Multicentre experience of antegrade thoracic endovascular aortic repair for the treatment of thoracic aortic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this multicentre retrospective cohort study was to evaluate technical success and early and late outcomes of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) with grafts deployed upside down through antegrade access, to treat thoracic aortic diseases. METHODS: Antegrade TEVAR operations performed between January 2010 and December 2021 were collected and analysed. Both elective and urgent procedures were included. Exclusion criteria were endografts deployed in previous or concomitant surgical or endovascular repairs. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were enrolled; 13 were males (94%) with a mean age of 71 years (interquartile range 62; 78). Five patients underwent urgent procedures (2 ruptured aortas and 3 symptomatic patients). Indications for treatment were 8 (57%) aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms, 3 (21%) dissections and 3 (21%) penetrating aortic ulcers. Technical success was achieved in all procedures. Early mortality occurred in 4 (28%) cases, all urgent procedures. Median follow-up was 13 months (interquartile range 1; 44). Late deaths occurred in 2 (20%) patients, both operated on in elective settings. The first died at 19 months of aortic-related reintervention; the second died at 34 months of a non-aortic-related cause. Two patients (14%) underwent aortic-related reinterventions for late type I endoleak. The survival rate of those having the elective procedures was 100%, 84% and 67% at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Freedom from reintervention was 92%, 56% and 56% at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade TEVAR can seldom be considered an alternative when traditional retrograde approach is not feasible. Despite good technical success and few access-site complications, this study demonstrates high rates of late type I endoleak and aortic-related reinterventions.

Sex-Related Differences and Factors Associated with Peri-Procedural and 1 Year Mortality in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Patients from the CLIMATE Italian Registry.

BACKGROUND: Identifying sex-related differences/variables associated with 30 day/1 year mortality in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: Multicenter/retrospective/observational study. A database was sent to all the Italian vascular surgeries to collect all the patients operated on for CLTI in 2019. Acute lower-limb ischemia and neuropathic-diabetic foot are not included. FOLLOW-UP: One year. Data on demographics/comorbidities, treatments/outcomes, and 30 day/1 year mortality were investigated. RESULTS: Information on 2399 cases (69.8% men) from 36/143 (25.2%) centers. Median (IQR) age: 73 (66-80) and 79 (71-85) years for men/women, respectively (p < 0.0001). Women were more likely to be over 75 (63.2% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.0001). More men smokers (73.7% vs. 42.2%, p < 0.0001), are on hemodialysis (10.1% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.006), affected by diabetes (61.9% vs. 52.8%, p < 0.0001), dyslipidemia (69.3% vs. 61.3%, p < 0.0001), hypertension (91.8% vs. 88.5%, p = 0.011), coronaropathy (43.9% vs. 29.4%, p < 0.0001), bronchopneumopathy (37.1% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.0001), underwent more open/hybrid surgeries (37.9% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.0001), and minor amputations (22% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.0001). More women underwent endovascular revascularizations (61.6% vs. 55.2%, p = 0.004), major amputations (9.6% vs. 6.9%, p = 0.024), and obtained limb-salvage if with limited gangrene (50.8% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.017). Age > 75 (HR = 3.63, p = 0.003) is associated with 30 day mortality. Age > 75 (HR = 2.14, p < 0.0001), nephropathy (HR = 1.54, p < 0.0001), coronaropathy (HR = 1.26, p = 0.036), and infection/necrosis of the foot (dry, HR = 1.42, p = 0.040; wet, HR = 2.04, p < 0.0001) are associated with 1 year mortality. No sex-linked difference in mortality statistics. CONCLUSION: Women exhibit fewer comorbidities but are struck by CLTI when over 75, a factor associated with short- and mid-term mortality, explaining why mortality does not statistically differ between the sexes.

Inner branched complex aortic repair outcomes from a national multicenter registry using the E-xtra design platform.

BACKGROUND: Complex aortic pathology still represents an open issue in contemporary endovascular management, with continuous technological advancement being introduced in practice over time aiming to improve outcomes. Thus far, the dualism between the fenestrated and branched configuration for visceral artery revascularization is yet unsolved, with each approach having its own pros and cons. The inner branched technology for endovascular aneurysm repair (iBEVAR) aims to take the best out of both strategies, offering wide applicability and stable bridging stent sealing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early outcomes obtained with a single manufacturer custom-made inner-branched endograft in a multicenter Italian experience. METHODS: All patients consecutively treated with E-xtra design devices in three Italian facilities were enrolled. Anatomic characteristics and perioperative data were analyzed. The main objective was to asses technical and clinical success after iBEVAR. Secondary end points were overall survival, aortic-related mortality, target visceral vessel (TVV) patency, and freedom from target vessel instability during follow-up. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2021, 45 patients were treated with an E-xtra design device revascularizing at least one visceral vessel through an inner branch. The mean age at the time of the procedure was 71.1 ± 9.3 years and 77.8% were males. The total number of target visceral arteries to be bridged with an inner branch was 159. The extent of aortic repair was thoracoabdominal in 91.1% of the cases. Technical success was achieved in 93.3% of the procedures (42/45) with all failures owing to a type I endoleak at final angiography. Each TVV was successfully connected to the graft's main body as planned without complications. Following their intervention, five patients developed spinal cord ischemia and in three of these cases symptoms persisted after discharge (6.7%). At 30 days clinical success was 93.3% (42/45). No death as well as no TVV thrombosis occurred within 30 days from the primary procedures. The mean follow-up was 22.8 ± 14.2 months. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of overall survival and TVV patency at 36 months were 83.9% and 95.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Inner branches seem to be a promising technology in the complex aortic repair landscape, with an applicability ranging from type II thoracoabdominal aneurysm to type I endoleak repair after infrarenal endografting. Whether iBEVAR could offer results comparable with those provided by fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair in terms of target vessel patency and stent stability is yet to be established and further studies are, therefore, needed.

Long-term outcomes of endovascular aortic repair with flared iliac limb endografts in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and aneurysmal common iliac arteries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair with flared iliac limb grafts in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and aneurysmal common iliac arteries (CIAs). METHODS: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study that involves four tertiary referral hospitals between May 1, 2005, and April 30, 2019. Primary outcomes were freedom from aneurysm-related mortality (ARM), and freedom from iliac-related reintervention. RESULTS: We studied 995 aneurysmal iliac limbs in 795 (85.2%) patients who met the inclusion criteria. Median AAA diameter was 55mm (IQR: 51-60). Early mortality occurred in 3 (0.4%) patients. The median of follow-up time was 52 months (IQR: 26-88). Estimated freedom from ARM was 99±0.002% (95% CI: 99-99.9) at 1 year, and 99±0.004% (95% CI: 97.9-99.6) at 5-years. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR=6.4, 95% CI: 1.7-24.0, P=0.006), chronic kidney disease (HR=5.5, 95% CI: 1.4-21.9, P=0.016), and the presence of an aneurysmal left CIA (HR=5.3, 95% CI: 1.0.5-27.4, P=0.044) was associated with ARM. There were 42 (7.3%) late iliac-related events (limb occlusion, N.=5; iliac-related endoleaks, N.=37). Estimated freedom from iliac-related reintervention was 98±0.003% (95% CI: 97-99) at 1 year, and 95±0.01% (95% CI: 92.7-96.7) at 5-years, which was associated with an aneurysmal right CIA (HR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.9; P=0.005), and age ≥78 years (HR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.01-1.3; P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: EVAR flared iliac limb grafts showed a high rate of freedom from ARM and a low reintervention rate. Owing to these results, it can be a durable and stable alternative for patients aged >78 years.

Balloon Endoclamping for Postdissection Infrarenal Aorto-Iliac Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Isolated post dissection infrarenal and iliac aneurysm is a rare condition that often requires surgical treatment. Surgical repair should involve the replacement of the aneurysmal segments and a wide fenestration in the residual proximal untreated abdominal aorta. However, in these patients proximal aortic clamping may be challenging. Indeed, infrarenal clamping may hamper an appropriate fenestration in the proximal dissecting lamella, and suprarenal or supraceliac clamping can be dangerous and highly demanding, especially in acute and subacute patients. Here we report our initial experience with a balloon endoclamping technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our technique includes 1) direct aortic true lumen catheterization, 2) balloon endoclamping of the proximal thoracic aorta, 3) wide fenestration of the infrarenal aorta followed by external clamp positioning, 4) infrarenal aorta and iliac artery reconstruction. RESULTS: Between October 2018 and November 2019, 4 patients (male n = 4, median age 57 years) underwent postdissection iliac aneurysm repair in our institution. All patients had previously undergone emergent thoracic aorta repair. Postoperative courses were uneventful in all cases. At a median FU of 13 months, all patients remain well, with stable diameters in visceral aorta. CONCLUSIONS: In our initial experience, proximal aortic endoclamping appeared to be a safe technique associated with promising results. This approach may facilitate proximal aortic clamping and allow for a wide aortic fenestration. Further larger clinical trials are needed to validate our preliminary observations.

Graft endoclamping with brachio-femoral wire conduit for elephant trunk retrieval in open thoraco-abdominal aortic repair.

Staged repair involving aortic arch replacement with elephant trunk (ET) technique and thoraco-abdominal aorta (TAA) replacement is the treatment of choice for patients with extensive aortic disease. The ET graft serves as a proximal platform for subsequent distal aortic repair as it allows one to avoid hazardous dissection of the distal arch and facilitate proximal anastomosis. However, in patients with large proximal descending aorta aneurysm, identifying and retrieving the ET during the second-stage TAA intervention can be challenging because of an unclampable aorta. Here, we present our brachio-femoral wire conduit technique for a safe ET clamping and retrieval during second-stage TAA procedures.

Chimney technique with endoanchors in treatment of late type 1a endoleak after endovascular aortic repair.

The late type Ia endoleak after endovascular aortic repair could be a challenging issue. Over the last years, in case of short or enlarged neck, fenestrated and branched stent grafts have been increasingly employed with improving results. However, these devices have limited use in urgent/emergent cases as custom graft manufacturing takes long time, and may not be fit in patients with particular anatomic features. In this setting, chimney and relining remain an alternative but sometimes may not be adequate. According to literature, the use of the endoanchors associated to chimney technique can improve the procedure results in primary endovascular aortic repair. We treated two patients with a late type Ia endoleak after endovascular aortic repair with a simultaneous relining, single renal chimney, and endoanchors implant. These patients were valuated unfit for open repair with neck configuration unadapt for a simple relining, ballooning, or stenting. The patient conditions were unfavorable for an endovascular repair with branched endovascular aortic repair-fenestrated endovascular aortic repair. The same procedure was performed in both patients. Postoperative angio-computed tomographic scan demonstrated the resolution of the endoleak with patency of renal graft. Our preliminary experience, in these selected cases, demonstrate the feasibility of the technique in late type Ia endoleak.

Bell-bottom technique in iliac branch era: mid-term single stent graft performance.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is considered the primary option for abdominal aortic aneurysm but the management of concomitant wide or aneurysmal iliac arteries (CIAs) is still controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated mid-term results of patients receiving standard EVAR combined with bell-bottom technique (BBT) using Medtronic Endurant endograft between January 2009 and December 2018. Patients were followed up by CT scan performed 1 month after the procedure and by duplex ultrasound annually (with or without contrast medium) followed by CT scan in case of evolution. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (67 males; mean age of 77,1 years) with abdominal aortic aneurysm and wide or aneurysmal common iliac artery (distal landing zone diameter up to 25 mm and length more than 20 mm) were treated with standard EVAR and BBT (107 limbs) using Endurant stent graft. The median aortic diameter was 56,1 mm (31.0-85.0). Technical success was obtained in 100%. Mean procedural time was of 100.1 min. No 30 days' mortality, renal failure or limb ischaemia occurred. The median follow-up was of 36.56 months (1-136). 5-year aneurysm related mortality was not found. At 5 years, the number of all-cause deaths was seven. The freedom from secondary intervention was 91.6% at 5 years. Three patients (4.4%) were treated for iliac related complications at 5 years: internal iliac artery aneurysm, iliac obstruction, type 1b endoleak, all successfully treated by endovascular technique. CONCLUSIONS: According with this study BBT using Endurant stent graft is effective and safe with good mid-term results, with low rate of iliac related complications and no aneurysm related mortality.

Pararenal aortic aneurysm in situs inversus totalis: open repair with right retroperitoneal approach.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) refers to a mirror-image reversal of the internal organ position. The coexistence of abdominal aortic aneurysm and SIT is extremely rare; very short series have been reported; therefore its prevalence has never been estimated. The presence of anatomical anomalies could increase operative risk. The authors describe a case of successfully repaired pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a right retroperitoneal approach in situs inversus totalis.

Emergency Endovascular Treatment of Coral Reef Aorta with an Unconventional Technique.

Coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare condition featured by rock-hard calcifications that grow into the lumen of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Patients suffering from CRA may present severe downstream ischemic and embolic events involving the viscera and the lower limbs. In these patients, open surgical repair is the first choice of treatment. We present a case of a 70-year-old woman with acute presentation of bilateral limb ischemia and abdominal pain. An angio-computed tomography (CT) scan showed the subocclusion of the distal thoracic aorta due to a severe calcified coarctation with intraluminal thrombosis, a chronic occlusion of the superior mesenteric and celiac trunk arteries, a hypertrophic inferior mesenteric artery associated with signs of partial left kidney ischemia. The patient underwent urgent endovascular repair. A soft dilatation of the coarctation using a 7-mm noncompliant balloon was initially performed; a 21-mm conformable thoracic stent graft was subsequently deployed and increasingly dilated using progressively larger angioplasty balloons. The procedure was uneventful and the aortic gradient was reduced to zero. A postoperative CT scan revealed the proper deployment of the graft with no residual stenosis. Endovascular approach with the covered thoracic stent graft could be an accurate technique to treat CRA in the emergency setting. It allows for a primary protected balloon angioplasty and, in case of aortic-graft recoiling, a subsequent placement of covered or uncovered balloon-expandable stent graft can be safely and easily performed.

Predictors of cognitive functioning after carotid revascularization.

PURPOSE: High-grade carotid stenosis can affect cognition, but the relationship between stenosis correction and cognitive outcome is not fully understood, yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of post-operative neurocognitive functioning in patients with symptomatic severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with history of transient ischemic attack within the past 6 months and ipsilateral high-grade stenosis of ICA undergoing CEA were prospectively enrolled. Cerebral hemodynamics was assessed by means of the cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnia measured through transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Coloured Progressive Matrices plus Complex Figure Copy Test, and phonemic plus categorical (ca) Verbal Fluency tests were performed to assess right and left hemisphere cognitive functions, respectively. Cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive functions were assessed before and 6 months after CEA. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-one patients were included. The mean age was 73.2 (6.9) years and 121 (66.9%) were males. At 6 months from CEA, the scores obtained in the cognitive tests exploring the re-vascularized hemisphere's functions and ipsilateral cerebral hemodynamics were improved. At multivariate linear regression analysis, the 6-month change in cognitive performance was inversely associated with age [ß = -0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.22 to -0.12; p < .001] and CVR value obtained before CEA on the side of ICA stenosis (ß = -6.25, 95% CI -7.40 to -5.10; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with symptomatic high-grade ICA stenosis, age and cerebral hemodynamic status before CEA predicted the neurocognitive performance changes after surgical stenosis correction.

Treatment of a Proximal Giant Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Preview Open Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Sandwich Technique with Valiant Navion Evo Thoracic Endograft®.

We treated a 73-year-old female patient with a giant thoracic proximal aortic aneurysm above a previous multibranched thoracoabdominal graft without a distal neck for a standard endovascular approach. A procedure with sandwich technique was performed using the new Valiant Navion Evo Thoracic Endograft® to preserve visceral graft. Postoperative angio-computed tomography scan demonstrated the correct position of the endoprosthesis without any leakage with patency of visceral graft.

Influence of earthquakes on the occurrence of aortic aneurysm ruptures.

BACKGROUND: Catastrophic events have been correlated to increased incidence of cardio-vascular events, but no correlation between RAA and seismic activities have ever been investigated. METHODS: Hospital admissions related to RAA between January 2014 and December 2016 were retrospectively assessed in nine vascular centers of central Italy and correlated with date-matched seismic events. Correlation between RAA presentation and seismic event was first evaluated by Linear Regression analysis. Incidence of RAA events, mortality rate, and type of intervention were analyzed during seismic days (SD) and compared to outcomes during non-seismic days (nSD). RESULTS: A total of 376 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of RAA, and a total of 783 seismic events were reviewed. Twenty patients died before intervention (untreated). Open surgery was performed in 72.8%, endovascular treatment in 27.2%. General mortality at 30 days was 26.6% (30.5% for open surgery; 21.6% for endovascular treatment; P=0.24). Linear regression analysis between RAA and seismic periods revealed a significant correlation (slope=0.11±0.04, equation: y = 0.1143 x + 3.034, P=0.02). Incidence of RAA was 0.34 event per day during the entire period, 0.32 during nSD and 0.44 during SD (P=0.006). During seismic days, patients with RAA were older (80.5 years during SD vs. 77 years during nSD, P=0.12), were in poorer general condition at admission and remained untreated more frequently (8% SD vs. 4.7% nSD, P=0.3), and had a higher mortality rate at 30 days (46.2% SD vs. 27.2% nSD, P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: During seismic days, the incidence of RAA is higher in comparison to non-seismic days. Patients with rupture during seismic days have a higher risk of death.

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty in failing haemodialysis arteriovenous shunts: 12-month outcomes in 200 patients from the Aperto Italian registry.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the safety and technical and clinical outcomes of angioplasty with a drug-coated balloon for the management of venous stenosis in arteriovenous grafts and arteriovenous fistulas in patients undergoing haemodialysis. METHODS: Data were obtained from an ongoing prospective, non-randomised registry conducted at three Italian centres. Patients were treated with a drug-coated balloon according to standard procedures in each participating centre. Evaluation was by colour Doppler imaging every 3 months. The primary end-point was primary assisted patency. The secondary end-point was the rate of assisted patency of the vascular access. RESULTS: A total of 311 angioplasty procedures in 200 patients, (60.4% male), were analysed. The procedural success rate was 100%. A total of 192 treatments of restenosis were necessary in 81 patients during average 21 ± 8 months follow-up. Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated that 88.0%, 64.2% and 40.6% of treated lesions were free from restenosis at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Including multiple angioplasty, circuit patency rates were 99.2%, 92.5% and 84.8% at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Primary patency rates were highest in shunts treated de novo with drug-coated balloons. Risk of restenosis was associated with circuit age (p = 0.017), history of treatment with conventional angioplasty (p < 0.001) and the kind of balloon used during pre-dilation (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that favourable long-term patency rates can be achieved with the drug-coated balloon in a varied population of patients with failing haemodialysis arteriovenous shunts treated under conditions of actual care.

Endovascular Treatment of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury by Fractured Rib.

We treated an 89-year-old patient affected by a descending thoracic aorta lesion due to a rib fracture with a penetrating costal stump. An urgent combined thoracic and endovascular surgical approach was performed, removing the rib fragment and positioning an aortic endoprosthesis simultaneously. Postoperative angio-computed tomography scan demonstrated the correct position of the endoprosthesis without any leakage or periaortic hemorrhage.

Changes in the sublingual microcirculation following aortic surgery under balanced or total intravenous anaesthesia: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: In vascular surgery with aortic cross-clamping, ischemia/reperfusion injury induces systemic haemodynamic and microcirculatory disturbances. Different anaesthetic regimens may have a varying impact on tissue perfusion. The aim of this study was to explore changes in microvascular perfusion in patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair under balanced or total intravenous anaesthesia. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Patients undergoing elective open infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair received balanced (desflurane + remifentanil, n = 20) or total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA, propofol + remifentanil using target-controlled infusion, n = 20) according to the clinician's decision. A goal-directed haemodynamic management was applied in all patients. Measurements were obtained before anaesthesia induction (baseline) and at end-surgery and included haemodynamics, arterial/venous blood gases, sublingual microvascular flow and density (incident dark field illumination imaging), peripheral muscle tissue oxygenation and microcirculatory reactivity (thenar near infrared spectroscopy with a vascular occlusion test). RESULTS: The two groups did not differ for baseline characteristics, mean aortic-clamping time and requirement of vasoactive agents during surgery. Changes in mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance index, haemoglobin and blood lactate levels were similar between the two groups, while the cardiac index increased at end-surgery in patients undergoing balanced anaesthesia. The sublingual microcirculation was globally unaltered in the TIVA group at end-surgery, while patients undergoing balanced anaesthesia showed an increase in the total and perfused small vessel densities (from 16.6 ± 4.2 to 19.1 ± 5.4 mm/mm2, p < 0.05). Changes in microvascular density were negatively correlated with changes in the systemic vascular resistance index. The area of reactive hyperaemia during the VOT increased in the balanced anaesthesia group (from 14.8 ± 8.1 to 25.6 ± 14.8%*min, p < 0.05). At end-surgery, the tissue haemoglobin index in the TIVA group was lower than that in the balanced anaesthesia group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with a goal-directed hemodynamic management, indices of sublingual or peripheral microvascular perfusion/oxygenation were globally preserved with both balanced anaesthesia and TIVA. Patients undergoing balanced anaesthesia showed microvascular recruitment at end-surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03510793 , https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, date of registration April 27th 2018, retrospectively registered.

Neurocognitive functioning and cerebrovascular reactivity after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in patients with TIA and ipsilateral high-grade internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis whether changes in cognitive performance and cerebral hemodynamics occurred after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to explore their relationship. METHODS: Participants were patients who underwent CEA, had TIA within the last 6 months, and had an ipsilateral severe ICA stenosis. Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) plus Complex Figure Copy Test (CFCT) and phonemic (ph) plus categorical (ca) Verbal Fluency (VF) tests were performed to assess right and left hemisphere cognitive functions, respectively. Hemodynamics was assessed with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography by means of the cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnia. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients were included. Before CEA, patients with right ICA obtained lower scores on the CPM and CFCT; patients with left ICA stenosis performed worse on the phonemic and categorical VF tests. The CVR was decreased on the side of the stenosis. At 6 months from CEA, CVR and cognitive performance were significantly improved. The performance change in cognitive tests exploring the revascularized hemisphere was positively associated with the ipsilateral CVR variation (CPM: R2 for linear regression = 0.759, adjR2 = 0.737; CFCT: R2 = 0.734, adjR2 = 0.710; (ph)VF: R2 = 0.774, adjR2 = 0.749; (ca)VF: R2 = 0.732, adjR2 = 0.703). CONCLUSION: Cognitive performance was enhanced at 6 months since CEA, and the improvement was related to the CVR increase. Cerebral hemodynamics may be an independent and potentially reversible determinant of cognitive dysfunction in severe carotid artery disease.