Assessment of Plaque Characteristics by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Stent Restenosis following Carotid Artery Stenting: A Retrospective Study.

Background and objective: carotid artery stenosis contributes significantly to ischemic strokes, with management options including carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) ischemic stroke risk can be reduced. Controversies persist regarding their efficacy and factors influencing complications, and understanding the relationship between atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and stent restenosis after CAS is crucial. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study involving 221 patients who underwent CAS for symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Comprehensive assessments of plaque morphology were performed using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) before CAS. Patient demographics, including smoking status and diabetes, were also recorded. Stent restenosis was diagnosed using various imaging modalities, including ultrasound, angiography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Results: plaque analysis using CEUS revealed a significant association between plaque grade and restenosis incidence (p < 0.001), particularly with grade 0 (11.1%) and grade 2 plaques (66.7%). Smoking was notably associated with plaque vascularization and restenosis (p < 0.001), while diabetes did not significantly impact plaque characteristics or restenosis risk (p > 0.05). The mean duration of restenosis was 17.67 months. Stenting was the most frequent treatment modality for restenosis (70.6%). However, no significant relationship was found between restenosis type and plaque morphology (p = 0.268). Furthermore, while no clear relationship was observed between plaque morphology and the type of restenosis, our findings underscored the importance of plaque characterization in predicting post-CAS outcomes. Conclusions: this study highlights the utility of CEUS in predicting stent restenosis following CAS. There was a significant association between stent restenosis within 12-24 months after the carotid stenting procedure and an elevated grade of plaque vascularization. Moreover, one of the main factors possibly determining the grade of plaque vascularization was smoking. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine risk stratification in this patient population.

Assessment of atherosclerotic plaque morphology using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and its impact on primary cardiovascular events following simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of stroke after on-pump cardiac surgery during the perioperative period can affect up to 2% of patients, and is frequently linked to carotid artery disease. Notably, in patients with significant unilateral carotid artery stenosis of 80%-99%, the risk of stroke reaches 4%. Among individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 3% to 10% exhibit significant carotid artery stenosis. To mitigate the risk of stroke and mortality, patients can undergo either simultaneous or staged carotid endarterectomy and CABG. The aim of this study was to assess whether early postoperative complications, including stroke, following simultaneous CABG/CAE procedures, correlate with morphological attributes of carotid plaque, assessed via contrast-enhanced ultrasound. METHODS: A single centre retrospective analysis was performed including 62 patients who underwent simultaneous CABG/CEA between 2019 and 2022. Our study excluded patients who underwent staged carotid endarterectomy and CABG procedures, off-pump CABG, or those necessitating urgent CABG. Our analysis focused on patients meeting elective CABG criteria, diagnosed with symptomatic triple-vessel or left main trunk coronary artery disease (CAD), alongside asymptomatic carotid stenosis (a. carotis internae) exceeding 70% or symptomatic ipsilateral carotid stenosis surpassing 50%. The extent of contralateral carotid artery stenosis was not taken into account. Prior to the CEA/CABG procedure, each patient underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess atherosclerotic lesions, which were classified using Nakamura et al.'s classification. Among the patients, 37.1% exhibited no neovascularisation within the atherosclerotic plaque, 56.5% showed insignificant neovascularisation, and 6.5% displayed notable neovascularization within the plaque. Our study aimed to establish a connection between the degree of plaque vascularisation identified through contrast-enhanced ultrasound and subsequent postoperative complications. RESULTS: Upon evaluating postoperative complications occurring within 30 days after the surgery and the plaque morphology identified through contrast-enhanced ultrasound, a statistically significant correlation was observed between a higher grade of plaque vascularisation and the occurrence of ischaemic stroke (r = 0.329, p = .008). Monte Carlo calculations of the Chi-square test indicated a significant association between a higher grade of plaque vascularisation and the presence of peripheral artery disease (χ2 = 15.175, lls = 2, p = .003). CONCLUSION: Within 30 days of surgery, a significant correlation exists between the occurrence of ischaemic stroke following carotid endarterectomy subsequent to CABG and the presence of a higher grade plaque vascularisation as identified by contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Outcomes of simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting: A single centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke following a coronary artery bypass surgery is a well-known complication often predisposed by carotid artery disease. Perioperative risk of stroke after on-pump cardiac surgery can overall affect 2% of patients. Patients with 80-99% unilateral carotid artery stenosis carry a 4% risk of stroke. Significant carotid artery stenosis is present in 3-10% of patients who are candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Those patients might be considered for either simultaneous or staged carotid endarterectomy and CABG to reduce the risk of stroke and death. The purpose of this study was to evaluate preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and death and assess complications occurring during the early postoperative period after simultaneous CABG/CAE procedure. METHODS: A single centre retrospective analysis of 134 patients from 2015 to 2019 who underwent simultaneous CABG/CEA was performed. At the same period, a total of 2827 CABG were performed, of which 4.7% were simultaneous interventions. We excluded staged CEA/CABG procedures, off-pump CABG and urgent CABG patients. All patients included in the study met the criteria for elective CABG for triple-vessel or left main trunk symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) with asymptomatic >70% carotid stenosis or symptomatic ipsilateral >50% carotid stenosis regardless of the degree of contralateral carotid artery stenosis. Patient demographics, comorbidities and operative details were reviewed. The primary endpoint was to assess the intraoperative and 30-day risk of stroke and death after simultaneous CEA/CABG procedure. RESULTS: Simultaneous CEA/CABG is effective procedure that can be performed in high-risk symptomatic patients with acceptable results. Predictors of postoperative stroke were smoking (P = 0.011), history of MI (P = 0.046), history of CABG (P = 0.013), and history of stroke/TIA (P = 0.005). Significant risk factors for adverse major postoperative complications after simultaneous CEA/CABG procedure were cardiac arrhythmia (AF or AFL) (P = 0.045), previous MI (P < 0.001), and smoking (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous CEA/CABG procedure can be performed with acceptable results in patients having a high risk of stroke, septuagenarians and older.

Near-infrared spectroscopy as a predictor of cerebral ischaemia during carotid endarterectomy in awake patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring system to detect cerebral ischaemia, find indications for selective shunting during carotid endarterectomy and compare it with an internal carotid artery stump pressure monitoring technique in patients operated under local anaesthesia. METHODS: During January 2015 and November 2018, 131 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthesia were prospectively included in the study. Near-infrared spectroscopy as intraoperative monitoring was applied and compared with stump pressure. RESULTS: Carotid endarterectomy was performed successfully in 106 patients operated under local anaesthesia. Meanwhile, 25 patients developed neurological changes (motor or consciousness impairment, weakness of extremities, cognitive decline) during clamping, and all of them received a shunt. ΔrSO2, stump pressure and rSO2 (-11 ± 8%, 31 ± 6mmHg, 58 ± 11) values were smaller in the group of shunted subjects versus non-shunted group subjects (-2 ± 5%, 61 ± 17 mmHg, 64 ± 8) after 1 min of internal carotid artery clamping (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis showed a sensitivity of 90% (95% CI: 0.85-0.95) and a specificity of 70% (95% CI: 0.62-0.78) for a ≥10% drop in ΔrSO2 to predict ischaemia symptoms during carotid clamping. Using stump pressure with a cut-off value of ≤40 mmHg for predicting symptoms, the sensitivity was 82% and specificity 54%. CONCLUSIONS: Near-infrared spectroscopy is a suitable non-invasive cerebral oxygenation monitoring method during carotid endarterectomy. A 10% decrease of ΔrSO2 had a good correlation with clinical cerebral ischaemia signs and matched well with the stump pressure cut-off value of ≤40 mmHg. There is a possibility of near-infrared spectroscopy to replace stump pressure in cerebral oxygenation monitoring during carotid endarterectomy. However, we need larger prospective multicentre studies to identify the optimal threshold for shunt requirement.

Comparison of results of endovascular stenting and bypass grafting for TransAtlantic Inter-Society (TASC II) type B, C and D iliac occlusive disease.

INTRODUCTION: The priority use of endovascular techniques in the management of aortoiliac occlusive disease has increased in the last decade. The aim of the present article is to report 1- and 2-year results of iliac artery stenting (IAS) and aortoiliac grafting in the management of patients with TASC II type B, C and D iliac lesions and chronic limb ischaemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomised, one-centre clinical study, iliac artery stents and vascular grafts used for the treatment of patients with symptomatic lesions in the iliac artery were evaluated. This study enrolled 2 groups: 54 patients in the stent group and 47 patient in the surgery group. RESULTS: The primary patency rates at 1 and 2 years were 83% and 79.9% after IAS and 97.1% and 97.1% after surgical reconstruction, respectively (p = 0.015). The assisted primary stent patency at 1 and 2 years was 87.9% and 78.2%, respectively. The complication rate was 7.4% in the stent group and 6.3% in the surgery group. There was no perioperative mortality in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that patients with severe aortoiliac occlusive disease (TASC II types B, C and D) can be treated with IAS or surgically with satisfactory results. Iliac artery stenting is associated with decreased primary patency compared with the surgery group. Iliac artery stenting should be considered with priority in elderly patients or in patients with severe comorbidities.

Factors affecting primary patency of stenting for TransAtlantic Inter-Society (TASC II) type B, C, and D iliac occlusive disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate 1- and 2-year results and the influence of risk factors on the outcome in the patients undergoing iliac artery stenting for TASC II type B, C, and D iliac lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective nonrandomized study conducted between April 15, 2011, and April 15, 2013, 316 patients underwent angiography with a diagnosis of aortoiliac atherosclerotic disease. Of these, 62 iliac endovascular procedures (87 stents) were performed in 54 patients. RESULTS: The indications for revascularization were disabling claudication (Rutherford 2, 5.9%; Rutherford 3, 35.2%), rest pain (Rutherford 4, 22.2%), and gangrene (Rutherford 5, 16.7%). The overall complication rate was 9.2%. The cumulative primary stent patency at 1 and 2 years was 83.0%±5.2% and 79.9%±5.8%, respectively. Early stent thrombosis in ≤30 days was detected in two patients (3.7%). The primary patency rates for the stents ≤61mm at 12 and 24 months were 90.6%±4.5% and 86.6%±5.8%, respectively; those for the stents >61mm were 67.7%±10.9% and 60.2%±12.0%, respectively (P=0.016). The multivariate Cox regression analysis enabled the localization of a stent in both the CIA and the EIA (hazard ratio [HR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-9.5; P=0.021) and poor runoff (HR, 3.2; 95%, CI 1.0-10.0; P=0.047) as independent predictors of decreased stent primary patency. CONCLUSIONS: The localization of a stent in both iliac (CIA and EIA) arteries and poor runoff significantly reduce the primary stent patency. Patients with stents >61mm have a higher risk of stent thrombosis or in-stent restenosis development.

[Abdominal aortic aneurysm and horseshoe kidney anomaly]. / Pilvo aortos aneurizma ir pasagos formos inksto anomalija.

Horseshoe kidney is a challenge for vascular surgeon performing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. First case of successful surgical treatment and positive remote result is described in Lithuanian medical press. Literature review of world surgical treatment experience is given. Operative technique depends upon anomalous kidney vascularization. Three types of vascularization are described. Rational operative approach and necessity of isthmotomy are discussed, investigation methods and treatment algorithm is presented.

[Simultaneous myocardial revascularization and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (report of a fatal case)]. / Vienmomentine miokardo revaskulizacijos ir pilvo aortos aneurizmos operacija (retos komplikacijos aprasymas).

Patients with coronary disease associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm or aortoiliac occlusive disease often raise problems of operative strategy. In particular, the order in which these lesions should be treated is a frequent source of controversy. Our approach for the past two years has been a combined myocardial revascularization with abdominal aortic reconstruction in patients with both lesions. From 1999 through 2001 seven patients underwent combined abdominal aortic reconstruction with coronary artery bypass grafting. We report here the fatal case of combined coronary artery bypass grafting and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial heparinization and operation without extracorporeal circulation caused acute thrombosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm and femoral arteries. Our first experience advocates using total heparinisation and cardiopulmonary bypass for combined cardiac-aortic procedures.

[Contraversions of simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting, abdominal aorta and major vascular operations]. / Kompleksiniu sirdies, aortos ir stambiuju kraujagysliu operaciju kontraversijos.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with coronary artery disease associated with peripheral vascular disease often raise problems of operative strategy. Particularly the sequence of procedures in which lesions must be treated is a frequent source of controversy. The aim of this study was to research surgical strategy, early and late clinical outcomes for patients undergoing one-stage coronary and abdominal aortic or magistral artery surgical interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1999 through 2002 twenty eight patients underwent combined major vascular reconstruction with coronary artery bypass grafting. RESULTS: In group with abdominal aortic aneurysm 2 patients died. One patient died from intraoperative acute abdominal aortic aneurysm and bifemoral artery thrombosis with continuous bleeding from the vascular prosthesis in association with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Another patient died from bleeding from the sudden multiple gastroduodenal ulcers on post-operative day eight. In groups with peripheral vascular occlusive disease and carotid artery disease there were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that combined coronary artery bypass grafting and vascular operations are feasible on patients with concomitant carotid artery or peripheral vascular occlusive disease. Management of CAD associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm remains controversial.