Antithrombotic Therapy and Freedom From Bridging Stent Occlusion After Elective Branched Endovascular Repair: A Multicenter International Cohort Study.

CLINICAL IMPACT: Based on our study, no antithrombotic therapy is significantly associated with bridging stent occlusion, and no evidence of the superiority of other antithrombotic therapy exists. Nevertehless, due to the low number of bridging stent occlusions, this study can neither support nor reject the PRINCE2SS recommendations. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to determine clear guideliness of the best antithrombotic treatment regimen after complex enfovascular aortic repair.

Report of a semi-branched stent-graft to treat a type 1a endoleak after failed EVAR.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular techniques are advancing with the change of treatment paradigm for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Fenestrated EVAR (fEVAR) and branched EVAR (bEVAR) are used for complex aortic aneurysm repair. Both fEVAR and bEVAR have their own advantages and disadvantages. Semi-branches are a new feature that attempt to combine the advantages of both fEVAR and bEVAR. TECHNIQUE: We describe the use of a 4-vessel semi-branched EVAR in a failed EVAR case with a type 1a endoleak. CONCLUSION: The novel feature of semi-branches in custom-made EVAR devices in endovascular aortic treatment following failed EVAR appear to be a feasible option.

Differentiating between segmental arterial mediolysis and other arterial vasculopathies to establish an early diagnosis - a systematic literature review and proposal of new diagnostic criteria.

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare vascular disease, characterized by acute but transient vulnerability of the wall of medium-sized arteries. The most characteristic feature of SAM is its biphasic course: an injurious phase marked by acute weakness of the arterial wall leading to acute dissection and/or hemorrhage, followed by a reparative phase in which granulation tissue and fibrosis restore the injured arterial wall. Residual stenosis, aneurysms, and/or arterial wall irregularities may remain visible on future imaging studies. Differentiating between SAM and other arterial vasculopathies is difficult due to its similarities with many other vascular diseases, such as vasculitis, fibromuscular dysplasia, inherited connective tissue disorders, and isolated visceral artery dissection. In this systematic review, we provide an overview on SAM, with an emphasis on the differential diagnosis and diagnostic work-up. We propose new diagnostic criteria to help establish a prompt diagnosis of SAM, illustrated by case examples from our multidisciplinary vascular clinic.

Clinical outcomes of MANTA closure device in percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: The MANTA device is a plug-based vascular closure device (VCD) designed for large bore femoral arterial access site closure. It showed promising results in transcatheter aortic valve replacement cases. In this study, we report our results and evaluate the MANTA VCD in percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (pEVAR). METHODS: All data of consecutive patients who underwent an elective pEVAR between October 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. In all patients at least one common femoral artery was intended to close with the MANTA VCD. Depending on the sheath size, the 14Fr or 18Fr MANTA VCD was used. On the preoperative computed tomography scan, the diameter of the common femoral artery (CFA) was measured and the amount of calcification based on the Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System (PACSS) was scored. Primary outcome was procedural technical success. Procedural technical success was defined as placement of the MANTA closure device resulting in vascular closure with patent CFA, without requiring immediate open or endovascular surgery. The secondary outcomes were access site complications requiring reintervention and all-cause mortality at 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 152 consecutive patients underwent pEVAR with 291 common femoral artery closure procedures with the Manta VCD. Mean age was 74.1 ± 6.4 years, with a mean body mass index of 27.7 ± 4.4 kg/m2. The mean diameter of the CFA was 10.5 ± 1.9 mm. In 52.6% of the cases, there were no calcification on the preoperative computed tomography scan. The 18Fr and 14Fr Manta VCD were used 169 and 122 times, respectively. The technical success rate was 96.6%. Major vascular complications were reported in 4.5% of the cases, without any death-related events. CONCLUSIONS: This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed the procedural technical success, major vascular complications and all-cause mortality at 30-day follow-up of the MANTA vascular closure device in 152 pEVAR patients with 291 common femoral artery closure procedures. The technical success rate was 96,6%. Major vascular complications were reported in 4.5% of the cases, without any death related events. We concluded that the MANTA device is a safe and feasible option with a high rate of technical success in patients undergoing pEVAR.

Single-Center Experience With Inner-Branched Endograft for the Treatment of Pararenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To report a single-center result of patients with pararenal aneurysms treated with inner-branched endograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected data of patients treated with elective inner-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (iBEVAR) using an Artivion® E-xtra custom-made endograft. Primary endpoints were clinical and technical success after iBEVAR. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, target vessel patency during follow-up, aneurysm-related mortality, and freedom from reintervention. RESULTS: Over a 56-month period, a total of 23 patients (19 men; 72.3±7.2 years) were treated with iBEVAR with a mean follow-up of 15 months. Technical success was achieved in 96% of procedures, incorporating 87 inner branches. Two (8.3%) intraoperative complications (target vessel dissection) were reported, without additional reinterventions needed. Two (8.3%) patients died within 30 days after initial procedure. One due to respiratory failure and the other from an ischemic stroke. During follow-up, 3 patients (13%) required reintervention, either to repair a type I or type III endoleak (n=2) or to place an iliac-branched device, that did not succeed during the initial iBEVAR procedure (n=1). Primary target vessel patency and freedom from reintervention during follow-up was, respectively, 98.9% and 87%. We revealed no aneurysm-related mortality. Overall survival was 78.3%. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms previous findings that iBEVAR on the Artivion® E-xtra design platform is an effective and safe procedure achieving high technical success rate in the treatment of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. CLINICAL IMPACT: Inner branched stent-graft configuration combines the benefits of FEVAR and outer-branched stent-graft technology. Implementation of inner branches in stent-grafts is gradually becoming more widespread for the treatment of aneurysms. This report supports the safe and high technical success rate of inner branched stent-grafts in treatment of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Fatal sepsis with peripheral necrosis due to Capnocytophagus canimorsus infection after dog bite: a case report.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a commensal bacterium in dogs and cats' saliva that can be transmitted to humans by licking, biting, or scratching. Although rare, an infection with C. canimorsus can have lethal consequences. Based on this case, the authors want to emphasize the importance of adequate wound care, close monitoring, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics after a dog bite or cat bite. Case Presentation: The authors present the case of a healthy 52-year-old patient with severe sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, multiorgan failure, and peripheral necrosis of the lower arms, lower legs, nose, and genitals due to an infection with C. canimorsus after a dog bite. The patient eventually died on the ICU. Clinical Discussion: Due to the severeness of the sepsis, the patient was admitted to the ICU for maximum supportive care. As a last resort to save his life, an amputation of his nose, genitals, lower arms, and a transtibial amputation was proposed. In good consultation with the family, the decision was made not to perform this very mutilating surgery. The therapy was stopped because the loss in quality of life was too severe to justify continuation. The patient died soon after stopping supportive therapy. Conclusion: Based on this case, the authors would like to point out that, although rare, an infection with C. canimorsus can have devastating consequences with a high mortality and morbidity rate. It is important to know about this complication and to be aware of the importance of adequate wound care, close monitoring, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics after a dog bite or cat bite.

Treatment of Aortoiliac Aneurysms: Compatibility of the E-liac Stent Graft (Artivion®, Iliac Branch Device) with Endurant II or IIs (Medtronic®, EVAR).

PURPOSE: Iliac branch devices (IBD) are widely used to treat aortoiliac aneurysms with an unfit distal landing zone for standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms with the combination of the Endurant II(s) stent graft system (Medtronic®) and the E-liac stent graft (Artivion®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of all patients who underwent an EVAR combined with unilateral or bilateral IBD between January 2015 and January 2020 were analyzed. Primary outcomes were technical success at implantation (successful EVAR with IBD extension placement and patency of the grafts without type 1 or type 3 endoleak), and type 1b/3 endoleak, hypogastric artery patency and IBD-related reinterventions during follow-up. Secondary outcomes were all type 1 endoleak, all reinterventions, rupture, and mortality during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were treated with a combination of EVAR with IBD. Technical success was 94.7% (n = 36/38). The 30-day survival was 100%. Median follow-up time was 31 months (range 8-56). During follow-up, no patients developed type 1b or type 3 endoleak and all hypogastric arteries at the side of IBD remained patent. The overall reintervention rate at 12 months follow-up was 5.3% (n = 2/38) and the IBD-related reintervention rate was 2.6% (n = 1/38). CONCLUSION: The combination of the Endurant II(s) and the E-liac stent graft system is an effective and safe procedure for patients with an aortoiliac aneurysm. We confirm the high hypogastric artery patency rate using IBD. Furthermore, these devices have a high technical success rate even when it is combined with an Endurant II(s) EVAR main body.

Impact of stent-graft complexity on mid-term results in fenestrated endovascular aortic repair of juxtarenal and suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The impact of stent-graft complexity on clinical outcome after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has been conflicting in the literature. The objective of this study was to compare mid-term results of stent-grafts with renal fenestrations alone with more complex stent-grafts including mesenteric fenestrations. METHODS: A single center retrospective study was conducted on 154 patients, who underwent FEVAR from 2006 to 2020 at our institution. RESULTS: There were 54 (35.1%) patients in the renal FEVAR group and 100 (64.9%) patients in the complex FEVAR group. Median follow-up of the total group was 25 months (IQR 7-45). There were no significant differences in technical success and perioperative mortality. Intraoperative complications (4% vs. 18%, P=0.001), operative time (145 min vs. 191 min, P=0.001), radiation dose (119372 mGy*cm2 vs. 159573 mGy*cm2, P=0.004) and fluoroscopy time (39 min vs. 54 min, P=0.007) were significantly lower in the renal FEVAR group. During follow-up target vessel instability, endoleaks and reinterventions were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this single center retrospective study, renal FEVAR was a safe and effective treatment for patients with juxtarenal AAA demonstrating fewer intraoperative complications and similar mid-term outcomes as complex FEVAR. If the anatomy is compatible for renal FEVAR, it might be unnecessary to expose patients to potentially more complications by choosing a complex FEVAR strategy.

Comparing Mobile C-Arm with a Hybrid Operating Room for Imaging in Fenestrated Stent-Graft Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the advantages of a hybrid operating room (OR) (group 2) compared with a fluoroscopic mobile C-arm (group 1) during fenestrated stent-graft endovascular aneurysm repair (f-EVAR). METHODS: This single-center study retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of consecutive patients treated with f-EVAR for short-necked, juxtarenal, and suprarenal aortic aneurysms between January 2006 and July 2016. Primary end points were technical success and perioperative complications. Secondary end points included 30-day and 1-year mortality as well as target vessel patency. RESULTS: About 96 patients were treated (85 men; 74.1 ± 6.3 years); 46 patients (48%) belonging to group 1 and 50 (52%) patients belonging to group 2. Technical success was achieved in 92.7% of the procedures (group 1 91.3% vs. group 2 94%, P = 0.72). Significantly more complex interventions were performed in group 2 (n = 38 of 50) compared with group 1 (n = 14 of 46; P < 0.001), in which primarily renal f-EVAR interventions were performed. In group 2, significantly less contrast was used (median 150 mL vs. 100 mL; P < 0.001). The 30-day mortality in group 1 was 9% and 2% in group 2 (P = 0.14), and 1-year survival was also not significantly different between both groups. Target visceral vessel primary patency was significantly higher in group 1 (87.6% vs. 85.5% [P = 0.006] and 83.8% vs. 78.3% [P = 0.03]) at 6 and 12 months, respectively). There was no significant difference in renal artery primary patency at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate and 1-year outcomes after f-EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm were comparable using a hybrid OR compared with a mobile C-arm, despite the use of significantly more complex stent grafts in the patients treated in the hybrid OR. The use of a hybrid OR may assist in achieving satisfying results in complex f-EVAR.

Outcome of Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Octogenarians: A Retrospective Multicentre Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: An ageing population leads to more age related diseases, such as complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Patients with complex AAAs and multiple comorbidities benefit from fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), but for the elderly this benefit is not completely clear. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2016 all patients treated for complex AAA by FEVAR at two tertiary referral centres were screened for inclusion. Group 1 consisted of patients aged 80 years and older and group 2 of patients younger than 80 years of age. The groups were compared for peri-operative outcome, as well as patient and re-intervention free survival, and target vessel patency during follow up. RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 42 patients (median age 82 years; interquartile range [IQR] 81-83 years) and group 2 of 230 patients (median age 72 years; IQR 67-77 years). No differences were seen in pre-operative comorbidities, except for age and renal function. Renal function was 61.4 mL/min/1.73 m2vs.74.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < .01). No differences were seen between procedures, except for a slightly longer operation time in group two. Median follow up was 26 and 32 months, respectively. No difference was seen between the groups for estimated cumulative overall survival (p = .08) at one, three, and five years, being 95%, 58%, and 42% for group 1, and 88%, 75%, and 61% for group 2, respectively. There was no difference seen between groups for the estimated cumulative re-intervention free survival (p = .95) at one, three, and five years, being 84%, 84%, and 84% in group 1, respectively, and 88%, 84%, and 82% in group 2, respectively. Ultimately, no difference was seen between groups for the estimated cumulative target vessel patency (p = .56) at one, three, and five years, being 100%, 100%, and 90% for group 1, and 96%, 93% and 92% for group 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age itself is not a reason to withhold FEVAR in the elderly, and choice of treatment should be based on the patient's comorbidities and preferences.

Endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms: prevalence of acute kidney injury and effect on long-term renal function.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse predictors for short- and long-term renal function changes after fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). METHODS: A total of 157 patients underwent fenestrated and branched EVAR. Procedural intra-arterial iodinated contrast volume was documented. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline, during 48 h following EVAR, at discharge and latest moment of follow-up were recorded. Development of post-EVAR acute kidney injury (AKI; according to AKIN criteria), and potential risk factors for renal failure were recorded. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for AKI and eGFR decrease during follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (28 %) developed post-EVAR AKI. Long procedure time and occlusion of accessory renal arteries were independent risk factors for development of AKI. (odds ratio (OR) 1.005 per minute, 95 % CI 1.001-1.01; p = 0.025 and OR 3.02, 95 % CI 1.19-8.16; p = 0.029). Post-EVAR AKI was associated with a significantly increased risk for eGFR decrease at discharge and latest follow-up (hazard ratio (HR) 3.47, 95 % CI 1.63-7.36, p = 0.001 and HR 3.01, 95 % CI 1.56-5.80; p = 0.001). Iodinated contrast volume was not an independent risk factor for AKI or eGFR decrease during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Development of post-EVAR AKI is an independent risk factor for long-term renal function decrease. KEY POINTS: • Longer procedure time is associated with an increased risk for AKI. • Renal perfusion defects on angiography are associated with increased risk for AKI. • Post-EVAR AKI is associated with higher probability for long-term eGFR decrease. • Iodinated contrast volume is not an independent risk factor for AKI. • Iodinated contrast volume is not an independent risk factor for long-term eGFR decrease.

Fenestrated and branched stent-grafts to treat post-dissection chronic aortic aneurysms after initial treatment in the acute setting.

PURPOSE: To present our initial experience treating post-dissection thoracoabdominal aneurysms with fenestrated and branched grafts. METHODS: Six patients (all men; mean age 62 years, range 44-71) with post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms were selected for treatment with fenestrated and branched grafts. All patients were initially treated with open surgery or endovascular treatment for their acute dissection. In total, 21 visceral arteries were targeted (3 celiac arteries, 6 superior mesenteric arteries, 12 renal arteries). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all cases, with no mortality or paraplegia. At completion angiography, all target vessels were patent, and no type I endoleak was seen. A type II endoleak was present in 4 patients, with the false lumen still partially perfused. During follow-up (mean 9 months, range 3-15), no patients died. One targeted renal artery occluded at 1 month. One type Ib endoleak in a left renal artery was successfully treated with additional stenting. Five of the 6 patients had a 6-month follow-up. On abdominal ultrasound, 3 type II endoleaks were still seen. In 2 of these patients, the endoleak was resolved, the false lumen was completely thrombosed, and the maximum aortic diameter had regressed on the 1-year CTA. CONCLUSION: Although longer follow-up results are needed, treatment with fenestrated and branched stent-grafts seems feasible and may be a promising option for the treatment of chronic post-dissection aortic aneurysms.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for treatment of late complications after aortic coarctation repair.

BACKGROUND: To report our experience with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for treatment of postcoarctation repair aortic aneurysms. METHODS: Between November 2000 and December 2008, 13 patients were treated with TEVAR and rerouting of the supra-aortic vessels for aortic aneurysm (n = 10) and pseudoaneurysm (n = 3). RESULTS: One patient (7.7%) died due to peroperative perforation of the aorta. For the other patients, the median hospital stay was 9 days. One patient needed an additional stent because of a type I endoleak. Two patients (15.4%) developed a small type II endoleak for which no additional intervention was needed. One patient developed hemothorax, four patients (30.8%) had a Horner syndrome, one patient had a phrenic nerve paresis, and another patient developed hemiplegia. The mean follow-up of the survivors was 35 months (range, 2-72) with a median of 30 months. Most patients (84.6%) showed a decrease or stabilization of the size of the aneurysm sac. One patient had recurrent pneumonia with increase of the size aneurysm after 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR is appealing for patients with late complications after aortic coarctation repair, but necessitates long-term follow-up.

Aortic valve lymphoma presenting as acute coronary syndrome.

Primary cardiac lymphoma is a very rare tumor which commonly affects the right atrium, although any chamber may be affected. Over the past few decades, the incidence of the lesion has increased, due mainly to growing numbers of immunocompromised patients, either HIV-related or iatrogenic. Because of this rapid evolution, the situation represents an oncologic emergency, and therefore early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Although MRI is the most sensitive modality, open biopsy remains the 'gold standard' for reaching the diagnosis. However, the overall prognosis is poor. Herein is presented a case of a large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving only the aortic valve.