in the anterior neck.

Objective: This study was performed to develop a murine model of elastase-induced proximal thoracic aortic aneurysms (PTAAs). Methods: The ascending thoracic aorta and aortic arch of adult C57BL/6J male mice were exposed through a midline incision in the anterior neck, followed by peri-adventitial elastase or saline application. The maximal ascending thoracic aorta diameter was measured with high-resolution micro-ultrasound. Twenty-eight days after the operation, the aortas were harvested and analyzed by histopathological examination and qualitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the basic characteristics of the aneurysmal lesions. Results: Fourteen days after the operation, the dilation rate (mean ± standard error) in the 10-min elastase application group (n = 10, 71.44 ± 10.45%) or 5-min application group (n = 9, 42.67 ± 3.72%) were significantly higher than that in the saline application group (n = 9, 7.37 ± 0.94%, P < 0.001 for both). Histopathological examination revealed aortic wall thickening, degradation of elastin fibers, loss of smooth muscle cells, more vasa vasorum, enhanced extracellular matrix degradation, augmented collagen synthesis, upregulated apoptosis and proliferation capacity of smooth muscle cells, and increased macrophages and CD4+ T cells infiltration in the PTAA lesions. Qualitative analyses indicated higher expression of the proinflammatory markers, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 as well as Collagen III, Collagen I in the PTAAs than in the controls. Conclusion: We established a novel in vivo mouse model of PTAAs through a midline incision in the anterior neck by peri-adventitial application of elastase. This model may facilitate research into the pathogenesis of PTAA formation and the treatment strategy for this devastating disease.

Investigating the inverse association between glycaemia and abdominal aortic dilatation in a large Chinese hypertensive population: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is epidemiological evidence that diabetes has a protective effect on the occurrence and development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, information on the role of glucose level on abdominal aortic diameter is limited. This study sought to assess the relationship between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and infra-renal aortic diameter in a Chinese hypertensive population. Methods: The prospective participants comprised candidates from 2 large population-based studies on the clinical presentation and management of hypertension in China. In total, 18,034 hypertensive participants (6,942 male and 11,092 females, with a mean age of 64.72±7.41 years) were included in the study. The maximal diameter of the infra-renal aorta was measured by ultrasound scanning. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the specific association between FPG and abdominal aortic diameter. The interaction terms between the baseline covariables and the aortic diameter were used to determine if a variable affected the association between FPG and abdominal aortic diameter. Results: Of these, 22 cases of AAA were identified, and the prevalence of diabetes was lower in those with AAA than those without. A significant negative association was also found between FPG and aortic diameter in both sexes. A dose-dependent decrease in the prevalence of diabetes across quartiles of aortic diameter was also observed, with an estimated odds ratio (OR) of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.50-0.72) for men and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.63-0.82) for women for the top quartiles compared to the bottom quartiles. Cigarette smoking only interacted with the association between FPG level and aortic diameter in women. The association did not differ with other subgroups. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that glycaemia may plays a protective role in the early stage of aortic dilatation in both sexes in a Chinese hypertensive population. Prospective studies need to be conducted to confirm our findings and explore the mechanism underlying this association in different populations.

Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Versus Standard Uncoated Balloon Angioplasty for Long Femoropopliteal Lesions: Post Hoc Analysis of the 24-Month Results of the AcoArt I Study.

OBJECTIVE: Restenosis is a common complication after endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment has been proven safe and effective in reducing the rate of restenosis for simple and short lesions. However, the clinical results of DCBs for long lesions are still very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCBs in the treatment of long femoropopliteal artery disease. And the results of this study will also complement the existing evidence of DCB treatment of long lesions. METHODS: Patients with lesion length ≥ 15cm according to computed tomography angiography (CTA) or angiography in the AcoArt I Study were included into this study. Based on the balloon catheter used in treatment, patients were divided into the DCB group and the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) group. The demographic, lesion, and procedural characteristics and 24-month follow-up results were compared between the 2 groups. The primary efficacy endpoints were angiographic late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months or at the time of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), primary patency (PP), freedom from CD-TLR, and changes in the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and Rutherford class during 24 months of follow-up. The safety endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse events. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 87, including 42 in the DCB group and 45 in the PTA group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in demographic, lesion,and procedural characteristics. The 6-month follow-up angiography showed that the LLL was significantly smaller in the DCB group than the PTA group (0.27 ± 0.90 mm vs 1.32 ± 0.91 mm; P < 0.001). At 24 months, compared with the PTA group, the DCB group had a significantly higher rate of freedom from CD-TLR (81.58% vs 43.18%; P < 0.001) and a significantly higher PP rate (46.88% vs 15.00%; P = 0.003). The DCB group had a significantly higher ABI than the PTA group at 6, 12, and 24 months (P < 0.001, P = 0.004 and P = 0.018, respectively). The DCB group had a better Rutherford class than the PTA group at 6 and 12 months (P = 0.033 and P = 0.012, respectively); the Rutherford class did not significantly differ between the 2 groups at 24 months (P = 0.127). The incidence of major adverse events did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of the DCB is superior to a standard uncoated balloon in treating long lesions during 24 months of follow-up. Furthermore, the safety of the DCB is equivalent to that of PTA.

AT1R Regulates Macrophage Polarization Through YAP and Regulates Aortic Dissection Incidence.

Aortic dissection (AD) is one of the most fatal cardiovascular emergency. At the anatomical level, AD occurs due to the formation of intimal tears. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unknown. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a important effector in the development of cardiovascular disease that acts through binding to angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R). Yes-associated protein (YAP) was recently recognized as a key protein in macrophage activation. To determine whether AT1R and YAP are involved in macrophage-induced endothelial cell (EC) inflammation and AD incidence, we co-cultured THP-1 cells and HAECs in transwell chambers under different culture conditions and apply different conditions to the AD mice model. The results showed that Ang II promoted macrophage M1 polarization and adhesion, upregulated YAP phosphorylation, and induced EC injury that was related to increased levels of multiple pro-inflammatory chemokines. Blocking AT1R function pharmacologically or by transfection with AT1R siRNA can reduce the pro-inflammatory effect induced by Ang II. In addition, siRNA knock down of YAP expression further aggravated the pro-inflammatory effects of Ang II. Treatment with ARB effectively alleviated these pro-inflammatory effects. In the mice AD model, ARB effectively reduced the incidence of AD in mice, decreased M1 macrophages infiltration and AT1R content in the aortic wall and increased the tissue content of YAP. We found that AT1R induces YAP phosphorylation through binding to Ang II, and further promotes macrophage M1 polarization and adhesion to ECs. ARB reduces the incidence of AD in mice and affect macrophage polarization in mice aorta.

Association between Cystatin C and Peripheral Artery Disease in the Chinese Han Population.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies of the association between cystatin C and peripheral artery disease (PAD) have produced inconsistent results, and few studies have been conducted to investigate this association in the Chinese Han population. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between cystatin C and PAD using Chinese data. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the data from a previously published case-control study about PAD in our center. We examined the relationship between cystatin C and PAD by logistic regression models and subgroup and interaction analyses. We also constructed a propensity score-matched population by matching the conventional risk factors to further validate this association. In addition, we explored the relationship between cystatin C level and ankle-brachial index (ABI) strata (<0.4, ≥0.4) to shed light on a possible dose-dependent relationship between cystatin C levels and PAD severity. RESULTS: In total, 426 participants were included for evaluation. The mean serum cystatin C concentration was significantly lower in the control group than that in the case group (1.06 ± 0.19 mg/L vs. 1.24 ± 0.34 mg/L, P < 0.001). After adjustment for conventional risk factors, the risk of PAD was significantly higher in individuals with a cystatin C level of ≥1.25 mg/L. A 17% higher risk of PAD was associated with each 100-µg/L increase in the serum cystatin C level. Similar results were seen in the analyses of the propensity score-matched population comprising 164 participants. Furthermore, patients with an ABI <0.4 had higher cystatin C level than those with an ABI ≥0.4 (1.31 ± 0.05 mg/L vs. 1.18 ± 0.03 mg/L, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis indicated that an elevated cystatin C level is significantly associated with an increased risk of PAD in the Chinese Han population. Larger Chinese prospective cohort studies are needed to validate these findings.

Comparison of drug-coated balloon angioplasty versus uncoated balloon angioplasty in treatment of total occlusions with severe femoropopliteal lesions: An additional analysis from the AcoArt I study.

OBJECTIVES: Femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions are challenging to treat, and evidence of the effectiveness of drug-coated balloon angioplasty for long femoropopliteal chronic total occlusion lesions is limited. We compared the midterm outcomes of drug-coated balloon angioplasty versus plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) for femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions. METHODS: In total, 95 patients from the AcoArt I trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01850056) with ≥5-cm femoropopliteal chronic total occlusion lesions were enrolled in this post-hoc subset analysis (drug-coated balloon, n = 50; POBA, n = 45). The primary endpoints were primary patency and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) at 24 months. The secondary endpoints were late lumen loss at six months and binary restenosis, major adverse events (composite of death and target limb amputation), change in the Rutherford class, and the ankle-brachial index at 24 months. RESULTS: Demographic, clinical, and lesion characteristics were matched (mean lesion length, 20 cm). The six-month late-lumen loss rate was lower in the drug-coated balloon than POBA group (0.18 ± 0.81 vs. 1.34 ± 0.94 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). The 24-month primary patency rate was significantly higher in the drug-coated balloon than POBA group (53.85% vs. 17.50%, respectively; P < 0.001). The CD-TLR rate in the drug-coated balloon and POBA groups was 12.77 and 45.24%, respectively (P = 0.002). The 24-month overall mortality rate in the drug-coated balloon and POBA groups was 12.77% and 6.98%, respectively (P = 0.360), with no device- or procedure-related deaths. One major amputation had occurred in each group by the 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The paclitaxel drug-coated balloon shows better primary patency and freedom from target lesion revascularization than POBA at 24month after treatment of femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions (≥5 cm) lesion.

Total Endovascular Repair of Complex Thoracoabdominal/Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with a Four-Branched Off-the-Shelf G-Branch™ Stent Graft.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel off-the-shelf endograft (G-Branch™; Lifetech Scientific, Shenzhen, China) for the treatment of patients with complex thoracoabdominal/abdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: Three patients (1 with a suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and 2 with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms) were treated with the G-Branch endograft involving 2 proximal inner branches for the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery and 2 distal side directional branches for the bilateral renal arteries. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all 3 patients, and no postoperative complications occurred. At 6-month follow-up, no adverse events occurred, and all the target vessels were patent. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed G-Branch device allows the achievement of total endovascular revascularization of the visceral and renal arteries. Use of this device is feasible and effective. Long-term follow-up and a larger clinical trial are necessary to evaluate its reliability and durability.

Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Repair for Postdissection Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms: A Systematic Review with Pooled Data Analysis.

PURPOSE: Patients who have survived an acute aortic dissection remain at risk for postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs). Fenestrated/branched endovascular repair for PD-TAAA is increasingly used in some high-volume centers, but outcomes are still limited because of the additional challenges compared to atherosclerotic thoracoabdominal aneurysms. This study was performed to evaluate the literature on fenestrated/branched endovascular repair for PD-TAAAs. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database were searched for relevant studies published until September 2019. Outcome data were extracted to evaluate the technical success, 30-day mortality, later survival, major complications, endoleaks, target vessel patency, and reintervention. Studies were analyzed in a pooled proportion meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, 143 patients from 4 studies were identified for the pooled data analysis. The pooled technical success rate was 98% (95% CI: 86%-100%). After the treatment, the overall estimated 30-day mortality rate was 3% (95% CI: 1%-8%), early spinal cord ischemia rate was 10% (95% CI: 4%-21%), early renal injury rate was 5% (95% CI: 1%-19%), endoleak rate was 33% (95% CI: 22%-47%), reintervention rate at a median follow-up of 22.5 months was 34% (95% CI: 27%-42%), and all-cause mortality rate was 12% (95% CI: 6%-24%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of fenestrated/branched stent grafts for the treatment of PD-TAAA appears generally feasible based on the limited literature, but endoleaks and reinterventions are frequent.

Application of a Reversed Off-the-Shelf Iliac Branched Device Stent in Revascularization of the Renal Artery Originating from the False Lumen.

Fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair is a feasible and effective treatment option for patients with postdissection thoracoabdominal/abdominal aneurysm. However, this technique is cumbersome when the target vessel originates from the false lumen. We herein report our primary experiences in utilizing a reversed off-the-shelf iliac branched device (IBD) stent to reconstruct the renal artery originating from the false lumen. This technique was performed in 3 patients (all men; 49, 46, and 45 years old) in our center. After deployment of the main aortic endograft, the distal re-entry in the common iliac artery was dilated by a balloon. The off-the-shelf IBD was then reversely deployed to allow for deployment of the bridging stent graft. Finally, the IBD and the bridging stents were assembled and the IBD was connected to the main graft. No migration of the IBDs occurred, and all target vessels remained patent during follow-up. Utilization of a reversed off-the-shelf IBD for the renal artery originating from the false lumen is a feasible option, especially for patients with specific anatomical characteristics of postdissection aortic aneurysms.

Angiotensin type 1 receptor regulates yes-associated protein in vascular endothelial cells.

Aortic dissection (AD) is one of the most lethal cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction serves an important role in AD progression. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a key effector in cardiovascular disease development that acts through binding to angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R). Yes-associated protein (YAP) is well-known as a key mediator of cell proliferation and apoptosis. To determine whether AT1R and YAP influence EC proliferation or injury, human aortic endothelial cells were cultured under different culture conditions. Using CCK-8 assay, ELISA, western blotting, immunocytochemistry and siRNA transfection, the present study found that Ang II activity reduced EC proliferation, upregulate YAP phosphorylation and result in EC injury that was associated with elevated levels of multiple proinflammatory chemokines. The inhibition of AT1R function, pharmaceutically or via transfection with an AT1R small interfering RNA, alleviated the effects induced by Ang II. Furthermore, AT1R induced YAP phosphorylation via binding to Ang II, and further promoted the inflammation of ECs, along with inhibiting their proliferation.

Retrograde Branched Endovascular Repair as a Feasible Option to Treat Complex Aortic Aneurysm Using the Retrograde Branched Extension Limb Assembling Technique.

PURPOSE: To present the primary experiences in treating suprarenal aneurysms, juxtarenal aneurysms, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, and aneurysms after dissection with hostile anatomical features using the retrograde branched extension limb assembling (REBEL) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 23 consecutive patients undergoing total endovascular repair with the REBEL technique from August 2014 to January 2019. Twelve patients had abdominal aortic aneurysms (4 juxtarenal, 8 suprarenal), 6 had thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (type IV), and 5 had postdissection aneurysms. The patients were unsuitable for treatment with current off-the-shelf devices or required emergent repair. The evaluated outcomes were technical success, operative mortality, complication morbidity, late survival, endoleakage, and reintervention during follow-up. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100%. In total, 60 visceral vessels were targeted (38 renal arteries, 1 accessory renal artery, 14 superior arteries, and 7 celiac arteries). The mean follow-up period was 20.1 ± 15.1 months (range 2-56), and no aneurysm-related mortality occurred during follow-up. No occlusion of target vessels occurred. Two type II endoleaks and 1 stent migration occurred in 3 (13.0%) patients, and reinterventions were successfully performed. One patient (4.3%) died of myocardial infarction at 38 months. CONCLUSIONS: The REBEL technique is a feasible option with acceptable results for complex aortic aneurysms. Long-term follow-up of a large sample size is needed to determine the efficacy and durability of this novel technique.

Endovascular Retrograde Reconstruction of the Left Renal Artery through the False Lumen of a Postdissection Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm-A Case Report.

Postdissection aneurysm is an indication for intervention due to high risk of rupture. However, the reconstruction of visceral branches involved in this disease, especially those perfused by a false lumen, is a tough and challenging task. In this article, we describe a case of successful total endovascular repair via retrograde reconstruction of the left renal artery through the false lumen of a postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Small infrarenal aortic diameter associated with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease in Chinese hypertensive adults.

Several studies suggest that infrarenal aortic diameter is associated with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD). However, data regarding the associations between infrarenal aortic diameter and LE-PAD are limited, especially in large sample populations and Asian or Chinese populations. Our analysis included 17279 Chinese hypertensive adults comprising 6590 men and 10689 women with a mean age of 64.74 ± 7.41 years. Participants were selected from 22693 candidates from two large population-based cohort-studies. The primary noninvasive test for diagnosis of LE-PAD is the ankle-brachial index (ABI) at rest and typically an ABI ≤ 0.90 is used to define LE-PAD. The prevalence of LE-PAD was found to significantly decrease as the aortic diameter increased according to the tertile of the aortic diameter. LE-PAD was significantly more prevalent in the lowest tertile (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.29-1.94, p < 0.001) and similarly prevalent in the highest tertile (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.73-1.16, p = 0.49) when compared with the median tertile. No significant interactions between the aortic diameter and any of the stratified variables were found (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, Small aortic diameter (as opposed to large aortic diameter) is significantly associated with LE-PAD in Chinese hypertensive adults.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for peripheral arterial disease in a Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hyperhomocysteineamia (HHcy) has long been suggested as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, the association between HHcy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is still controversial. There is a lack of research on this topic in the Chinese population. This study aims to provide further results. METHODS: 240 PAD patients and 240 control subjects were evaluated for both serum total homocysteine levels and ankle brachial indexes (ABIs). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between HHcy and the risk of developing PAD. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to age, sex, smoking status, drinking status, and histories of chronic disease. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the risk of PAD was significantly associated with serum homocysteine levels. The interaction analysis showed no interactive role in the association between HHcy and PAD, indicating that homocysteine was associated with PAD independently of classical vascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, HHcy is an independent risk factor for PAD in the Chinese Han population. A prospective and randomized clinical trial of homocysteine lowering therapy in the Chinese population is needed to assess the causal nature of the relationship.

Long-term Effect of Radiotherapy in Rectal Cancer Patients with Mucinous Tumor: A Large Population Based Study.

Due to distinct biological behavior of mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) and signet ring cell cancer (SRC), the efficacy of radiotherapy on long-term outcome for rectal cancer (RC) patients with mucinous tumors is still unclear. Here, we identified 1808 RC patients with MAC/SRC from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2013. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to different therapeutic strategies, including surgery alone and surgery combined with radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were used to access the influence of therapeutic strategy on long-term survival outcomes. The 5-year and 10-year cancer specific survival (CSS) were improved in stage II and III patients who underwent surgery and radiotherapy compared with patients who underwent surgery alone. These results were further confirmed following propensity score matching. In addition, radiotherapy was deemed as independent good prognostic factor in patient with MAC/SRC. In subgroup analysis, the result also demonstrated that long-term survival was improved following radiotherapy. However, there was no prognostic difference between preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy. In conclusion, radiotherapy could improve survival for RC patients with MAC and SRC, but only for patients in stage II and III. This finding supported the application of radiotherapy in clinical practice.

Association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and abdominal aortic aneurysm risk: A comprehensive meta-analysis with 10,123 participants involved.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition. A number of studies reported the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and AAA risk, but substantial controversial findings were observed and the strength of the association remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the aforementioned association in the overall population and different subgroups. METHODS: PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched until March 2016 to identify eligible studies, restricted to humans and articles published in English. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the susceptibility to AAA. Subgroup meta-analyses were conducted on features of the population, such as ethnicity, sex of the participants, and study design (source of control). RESULTS: Twelve case-control studies on MTHFR C677T polymorphism and AAA risk, including 3555 cases and 6568 case-free controls were identified. The results revealed no significant association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and AAA risk in the overall population and within Caucasian or Asian subpopulations in all 5 genetic models. Further subgroup meta-analysis indicated that significantly increased risks were observed among cases with a mean age <70 years (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.10-2.12, P = 0.02), cases with prevalence of smoking <60% (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.02-1.90, P = 0.04), and cases with aneurysm diameter ≥55 mm (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.07-2.24, P = 0.02) in the dominant genetic model. No publication bias was detected in the present study. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our comprehensive meta-analysis suggests that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism may play an important role in AAA susceptibility, especially in younger, non-smoking, larger AAA-diameter subgroups of patients.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of endovascular aortic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients over eighty years old].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of the endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in patients over 80 years old and analyze the factors that influence its long-term curative effect. METHODS: Follow-up visits and analysis were conducted from January 2004 to December 2013 on a total of 96 AAA patients aged over 80 years old who had been treated with EVAR and thus met the inclusion criteria. The primary focus of the study was all-cause mortality and secondary focuses included the rate of intervention-related complications, the rate of secondary interventions and procedural data. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the long-term survival rate and the cumulative probability of intervention-related complications. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze factors that could influence the long-term survival rate. RESULTS: Effective follow-up visits were conducted on 76 patients (79.2%). The patients were tracked for an average of 3.63 years, with the longest follow-up lasting 10.34 years. During the study, 27 deaths occurred and the all-cause mortality rate was 28.1%. Furthermore, 8 cases of intervention-related complications (8.3%) were observed, including endoleaks and spinal cord ischemia. A total of 6 secondary interventions were conducted on 6 patients, with the rate of secondary interventions being 6.3%. The five-year cumulative survival rate was 64% (95%CI: 0.53-0.78) and the ten-year cumulative survival rate was 35%(95%CI: 0.15-0.84). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that an ASA classification of Ⅲ/Ⅳ (HR=8.45, 95%CI: 1.26-56.55, P<0.05), smoking (HR=2.08, 95%CI: 0.70-2.63, P<0.05) and cerebrovascular diseases (HR=2.96, 95%CI: 1.06-8.25, P<0.05) could significantly increase the risk of the long-term all-cause mortality of an AAA patient treated with EVAR. While hypertension could significantly decrease the risk (HR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.10-0.66, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EVAR is safe for senior patients with AAA though personalized preoperative assessment is very important.

[Comparative study of perioperative outcome between endovascular repair and open surgical repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative outcome between the endovascular repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: From January 2006 to January 2013, totally 66 patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) treated by surgery were retrospectively analyzed in Department of vascular surgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital. According to the repair method, all the subjects were divided into EVAR group and OSR group. EVAR group included 40 patients, 30 patients were male, 10 patients were female, aged from 47 to 78 with a mean of (71 ± 7) years. OSR group included 26 patients, 21 patients were male, aged from 45 to 87 with a mean of (72 ± 9) years. The difference of the operation time, the amount of suspended red blood cells, ICU stay time, case fatality rate, adverse event rate and the difference of the two intervention rate were compared between the 2 groups by χ(2) test and t test. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the 2 groups in operation time, the amount of suspended red blood cells, ICU stay time, case fatality rate, adverse event rate ((183 ± 44) minutes vs. (384 ± 108) minutes, t = -10.59, P = 0.00; (0.4 ± 0.8) units vs. (1.1 ± 1.8) units, t = -2.19, P = 0.03; (3.0 ± 1.8) d vs. (8.5 ± 5.1) d, t = -6.34, P = 0.00; 20.0% (8/40) vs. 46.2% (12/26), χ(2) = 5.10, P = 0.02; 25.0% (10/40) vs. 53.8% (14/26), χ(2) = 5.67, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in frozen plasma quantities and the two intervention rate between the 2 groups (t = -1.98, P = 0.05; χ(2) = 0.49, P = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: EVAR decreases the perioperative mortality and adverse event of rAAA compared with OSR. More studies are necessary to compare the middle and long-outcome between EVAR and OSR of rAAA.