Popliteal-to-Distal Extreme Bypass in Endovascular Era.

BACKGROUND: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is characterized by rest pain and tissue loss, with an annual mortality rate of 20% and amputation rate of 40%, if not treated. Open bypass surgery is recommended in CLTI, depending on the availability of good quality venous material, outflow artery patency, and surgical expertise. The aim of the study is to analyze primary patency, limb salvage, and survival rate in patients undergoing popliteal-to-distal bypass. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent popliteal-to-distal bypass surgery between January 2016 and December 2021 were enrolled in the study. Primary outcomes were primary patency, limb salvage, and overall survival. Secondary outcomes included amputation-free survival and secondary patency. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included during the study. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases. Target outflow artery was in 27% (n. 13) of cases the anterior tibial artery, in 27% (n. 13) the dorsalis pedis, in 2% (n. 1) the peroneal artery, in 30% (n. 15) the retromalleolar tibial artery, in 10% (n. 5) the medial plantar artery, and in 4% (n. 2) the tarsal artery. Two-year primary patency was 85% ± 5. Secondary patency rates were 86% ± 3 at 2 years. The overall survival was 81% ± 6 at 2 years, the amputation-free survival was 70% ± 9, and the limb salvage rate was 81% ± 6. CONCLUSIONS: Popliteal-to-distal bypass requires high technical expertise to be performed. When a good autologous vein and adequate outflow artery are present, they can be feasible with good patency rates and overall survival.

Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Follow-Up after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) shows a false negative rate close to zero and therefore is suitable as the main non-invasive follow-up strategy for long-term monitoring after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Methods: We included all consecutive patients who underwent CEUS as follow-up after EVAR at our center between January 2017 and December 2021.The follow-up protocol consisted of Duplex ultrasound (DUS) with CEUS at 1, 3, 6 months postoperatively and every 6 months thereafter. Results: A total of 125 patients underwent 228 CEUS. The aneurysm sac showed shrinkage in 80 (64%) patients, stability in 32 (25.6%), and enlargement in 13 (10.4%). A total of 29 (23.2%) patients showed type 2 endoleak, 6 (4.8%) patients showed type 1 endoleak and 3 (2.4%) patients showed type 3 endoleak. Thirteen patients underwent one or more reinterventions. The sensitivity of CEUS vs. DUS was 100% vs. 75% (p > 0.0001). In classifying type 2 endoleak, CEUS compared to DUS showed a sensitivity of 93.2% vs. 59.4% and a specificity of 99.3% vs. 99.3%. CEUS showed a higher sensitivity compared to DUS in the detection of type 2 endoleak. CEUS permits the identification of a subset of patients requiring a stricter follow-up protocol.

Initial single-center experience with a new external support device for the creation of the forearm native arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the maturation rate of the native radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RC-AVF) created with and without a nitinol external support (VasQ™ Laminate Medical Technologies Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel). METHODS: Data of all consecutive patients who underwent the creation of native RC-AVFs at our center between October 2018 and January 2020 was prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed.Selected patients who had a suitable vein and a radial artery with triphasic flow at preoperative duplex ultrasound exam and were selected for the creation of a radiocephalic fistula were included. Exclusion criteria were: malignant tumors, acute renal failure, previous upper limb revascularization, and septic status. Patency and maturation, vein, and artery diameter and blood flow rate were assessed at the following intervals: post-operatively, 24 h post-operatively, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (31 males, mean age 65.7 years old) were included. Patients who received VasQ™ devices were 25 (VasQ group), the other 24 formed the control group. All patients underwent radio-cephalic AVF placement (21 on the wrist, 20 on the forearm, 8 on the proximal forearm). There were no perioperative complications and fatalities. At 1, 3, and 6 months, primary patency rates were 96 ± 4%, 96 ± 4%, 91 ± 6% (VasQ group) versus 87 ± 7%, 87 ± 7%, 80 ± 9% (control group, P 0.17), secondary patency rates were 96 ± 4%, 96 ± 4%, 91 ± 6% (VasQ group) versus 95 ± 4%, 90 ± 7%, 90 ± 7% (control group, P 0.79). A significantly larger vein diameter increase postoperatively (P 0.009) and a greater maturation rate (96% vs 74%, p 0.044) were found in the VasQ group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the VasQ™ device was associated with higher maturation rates and larger vein diameters postoperatively. The patency rates were slightly higher but not significantly. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Inframalleolar bypass for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

The aims of this study were to analyze the results of inframalleolar bypass for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and to identify outcome-predicting factors. All consecutive patients undergoing inframalleolar bypass for CLTI between 2015 and 2018 were included in this retrospective, single-center study. Outflow artery was the most proximal patent vessel segment in continuity with inframalleolar arteries. Bypasses originating from the popliteal artery were defined as 'short bypasses'. Sixty patients underwent inframalleolar bypass, with four patients undergoing bilateral procedures, making a total of 64 limbs included. The mean age was 73 ± 14 and 52 (81%) were male. The great saphenous vein was the preferred conduit (n = 58, 91%), in a devalvulated fashion (n = 56, 88%). Superficial femoral artery was the most common inflow artery for 'long' grafts (n = 22, 34%), while popliteal artery was the inflow artery for all 'short' grafts (n = 25, 39%). Dorsalis pedis artery was chosen as an outflow artery in 41 patients (63%). Median follow-up was 21 months. Two-year primary and secondary patency, limb salvage, amputation-free survival, and overall survival rates were 67 ± 6%, 88 ± 4%, 84 ± 4%, 72 ± 6%, and 85 ± 4%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, dialysis was an independent predictor for poor primary patency (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.62-13.05; p = 0.004), whereas a short bypass was independently associated with an increased primary patency (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.10-0.89; p = 0.03). In conclusion, bypass grafting to the inframalleolar arteries resulted in good patency rates, limb salvage and overall survival. Dialysis patients had lower primary patency but still had good limb salvage and survival. Short bypass was a predictor of improved primary patency.

Simultaneous Superficial Femoral Artery Angioplasty/Stent Plus Popliteal Distal Bypass for Limb Salvage.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of severe critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to superficial femoral artery (SFA) and below-the-knee (BTK) vessels' involvement could be compromised by the lack of a great saphenous vein (GSV) suitable in its entire length. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of a hybrid endovascular and open lower limbs arterial reconstruction in these patients with multilevel, advanced CLI. METHODS: From 2005 to 2019, we performed hybrid endovascular and surgical treatment for limb salvage in SFA-BTK CLI. This consisted of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without stenting of the SFA, along with distal origin vein graft bypass. Inclusion criteria were Rutherford category 5 or 6, lack of a suitable GSV, patency of the popliteal artery, steno-obstructive lesions of the SFA, lesions of the 3 crural vessels >5 cm in length each. The follow-up was performed with duplex scan surveillance of both the bypass graft and PTA sites. RESULTS: The hybrid treatment could be performed in 34 patients. Fifty-six percent of the SFA steno-obstructive lesions were treated with simple PTA, except for the application of a bare metal stent in one patient (3%), while in all the SFA occlusions PTA was completed with covered stents (41%). Thirty-four popliteal-to-distal vein bypass grafts bypass grafts have been performed. There were no perioperative PTA or bypass graft failures. Clinical improvement was achieved in 26 (76%) patients. Overall, primary and secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival rates were 65%, 68%, 75%, and 75% at 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A hybrid strategy in multilevel SFA-BTK CLI is a well-established approach. Additional studies are warranted to validate these results.

Symptomatic Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques Are Associated With Increased Infiltration of Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Higher Serum Levels of NK Activating Receptor Ligands.

A wide array of immune cells, including lymphocytes, is known to be present and to play a pathogenetic role in atherosclerotic lesions. However, limited information is currently available regarding the presence of Natural Killer (NK) cell subsets within vessel plaque, and more in general, regarding their role in human atherosclerosis. We evaluated the distribution of NK cells in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, dissecting asymptomatic and symptomatic patients (identified as affected by stroke, transient ischemic attack, or amaurosis fugax within 6 months) with the aim of shedding light on the putative contribution of NK cells to the pathogenic process that leads to plaque instability and subsequent clinical complications. We observed that carotid plaques were consistently infiltrated by NK cells and, among them, CD56brightperforinlow NK cells were abundantly present and displayed different markers of tissue residency (i.e., CD103 CD69 and CD49a). Interestingly, carotid atherosclerotic plaques of symptomatic patients showed a higher content of NK cells and an increased ratio between CD56brightperforinlow NK cells and their CD56dimperforinhigh counterpart. NK cells isolated from plaques of symptomatic patients were also stronger producers of IFN-γ. Analysis of the expression of NK activating receptor ligands (including MICA/B, ULBP-3, and B7-H6) in atherosclerotic carotid plaques revealed that they were abundantly expressed by a HLA-DR+CD11c+ myeloid cell population resident in the plaques. Remarkably, sera of symptomatic patients contained significant higher levels of soluble ligands for NK activating receptors. Our observations indicate that CD56bright NK cells accumulate within human atherosclerotic lesions and suggest a possible contribution of NK cells to the process determining plaque instability.

Hybrid arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis vascular access in a multicenter registry.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to identify patients' characteristics that predicted a higher chance of arteriovenous graft patency in patients undergoing Gore Hybrid Vascular Graft (GHVG; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) implantation for hemodialysis access. The GHVG is a polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) prosthesis with a nitinol-reinforced section (NRS) at the venous end. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing GHVG implantation for hemodialysis access at 10 tertiary referral centers between December 2013 and January 2018 were included in the study and compared with a control group of patients undergoing standard PTFE graft implantation. Selection of patients for hybrid graft implantation was based on the impossibility of autogenous vascular access creation. RESULTS: There were 145 patients included in the GHVG group and 218 in the PTFE group. In the GHVG and the PTFE groups, the mean age was 67 ± 13 years and 65 ± 13 years, and male patients totaled 52% and 46%, respectively. The technical success was 99%. The mean duration of the intervention was 100 minutes (median, 95 minutes; interquartile range, 80-120 minutes). The brachial-axillary configuration was used in the majority of cases (n = 78 [54%]). The 5-cm NRS length was prevalent (n = 108 [75%]). The median NRS oversize was 14% (interquartile range, 0%-21%). Mean follow-up was 13 months (range, 0-55 months). Seventy-one patients (49%) underwent at least one reintervention. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency estimates at 12 months were 44% ± 5%, 47% ± 5%, and 65% ± 4% for the GHVG group and 41% ± 4%, 53% ± 4%, and 75% ± 3% for the control group, respectively (P = NS). One-year survival was 90% ± 3%. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, hypotension (P < .001; hazard ratio [HR], 5.8; confidence interval [CI], 2.6-13) and diabetes (P = .024; HR, 1.9; CI, 1.1-3.2) were significant predictors of GHVG loss. A larger graft size was protective against GHVG loss (P = .042; HR, 0.73; CI, 0.54-0.99). The 10-cm-long graft showed a tendency toward improved patency but did not reach statistical significance (P = .074; HR, 0.48; CI, 0.21-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes and hypotension were predictors of loss of hybrid arteriovenous access. Smaller diameters of NRS were more prone to thrombosis, whereas the 10-cm length seemed to perform better than the 5-cm one.

Long-term Results of Endovascular Treatment of TASC C and D Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Stent Graft.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the early and long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II class C and D (TASC II) aortoiliac occlusive disease with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent graft. METHODS: Between January 2006 and November 2017, 61 patients (53 males, 8 females), with symptomatic aortoiliac stenotic and/or occlusive disease, were treated with VIABAHN (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) at 2 University medical centers. The morphology of the lesions was evaluated and classified by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography. Demographic data, operation details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Follow-up data were analyzed by a life-table analysis (Kaplan-Meier test). RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 64.89 ± 10.77 years (range 44-89). Thirty-seven patients (60.7%) presented with severe claudication (Rutherford 3), whereas 21 (34.4%) were in Rutherford class 4 and the remaining 3 patients (4.9%) suffered from necrotic lesions (Rutherford 5/6). Fifty-six patients were smokers (91.8%), 38 (62.3%) had hypertension, 23 (37.7%) had coronary artery disease, 30 (40.2%) had dyslipidemia, 18 (29.5%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6 (9.5%) had renal insufficiency (serum creatinine>2.0 mg/dL) and 24 (39.3%) had diabetes. Technical success was achieved in 59/61 patients (96.7%) with 16 patients (26.2%) requiring combined percutaneous brachial access to obtain iliac recanalization. Perioperative mortality was 1.6%, whereas postoperative major complications occurred in 2 patients (3.6%). The mean number of VIABAHN placed was 1.77/patient. Mean follow-up was 31.5 months (range 1-108) and primary patency at 36 months was 94.9%. Two major amputations of the lower limbs occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgery with the aortobifemoral bypass has been the gold standard treatment for complex aortoiliac occlusive disease although complications and mortality still remain significant issues. Our results suggest that endovascular therapy of TASC C and D iliac lesions using the VIABAHN stent graft is feasible, effective, and has good, long-term patency.

Best Medical Treatment and Selective Stent-GraftRepair for Acute Type B Aortic Intramural Hematoma.

This study aimed to describe our experience with the management and the results of stent-graft (SG) repair of acute type B aortic intramural hematoma (B-IMH). Between January 2005 and July 2016, we identified 41 B-IMHs. Major end points were early and long-term survival, aortic remodeling, freedom from aortic-related mortality (ARM), and freedom from reintervention. Thirty-one (76%) patients eventually underwent SG repair: 16 (52%) cases in the acute phase, and 6 (19%) in the subacute (14-30 days) phase. Nine (29%) patients showed aortic lesion progression in the follow-up despite best medical treatment, and required SG repair in the chronic phase. The presence of ulcer-like projections at the admission computed tomography angiography was significantly higher in patients who eventually required SG repair (5% vs 36%, odds ratio: 4.08, P = .043). At 12 months, whereas ARM showed a trend in favor of SG (84% ± 10 vs 100%; log-rank: P = .075), the freedom from aortic progression was significantly lower in the SG group (64% ± 13 vs 94% ± 5; log-rank: P = .002). Median follow-up was 31 months (range, 2-96; interquartile range, 11-62.5). Freedom from ARM and freedom from aortic reintervention was 92% ± 5 (95% confidence interval: 75-98) at 12 months. Aortic remodeling was observed in 26 (84%) patients. No differences were noted between patients treated with SG in the acute and in the chronic phase. In our experience, B-IMH was associated with 47% aortic adverse event rate in the follow-up with best medical treatment alone. At mid-term, results of SG repair are encouraging.

Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm of Internal Carotid Artery Secondary to Lemierre's Syndrome, How to Do It.

We report the case of a patient with internal carotid artery (ICA) mycotic pseudoaneurysm secondary to Lemierre's syndrome, urgently treated. A 75-year-old man presented to E.R. with a left swelling lesion of the neck and complaining left visions lost since that morning, fever, hypotension, and dyspnea. Since 15 days before developing symptoms, he had sore throat and odynophagia treated with a broad coverage of antibiotic therapy for presumed streptococcal pharyngitis. Preoperative computed tomography angiography images revealed a circular lesion, involving the common carotid artery, carotid bulb, and the proximal part of the internal and external carotid arteries. A pseudoaneurysm of the ICA was detected, and the jugular vein was compressed. A Cormier carotid vein graft bypass was performed. Lemierre's syndrome is a rare syndrome, but it is rarer the carotid artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to Lemierre's syndrome. Surgical treatment is safe and durable in patients with severe infection involving the neck.

Initial clinical experience with a polytetrafluoroethylene vascular dialysis graft reinforced with nitinol at the venous end.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of a vascular hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft, provided with a nitinol-reinforced section (NRS) on one end, in hemodialysis vascular access placement. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted including all the consecutive patients who underwent Gore Hybrid Vascular Graft (GHVG; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) implantation for hemodialysis access placement between October 2013 and November 2015. A propensity-matched control group was obtained from consecutive patients who underwent standard PTFE arteriovenous graft implantation between January 2010 and July 2013. The selection criteria were inadequate venous material for autogenous arteriovenous fistula placement, patent deep venous circulation, and vein diameter of 4 to 8.5 mm. The implantation technique involves the insertion of the NRS some centimeters into the target vein. Fluoroscopic guidance helps deploy the device in the desired landing zone (ie, position of the proximal end of the NRS), based on anatomic landmarks. Survival, functional patency rates, and complications were compared with a propensity-matched historical control group. Vein diameter, previous vascular access placement, and diabetes were tested as predictors of reintervention with a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 32 patients (14 men; mean age, 69 ± 14 years) who received the GHVG graft. The historical control group included 43 patients. Technical success was 100%. The graft configuration was brachial-axillary (n = 22 [69%]), brachial-basilic loop (n = 5 [16%]), brachial-antecubital loop (n = 3 [9%]), axilloaxillary loop (n = 1 [3%]), and femoral-femoral loop (n = 1 [3%]). Mean NRS oversize was 20% ± 7% (range, 3%-34%; median, 19%). Perioperative complications requiring revision included acute limb ischemia treated with thrombectomy (n = 1 [3%]) and graft infection requiring explantation (n = 2 [6%]). Two patients (6%) died in the hospital of unrelated causes. The mean follow-up was 15 ± 11 months (range, 0-33 months; median, 15.5). The propensity-matched groups included 25 patients each. Survival estimates at 24 months for the GHVG and standard PTFE groups were 91% ± 6% and 82% ± 9% (P > .05), respectively. The 12-month patency estimates were as follows: functional primary patency, 66% ± 10% vs 51% ± 10% (P > .05); functional assisted primary patency, 75% ± 9% vs 51% ± 10% (P > .05); and functional secondary patency, 79% ± 9% vs 67% ± 10% (P > .05). Reduction in vein diameter was associated with reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The GHVG is a safe and effective alternative to standard PTFE in hemodialysis access surgery. Careful planning for the landing zone is advisable, especially for small outflow veins. Larger studies and randomized trials are needed to define the role for this device. A study including a greater number of centers experienced with this device is currently under way.

VAC therapy to promote wound healing after surgical revascularisation for critical lower limb ischaemia.

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a new emerging non-invasive system in wound care, which speeds up wound healing by causing vacuum, improving tissue perfusion and suctioning the exudates, and facilitating the removal of bacteria from the wound. The application of sub-atmospheric pressure on the lesions seems to alter the cytoskeleton of the cells on the wound bed, triggering a cascade of intracellular signals that increase the rate of cell division and subsequent formation of granulation tissue. The aim of this study is to analyse the results of VAC therapy used as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of foot wounds in patients affected by critical limb ischaemia (CLI) (Rutherford 6 class) after distal surgical revascularisation, to promote and accelerate the healing of ulcers. Twenty-nine patients (20 males, 9 females; mean age 68·4) affected by CLI of Rutherford 6 class, after surgical revascularisation of the lower limb, underwent VAC therapy in order to speed up wound healing. Complete wound healing was achieved in 19 patients (65·51%), in an average period of 45·4 ± 25·6 days. VAC therapy is a valid aid, after surgical revascularisation, to achieve rapid healing of foot lesions in patients with CLI.

Endo first is not appropriate in some patients with critical limb ischemia because "bridges are burned".

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine the effect of failed prior endovascular treatment (EV) on early and midterm outcomes of subsequent lower extremity open surgical (OS) bypass. METHODS: Patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass for critical limb ischemia (CLI) from January 2008 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The results after first-line bypass and bypass after failure of EV treatment were compared. A total of 213 patients (65.25% men; average age, 73.30 years) underwent bypass. OS patients were then divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 138 patients who underwent primary OS for CLI without prior EV (control group) and group 2 consisted of 75 patients who had OS after a failed attempt at elective EV for peripheral vascular disease. Of the 213 bypass performed, 34% had a prior infrainguinal failed EV. The primary study end points were early and 1-year major amputations and graft occlusion. The secondary outcomes included early and 1-year mortality and the level of distal revascularization. RESULTS: Secondary patency and limb salvage rates were significantly better in group 1 up to 1 year (99% vs. 86%; P < 0.001 at 1 month and 95% vs. 76%, P < 0.05 at 12 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Previous failed EV should be predictive of poor outcome in patients undergoing distal OS for CLI.

Vascular access for hemodialysis: current perspectives.

A well-functioning vascular access (VA) is a mainstay to perform an efficient hemodialysis (HD) procedure. There are three main types of access: native arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft, and central venous catheter (CVC). AVF, described by Brescia and Cimino, remains the first choice for chronic HD. It is the best access for longevity and has the lowest association with morbidity and mortality, and for this reason AVF use is strongly recommended by guidelines from different countries. Once autogenous options have been exhausted, prosthetic fistulae become the second option of maintenance HD access alternatives. CVCs have become an important adjunct in maintaining patients on HD. The preferable locations for insertion are the internal jugular and femoral veins. The subclavian vein is considered the third choice because of the high risk of thrombosis. Complications associated with CVC insertion range from 5% to 19%. Since an increasing number of patients have implanted pacemakers and defibrillators, usually inserted via the subclavian vein and superior vena cava into the right heart, a careful assessment of risk and benefits should be taken. Infection is responsible for the removal of about 30%-60% of HD CVCs, and hospitalization rates are higher among patients with CVCs than among AVF ones. Proper VA maintenance requires integration of different professionals to create a VA team. This team should include a nephrologist, radiologist, vascular surgeon, infectious disease consultant, and members of the dialysis staff. They should provide their experience in order to give the best options to uremic patients and the best care for their VA.

An endovascular option is the final treatment for a giant arteriovenous malformation.

We report the case of a 58-year-old man presented with bleeding ulcer of the left arm caused by a high-flow type-C arteriovenous malformation (AVM), feed by branches from both the subclavian arteries. He had been previously treated with AVM sclerotherapy, embolization, humeral artery endografting, and open surgery. We urgently performed coil embolization of the left vertebral artery, and we covered the huge subclavian artery by a thoracic endograft. Then, we embolized the right tyrocervical trunk. The result was an immediate interruption of bleeding. At 12 months, the patient had no neurologic complications, and the upper limb continued to decompress.

Carotid bypass: a safe and durable solution for recurrent carotid stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The long-term results of carotid artery stenting (CAS) for post-carotid endarterectomy (CEA) restenosis are disappointing (4-year patency rates: ∼75%). Since 1988, our group has offered carotid bypass (CB) as an alternative to redo CEA and later also to CAS in this setting. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate early and late outcomes associated with CB in this population. METHODS: Data were collected from patients treated with CB in the year 2000-2012 for significant/symptomatic post-CEA restenosis (or intra-stent restenosis [ISR] after CAS for post-CEA restenosis). All patients had good life expectancy. CB was performed under loco-regional anesthesia. With the aid of sequential vessel clamping, the graft (great saphenous vein [GSV] or polytetrafluoroethylene) was anastomosed with the common carotid artery (side-to-end) and the distal internal carotid artery (end-to-side). Patients were followed with clinical and duplex scan assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: The study population comprised 21 patients (mean age 67.3 years; 17 men). CB was performed for post-CEA restenosis (or ISR after CAS for post-CEA restenosis, n=3) 51.2 months (mean) after the previous operation. GSV grafts were used in half of the cases (n=11; 52.4%); temporary shunting was used in 4 (19%) patients. Intraoperative complications (none fatal) occurred in 4 (19%) patients (3 transient peripheral nerve injuries, 1 cervical hematoma). During follow-up (mean 64.8 months), there were no neurologic complications or restenoses. Overall mortality was 33.3% (6 deaths from acute myocardial infarctions, 1 from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm). CONCLUSIONS: For post-CEA restenosis (or ISR after CAS for post-CEA restenosis), CB offers superior long-term patency rates than CAS (or redo angioplasty) and an acceptable risk of cranial nerve damage.

Midterm outcomes of carotid-to-carotid bypass for hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare midterm results of carotid-to-carotid bypass (CCB) after hybrid repair of aortic arch disease. METHODS: Between October 2001 and April 2012, all patients undergoing hybrid aortic arch repair with CCB were enrolled. CCBs were positioned in the subcutaneous or in the retropharyngeal position. Hybrid aortic arch repair was performed in a single-stage intervention. RESULTS: We treated 19 (82.6%) men and 4 women; mean age was 74 ± 6 years (range, 58-83 years). Subcutaneous tunnelization was performed in 15 (65.5%) cases and the retropharyngeal route in 8 (34.5%). In-hospital mortality was 8.7% (n = 2); causes of death were major stroke (n = 1) and respiratory failure (n = 1). Cranial nerve injuries (transient or permanent), dysphagia, or local problems were not observed. Tracheostomy was never required. Early outcomes did not differ between the 2 types of bypass. Mean follow-up was 44 months (range, 1-118; median 24). Survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 70% ± 9.6%, 55% ± 10.7%, and 50% ± 11.1%, respectively. At the time of the last follow-up control, all bypasses were patent: stenosis and thrombosis were not recorded. Bypass graft or endograft infection were not registered. Shrinkage of the aortic lesion was observed in 15 (71.4%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: CCBs are durable at midterm follow-up. No relevant superiority was identified between the 2 types of CCB; subcutaneous and retropharyngeal routes proved to be equally safe.

Ministernotomy with subclavian extension for the management of a large intrathoracic pseudoaneurysm.

We report on the management of a large intrathoracic subclavian pseudoaneurysm treated using an upper J ministernotomy with subclavian extension. This approach allows exposure of the supraaortic vessels and upper portion of the thoracic cavity and may be of help in selected cases.