Association of polypharmacy scores with the long-term survival of patients with intact aortoiliac aneurysms and indication for repair.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Our study analyzed the relationship between two polypharmacy scores (addition of chronic prescribed drugs [ACPDs] and Rx-Risk Comorbidity Index) and survival in patients with an intact abdominal aortic and/or common iliac aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Consecutive retrospective, single-center cohort of patients attended for an intact AAA with indication for repair from 2008 to 2021. Demographic data, Charlson Comorbidity Index, AAA treatment, ACPD, and Rx-Risk polypharmacy scores were recorded at baseline. Main outcomes were the 5-year and long-term survival rates. The statistical analysis included Cox regression, area under the curve, and continuous net reclassification index. RESULTS: A total of 424 patients with AAA were evaluated (median age: 76 years; 92.2% male, median Charlson index 2), of whom 314 (74.1%) underwent intervention (80% endovascular and 20% open) and 110 (25.9%) did not. During follow-up (mean 4.6 years), 245 patients (57.8%) died, with 1-month, 1-year, and 5-year survival rates of 98.1%, 86.3%, and 52.7%, respectively. ACPD and Rx-Risk indices (median [interquartile range]: 6 [4-9] and 3 [0-5], respectively) were significantly and linearly associated (P < .001) with survival, with the best cutoff points at 5 and 0, respectively. An ACPD >5 (patients with >5 chronically prescribed drugs at baseline) and an Rx-Risk >0 were associated with a 45.2% (P = .038) and 102% (P = .002) increase in 5-year mortality, respectively, after adjustment for age, sex, Charlson index, and type of AAA treatment. Both polypharmacy indices improved significantly the discriminative power of the Charlson Comorbidity Index in predicting survival. CONCLUSIONS: Both ACPD and Rx-Risk polypharmacy scores are independently related to survival among patients with an intact AAA and indication for repair. Their behavior is similar, so the simple ACPD >5 appears to be sufficient to identify patients with lower survival rates.

Modelo animal para la evaluación del sellado de colaterales venosas con dispositivos liberadores de energía en cirugía de revascularización / Animal model to assess collateral vein sealing with energy-based devices in revascularization surgery

Introducción: los dispositivos liberadores de energía permiten la hemostasia de los vasos mediante generación de calor y la coagulación de las proteínas de la pared. Sin embargo, se desconoce su comportamiento a medio plazo en la cirugía arterial con injertos venosos. Objetivos: desarrollar un modelo animal que permita evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del sellado a medio plazo tras el proceso de cicatrización. Comparar y evaluar qué modelo in vivo presenta menor morbilidad y mayor supervivencia a las 4 semanas. Material y métodos: estudio experimental animal de 16 conejos New Zealand a los que se interpuso un fragmento de vena safena humana (VS) con una colateral. Se desarrollaron dos modelos arteriales: bypass termino-terminal de VS en aorta infrarrenal (n = 5) y plastia de aorta con parche de VS (n = 11). La colateral venosa fue sellada, previa aleatorización, con electrocoagulación bipolar controlada por temperatura (EB) o bisturí armónico (BA). Todos los animales recibieron inmunosupresión y profilaxis antitrombótica. Se registró la tasa de paraplejia, de infección, de hemorragia y de supervivencia. Resultados: la supervivencia a los 7 días fue del 50 % (2/4) en el modelo de injerto de interposición. Sin embargo, ningún animal sobrevivió a las 4 semanas de seguimiento en este modelo. En el grupo de plastia de aorta, la supervivencia a los 7 días fue del 55,56 % (5/9) y del 44,44 % (4/9) a las 4 semanas (p = 0,5). La tasa de paraplejia en el grupo de interposición fue del 100 % e inferior en el modelo de plastia de aorta (25 %) (p = 0,03). El tiempo medio de isquemia en el modelo de plastia de aorta (37,11 ± 8,1 min) fue inferior al del grupo del bypass (42 ± 10,61 min) (p = 0,414). En ningún caso se objetivó hemorragia intraabdominal ni reacción adversa a la inmunosupresión. Conclusiones: el modelo arterial de plastia de aorta con parche de VS presentó menor tasa de paraplejia, así como menor mortalidad posoperatoria a los 7 días...(AU)

Introduction: energy sealing devices achieve hemostasis of the vessels through the heat generated and coagula-tion of the vascular wall proteins. However, the mid-term efficacy profile for venous graft sealing in arterial bypasssurgery remains unknown.Objectives: to create an animal model to compare the mid-term efficacy and safety profile at the sealing areaafter the healing process. To compare and assess which in vivo arterial models show lower morbidity and highersurvival rates after 4 weeks.Material and methods: this was an in vivo experimental study of 16 New Zealand rabbits. In each rabbit a humansaphenous vein (SV) with, at least, 1 venous collateral was implanted. Two arterial models were developed: infrarre-nal aorta bypass with SV (n = 5) and aortoplasty with SV patch (n = 11). In both models the collateral was randomizedand sealed with either 1 these 2 energy sealing devices: electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) or Harmonicscalpel (HS). Every animal was treated with antithrombotic prophylaxis and immunosuppressive medication. Therates of intraoperative mortality, paraplegia, infection, bleeding, and survival were all studied.Results: two animals (50 %) survive 7 days after surgery in the bypass model. However, no animal survived 4 daysafter surgery in this model. In the aortoplasty group, the 7-day survival rate was 55.56 % (5/9) while the 4-weeksurvival rate was 44.44 % (4/9) (p = 0.05). The rate of paraplegia was 100 % for the bypass model and much lowerfor the patch group (25 %) (p = 0.03). The mean ischemic time was lower for the aortoplasty model (37.11 ± 8.1 min)compared to the bypass group (42 ± 10.61 min) (p = 0.414). No animal showed intrabdominal hemorrhages oradverse drug reactions associated with the immunosuppressive medication.Conclusion: aortoplasty with the SV patch model showed lower rates of paraplegia and 7-day mortality in theanimal model...(AU)

Distal Endarterectomy Combined With Endovascular Proximal Treatment: The Hybrid DEEP Retrograde Technique for High-Complexity Infrainguinal Disease.

Purpose: We present a hybrid technique for the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) due to complex, multilevel infrainguinal disease. It consists of an open distal endarterectomy combined with endovascular proximal treatment (the DEEP technique). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. Thirty-three limbs (30 patients) were treated. Main inclusion criteria were absence of significant disease in femoral bifurcation associated with a complex infrainguinal pattern. This approach was specially considered in absence of suitable vein for bypass, obesity, hostile groin, and overall high surgical risk. Results: Mean age was 72.8 ± 10 years (ranging 50-93). Most cases presented with severe limb threatening onset (90.9% Rutherford >4 and 81.8% WIfi >3) due to high-complexity infrainguinal disease pattern (Global Limb Anatomic Staging System [GLASS] stage III) in 31/33 (93.9%), chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in 24/33 (72.7%), and severe calcification (Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System [PACSS] grade 4) in 22/33 (66.6%). Mean lesion length was 228.2 mm ± 83 (ranging 40-340 mm). In all procedures, a covered-stent (25 cm length Viabahn) was implanted in a retrograde fashion as the endovascular component. Effective revascularization was achieved in all cases, showing significant clinical and hemodynamic improvement (median pre- and postprocedure ankle-brachial index [ABI]: 0.3 and 0.9, respectively). Results at 12 months follow-up were as follows: 93.9% limb salvage ratio, 75.7% primary patency, 84.6% assisted primary patency, and 90.9% secondary patency. Major adverse limb events (MALE) and cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 8/33 (24.2%) and 2/33 (6%), respectively. Mean length of postoperative stay was 7.5 ± 6.92 days (3-27). Conclusion: This less invasive hybrid technique has promising short-term results for limb salvage and it is worth to be included in vascular armamentarium for CLTI revascularization in selected patients.

Extrathoracic Aneurysms in Marfan Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Marfan syndrome (MS) most often shows as thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) or aortic dissection, but it may also involve other vascular territories. This study aimed to identify those extrathoracic vascular manifestations most frequently associated with MS. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria was carried out. The following databases were included: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Health Sciences Literature (CINHAL); Spanish database MEDESY Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). RESULTS: A total of 10,008 articles were identified, leaving 155 for the first stage of data analysis (total incidence of aneurysms) and 83 for the second (descriptive data analysis). Overall, 518 aneurysms were identified: 149 in the head and neck, 94 in the extremities, and 275 in the aortic, iliac, and visceral sectors. Mostly, they were simultaneously discovered during studies of the TAA. In the abdominal aorta, the presentation with rupture in 11 of 32 patients stands out. Resection and bypass were the most frequently used methods for repair in the treated cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although its frequency in the general population is unknown, this systematic review suggests that extrathoracic aneurysmal arterial involvement in the MS may be more frequent than expected. We believe screening for aneurysms in other vascular sectors may be advisable, especially in patients with MS and TAA.

Conservative Surgical Management of Late Carotid Patch Infection in a Patient with Subsequent Stenting for Restenosis.

Carotid patch infection is a rare but dreaded complication after endarterectomy. About 160 cases can be found in literature, but presentation in a patient with post-endarterectomy stenting has not been reported. Most frequent clinical manifestations include the occurrence of a sinus, a pseudoaneurysm, or neck swelling, but in severe cases it may present anastomosis dehiscence with hematoma or hemorrhage. Usually, patch removal and reconstruction is recommended, but there is not a standard protocol for management. Conservative surgical management with patch preservation has only been reported in a minority of cases. We report a patient with a history of carotid endarterectomy and subsequent carotid stenting 21 months later because of >80% restenosis. He presented a sinus in the scar 81 months after the former intervention. The patient underwent surgery, and during the procedure, a detachment of a small segment of the Dacron patch from the surrounding tissue was found. The sinus tract was resected, and after verifying the integrity of the patch, it was irrigated with rifampicin and preserved in situ. S. epidermidis was isolated from tissue cultures. Twenty-four months later, the patient remains asymptomatic and duplex ultrasound shows no signs of infection. Conservative surgical approach can be a valid option for treatment and may be considered in selected patients with limited infection.

Endotension: twenty years of a controversial term.

Use of the term endotension in the treatment of aortic aneurysm is currently controversial. Initially it was proposed to define the circumstance in which there is an enlargement of the aneurysm sac after endovascular repair without a demonstrable endoleak. The term was established with the aim of transmitting the possibility of causes other than pressure applying stress to the aneurysm wall. Twenty years have passed since the proposal of this terminology was published. The literature is reviewed with the purpose of providing an update on advances in the knowledge of the possible etiological mechanisms. The experimental studies call into question that causes other than pressure determine the increase of the aneurysm. On the basis of this review, the term `Sac Expansion Without Evident Leak´ (SEWEL) is proposed as a more accurate and precise denomination for what is aimed to be defined. Evidence suggests that the more likely mechanisms of persistent pressurization of the aneurysm sac are an unidentified endoleak (likely type I or low-flow Type II) or thrombus occluding wide and short channels that connects with the excluded aneurysm sac (at the attachment sites of the stent-graft or at the branch vessels orifices).

Análisis de la repercusión hemodinámica de dispositivos de protección embólica de red en un modelo in vitro / Hemodynamic impact analysis of mesh-type embolic protection devices in an in vitro model

INTRODUCCIÓN: los dispositivos de protección embólica tipo red para procedimientos endovasculares carotídeos (DPEr) son de uso habitual. Su objetivo es disminuir el riesgo de embolia cerebral secundaria a la manipulación y rotura de placa. Sus diferentes características hacen sospechar un distinto comportamiento que puede afectar a su eficacia. OBJETIVO: valorar la repercusión hemodinámica provocada por los DPEr analizando su resistencia al flujo en un modelo hemodinámico in vitro y comparar los resultados entre distintos dispositivos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se construyó un modelo de flujo pulsátil con suero salino fisiológico (SSF) y se estudiaron 4 DPEr distintos con 5 mediciones por dispositivo para conocer el gradiente de presión en mmHg y resistencia en unidades de resistencia periférica (URP) antes y después de su despliegue. Se utilizó la prueba de los rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para datos pareados y el análisis de dos vías de Friedman de varianza por rangos de muestras. Se consideraron significativos los resultados con una p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: se realizaron 60 mediciones: 10 basales, 10 con catéter portador y 40 con filtro desplegado. El DPEr1 presentó la mayor resistencia (0,88 ± 0,04 URP), significativamente mayor al resto (p = 0,041). El DPEr4 tuvo una resistencia mayor a DPEr2 y DPEr3 (0,70 ± 0,02 frente a 0,57 ± 0,08 y 0,57 ± 0,02 URP, respectivamente), aunque no significativa (p = 0,78). No se observaron diferencias entre los DPEr2 y DPEr3. La forma de cono simétrica se asoció con mayor resistencia (p = 0,002). No se observaron diferencias de los parámetros medidos en función del material de fabricación. CONCLUSIONES: existen diferencias en los DPEr en cuanto a resistencia al flujo que dependen de su diseño y porosidad. Los DPEr con mayor resistencia son el DPEr1 y DPEr4, mientras que el DPEr2 ofrece la menor resistencia al flujo en detrimento de su eficacia

INTRODUCTION: mesh-type embolic protection devices for carotid endovascular procedures (DPEr) are commonly used, their objective is to reduce the risk of cerebral embolism secondary to plaque manipulation and rupture. Their different characteristics make suspect a different behavior that can affect its effectiveness. Objective: to assess the hemodynamic impact caused by DPEr by analyzing their resistance to flow in an in vitro hemodynamic flow model and compare the results between different devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: an in vitro pulsatile flow model with physiological saline serum (SSF) was constructed. Four different DPEr were studied with 5 measurements per device to know the pressure gradient in mmHg and resistance in peripheral resistance units (URP) before and after its deployment. The Wilcoxon signed ranges test and Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance by sample ranges were used. Significant results were considered with a p < 0.05 RESULTS: 60 measurements were made: 10 baselines, 10 with carrier catheter and 40 with unfolded filter. The DPEr1 presented the highest resistance (0.88 ± 0.04 URP) significantly higher than the rest (p = 0.041). DPEr4 had a greater resistance to DPEr2 and DPEr3 (0.70 ± 0.02 vs. 0.57 ± 0.08 and 0.57 ± 0.02 URP) although not significant (p = 0.70). No differences were observed between DPEr2 and DPEr3. The symmetrical cone shape was associated with greater resistance (p = 0.002). No differences in the measured parameters were observed depending on the manufacturing material. CONCLUSIONS: there are differences in DPEr in terms of resistance to flow that depend on their design and porosity. The DPEr with the highest resistance are the DPEr1 and DPEr4 while the DPEr2 offers the least resistance to flow at the expense of its effectiveness

Endovascular Treatment of Descending Thoracic Aortic Pathology: Results of the Regis-TEVAR Study.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular techniques have become an essential tool for treatment of thoracic aortic pathology. The objective of this study was to analyze indications and results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in vascular surgery units, through a retrospective and multicentric national registry called Regis-TEVAR. METHODS: From 2012 to 2016, a total of 287 patients from 11 vascular surgery units, treated urgently and electively, were recruited consecutively. The primary variables analyzed are mortality, survival, and reintervention rate. The following indications for TEVAR were also analyzed: aortic dissections, thoracic aneurysms, traumatisms, and intramural hematomas or penetrating ulcers, as well as results and postoperative complications in accordance with each indication. RESULTS: Of the 287 TEVAR performed (239 men, mean age 64.1 ± 14.1 years), 155 were because of aortic aneurysm (54%), 90 because of type B aortic dissection (31.4%), 36 because of traumatic aortic rupture (12.5%), and 6 because of penetrating ulcers or intramural hematomas (2.1%). Overall mortality at 30 days was 11.5% (18.5% in urgent and 5.3% in elective), being higher in dissections (13.3%). The median actuarial survival was 73% at 4 years. The stroke rate was 3.1%, and the rate of spinal cord ischemia was 4.9%. Aortic reoperations were necessary in 23 patients (8.1%). CONCLUSIONS: This registry provides complete and reliable information on real clinical practice of TEVAR in Spain, with results similar to international series of open surgery. In accordance with these data, TEVAR can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality and with low rates of postoperative complications.

Evaluación in vitro de los dispositivos de energía para el sellado de colaterales de vena safena en cirugía de revascularización / In vitro model to assess energy devices for the sealing of saphenous vein collaterals in revascularization surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los dispositivos de sellado por energía permiten la hemostasia de los vasos mediante su coagulación y transección de forma secuencial. OBJETIVOS: Comparar la eficacia in vitro de los principales dispositivos utilizados (electrocoagulación bipolar controlada por temperatura [EB] y bisturí armónico BA]) frente a la ligadura convencional en el sellado de colaterales de vena safena (VS) durante su preparación eventual para la cirugía de bypass. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental in vitro de 25 fragmentos de VS extraída de donante cadáver o remanentes de cirugía de revascularización o amputación. En cada fragmento se realizó un sellado mediante ligadura con seda 3/0 (control) y otro con EB (n = 13) o BA (n = 12). Cada fragmento se incorporó a un circuito cerrado con flujo pulsátil y se aumentó progresivamente la presión hasta llegar a 300 mmHg (presión suprafisiológica) y, posteriormente, hasta provocar la rotura. Se registró el diámetro de las colaterales, la presión de estallido, el punto de fuga y el estudio histológico. RESULTADOS: La presión media de estallido fue ligeramente superior para la EB (788,9 ± 455 mmHg) que para el BA (602,5 ± 363,1 mmHg), aunque sin diferencias significativas (p = 0,268). En un solo caso (BA) se produjo el estallido en la zona de sellado a presiones inferiores a 300 mmHg. El punto de fuga para el BA ocurrió en la zona de sellado en todos los casos (12/12), mientras que para la EB se produjo en la zona de sellado en 8 de 13 fragmentos (p = 0,039). El estudio histológico no mostró diferencias entre ambos métodos. CONCLUSIONES: Los dispositivos de hemostasia por energía presentan una eficacia y seguridad no inferior al de la ligadura en el sellado de colaterales de VS. Dadas su rapidez y fácil manejo, pueden ser útiles en la preparación del injerto venoso durante la cirugía de revascularización. Aunque el EB mostró una mayor resistencia a la rotura al producirse el estallido a presiones suprafisiológicas, este hecho podría no tener relevancia clínica

INTRODUCTION: energy sealing devices achieve hemostasis of the blood vessels through sequential coagulation and transection. OBJECTIVES: to compare the efficacy of the main sealing devices used (Electrothermal Bipolar Tissue Sealing System [EB] and Harmonic Scalpel [HS]) versus conventional vessel ligation of saphenous vein (SV) collaterals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: experimental in vitro study of 25 fragments of SV extracted from cadaveric donor, from residual fragments obtained during amputation or lower limb revascularization procedures. Two venous colateral seals were made on each fragment, one by conventional ligation with 3/0 silk (control) and the other one by EB (n = 13) or HS (n = 12). Each venous fragment was then incorporated into a pulsatile flow circuit, and the pressure was progressively increased until 300 mmHg (supraphysiological pressure) was reached, and, later on, until sealing breakage occurred. Collateral vein diameter, burst pressure, and leakage points were recorded. A histological study was also performed for each energy sealing device. RESULTS: the mean burst pressure was slightly higher for EB (788,9 ±455 mmHg) than for HS (602,5 ± 363,1 mmHg), but without significant differences (p = 0,268). Only in one case (HS) the outbreak occurred in the sealing zone at pressures below 300 mmHg. The leakage point for HS was detected in the sealing zone in all cases (12/12). The leakage point for EB occurred in the sealing zone in 8 of 13 fragments (p = 0,039). The histological study showed no differences. CONCLUSIONS: Vessel sealing devices are as effective for the sealing of saphenous vein collaterals as conventional ligation. These devices may be useful due to their fast sealing time and easy handling during surgical venous graft preparation for lower limb revascularization. Although the EB showed greater strength, the outbreak occurred at supraphysiological pressure, so this fact may not have clinical relevance

Reflexiones sobre un debate fuera de contexto / No disponible

No disponible