Exploring the Potential of MIM-Manufactured Porous NiTi as a Vascular Drug Delivery Material.

Porous nickel-titanium (NiTi) manufactured using metal injection molding (MIM) has emerged as an innovative generation of drug-loaded stent materials. However, an increase in NiTi porosity may compromise its mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. This study aims to explore the potential of porous NiTi as a vascular drug delivery material and evaluate the impact of porosity on its drug loading and release, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility. MIM, combined with the powder space-holder method, was used to fabricate porous NiTi alloys with three porosity levels. The mechanical properties of porous NiTi were assessed, as well as the surface cell growth capability. Furthermore, by loading rapamycin nanoparticles onto the surface and within the pores of porous NiTi, we evaluated the in vitro drug release behavior, inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, and inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. The results demonstrated that an increase in porosity led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of porous NiTi, including hardness, tensile strength, and elastic modulus, and a decrease in the surface cell growth capability, affecting both cell proliferation and morphology. Concurrently, the loading capacity and release duration of rapamycin were extended with increasing porosity, resulting in enhanced inhibitory effects on cell proliferation in vitro and inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. In conclusion, porous NiTi holds promise as a desirable vascular drug delivery material, but a balanced consideration of the influence of porosity on both mechanical properties and cytocompatibility is necessary to achieve an optimal balance among drug-loading and release performance, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility.

Adaptation process of decellularized vascular grafts as hemodialysis access in vivo.

Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) have emerged as the preferred option for constructing hemodialysis access in numerous patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated that decellularized vascular graft exhibits superior patency and excellent biocompatibility compared to polymer materials; however, it still faces challenges such as intimal hyperplasia and luminal dilation. The absence of suitable animal models hinders our ability to describe and explain the pathological phenomena above and in vivo adaptation process of decellularized vascular graft at the molecular level. In this study, we first collected clinical samples from patients who underwent the construction of dialysis access using allogeneic decellularized vascular graft, and evaluated their histological features and immune cell infiltration status 5 years post-transplantation. Prior to the surgery, we assessed the patency and intimal hyperplasia of the decellularized vascular graft using non-invasive ultrasound. Subsequently, in order to investigate the in vivo adaptation of decellularized vascular grafts in an animal model, we attempted to construct an AVG model using decellularized vascular grafts in a small animal model. We employed a physical-chemical-biological approach to decellularize the rat carotid artery, and histological evaluation demonstrated the successful removal of cellular and antigenic components while preserving extracellular matrix constituents such as elastic fibers and collagen fibers. Based on these results, we designed and constructed the first allogeneic decellularized rat carotid artery AVG model, which exhibited excellent patency and closely resembled clinical characteristics. Using this animal model, we provided a preliminary description of the histological features and partial immune cell infiltration in decellularized vascular grafts at various time points, including Day 7, Day 21, Day 42, and up to one-year post-implantation. These findings establish a foundation for further investigation into the in vivo adaptation process of decellularized vascular grafts in small animal model.

Comparative effectiveness of endovascular treatment modalities for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the best endovascular treatment for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up through network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Medical databases were searched on September 17, 2023. 17 trials and 7 treatments were selected. Outcomes were primary patency, target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation and all-cause mortality at 3 and/or 5 years. RESULTS: Regarding 3-year primary patency, drug-eluting stents (DES) was the best and better than balloon angioplasty (BA; odds ratio [OR], 4.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68-9.18), bare metal stents (BMS; OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.45-5.46), cryoplasty (OR, 6.75; 95% CI, 2.76-16.50), covered stents (CS; OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.19-8.87) and drug-coated balloons (DCB; OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.14-3.63). Regarding 5-year primary patency, DES was the best and better than BMS (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.10-4.99). Regarding 3-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.13-0.44). Regarding 5-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.09-0.42) and balloon angioplasty with brachytherapy (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74). Regarding 3- and 5-year major amputation, DCB was the best. Regarding 3-year mortality, DES was the best and better than CS (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: DES was the best treatment regarding 3-year primary patency, TLR and mortality, and DCB was the best regarding major amputation. DES was the best treatment regarding 5-year TLR, and DCB was the best regarding primary patency and major amputation. DES and DCB should be given priority in treating femoropopliteal lesions.

Immune-Related Genes and Immune Cell Infiltration Characterize the Maturation Status of Arteriovenous Fistulas: An Integrative Bioinformatics Study and Experimental Validation Based on Transcriptome Sequencing.

Purpose: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis, but the low maturation rate is concerning. Immune cells' impact on AVF maturation lacks bioinformatics research. The study aims to investigate the potential predictive role of immune-related genes and immune cell infiltration characteristics in AVF maturation. Patients and Methods: We analyzed the high-throughput sequencing dataset to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, we performed enrichment analyses (GO, KEGG, GSEA) on immune-related genes and pathways in mature AVF. We focused on differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) and constructed a PPI network to identify hub genes. These hub genes were validated in other databases and experiments, including qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The immune cell infiltration characteristics in native veins, failed AVFs, and matured AVFs were analyzed by cibersortX. Partial experimental validation was conducted using clinical samples. Results: Our results showed that immune-related genes and signaling pathways are significantly enriched in mature AVF. We validated this in other databases and ultimately identified three hub genes (IL1B, IL6, CXCR4) in combination with experiments. Significant differences in immune cell infiltration characteristics were observed among native veins, failed AVFs, and matured AVFs. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that accumulation of CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells, mast cells and M2 macrophages contribute to AVF maturation. These immune-related genes and immune cells have the potential to serve as predictive factors for AVF maturation. We partially validated this experimentally. Conclusion: From a bioinformatics perspective, our results have identified, for the first time, a set of immune-related genes and immune cell infiltration features that can characterize the maturation of AVF and significantly impact AVF maturation. These features hold potential as predictive indicators for AVF maturation outcomes.

Bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited articles on branch reconstruction in endovascular aortic repair.

With the global acceptance of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for aortic diseases, one of the most common issues in EVAR is the preservation of critical aortic branches. Despite the fact that many studies on EVAR-assisted endovascular branch reconstruction techniques have been published. There were few bibliometric analyses that focused on branch rebuilding in endovascular aortic repair. In this study, we aim to analyze the characteristics of the 100 most-cited articles on branch reconstruction in Endovascular Aortic Repair. The most popular articles retrospectively searched on the Web of Science were published between 1999 and 2018, with 10480 citations in total (an average of 551.58 citations per year). The top-cited article was 281 citations. The peak years of citations was 2019 (1051 citations). Journal of Vascular Surgery published the most articles (46 articles) and was the most-cited journal (5055 citations), and the United States was the country with the greatest number of publications (43 articles). Cleveland Clinic was the most influential institution with 20 articles. Fenestration technique was the major topic area of interest and trend (63 articles mentioned). Customised device was the most widely used endograft (52 articles mentioned). Renal artery was the most frequently reconstructed branch of aorta (70 articles mentioned). Our analysis showed the endovascular branch reconstruction in EVAR developed rapidly over the past 20 years. Continued exploration and cooperation between specialties and manufacturers on endograft design and modifications will further enhance knowledge of disease intervention and treatment.

Zone 2/3 lesion and emergency repair as potential mortality predictors of TEVAR for thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm (TAP) is an uncommon but life-threatening condition. The present study aimed to investigate the early and midterm clinical outcome of TAP patients following TEVAR and identify potential mortality predictors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 37 eligible patients with TAP admitted to our hospital from July 2010 to July 2020. We explored their baseline, perioperative and follow-up data. Fisher exact test and Kaplan-Meier method were applied for comparing difference between groups. RESULTS: There were 29 men and 12 women, with the mean age as 59.5 ± 13.0 years (range 30-82). The mean follow-up period was 30.7 ± 28.3 months (range 1-89). For early outcome (≤ 30 days), mortality happened in 3 (8.1%) zone 3 TAP patients versus 0 in zone 4 (p = 0.028); postoperative acute arterial embolism of lower extremity and type II endoleak respectively occurred in 1(2.7%) case. For midterm outcome, survival at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years was 88.8%, 75.9% and 68.3%, which showed significant difference between zone 2/3 versus zone 4 group (56.3% vs. 72.9%, p = 0.013) and emergent versus elective TEVAR group (0.0% versus 80.1%, p = 0.049). Previous stent grafting or esophageal foreign body with Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF), and systemic vasculitis, as etiologies, resulted in encouraging immediate outcome but worse midterm prognosis. CONCLUSION: TAP lesions at zone 2/3 and emergent TEVAR predict worse midterm outcomes compared to zone 4 lesions and elective TEVAR. The outcomes are also mainly restricted by the etiology of the TAP.

Reliability of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Predicting Implant Treatment Outcomes in Edentulous Patients.

Since the development of CBCT has been utilized in dentistry, the images of the CBCT can assist the surgeon to evaluate the anatomy carefully. Despite the value of radiology evaluation, implant procedures may require additional consideration rather than only evaluating the anatomical factors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictability of using CBCT alone to plan for implant placement in edentulous patients digitally. CBCT images were analyzed by clinicians, measuring the maxillary and mandibular ridge heights and widths digitally of four predetermined implant sites in the maxillary and two selected implant sites in the mandibular arches of 91 patients planning for implant-supported overdenture. A total of 47 patients out of the 91 had completed implant placement on the edentulous ridge, contributing to 55 upper and/or lower arches (136 dental implants). Both predictabilities are low, implying that CBCT planning for implant placement on the edentulous ridge is not a good index and is insufficient to predict the surgical procedures as a solo method. The findings of this study indicate that digital planning by CBCT is insufficient to serve as an individual tool to predict implant procedures. Further information and evaluation must be considered for implant placement in the edentulous ridge.

A Modern Approach to Treat Molar/Incisor Pattern Periodontitis-Review.

Molar-incisor pattern periodontitis (MIPP) is a severe form of periodontal disease characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction affecting the molars and incisors. Formerly referred to as aggressive periodontitis, the terminology for this condition was revised after the 2017 workshop on the classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. Despite the modification in nomenclature, the treatment strategies for MIPP remain a critical area of investigation. The core principles of MIPP treatment involve controlling local and systemic risk factors, managing inflammation, and arresting disease progression. Traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, is commonly employed as an initial step together with the prescription of antibiotics. Surgical intervention may be necessary to address the severe attachment loss. Surgical techniques like resective and regenerative procedures can aid in achieving periodontal health and improving esthetic outcomes. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current understanding and advancements in the treatment modalities of MIPP. Through an extensive analysis of the existing literature, we discuss various modern therapeutic approaches that have been explored for managing this challenging periodontal condition.

Effect of acupuncture on neuroinflammation in animal models of Alzheimer's disease: A preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Despite neuroinflammation being an important component of the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), effective therapies to alleviate neuroinflammation are still lacking. Many animal experiments in AD have found that acupuncture may ameliorate cognition by decreasing neuroinflammation and modulating cytokines, but its effects have not been systematically examined. We aimed to assess its efficacy on neuroinflammation in AD and to investigate the potential mechanisms. Materials and methods: The following databases were searched from inception until 24 August 2022: Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Animal studies that reported the efficacy of acupuncture on neuroinflammation in AD were included. The SYRCLE Robt was utilized to evaluate methodological quality. Stata 17 was utilized to conduct a meta-analysis of cytokine levels and the results of the Morris water maze. Results: 23 studies were included, with a total of 417 rats/mice. The overall quality of all included reports was medium. The results indicated that acupuncture significantly reduced the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines which included IL-1ß [SMD = -3.50, 95% CI (-4.31, -2.69); I 2 = 78.6%] (P < 0.05), TNF-α [SMD = -3.05, 95% CI (-3.86, -2.24); I 2 = 69.6%] (P < 0.05), IL-6 [SMD = -3.22, 95% CI (-4.62, -1.81); I 2 = 77.6%] and enhanced the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4 [SMD = 2.77, 95% CI (1.95, 3.59); I 2 = 33.9%] (P < 0.05), IL-10 [SMD = 1.84, 95% CI (1.20, 2.49); I 2 = 41.0%] (P < 0.05) in an animal model of AD. Regarding the Morris water maze, compared to the control group, the acupuncture group showed a shorter escape latency [SMD = -2.23, 95% CI (-2.89, -1.57); I 2 = 79.2%] (P < 0.05), longer duration in platform quadrant [SMD = 2.34, 95% CI (1.44, 3.23); I 2 = 81.7%] (P < 0.05), and increased platform crossing number [SMD = 2.79, 95% CI (2.06, 3.53); I 2 = 71.9%] (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture may reduce neuroinflammation in AD by modulating cytokine expression. This modulation significantly improved cognitive function in animal models of AD. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022354878.

Purinergic receptor P2X7 contributes to abdominal aortic aneurysm development via modulating macrophage pyroptosis and inflammation.

The purinergic receptor P2X7 has been established as an important mediator of inflammation and participates in a variety of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, however, its role in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that P2X7 plays essential roles in AAA development via modulating macrophage pyroptosis and inflammation. P2X7 is highly expressed in human AAA specimen, as well as in experimental murine AAA lesions (both CaCl2- and Angiotensin II-induced AAA models), and it mainly confines in macrophages. Furthermore, P2X7 deficiency or pharmacological inhibition with its antagonist could significantly attenuate aneurysm formation in experimental murine AAA models, while P2X7 agonist could promote AAA development. The caspase-1 activity, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and pro-inflammatory gene expression were significantly reduced in experimental AAA lesions in mice with P2X7 deficiency or inhibition. Mechanistically, macrophage P2X7 can mediate the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and activate its downstream caspase-1 to initiate the pyroptosis pathway. After caspase-1 activation, it further cleaves pro-interleukin (IL)-1ß and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Consequently, the N-terminal fragment of GSDMD forms pores on the cell membrane, leading to macrophage pyroptosis and release of the pro-inflammatory factor IL-1ß. The resulting vascular inflammation further leads to the upregulation of MMP and ROS, thereby promoting AAA development. In summary, these data identify P2X7-mediated macrophage pyroptosis signaling pathway as a novel contributory mechanism of AAA formation.

Fiber-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Mechanical Energy Harvesting and Its Application to a Human-Machine Interface.

Mechanical energy harvesters including piezoelectric nanogenerators, electromagnetic generators and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) used to convert the mechanical motion into electricity are more and more important in the recent decades. Specifically, the fiber-based TENG (FTENG) has gained considerable favors due to its flexibility, light weight, and high environmental tolerance for the wearable devices. The traditional FTENGs made of Teflon result in better performance but are not suitable for long-term wear in person. Here, we propose a novel FTENG using a flexible micro-needle-structured polydimethylsiloxane (MN-PDMS) together with the comfortable commercially available 2D-polyester fibers, and electroless nickel-plated cotton cloth of which two are widely used in human daily life. The MN-PDMS is formed by a laser engraved mold for improving its output performance of FTENG compared to the flat-PDMS. The open-circuit voltage (Voc) and the short-circuit current (Isc) of MN-FTENG increased to 73.6 V and 36 µA, respectively, which are 34% and 37% higher than the flat-FTENG. In terms of power, the performance of MN-FTENG reaches 1.296 mW which is 89% higher than that of flat-TENG and it can also light up 90 LEDs. For application, human motion at the joints can be detected and collected with various signals that are used for the human-machine interface (HMI) through the cooperation of components for the Internet of Things (IoT). It can light up the LED bulb through MN-FTENG to potentially develop IoT HMI systems for human motion control of robot in the future.

Outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with chimney technique for aortic arch diseases.

Objective: This study aimed to summarize the long-term experience of using the chimney technique in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic arch diseases. Methods: From November 2007 to June 2021, a total of 345 consecutive patients (mean age 56 ± 11.3 years, range 28-83, 302 men) with aortic arch pathologies underwent TEVAR combined with chimney technique (cTEVAR). Their medical data and follow-up results were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results: Among the 345 patients, 278 (80.6%) received single chimneys, 53 (15.4%) received double chimneys, 7 (2%) received triple chimneys, and 7 (2%) underwent cTEVAR accompanied by other techniques (two with extra-anatomical bypass, two with in situ fenestration, and three with physician modified fenestration). A total of 412 chimney stents were used, including 27 in the innominate artery (IA), 113 in the left common carotid artery, 270 in the left subclavian artery, and two in the aberrant right subclavian artery. Early type IA endoleaks were found in 38 (11%) patients, including 12 with the double or triple chimney technique. Early type II endoleak was found in nine (2.6%) patients. Early re-intervention occurred in two patients with double chimney technique, one for chimney stent migration and the other for compression of chimney stent. The 30-day mortality was 1.2% (4 in 345). During a mean follow-up of 42 ± 22 months (range 1-108 months), major stroke occurred in nine (2.6%) patients, chimney occlusion or stenosis occurred in six (1.7%), and retrograde type A aortic dissection occurred in four (1.2%). Fourteen (4.1%) patients received the secondary intervention. The all-cause mortality was 6.7% (23 in 345). Additionally, the total adverse event rate after cTEVAR was 13.9% (48 in 345). Conclusion: TEVAR with chimney technique provides a minimally invasive alternative with good chimney graft patency and low postoperative mortality during follow-up. However, the double and triple chimney techniques should be used cautiously as they seem to have a higher risk for type IA endoleak and adverse events after the operation.

Endovascular repair combined with adjunctive procedures in the treatment of tuberculous infected native aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to analyze the experience of a single center and assess the efficacy and durability of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in patients with tuberculous infected native aortic aneurysms (INAAs). METHODS: All patients who underwent EVAR for INAAs between September 2014 and August 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The primary end points were 30-day and overall mortality rates; the secondary outcomes included major complications, endoleak, recurrence, reintervention rate, and thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysmal sac. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (average age, 61.3 years; 10 female [55.6%]) were identified. Fifteen patients (83.3%) had adjunctive procedures. Both the in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 0%. The overall cumulative survival rates estimated by Kaplan-Meier were 100% at 1 and 6 months, and 92.3% at 12 and 24 months, and 80.8% at 36 and 48 months. Type Ib and II endoleaks each occurred in 1 patient (5.6%) and resolved without treatment after 1 month. No graft infections, strokes, paraplegia, ischemic abdominal complications, or other major complications occurred. The overall rates of cumulative freedom from recurrence of aneurysm and reintervention were 83.9% and 81.8%, respectively, during the median follow-up period of 28.5 months (range, 1-72 months). The median time of administering antituberculosis drugs was 10.5 months (range, 2-44 months). CONCLUSIONS: EVAR combined with oral antituberculosis medication is effective and may be an appealing treatment option for patients with high-risk INAAs. Adjunctive procedures, including targeted drug delivery to the site of infection, could be a solution to further controlling the infection, but still needs further evaluation.

Early Results of a Novel Gutter-Free Chimney Stent-Graft System to Treat Aortic Arch Dissection: Single-Center Data from a Prospective Clinical Trial.

AIMS: Discuss the clinical value, technique characteristics, and early follow-up results of a newly designed gutter-free chimney stent-graft system for aortic arch pathology. METHODS AND RESULTS: About 13 patients with aortic arch dissection were enrolled in a clinical trial testing a novel gutter-free stent-graft between February 2019 and December 2020. All 13 patients were male, age 52.6±10.4 years. The implantation time was 14.0±6.9 minutes; total procedure time was 89.5±19.8 minutes. The volume of contrast was 79.6±7.2 ml. And 15 aortic stent-grafts were implanted, and all 13 patients had chimney branch stent-grafts implanted into the left subclavian artery (LSA). There were 3 (23.1%) cases of immediate type Ιa endoleak after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and 7.7% type Ιa endoleaks occurred in delayed fashion. Survival at 2 years was 100%, and the 2-year patency of chimney stent-grafts was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports early success with good freedom from endoleak using a novel stent-graft designed for chimney TEVAR to treat aortic arch dissection. Postoperative survival and patency of the branch stent-grafts were excellent. Additional data from this multicenter clinical trial will be forthcoming.

Similar Midterm Clinical Outcomes and Aortic Remodeling in Bifurcated and Straight Aortic Stent Grafts Used to Treat Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection.

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment for isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is currently unknown. We compared the effects of straight and bifurcated aortic stent grafts on postoperative aortic remodeling in patients with IAAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2012 to December 2019, 57 patients with IAAD were treated using endovascular methods, including either a bifurcated or a straight aortic stent graft. The clinical features, risk factors, computed tomography angiograms, midterm follow-up results, and aortic remodeling of these patients were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 44 (77%) patients were treated with a bifurcated graft and 13 (23%) patients were treated with a straight graft. Patients treated with straight grafts had fewer common iliac arteries involved (38% vs 73%, p=0.023), the dissection length was shorter (76.3 ± 40.0 vs 116.2 ± 56.7 mm, p=0.011), and the preoperative aortic diameter (26.0 ± 5.6 vs 35.2 ± 12.1 mm) and the false lumen diameter (13.1 ± 5.2 vs 21.2 ± 11.3 mm) were smaller. During the procedure, there were 3 (5.3%) type I endoleaks, 1 (1.8%) surgical conversion and 1 (1.8%) partial renal artery coverage without perioperative mortality. Patients with straight grafts had shorter operative time (96.5 ± 24.4 vs 144.2 ± 49.0 minutes, p<0.0001). The median follow-up duration was 37.6 ± 21.0 (range = 3-89) months with 1 (1.8%) aortic-related death. Type A aortic dissection occurred in 1 (1.8%) patient. New descending aortic dissection occurred in 3 (5.3%) patients, and 1 patient advanced to type A aortic dissection 3 months later. Two (3.5%) patients had limb occlusion. There was no significant difference in aortic remodeling, survival, and freedom from all adverse events between the 2 treatment strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment provides a safe, minimally invasive treatment for IAAD in midterm follow-up. Compression of the true lumen at the aortic bifurcation is the main concern after treatment with a bifurcated graft. Straight grafts are an excellent alternative for some patients, with the benefit of reduced procedural time, effective aortic remodeling, and excellent clinical prognosis. More experience is needed to offer clear recommendations for making treatment decisions as well as determine long-term effectiveness and durability.

Aortic arch type, a novel morphological indicator and the risk for acute type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic arch type is a readily recognizable and obtainable morphological feature of the aorta that does not require complex measurements. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether aortic arch type is a comparable and alternative morphological parameter for predicting acute type B aortic dissection (aTBAD) by comparing the prognostic value of the aortic arch type with that of other morphological parameters such as aortic length, angulation and tortuosity index. METHODS: The patients with aTBAD (n = 216) were matched 1:1 with a control group (n = 263) by propensity score matching. The morphological data of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch, which included diameter, length, angulation and tortuosity index, were collected on a three-dimensional aortic model using 3mensio Vascular software. The aortic arch type was identified by the vertical distance from the origin of the brachiocephalic trunk to the top of the arch. The binary logistic regression models were analysed to determine the independent geometric variables related to the aTBAD. The nonparametric approach was performed to assess whether there were statistical differences between the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of the models. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 151 matched pairs of patients were selected. The diameters at the sinotubular junction and the mid-ascending aorta, the ascending aorta length and the ascending aorta angulation in the aTBAD group were significantly greater than those of the controls. Compared with the control group, the diameters at the proximal aortic arch, mid-aortic arch and distal aortic arch, the angulation and the tortuosity index of the aortic arch were significantly greater in the aTBAD group. The proportion of the type III arch in the patients with aTBAD is higher than that of the type I arch and the type II arch (χ2 = 70.187; P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the diameter at the mid-aortic arch, the ascending aorta length, the aortic arch angulation and the tortuosity index were independently related to the aTBAD with an AUC value of 0.887. Another binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the diameter at the mid-aortic arch and the aortic arch type were independent correlative variables associated with the aTBAD with an AUC of 0.874. No significant difference was observed in the prognostic value of receiver operating characteristic curves between the 2 models (P = 0.716). CONCLUSIONS: The type III arch, which has the characteristics of aortic elongation, incremental angulation and tortuosity index, is a comparable and alternative identifier for patients at high risk for aTBAD.

Clinical Considerations in Orthodontically Forced Eruption for Restorative Purposes.

For restorations on teeth involving invasion of the supracrestal tissue attachment (biological width), as well as for lack of ferrule effect, crown lengthening is required for long-term periodontal health and success of the restoration. In the same fashion, site development is often necessary prior to implant placement in order to provide optimal peri-implant soft and hard tissue architecture conducive to future esthetics and function. Orthodontic extrusion, also known as forced eruption, has been developed and employed clinically to serve the purposes of increasing the clinical crown length, correcting the periodontal defect, and developing the implant site. In order to provide comprehensive guidance on the clinical usage of this technique and maximize the outcome for patients who receive the dental restoration, the currently available literatures were summarized and discussed in the current review. Compared to traditional crown lengthening surgery, forced eruption holds advantages of preserving supporting bone, providing improved esthetics, limiting the involvement of adjacent teeth, and decreasing the negative impact on crown-to-root ratio compared to the traditional resective approach. As a non-invasive and natural technique capable of increasing the available volume of bone and soft tissue, forced eruption is also an attractive and promising option for implant site development. Both fixed and removable appliances can be used to achieve the desired extrusion, but patient compliance is a primary limiting factor for the utilization of removable appliances. In summary, forced eruption is a valuable treatment adjunct for patients requiring crown lengthening or implant restorations. Nonetheless, comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning are required for appropriate case selection based upon the known indications and contraindications for each purpose; major contraindications include inflammation, ankylosis, hypercementosis, vertical root fracture, and root proximity. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term stability of orthodontically extruded teeth and the supporting bone and soft tissue that followed them.

Application of a Novel Common-Iliac-Artery Skirt Technology (CST) in Treating Challenge Aorto-Iliac or Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms.

Purpose: To report a novel common-iliac-artery skirt technology (CST) in treating challenge iliac artery aneurysms. Methods: When required healthy landing zone of common iliac artery (CIA) is not available, CST is a strategy to exclude the internal iliac artery (IIA) and prevent IIA reflux without need of embolization. Patients who received endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in our center from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively screened, and patients treated with CST or with IIA embolization (IIAE) were enrolled. Results: After retrospective screen of 524 EVAR patients, 39 CST patients, 26 IIAE patients, and 7 CST + IIAE patients were enrolled in this study. CST group suggested to have more aged, hyperlipemia, and smoking patients than IIAE group. Two groups had comparable maximal diameter of abdominal aorta (AA), CIA, EIA, but larger diameter of IIA (CST 19.82 ± 2.281 vs. IIAE 27.82 ± 3.401, p = 0.048), and CIA bifurcation (CST 25.01 ± 1.316 vs. IIAE 29.76 ± 2.775, p = 0.087) was found in IIAE group. Anatomy of 79.5% of CST patients and 92.3% of IIAE patients (p = 0.293) was not suitable for potential use of iliac branch device. CST group had significant shorter surgery time (CST 97.42 ± 3.891 vs. IIAE 141.0 ± 8.010, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (CST 15.35 ± 0.873 vs. IIAE 19.32 ± 1.067, p = 0.009), lower in-hospital [CST 0% (0/39) vs. IIAE 11.5% (3/26), p = 0.059] and 1-year follow-up stent related MAEs [CST 6.7% (2/30) vs. IIAE 28.6% (6/21), p = 0.052], but comparable mortality and stent related MAEs for all-cohort follow-up analysis comparing to IIAE group. In our study, a lower in-hospital buttock claudication (BC) rate for CST (CST 20.5% vs. IIAE 46.2%, p = 0.053) and a comparable erectile dysfunction (ED) rate (CST 10.3% vs. IIAE 23.1%, p = 0.352) were found between CST and IIAE groups. After 1 year, both groups had about one third relief of BC symptoms [CST 33.3% (4/12) vs. IIAE 30.7% (4/13), p = 1.000]. Subgroup analysis of 14 patents concomitant with IIA aneurysm in CST group and the 7 CST + IIAE patients were carried out, and no difference was found in mortality, stent MAEs, sac dilation, or reintervention rate. Last, illustration of seven typical CST cases was presented. Conclusion: In selected cases, the CST is a safe, feasible-and-effective choose in treating challenge iliac artery aneurysms and preventing IIA endoleak.

Aortic Geometric Alteration Associated With Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: Angulation, Tortuosity, and Arch Type.

Background: Acute type B aortic dissection is a highly serious aortic pathology. Aortic geometric parameters may be useful variables related to the occurrence of acute type B aortic dissection (aTBAD). The aim of the study is to delineate the alteration in aortic geometric parameters and analyze the specific geometric factors associated with aTBAD. Methods: The propensity score matching method was applied to control confounding factors. The aortic diameter, length, angulation, tortuosity, and type of aortic arch of the aTBAD and control group were retrospectively analyzed via three-dimensional computed tomography imaging created by the 3mensio software (version 10.0, Maastricht, The Netherlands). The geometric variables of true lumen and false lumen in the descending aorta were measured to estimate the severity of aortic dissection. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the significant and specific factors associated with aTBAD occurrence. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to estimate the performance of the model. Results: After propensity score matching, 168 matched pairs of patients were selected. The ascending aorta and aortic arch diameters were dilated, and the ascending aorta and total aorta lengths were elongated in aTBAD group significantly (P < 0.001). The ascending aorta and aortic arch angulations in the aTBAD group were sharper than those of the controls (P = 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). The aortic arch and total aorta tortuosities were significantly higher in the aTBAD group (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). There were more type III arch patients in the aTBAD group than the controls (67.9 vs. 22.6%). The true lumen angulation was sharper than that in the false lumen (P < 0.01). The true lumen tortuosity was significantly lower than that in the false lumen (P < 0.001). The multivariable models identified that aortic arch angulation, tortuosity, and type III arch were independent and specific geometric factors associated with aTBAD occurrence. The AUC of the multivariable models 1, 2, 3 were 0.945, 0.953, and 0.96, respectively. Conclusions: The sharper angulation and higher tortuosity of aortic arch and type III arch were the geometric factors associated with aTBAD in addition to the ascending aorta elongation and aortic arch dilation. The angulation and tortuosity of the true and false lumens may carry significant clinical implications for the treatment and prognosis of aTBAD.

Endovascular repair for retrograde type A intramural hematoma with focal intimal disruption in descending aorta.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to report the experience of a single center using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat retrograde type A intramural hematoma (IMH) with focal intimal disruption (FID) in descending aorta. METHODS: A total of 24 consecutive patients with retrograde type A IMH and complicated with FID in descending aorta underwent TEVAR in our center from 2015 to 2020. Their clinical data, imaging manifestation and follow-up results were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 57.9 years (range, 42-80 years) and 18 were men (75%). As the preoperative CT angiography showed, the 24 patients developed IMH complicated with different kinds of FIDs in descending aorta [5 had intramural blood pool (IBP), 15 had ulcer-like projection (ULP), 2 had penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU), and 5 had localized dissection]. Successful deployment of aortic stent graft was achieved in all patients. There was no endoleak, stent graft migration, spinal cord ischemia, stroke, or 30-day mortality observed after TEVAR. The median duration of follow-up was 30.0 months (range, 3-60 months). As the last follow-up CT angiography showed, most of the patients (23 in 24, 96%) had favorable aortic remodeling. The maximum hematoma thicknesses and maximum diameters of both ascending and descending aorta were significantly decreased. During follow-up, 1 patient developed retrograde type A aortic dissection (RAAD) and underwent open surgery 3 months after TEVAR. 1 patient died of lung cancer 2 years later. There was no aorta-related death observed. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR provides a safe and effective treatment strategy for selected patients with retrograde type A IMH, and FID developed in descending aorta could be the possible treatment target. However, RAAD remains one of the most serious postoperative complications of concern.