Could prior endovascular interventions affect the results of lower extremity below the knee autologous vein bypasses?

BACKGROUND: Performing a non-selective primary endovascular approach involves risk of performing ineffective procedures and could compromise future treatments. The objective of this research is to determine if previous failed endovascular intervention could affect bypass results. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including 77 below the knee (BTK) bypasses with great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients with critical limb ischemia, carried out between 2008-2018. Primary bypasses (P-BP) were compared with bypasses with history of previous failed endovascular intervention (Secondary bypasses [S-BP]). Primary outcomes included: primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency, and major amputation-free survival (AFS). The quality of GSV used was evaluated as a potential confounding factor. RESULTS: Forty-six procedures were P-BP (59.7%) and 31 S-BP (40.3%). The mean follow-up was 35.4 (SD: 31) and 28 (DS: 30) months respectively. Univariate results showed an increased risk of loss of primary patency (HR=2.7), primary-assisted patency (HR=3.1) and secondary patency (HR=3.26) in S-BP (P<0.05). This group also presented a trend towards an increased risk of major amputation (HR=1.6; P>0.05). Suboptimal GSV was used in 29% of S-BP and 15% of P-BP. This factor was identified as confounding partially, as it decreased the influence assumed by the history of prior endovascular intervention in the analyzed variables. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary bypasses show inferior results to primary bypasses in our series. Although the cause could be a prior failed endovascular intervention, the frequent use of suboptimal GSV in this type of patients may also contribute to this effect.

Tratamiento endovascular con dispositivos ramificados ilíacos: estudio multicéntrico / Endovascular treatment with iliac branch devices: multicenter study

INTRODUCCIÓN: se estima que entre 18 y un 39 % de los pacientes con aneurismas del sector aortoilíaco sometidos a tratamiento endovascular presentan zonas no aptas para el sellado distal en arterias ilíacas comunes. Tradicionalmente, una de las opciones disponibles para abordar dicha situación consiste en realizar un sellado distal a nivel de las arterias ilíacas externas, ocluyendo las arterias hipogástricas. Sin embargo, esto conlleva la aparición de manifestaciones clínicas derivadas de la isquémica pélvica en el 28-55 % de los casos. La utilización de dispositivos ramificados ilíacos (DRI) permite mantener el flujo anterógrado a las arterias hipogástricas, lo que evita este tipo de complicaciones. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es analizar los resultados a medio plazo de la exclusión endovascular de aneurismas del sector aortoilíaco utilizando DRI. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo multicéntrico que incluye los DRI utilizados para el tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas de aorta con afectación del sector aortoilíaco entre enero de 2008 y julio de 2019. Se recogieron datos demográficos, anatómicos, intra- y perioperatorios y de seguimiento en tres centros. Las variables de interés analizadas fueron: éxito técnico, mortalidad perioperatoria, incidencia de isquemia pélvica, permeabilidad primaria de rama hipogástrica y rama ilíaca externa, reintervención relacionada con DRI y mortalidad relacionada con el aneurisma. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 80 DRI implantados en 61 pacientes: 28 (35 %) Gore(R) Excluder(R) Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis y 52 (65 %) Cook(R) Zenith(R) Branch Endovascular Graft. Se implantaron DRI bilaterales en 18 casos (29,5 %). La tasa de éxito técnico fue del 95 % sin que existieran casos de muertes en el periodo perioperatorio. El seguimiento medio fue de 30,1 meses (± 26,3). Se presentaron seis casos de isquemia pélvica durante el seguimiento. La permeabilidad de la rama hipogástrica fue del 97,5 %, del 94,5 % y del 90,6 % a los 6, 12 y 24 meses, respectivamente. La permeabilidad de la rama ilíaca externa fue del 100 %, del 97,3 % y del 95,5 % a los 6, 12 y 24 meses, respectivamente. La tasa libre de reintervención secundaria al DRI fue del 100 %, del 96,8 % y del 94,7 % a los 6, 12 y 24 meses, respectivamente. Se produjo un caso de muerte relacionada con el aneurisma durante el seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: en nuestra experiencia, los DRI presentan buenos resultados a medio plazo en la exclusión endovascular de aneurismas con afectación del sector aortoilíaco. Estos dispositivos permiten mantener la permeabilidad de las arterias hipogástricas, minimizando la incidencia de isquemia pélvica. A pesar de las escasas complicaciones tardías y la baja tasa de reintervenciones, es necesario realizar un seguimiento a largo plazo para mantener el éxito técnico

INTRODUCTION: it is estimated that between 18-39 % of patients with aorto-iliac aneurysms undergoing endovascular treatment have a no suitable zone for distal sealing in common iliac arteries. Traditionally, one of the options is to perform a distal seal at the external iliac arteries occluding the hypogastric arteries. However, this can lead to complications derived from pelvic ischemia in 28-55 % of cases. The use of iliac branched devices (IBD) allow to maintain the antegrade flow to the hypogastric arteries, avoiding these complications. The objective of our study is to analyze the medium-term results of endovascular exclusion of aorto-iliac aneurysms using IBD. METHODS: a descriptive multicenter retrospective study including the IBD for the endovascular treatment of aneurysms with involvement of the aorto-iliac sector was conducted between January 2008 and July 2019. Demographic, anatomical, intra-perioperative and follow-up data was collected at 3 centers. The variables of interest analyzed were: technical success, perioperative mortality, incidence of pelvic ischemia, primary patency of the hypogastric branch and external iliac branch, DRI-related reoperation, and aneurysm-related mortality. RESULTS: eighty IBDs were included from 61 patients: 28 (35 %) Gore(R) Excluder(R) Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis, and 52 (65 %) Cook(R) Zenith(R) Branch Endovascular Graft. Bilateral IBDs were implanted in 18 cases (29.5 %). The technical success was achieved in 95 % of cases, with no perioperative deaths. The mean follow-up was 30.1 (± 26.3) months. 6 patients presented pelvic ischemia during follow-up. The patency of the hypogastric side branch was 97.5 %, 94.5 %, and 90.6 %, at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The patency of the external iliac side branch was 100 %, 97.3 %, and 95.5 %, at 6, 12, 24 months, respectively. Freedom from reintervention rate secondary to IBD was 100 %, 96.8 %, and 94.7 %, at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. There was 1 case of aneurysm-related death during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: in our experience, IBDs show good medium-term results in endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms. These devices allow to maintain the perfusion of the hypogastric arteries, minimizing the incidence of pelvic ischemia. Although the appearance of late complications and the need for reinterventions is low, a long-term follow-up should be carried out to maintain the success of the procedure

Fenestrated and chimney endovascular aneurysm repair versus open surgery for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with complex abdominal aortic aneurysms are unfit for open repair. New endovascular technologies and bailout techniques are being used for managing these complex anatomies. The purpose of this study is to compare the results obtained with advanced endovascular aneurysm repair (a-EVAR) techniques (fenestrated and chimney endografts) to those obtained with open repair for the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms not anatomically suitable for standard endovascular exclusion (infrarenal neck <10 mm, juxtarenal, suprarenal and Crawford's type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms). METHODS: All patients that underwent open surgery (OS cohort; historical, January 1994-December 2015) or a-EVAR (a-EVAR cohort; prospective, January 2006-December 2015) at our institution for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms that meet the anatomical criteria described above on the preoperatory contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan were included. Vascular Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (V-POSSUM) was employed for risk-assessment. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were included, all of them male: 56 in the OS cohort and 52 in the a-EVAR cohort (mean age: 67.5±6.7 vs. 72.65±6.4 years, respectively; P=0.000). V-POSSUM predicted 4 deaths for the OS cohort and 3 deaths for the a-EVAR cohorts within the postoperative period and morbidity rates of 57% and a 44.4%, respectively. All-cause 30-day mortality rates were 9 patients (16%) for the OS cohort and 2 patients (3.8%) for the a-EVAR cohort (P=0.038). Thirty-day morbidity rates were 59% for the OS cohort and 44% for the a-EVAR cohort (P=0.09). Mean cost of treatment was € 15,707 per patient for the OS cohort (median: € 11,516; inter-quartilic range [IQR]: € 7901; min-max: € 5069-11,0052) and € 33,457 per patient for the a-EVAR cohort (median: € 29,663; IQR: € 5979; min-max: € 13,865-19,3536), P=0.000. CONCLUSIONS: A-EVAR is a feasible alternative to open surgery for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms at our institution, with lower 30-day mortality rates, yet increasing double the amount the total cost of the therapy.

Popliteal artery aneurysm in patient with Klippel--Trénaunay--Weber syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The association of Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome (KTWS) with artery aneurysms is very rare. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 61-year-old man, diagnosed with left lower limb KTWS, presented with a venous ulcer and a popliteal aneurysm measuring 3.5 cm in diameter in the same limb. Endovascular treatment with covered stent was applied with good morphological and clinical results. CONCLUSION: We report a singular case of the association of a popliteal aneurysm with KTWS and its endovascular treatment. This treatment enabled exclusion of the popliteal artery aneurysm with safety and effectiveness and reduced the number of arteriovenous fistulas.

[Clinical and therapeutic characteristics of limb emboli]. / Características clínicas y terapéuticas de las embolias de extremidades.

INTRODUCTION: To treat an extremity embolus seems to be a simple and safe procedure. However, it is not exempt from potentially serious complications. We review our experience of treating acute peripheral arterial occlusion due to emboli. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 127 embolectomies performed during the last five years, in 120 extremities in 116 patients. The mean age of the patients was 80 years and 66% were female. All cases were presented as acute threatened limb ischemia grades IIA or IIB, and the mean evolution time was 27 hours. The patency, limb salvage and morbidity-mortality rates in the postoperative period and the salvage and survival rates in the follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the embolectomies, 55% were femoral and 30% brachial. Although 90% of the cases improved, only 75% of them recovered distal pulses. In the postoperative period the patency, limb salvage, morbidity and mortality rates were 90%, 96%, 13% and 6.4%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 24 months. Up until this time, the patency and survival rates are 91% and 61%, respectively. The only factor related with an increase in the amputation rate was a clinical presentation, such as a threatened immediate ischemia. The factors related with an increase in survival rate were appropriate cardiological treatment and control, and long-term anticoagulation treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Suffering an embolus of the extremities and its treatment causes considerable morbidity-mortality and limb amputation rates. The extremity salvage is associated with the clinical presentation at the time of the treatment. Long-term anticoagulation treatment and appropriate cardiological control increase the survival of these patients.

Características clínicas y terapéuticas de las embolias de extremidades / Clinical and therapeutic characteristics of limb emboli

Introducción. Tratar una embolia arterial de las extremidades resulta un procedimiento sencillo, seguro y resolutivo. Sin embargo, no es un proceso exento de complicaciones potencialmente graves. Material y método. Se han analizado retrospectivamente las 127 embolectomías realizadas, en los últimos 5 años, en 120 extremidades de 116 pacientes. La media de edad fue 80 años y el 66% eran mujeres. La mayoría se manifestó como isquemias agudas con amenaza de la extremidad, de una media de 27 h de evolución. Se han analizado las tasas de permeabilidad, salvamento y morbimortalidad postoperatorias y de salvamento y supervivencia a medio plazo en el seguimiento. Resultados. El 55% de las embolectomías fueron femorales y el 30%, humerales. El 90% de los casos mejoraron clínicamente, aunque sólo el 75% recuperó pulsos distales. En el postoperatorio los resultados fueron: permeabilidad del 90%, salvamento del 96%, morbilidad del 13% y mortalidad del 6,4%. El seguimiento medio fue 24 meses. Al final del seguimiento medio, los resultados fueron: salvamento de extremidad del 91% y supervivencia del 61%. El único factor relacionado con un incremento en la tasa de amputación fue la presentación clínica como una isquemia aguda con amenaza inmediata (frente a amenaza inicial). Los factores relacionados con una mejor supervivencia fueron unos adecuados tratamiento y control cardiológico y una anticoagulación prolongada a dosis ajustadas. Conclusiones. Sufrir una embolia de extremidades y su tratamiento mediante embolectomía producen tasas de morbimortalidad y amputación no desdeñables. El salvamento de la extremidad está relacionado con la clínica en el momento del tratamiento. La anticoagulación prolongada y el control cardiológico aumentan la supervivencia de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction. To treat an extremity embolus seems to be a simple and safe procedure. However, it is not exempt from potentially serious complications. We review our experience of treating acute peripheral arterial occlusion due to emboli. Patients and method. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 127 embolectomies performed during the last five years, in 120 extremities in 116 patients. The mean age of the patients was 80 years and 66% were female. All cases were presented as acute threatened limb ischemia grades IIA or IIB, and the mean evolution time was 27 hours. The patency, limb salvage and morbidity-mortality rates in the postoperative period and the salvage and survival rates in the follow-up were analyzed. Results. Of the embolectomies, 55% were femoral and 30% brachial. Although 90% of the cases improved, only 75% of them recovered distal pulses. In the postoperative period the patency, limb salvage, morbidity and mortality rates were 90%, 96%, 13% and 6.4%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 24 months. Up until this time, the patency and survival rates are 91% and 61%, respectively. The only factor related with an increase in the amputation rate was a clinical presentation, such as a threatened immediate ischemia. The factors related with an increase in survival rate were appropriate cardiological treatment and control, and long-term anticoagulation treatment. Conclusions. Suffering an embolus of the extremities and its treatment causes considerable morbidity-mortality and limb amputation rates. The extremity salvage is associated with the clinical presentation at the time of the treatment. Long-term anticoagulation treatment and appropriate cardiological control increase the survival of these patients (AU)

Derivaciones femorodistales perimaleolares en pacientes en hemodiálisis / Perimalleolar femorodistal bypasses in haemodialysis patients

Introducción. El incremento en la prevalencia de la enfermedad renal terminal y el aumento de la supervivencia de los pacientes sometidos a hemodiálisis hace que cada vez sean más frecuentes las manifestaciones arterioescleróticas avanzadas en sus miembros inferiores. Objetivo. Comparar los resultados inmediatos y a medio plazo de las derivaciones femorodistales perimaleolares realizadas en pacientes sometidos a hemodiálisis con los de los pacientes sin tratamiento renal sustitutivo. Pacientes y métodos. Se comparan los resultados obtenidos en dos grupos de pacientes: 36 derivaciones en 29 pacientes en hemodiálisis frente a 96 derivaciones en 87 pacientes sin hemodiálisis, realizadas en los últimos 10 años. Las características demográficas y clínicas fueron similares entre ambos grupos, excepto en una mayor presencia de hipertensión arterial en el grupo de pacientes en hemodiálisis. Se analizaron los resultados en el postoperatorio inmediato y durante el seguimiento. Resultados. En ambos grupos, la técnica más utilizada fue la derivación femoropedia con la vena safena invertida. En el postoperatorio inmediato, los pacientes en hemodiálisis presentaron una morbilidad mayor que los pacientes sin hemodiálisis (p = 0,03), debido a una mayor incidencia de complicaciones generales. El seguimiento medio en ambos grupos fue de 36 meses y durante este período los pacientes en hemodiálisis presentaron una menor supervivencia media (p = 0,02), debida a una mayor mortalidad cardiológica. Conclusiones. Las derivaciones femorodistales perimaleolares son técnicas de salvamento de la extremidad factibles en pacientes en hemodiálisis, con resultados vasculares comparables a los de los pacientes sin hemodiálisis. Sin embargo, los pacientes en hemodiálisis presentan una mayor morbilidad postoperatoria y una menor supervivencia media

Introduction. The rise in the prevalence of terminal kidney disease and the increased survival of patients submitted to haemodialysis are making advanced arteriosclerotic manifestations in their lower limbs increasingly more frequent. Aim. To compare the immediate and medium-term outcomes of perimalleolar femorodistal bypasses carried out in patients submitted to haemodialysis with those of patients who do not require renal replacement therapy. Patients and methods. We compared the outcomes obtained in two groups of patients, namely, 36 bypasses in 29 haemodialysis patients versus 96 bypasses carried out in 87 patients who did not require haemodialysis, performed over the last 10 years. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar, except for a greater presence of arterial hypertension in the group of haemodialysis patients. Outcomes in the immediate post-operative period and during the follow-up were analysed. Results. In both groups the most widely used technique was a femoral-dorsalis pedis bypass with inverted saphenous vein. In the immediate post-operative period, patients undergoing haemodialysis presented a higher rate of morbidity than patients who did not require haemodialysis (p = 0.03), owing to a higher incidence of general complications. The mean follow-up time in the two groups was 36 months and during this period the haemodialysis patients presented a lower mean rate of survival (p = 0.02), due to a higher rate of mortality from heart pathologies. Conclusions. Perimalleolar femorodistal bypasses are limb salvage techniques that are feasible in haemodialysis patients, with vascular outcomes that are comparable to those of patients who do not require haemodialysis. Nevertheless, patients undergoing haemodialysis have a higher rate of post-operative morbidity and a lower mean rate of survival