["EVAR First" also in "Fit-for-Open-Repair" Patients? - 'CON' Statement]. / "EVAR first" auch bei "Fit-for-open-Repair"-Patienten? - Contra.

Our own long-term results and the numerous published data from the literature indicate that after open surgery or endovascular treatment, there is no significant difference with regard to morbidity and lethality in the early and long-term postoperative outcome of patients with low comorbidity ("low-risk" patients or patients "fit for open repair"). The advantage of endovascular aneurysmatic "repair" (EVAR) is revealed only in risk patients resulting in the fact that patient selection has a decisive role for the prognosis. Typical EVAR-associated complications such as late ruptures and secondary conversions, the re-intervention rate post-EVAR between 20 and 30 % as well as the appropriate training of young vascular surgeons favour a not too stringent limitation, i.e., preservation of open abdominal aneurysm surgery in suitable patients and indications.

[Endovascular treatment of traumatic ruptures of the thoracic aorta]. / Endovaskuläre Versorgung der traumatischen thorakalen Aortenruptur.

Traumatic rupture of the descending aorta is an acute life-threatening event. The most common cause is deceleration trauma resulting in a sudden stretching of the aortic isthmus as for example in car and motorcycle accidents and falls from a great height. Exemplified by a case report of a multiply injured 57-year-old male the diagnostic pathways, therapy and postoperative complications are presented.

[Influence of fixation mechanism on changes of the supra- and infrarenal segment of the aorta after endovascular treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysm]. / Einfluss des Verankerungsmechanismus auf Veränderungen des supra- und infrarenalen Aortensegments nach endovaskulärer Ausschaltung infrarenaler Bauchaortenaneurysmen.

INTRODUCTION: Dilatation of the infrarenal aortic segment determines the long-term outcome after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This segment is crucial for sealing and preventing stent-graft migration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate influence of fixation mechanism on changes of supra- and infrarenal aortic diameters over a 10-year period. METHODS: We reviewed all our endovascular procedures for abdominal aortic aneurysms and follow-up CT scans between 1998 and 2008. Only patients with the three most frequently implanted self-expandable stent-graft types and a minimal follow-up of three months were included in this study. Further inclusion criteria were elective repair and follow-up at our department to consistent data formats. A total of 103 patients, 35 with suprarenal fixation without hooks (Medtronic Talent®, Medtronic World Medical, Sunrise, FL, USA), 29 with suprarenal fixation with hooks (Cook Zenith®, Cook Inc. Bloomington, IN, USA) and 39 with infrarenal fixation with anchors (Gore Excluder®, W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz, USA) met the inclusion criteria. All measurements were performed in duplicate by two different investigators to determine intra- and interobserver errors. Based on this error a minimal change of 2 mm of infrarenal aortic neck diameter was determined as aortic neck dilatation. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up time of 39.4 (3-108.8) months, infrarenal aortic neck dilatation was found in 28.57% in the Medtronic group, 10.26% in the Gore group and 31.03 in the Cook group. Suprarenal changes were 17.14%, 20.51% and 17.24%, respectively. Reduction of the maximal diameter could be achieved in 74.3% (Medtronic), 79.5% (Gore), and 75.8% (Cook). Seven of 23 patients with a notable dilatation of the infrarenal neck required reintervention. All of them were stent-grafts with suprarenal fixation. No statistical significance was found between the 3 groups regarding changes of suprarenal or infrarenal diameters or migration rates. CONCLUSION: Although no statistical significance was found among the groups, infrarenal fixation showed the lowest rate of infrarenal dilatation.

Ten years of endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic transection--a single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to present the 10-year results after endovascular repair of acute traumatic rupture of the descending aorta in a single centre. METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive patients (35 men and 13 women; mean age 39.8 +/- 18 years) with traumatic lesions of the descending aorta were treated between March 1999 and November 2008. All patients were treated within 24 hours of admission. RESULTS: Thirty-one Gore TAG, 13 Medtronic Valiant, 6 Cook Zenith TX2 were used. The technical success rate was 100%, the conversion rate was 0%. Thirty-day mortality rate was 8.3%; overall procedure-related mortality was 2.1% due an acute stent graft compression syndrome. Infolding endografts were observed in 3 patients (6.25%). The left subclavian artery was covered in 35 cases (70%), in one patient revascularisation was necessary. No neurological deficit was reported. Mean follow-up was 51.9 months (4-116 months). No late complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of acute traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta is a safe method, with a lower morbidity and mortality than open repair.

Hybrid procedures for complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: early results and secondary interventions.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid procedures for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) have been previously described as an attractive alternative to open reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2009, 16 patients with a median age of 67years underwent hybrid repair of a TAAA (Crawford type I: 3, type II: 3, type III: 1, and type IV: 9). In 94%, 3 and more severe comorbidities were present, with previous aortic surgery in 56% of the patients; elective/urgent repair was done in 10 and emergent surgery in 6 patients. RESULTS: Primary technical success was 100%, with 31 vessels grafted. Elective/urgent mortality was 20% (2 of 10) and emergent mortality 50% (3 of 6). During follow-up time (median: 12 months) 2 patients died and 2 patients had to undergo secondary interventions. CONCLUSION: In high-risk patients especially after prior aortic surgery hybrid repair of TAAA is feasible. However, due to high mortality rates especially in the emergent situation this procedure should be reserved only for decidedly selected patients.

[Fast track in thoracic surgery]. / Fast Track in der Thoraxchirurgie.

Patients undergoing thoracic surgery are threatened by pulmonary complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis. Age, preoperative FEV(1), operative time and extent of resection are predictors for adverse outcome. Reported morbidity after lung resection is as high as 42% and mortality up to 7%. Fast track in thoracic surgery aims at reducing morbidity and mortality rates after lung resection by introducing specific measures into the pre-, intra- and postoperative periods. Basic fast track elements in thoracic surgery are smoking cessation, preoperative physiotherapy, micronutrient supplementation, high thoracic epidural anesthesia, fluid restriction, early mobilization and enteral feeding. The effectiveness of these individual measures has been proven of value in perioperative care, however, evidence on multimodal therapy regimens in thoracic surgery is limited. In particular it remains to be elucidated which patients should be fast tracked in order to improve outcomes.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute traumatic lesions of the descending thoracic aorta--7 years' experience.

OBJECTIVES: To present a single centers' 7-year experience in the endovascular treatment of acute traumatic lesions of the descending thoracic aorta (ATL of the DTA). MATERIALS & METHODS: Between March 1999 and December 2006, 34 consecutive acute traumatic lesions of the descending aorta (23 men, mean age 44 years) were treated endovascularly. Stentgrafts used were TAG Excluder, Zenith TX2 and Talent. In 23 patients the Left Subclavian Artery (LSA) was covered. Mean procedural duration was 20 to 75 minutes. RESULTS: Exclusion of the rupture site was achieved in all cases with no conversion to open surgery. Overall 30-day mortality was 8.8%. Two patients died on post operative day (pod) 1 and one on pod 22 from cranial injuries. No death or neurological deficit related to the endovascular treatment was reported. Four type I endoleaks required treatment either by balloon reexpansion (n=2) or by additional stentgraft implantation (n=2). In two patients the stentgraft collapsed totally several days postoperatively. Two patients required secondary surgical procedures (iliac access complication and revascularisation of the left subclavian artery n=1). The average follow-up was 43.8 months (1-93 months). No stentgraft related abnormality has been subsequently documented. CONCLUSIONS: The endovascular treatment of ATL of the DTA may offer the best means of therapy in a polytrauma patient.

Endovascular repair of symptomatic penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of the thoracic aorta.

BACKGROUND: In this study we evaluate published and personal experience of Endovascular Repair (EVAR) of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAU). PATIENTS AND METHOD: In 12 patients (mean 74 years, 58-87 years) PAU was diagnosed with computer tomography (CT). Symptomatic ulcers were treated by vascular surgeons using stentgrafts via a femoral access route. Patients were followed up clinically and with CT for an average of 849 days (186-1968 days). RESULTS: 11 patients had severe acute thoracic pain, one patient presented with hemoptysis. CT showed well outlined ulcer, intramural hematoma, and contrast enhancement of the aortic wall (n=12), pseudoaneurysm (n=11), intimal calcification adjoining the ulcer (n=10), pleural (n=9) and mediastinal fluid (n=4). Mean duration of surgery was 68min (32-120min). Primary technical success was achieved in all patients. There was no perioperative complications except one acute hemorrhage from an intercostal artery and one iliac dissection. 3 months after stentgraft application owing to a severe stenosis of the right common femoral artery, an iliofemoral bypass was performed in one patient. All patients were free of symptoms after the procedure. There was incomplete sealing of PAU in 2 of 12 patients, but no re-intervention was needed. All patients were alive during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic PAU is a potentially fatal lesion. Considering the low morbidity and mortality of EVAR, this option might be first choice.

[The vascular surgeon's role in intensive care]. / Intensivmedizin aus Sicht des Gefässchirurgen.

The role of vascular surgeons in the intensive care unit includes two major tasks: (1) consultant activity in complications of different operative specialties, for instance postoperative venous thrombosis after Wertheim's operation, mesenteric superior artery embolus, or arterial injury after total prosthetic replacement of the hip, (2) postoperative care following vascular surgery in order to identify and treat specific complications such as limb ischemia after reconstructive surgery, compartment monitoring after reperfusion injury of the aorta or extremities, carotis monitoring after postoperative apoplexy, and subsumed identification and treatment of ischemic and postischemic states in organs and tissues. Keeping vascular reconstructive options open is particularly important for polytrauma patients with blunt or open vascular injuries beginning from the thoracic aorta ending with subtotal amputation of the lower leg. Vascular surgeons in an intensive care setting play the central role in setting diagnostic course and therapy measures, while organ substitute therapy is within the administrative jurisdiction of the intensivist. Considering the complexity of morbidity in vascular patients, consultation by the intensivist, cardiologist, and neurologist is warranted.

[Thorax injuries]. / Thoraxverletzungen.

Thorax injuries may be divided etiologically into blunt and penetrating types, depending on the nature of the insult. In European practice, the former predominates by far, and in only about 5% of cases thoracotomy provides the necessary thorax drainage. Morbidity in this type of injury typically involves concomitant lung contusion, sometimes with fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome. In these cases, special ventilation forms, optimal reduction of pain, and organ replacement are the decisive therapeutic methods. In contrast, about 80% of penetrating trauma to the thorax require prompt transpleural or trans-sternal surgery, depending on the type of injury. Emergency first aid must follow the principle of "scoop and run". Each minute elapsed until emergent thoracotomy can be decisive to survival in these cases, and the fastest possible transport from the place of injury takes priority over time-consuming stabilization.

[Thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic vascular injuries]. / Gefässverletzungen im Thorax, Abdomen und Becken.

This paper reviews the surgical management of vascular injuries. Precise clinical and ultrasound evaluation is mandatory during the first steps of emergency treatment. For further documentation of the extent and site of arterial injuries in hemodynamically stable patients, computed tomography and angiography are crucial in differential diagnosis. Especially during the acute phase, the latter is indicated for evaluating the interventional therapy. The key to successful treatment of vascular injuries is immediate surgical control of hemorrhaging vessels.

Stentgrafting of the thoracic aorta-complications.

Endovascular therapy (EVT) of thoracic aortic pathologies meanwhile is an established procedure with favourable midterm results in high risk patients. Different stent fabrications are available with defined flexibility, radial attachment force, metallic stent components and membrane porosities. Recent approval of the TAG Excluder (Gore) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was an important step. Endoleaks, paraplegia, stroke and retrograde dissections are the main specific complications. Type I endoleak incidence rates are related to morphological case complexity; primary frequency rates of 0-20% are reported in the literature with 0-5% secondary incidence. Creating an appropriate proximal neck -- if necessary by supra-aortic branch remodelling -- and deliberate left subclavian artery overstenting is the key mechanism to avoid proximal endoleaks. Paraplegia rates are reportedly low with EVT in the range of 0-5%. Risk situations are: cases of rupture with compromised blood pressure, cases with a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) exclusion, cases who require total overstenting of the descending thoracic aorta. The role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in EVT is not defined. Stroke as consequence of embolizing material from central endoaortic manipulations is almost in the same range as paraplegia, when morphologies in the distal arch are attacked. Retrograde dissection is reported not only after treatment of type B dissection but also after aneurysms. Rigid bare springs and ballooning in cases of type B dissection seem to be involved. In recent reports mortality in elective cases varies between 1.5% and 6.5%. All these data are promising but the proof of longterm durability is still lacking. Further development will show whether or not these preliminary data will translate into longterm success.

[Interdiscplinarity in thorax operations-from the viewpoint of the surgeon]. / Operative Interdisziplinarität-Thorax. Aus der Sicht des Thoraxchirurgen.

Occasionally, thoracic interventions may require interdisciplinary teamwork with plastic surgery, heart and vascular surgery, or neurosurgery. Thoracic wall defects following excision of primary wall tumors or recurrent, ulcerating tumors of the breast may require full-thickness myocutaneous flaps, which can best be done with the help of plastic surgeons. In case of infiltration of the heart or thoracic aorta, the en bloc principle of T4 lung tumors occasionally requires the help of heart surgeons, for open atrial resection using the heart-lung machine, or vascular surgeons for aortic graft interposition. Paravertebral dumbbell tumors occasionally may infiltrate to the intraspinal space and therefore need removal by neurosurgeons. When and why other specialists are required for an interdisciplinary approach to diseases of the chest has not been clearly defined. Therefore it is wise to gain informed consent from the patient about the roles of different specialists in interdisciplinary treatment for his disease.

[Clinical pathways -- intervention or surgery for acute ischemia of the extremities]. / Die akute Extremitätenischämie. Clinical pathways-wann operieren, wann interventionell behandeln.

There is still controversial discussion concerning the therapy of limb-threatening ischaemia. In a retrospective study, we investigated and compared surgical and percutaneous interventional methods in the treatment of both embolic and thrombotic vascular occlusions in patients with pre-existing arteriosclerotic disease and attempted to propose therapy guidelines for these methods in the therapy of acute limb ischaemia. Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy represents a viable therapeutic alternative to surgical or surgical-interventional modalities, particularly in patients with occlusions consisting of soft, embolic material or located in infrapopliteal vessels. The indication for each respective method should be interdisciplinary and must be based on the individual patients' clinical and angiographic findings. Additional intraoperative endovascular procedures increase the range of therapeutic options and permit optimal revascularisation of vessels both proximal and distal to the site of occlusion.

Endovascular exclusion of thoracic aortic aneurysms: mid-term results of elective treatment and in contained rupture.

PURPOSE: The purpose is to present results of endovascular exclusion (stent-graft treatment) of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta both in elective cases and in emergencies. METHODS: Indications for stent-graft treatment were dependent on multislice angio-CT evaluation revealing a proximal neck of at least 10 mm between the left common carotid artery and the onset of aneurysm. All stent grafts were inserted in the operating room; 43 transfemoral, 2 transiliac. The stent grafts used were Corvita, Stenford, Vanguard, AneuRx, Talent, and Excluder. Deployment was achieved under fluoroscopic control, endoleaks were checked for with D S A on the operating table and postoperatively by angio-CT. Long-term follow-up consisted of evaluation with angio-CT after 6 and 12 months, and from there on once a year and with plain chest X-rays. Follow-up was achieved in all patients. RESULTS: Mean follow-up is 21 months (1-66); 30-day mortality is 3/45, no permanent neurologic deficit. Thirty patients were treated electively, 15 with contained rupture. Left subclavian artery overstenting proved to be necessary in 12 patients for proper proximal sealing of the aneurysm, type I endoleaks were observed in 10 patients, one early conversion, 7 proximal extension cuffs, one sealed spontaneously, one still at risk. Among patients where LSA had been overstented only one wanted a transposition, all others did well without left-hand ischemia or subclavian steal syndrome. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment is less invasive and has reasonable mortality and morbidity but is limited to well-defined morphologies. Mid-term results are promising but it has to be observed whether these will translate into long-term durability.

Treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with a combined endovascular and surgical approach.

AIM: The conventional approach for the repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms remains complex and demanding and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreover, in cases of reoperation the impact can be dramatic either in survival or in quality of life of the patients, albeit the use of adjuncts. A combined endovascular and surgical approach with retrograde perfusion of visceral and renal vessels has been realized in order to minimize intraoperative and postoperative complications. METHODS: Within an experience of 231 aortic stent-grafts between 1995-2000, 4 of the patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms were treated with a combined endovascular and surgical approach. Three procedures were electively conducted and 1 on emergency basis. Two women, 59 and 68 years old, and 2 men, 68 and 73 years old (maximum aneurysm's diameter was 10, 6, 8 and 9 cm, respectively) were operated with the combined method (the first 2 patients had a previous open repair of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm). The surgical approach was executed in all patients without thoracotomy or re-do retroperitoneal exposure. Revascularization of renal, superior mesenteric (and celiac in 2 cases) arteries was accomplished via transperitoneal bypass grafting. Aneurysmal exclusion was performed by stent-graft deployment. RESULTS: The entire procedure was technically successful in all patients. The 1(st) patient was discharged 6 weeks after the operation, while the postoperative studies revealed the patency of the vessels and no evidence of leak or secondary rupture of the aneurysm; the patient died 3 months after the repair, due to rupture of an aneurysm of the ascending aorta. In the 2(nd) patient, 30 months after the operation, spiral-CT scanning revealed distinct shrinkage of the aneurysm, no graft migration or endoleak and patency of all revascularized vessels. The 3(rd) patient died on the 6th postoperative day due to multiorgan failure after having developed ischemic-related pancreatitis, albeit the successful combined repair. The 4(th) patient followed an uneventful course. No patient experienced any temporary or permanent neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: The combined endovascular and surgical approach is feasible, without cross-clamping of the aorta and with minimized ischemia time for renal and visceral arteries, and seems the appropriate strategy for high risk and previously operated, with a thoracoabdominal trans-diaphragmatic approach, patients.

Endovascular treatment in diseases of the descending thoracic aorta: 6-year results of a single center.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate endovascular treatment in diseases of the descending thoracic aorta. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was designed as a single center's (university hospital) experience. Over a 6-year period (1995 to 2001), thoracic endografts were placed in 74 patients with a diseased descending thoracic aorta who were at high risk for conventional open surgical repair: 34 had atherosclerotic aneurysms, six had posttraumatic aneurysms, 14 had type B dissection with aneurysmal dilatation of the false lumen, 12 had isthmic transections from blunt trauma, five had thoracoabdominal aneurysms (treated with a combined procedure), two had aortic coarctation, and one had an aortobronchial fistula. Twenty-six procedures (35.1%) were conducted as emergencies, and 48 (64.9%) were elective. The feasibility of endovascular treatment and sizing of stent grafts were determined with preoperative spiral computed tomography and intraoperative angiography. RESULTS: Endovascular operations were completed successfully in all 74 patients; postprocedural conversion to open repair was necessary in three cases. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 9.5% (seven deaths). Temporary neurologic deficits developed in two patients; not one patient had permanent paraplegia. The primary endoleak rate was 20.3% (15 patients). The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range, 3 to 72 months). Five deaths occurred in the follow-up period, and three patients needed secondary conversion to open repair 2, 3, and 14 months after initial endografting. CONCLUSION: Endoluminal treatment in diseases of the thoracic descending aorta is feasible and may offer results as good as the open method.

[Endoluminal stent-assisted management of acute traumatic aortic rupture]. / Endoluminale stentgestützte Versorgung der akuten traumatischen Aortenruptur.

INTRODUCTION: Open repair of traumatic descending aortic rupture in trauma patients is associated with a mortality rate of 15-20% and a risk of paraplegia of 5-10%. Stent grafts may decrease the morbidity and mortality of these procedures by reducing blood loss and aortic occlusion time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within an experience of 52 thoracic stent grafts between 1995 and 2000, eight men with acute traumatic descending aortic rupture were conducted as emergencies without delay. All patients had severe coinjuries and presented with acute onset of mediastinal hematoma due to periaortic bleeding. Successful stent deployment was performed in all eight patients, seven of them required one single stent and one required two stents; within the aortic arch all stents covered the origin of the left subclavian artery. RESULTS: All acute aortic ruptures were sealed successfully. One death occurred in hospital from multiorgan failure. There was no conversion to open repair. Not one patient's condition resulted in temporary or permanent paraplegia. One endoleak required treatment by overstenting. Two patients required secondary surgical procedures (iliac access complication and revascularisation of left subclavian artery). Mean follow-up was 11 months (1-21 months). Mid-term freedom from endoleak was monitored in all patients. CONCLUSION: The treatment of acute traumatic descending aortic rupture with an endovascular approach is feasible and safe and may offer the best means of therapy. The mortality rate and risk of paraplegia are low compared with the risks associated with open operations. Continued surveillance is essential.

Endovascular repair of aortic rupture due to trauma and aneurysm.

OBJECTIVES: to report a single centre experience with endovascular repair of the ruptured descending thoracic and abdominal aorta. DESIGN: prospective non-randomised study in a university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: between 1995 and 2000, endovascular treatment was utilised for 231 aortic repairs; in 37 cases (16%) endografting was conducted on an emergency basis for 21 ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysms, 15 ruptured descending thoracic aortic lesions, and 1 ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The feasibility of endovascular treatment and the prostheses' size were determined, based on preoperative spiral CT and intraoperative angiography, both obtained in each patient. RESULTS: endografting was successfully completed in 35 patients (95%). Primary conversion to open repair was necessary in 2 patients (5%). Postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 11% (4 deaths). No patient developed postoperative temporary or permanent paraplegia. In 2 patients (5%) primary endoleaks required overstenting and in 6 patients (16%) secondary surgical interventions were required. Mean follow-up was 19 months (1-70 months); three deaths occurred within three months postoperatively (1-year survival rate 81+/-6%). In one case, secondary conversion to open repair was necessary 14 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: the feasibility of endoluminal repair of the ruptured aorta has been demonstrated. Endoluminal treatment may reduce morbidity and mortality, and may in time become the procedure of choice in certain centres. However, further follow-up is required to determine the long-term efficacy.