Distribution of Mobile Health Applications amongst Patients with Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Background: Broadly available digital and mobile health applications (also known as mHealth) have recently gained increasing attention by the vascular community, but very little is known about the dissemination and acceptance of such technologies in certain target populations. The current study aimed to determine the user behaviour and acceptance of such digital technologies amongst patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods: A cross-sectional survey of consecutively treated inpatients at 12 university institutions, as well as one non-university institution, was conducted. All admitted patients with symptomatic PAD were surveyed for 30 consecutive days within a flexible timeframe between 1 July and 30 September 2021. The factors associated with smartphone use were estimated via backward selection within a logistic regression model with clustered standard errors. Results: A total of 326 patients participated (response rate 96.3%), thereof 102 (34.0%) were treated for intermittent claudication (IC, 29.2% women, 70 years in median) and 198 were treated for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI, 29.5% women, 70 years in median). Amongst all of the patients, 46.6% stated that they had not changed their lifestyle and health behaviour since the index diagnosis (four years in median), and 33.1% responded that they were not aware of the reasons for all of their medication orders. Amongst all those surveyed, 66.8% owned a smartphone (IC: 70.6%, CLTI: 64.1%), thereof 27.9% needed regular user support. While 42.5% used smartphone apps, only 15.0% used mobile health applications, and 19.0% owned wearables. One out of five patients agreed that such technologies could help to improve their healthy lifestyle. Only higher age was inversely associated with smartphone possession. Conclusions: The current survey showed that smartphones are prevalent amongst patients with peripheral arterial disease, but only a small proportion used mobile health applications and a considerable number of patients needed regular user support. Almost half of the patients did not change their lifestyle and one third were not aware of the reasons for their medication orders, emphasising room for improvement. These findings can further help to guide future projects using such applications to identify those target populations that are reachable with digital interventions.

Retrospective observational study evaluating zinc plasma level in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair and its correlation with outcome

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is related to a relevant morbidity and in-hospital mortality rate. In this retrospective observational single-center study including serum zinc levels of 33 patients we investigated the relationship between zinc and patients’ outcome following TAAA repair. Six patients died during the hospital stay (18%). These patients showed significantly decreased zinc levels before the intervention (zinc levels before intervention: 60.09 µg/dl [survivors] vs. 45.92 µg/dl [non-survivors]). The post-interventional intensive care SOFA-score (Sepsis-related organ failure assessment) (at day 2) as well as the SAPS (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) (at day 2) showed higher score points in case of low pre-interventional zinc levels. No significant correlation between patient comorbidities and zinc level before intervention, except for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which was significantly correlated to reduced baseline zinc levels, was observed. Septic shock, pneumonia and urinary tract infections were not associated to reduced zinc levels preoperatively as well as during therapy. Patients with adverse outcome after TAAA repair showed reduced pre-interventional zinc levels. We speculate that decreased zinc levels before intervention may be related to a poorer outcome because of poorer physical status as well as negatively altered perioperative inflammatory response.

Perioperative and long-term outcome after ascending aortic and arch repair with elephant trunk and open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

To describe the outcome of open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair following previous aortic arch repair including elephant trunk (ET) or frozen elephant trunk (FET) for acute and chronic pathologies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter study including 32 patients treated between 2006 and 2019 in two aortic centers using identical surgical protocols. Assessment focused on perioperative and long-term outcome, namely in-hospital morbidity and mortality, as well as procedure-related reintervention rate and aortic-related mortality rate. Kaplan-Meier curves with 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze the overall survival after surgery within the cohort.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (mean age, 45.0 ± 13.6 years; 20 males [62.5%]) were treated because of acute (34.38% [n = 11]) or chronic (65.62% [n = 21]) aortic pathologies, including residual dissection following acute, symptomatic type A dissection (n = 7) and symptomatic mega aortic syndrome (n = 4), as well as post-dissection TAAA (n = 18) and asymptomatic mega aortic syndrome (n = 3). Twenty-eight patients (87.5%) received type II repair, and 4 patients (12.5%) received type III repair after previous ascending aorta and arch repair including ET/FET. Concomitant infrarenal and iliac vessel repair was performed in 38.7% (n = 12) and 29.4% (n = 10), respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate was 18.75% (n = 6). Spinal cord ischemia occurred in two cases, both after one-stage emergency procedure with one case of permanent paraplegia. Temporary acute kidney injury occurred in 41.94% (n = 13). The estimated 1-year survival rate was 78.1% (95% confidence interval, 63.9%-95.6%), with a median follow-up time of 1.29 years (interquartile range, 0.26-3.88 years). No procedure-related reinterventions and one case of aortic-related mortality, namely sepsis because of graft infection, was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Open TAAA repair following aortic arch repair including ET or FET because of acute or chronic aortic pathologies is associated with a relevant perioperative morbidity and mortality rate. During follow-up, a low aortic-related mortality rate and procedure-related reintervention rate were observed.

Surgical resection and graft replacement for primary inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma: a multicenter experience

OBJECTIVE

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is best managed with surgical resection when technically feasible. However, consensus is lacking regarding the best choice of conduit and reconstruction technique. The aim of the present multicenter study was to perform a comprehensive assessment through the VLFDC (Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium) to determine the most effective method for caval reconstruction after resection of primary leiomyosarcoma of the IVC.

METHODS

A multicenter, standardized database review of patients who had undergone surgical resection and reconstruction of the IVC for primary leiomyosarcoma from 2007 to 2017 was performed. The demographics, periprocedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 92 patients (60 women and 32 men), with a mean age of 60.1 years (range, 30-88 years) were treated. Metastatic disease was present in 22%. The tumor location was below the renal veins in 49 (53%), between the renal and hepatic veins in 52 (57%), and above the hepatic veins in 13 patients (14%). The conduits used for reconstruction included ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; n = 80), nonringed PTFE (n = 1), Dacron (n = 1), autogenous vein (n = 1), bovine pericardium (n = 4), and cryopreserved tissue (n = 5). Complete R0 resection was accomplished in 73 patients (79%). In-hospital mortality was 2%, with a median length of stay of 8 days. The primary patency of PTFE reconstructed IVCs was 97% and 92% at 1 and 5 years, respectively, compared with 73% at 1 and 5 years for the non-PTFE reconstructed IVCs. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival for the entire cohort were 94%, 86%, and 65%, respectively CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our multi-institutional study have demonstrated that complete en bloc resection of IVC leiomyosarcoma with vascular surgical reconstruction in selected patients results in low perioperative mortality and is associated with excellent long-term patency. A ringed PTFE graft was the most commonly used conduit for caval reconstruction, yielding excellent long-term primary patency.

Endovenöse Therapie chronisch venöser Obstruktionen

Bei der chronisch venösen Obstruktion (CVO) liegt ein Abstromhindernis vor, welches eine venöse Hypertension im betroffenen Bein verursacht. Die CVO tritt vornehmlich auf dem Boden eines postthrombotischen Syndroms (PTS) oder eines May-Thurner-Syndroms (MTS) auf. Die CVO kann zu einer deutlichen Einschränkung des täglichen Lebens führen und hat erhebliche sozioökonomische Konsequenzen. Bei der endovenösen Rekanalisation zur Behandlung einer symptomatischen CVO handelt es sich um eine relativ neue therapeutische Option, die mittlerweile generell als Behandlung der ersten Wahl akzeptiert ist. Seit Verwendung spezieller venöser Stents können auch ausgedehntere Befunde, die eine anspruchsvollere Rekonstruktion erforderlich machen, erfolgreich therapiert werden.

Damit nach einer venösen Rekanalisation keine Stase des Blutstroms und ein Primärverschluss auftreten, müssen ein suffizienter Ein- und Ausstrom gewährleistet sein. Zur Verbesserung des Einstroms werden Hybrideingriffe mit Endophlebektomie der Vena femoralis communis und AV-Fistel-Anlage, zur Ausstromverbesserung werden spezielle Rekonstruktionen der Vena-cava-inferior-Konfluenz, z. B. die Skipped-Technik, empfohlen.

Effect of Stent Strut Interval on Neointima Formation After Venous Stenting in an Ovine Model

OBJECTIVE

The impact of stent design on venous patency is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stent material burden on endothelial coverage of stented venous segments, which may contribute to vessel healing and patency.

METHODS

Segmented self expanding bare nitinol stents (18 × 50 mm) comprising 5 mm long attached metallic rings separated by 2, 5, or 8 mm gaps were implanted in the inferior vena cava (IVC) of 10 sheep. These stents were designed and manufactured for the purposes of this study. At six, 12, and 24 weeks after implantation the animals were euthanised and the stented vessels harvested for histomorphometric analysis. Three sections from the metallic part as well as the gaps between the struts were reviewed for quantification of endothelialisation after six, 12, and 24 weeks. The intimal thickness over and between the stent struts was measured. The endothelialisation score (graded from 1 for complete luminal endothelialisation to 5 for absence of endothelial cells) was determined.

RESULTS

All stents were successfully deployed and all 10 sheep survived until the time of harvesting. Macroscopic inspection after 24 weeks showed only partial endothelialisation over stents with 2 mm and 5 mm skipped segments, whereas the stents with 8 mm skipped segments were totally incorporated into the vein wall. After 24 weeks, the mean (SD) neointimal thicknesses over stent struts with 2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm skipped segments were 254.0 (51.6), 182.2 (98.1), and 194.6 (101.1) μm, respectively. Comparison of endothelialisation scores of stents over time showed statistically significantly better endothelialisation over stents with 8 mm gaps after 12 and 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Stent designs providing structural support to veins with larger gaps between the scaffold material appear to lead to faster and more complete endothelialisation as well as a thinner intimal layer.

The role of surgical and total endovascular techniques in the treatment of ruptured juxtarenal aortic aneurysms

Background: Ruptured juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (RJAAA) represent a special challenge in clinical practice, but the evidence to guide therapeutic decision-making is scarce. The aim of this study was to present two different approaches, open surgical (OAR) and chimney endovascular repair (CHEVAR), for treating patients with RJAAA. Patients and methods: This retrospective two-center study included all patients per center undergoing OAR or CHEVAR for RJAAA between February 2008 and January 2020. Juxtarenal aortic aneurysms were defined as having an infrarenal neck of 2-5 mm, measured after three-dimensional reconstruction of the computed tomography angiography scan. Results: 12 OAR patients (10 male, median age 73 years [58-90 years]) and 6 CHEVAR patients (all male, median age 74 years [59-83 years]) were included. In the OAR group, the proximal aortic clamping was suprarenal in 7 and interrenal in 5 patients. Cold renal perfusion was used in 4 patients, in 2 with suprarenal aortic clamping and in 2 with interrenal aortic clamping. 3 CHEVAR patients received a single renal chimney, the other 3 received double renal chimneys. Technical success was 12/12 in the OAR group 5/6 in the CHEVAR group. In-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were 3/12 after OAR and 0/6 after CHEVAR. 2 OAR patients required transient dialysis. Median in-hospital stay was 14 (10-63) and 8 (6-21) days and median follow-up (FU) was 20 (3-37) and 30 (7-101) months, respectively. No further deaths occurred during FU. One OAR patient and 4 CHEVAR patients required aortic reinterventions. Conclusions: RJAAAs are rare. Both OAR and CHEVAR can represent adequate treatments for RJAAAs. OAR is the traditional approach, but CHEVAR has - in a high-volume center - promising early results with nonetheless a need for continuous FU to prevent reinterventions. Defining the studied aortic pathology precisely is essential for future research in order to draw valid conclusions.

Xenogeneic materials for the surgical treatment of aortic infections

Background

The surgical treatment of aortic infections (AIs) is challenging. In situ aortic reconstructions represent nowadays the favored therapy for fit patients and xenogeneic materials are used increasingly. The aim of this study was to present our experience with xenogeneic reconstructions for AI using self-made bovine pericardium tubes and/or the biosynthetic Omniflow^® II graft.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study included all patients undergoing xenogeneic aortic and aortoiliac reconstructions from December 2015 to June 2020. Patient comorbidities, symptoms, procedural characteristics, types of pathogens and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Twenty-eight patients [23 male (82%), median age 68 (range, 28–84) years] were included. Ten patients (36%) had native AIs and 18 (64%) had graft infections, including 3 (11%) aortoesophageal and 2 (7%) aortoduodenal fistulas (ADF). Twenty-four patients (86%) were symptomatic, the most common symptoms being contained aortic rupture (n=8) and sepsis (n=4). The surgical procedures were infra- and juxtarenal aortic repairs (n=11, 39% and n=7, 25%), thoracoabdominal aortic repairs (type IV: n=1, 4%; type V: n=3, 11%), descending thoracic aortic repairs (n=4, 14%) and 2 reconstructions (7%) involving the ascending aorta/aortic arch. Most were urgent (n=10, 43%) or emergent operations (n=11, 35%). Identification of pathogen(s), mostly Gram-positive bacteria, was possible in 25 patients (89%). Twelve patients (43%) had polymicrobial infections and 6 (21%) infections with multi-resistant bacteria. In-hospital mortality was 32% (n=9) due to acute cardiac failure (1/9), endocarditis (1/9), bleeding (3/9) and sepsis (4/9). The most frequent complications were transient need for dialysis (n=12, 43%) and persisting sepsis (n=11, 39%). Two early occlusions of Omniflow^® II grafts were observed (7%). Median follow-up (FU), during which 2 patients died of non-aortic causes, was 14 months (95% CI: 9–19 months). Freedom from reoperation was 100%, there was no evidence for reinfection during FU.

Conclusions

Xenogeneic orthotopic reconstructions for AI can be performed at all aortic levels. Combining bovine pericardium and the Omniflow^® II graft can be useful for reconstructing the branched aortic segments and both materials show appropriate early to midterm outcomes. Nonetheless, AIs are serious conditions associated with relevant morbidity/mortality rates, even in a specialized center.

In-hospital mortality and organ failure after open and endovascular thoraco-abdominal aortic surgery can be predicted by increased levels of circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular and open thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is associated with specific complications. Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (cDPP3) is a novel biomarker that shows a strong association with organ failure which has not been assessed in surgical settings. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prognostic capabilities of cDPP3 for predicting patient survival and organ failure following open and endovascular TAAA repair.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients undergoing TAAA repair were assessed in this prospective observational single-centre study. cDPP3 levels were serially measured perioperatively until 72 h after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In-hospital mortality and any organ failure were the clinical end points.

RESULTS

Postoperative organ failure was detected in 17 patients (51.5%), and 6 patients died after surgery (18.2%). At 12 h after admission to the ICU, cDPP3 levels were significantly increased in patients who died or developed organ failure (P < 0.001). cDPP3 levels after surgery demonstrated a remarkable predictive accuracy for in-hospital mortality [12 h area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.907 (P < 0.001), 24 h AUC: 0.815 (P = 0.016), 48 h AUC: 0.914 (P = 0.003)] and the development of organ failure [12 h AUC: 0.882 (P < 0.001), 24 h AUC: 0.850 (P < 0.001), 48 h AUC: 0.846 (P < 0.001)]. Additionally, a significant correlation between cDPP3, the sequential organ failure assessment score and procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.011, P = 0.007, respectively) based on all available measurements and time points was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings highlight the role of cDPP3 as an early, highly specific postoperative biomarker for prediction of in-hospital mortality and organ failure after TAAA repair.

Management of Tumor- and Nontumor-related Aorto-esophageal and Aorto-bronchial Fistulas

BACKGROUND

This study aims to review and compare the clinical presentation, management, and outcome in patients with tumor-related (TR) and nontumor-related (NTR) aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) and aorto-bronchial fistula (ABF) with particular focus on the thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a series of 16 consecutive patients with TR (n = 8) and NTR (n = 8), ABF (n = 6), and AEF (n = 10) admitted to our hospital from 2011 to 2019.

RESULTS

The median age was 62 years (range 46-81), with 11 men. The most common predisposing factor was esophageal or gastric cardia cancer (n = 6), followed by open repair of the thoracic aorta (n = 5). Endoluminal vacuum therapy (Endo-SPONGE®) accounted for 3 cases of AEFs. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was applied in 13 patients (4 with ABFs and 9 with AEFs). The primary technical success of the TEVARs was 100%. One patient (8%) was complicated with postoperative middle cerebral artery syndrome and left-sided hemiparesis. The respective in-hospital, 6-month, and 1-year mortality rates were 0% (n = 0), 25% (n = 2), and 25% (n = 2) for the NTR group and 63% (n = 5), 88% (n = 7), and 100% (n = 8) for the TR group. After a mean period of 13 months, 5 (31%) patients were still alive, and one patient lost to follow-up after 11 months. The survivors (n = 5) had all nontumor-related ABF. Progression of underlying cancer and hemodynamic shock were the most common causes of death.

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR represents a reliable option in the treatment of NTR ABFs. In the cases of TR fistulas and NTR AEFs, TEVAR should be applied more selectively. The associated mortality remains very high.

Recanalization and Stenting of the Celiac and the Superior Mesenteric Artery Supported by Use of a Steerable Introducer Sheath: Report on 2 Years' Experience

PURPOSE

To compare technical parameters and success of recanalization of celiac (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with usage of steerable vs not steerable introducer sheaths.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on all consecutive patients who underwent recanalization with stent implantation of CA or SMA between 2015 and 2019. Data regarding technical success (successful stent placement with restoration of sufficient blood flow by the first attempt without changing kind of introducer sheath or access site), indication for treatment, vascular access, kind of introducer sheath, fluoroscopy time and radiation dose were collected. Preinterventional CT were analyzed to classify the difficulty of catheterization of target vessels. Technical parameters were compared with independent t-test (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

66 patients underwent recanalization of CA or SMA. Usage of steerable introducer sheaths was associated with higher technical success compared to not steerable introducer sheaths with transfemoral approach respectively of 8/8 vs 15/19 for the CA and 11/11 vs 17/20 for the SMA. Steerable introducer sheaths were used in recanalization considered more technically difficult compared to not steerable introducer sheaths (58% vs 33%). Usage of steerable introducer sheath showed a statistically significant reduction of radiation dose in the recanalization of the SMA (respectively 32035 ± 15716 cGy cm² vs 60102 ± 28432 cGy cm²; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Even if used in more difficult interventions, steerable introducer sheaths showed a higher technical success compared to not steerable introducer sheaths with transfemoral access.

Iliocaval Skip Stent Reconstruction Technique for Chronic Bilateral Iliocaval Venous Occlusion

PURPOSE

To report safety and efficacy of a skip stent technique using nitinol stents in patients with chronic bilateral iliocaval venous occlusions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 48 consecutive patients (32 men; mean age, 40.7 years; age range, 18-68 years) with chronic bilateral iliocaval obstructions treated using a nonoverlapping stent technique was conducted at a single center. None of the patients had May-Thurner syndrome. Iliocaval confluence was treated by deploying a nitinol stent in inferior vena cava (IVC) and a nitinol stent in each common iliac vein close to the caval stent. Patency of stents was assessed by duplex US at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months and yearly thereafter.

RESULTS

Recanalization and stent reconstruction was technically successful in 47 (98%) patients. The sinus-XL venous stent was used to treat IVC (95 [100%]). Common iliac and external iliac veins were treated with sinus-Venous and VENOVO stents (80 [83%] and 16 [17%] limbs, respectively). External iliac and common femoral veins were treated with sinus-Venous and VENOVO stents (83 [92%] and 7 [18%] limbs, respectively). Early thrombosis (< 30 days) of the iliac vein with stent occurred in 2 limbs. Cumulative primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates at 30 months were 74%, 83%, and 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study suggest that leaving a skipped lesion at the level of iliocaval confluence may not adversely affect stent patency. Patency rates were comparable with other reported techniques of stent reconstruction at the level of iliocaval confluence.

Outcome of stenting in central venous obstruction of benign etiology

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate long term outcome in patients treated for benign superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome by endovascular techniques. Patients and methods: Between 2015 and 2018, 62 patients suffering from central venous obstruction of benign etiology underwent balloon angioplasty with stent placement for venous obstruction in our department. Patency was assessed clinically, using duplex ultrasound in all patients or with CT-phlebography in selected cases. Results: Median age was 60 years (23-83), forty-one patients (66%) had central venous devices. Swelling of the arm and face were the main symptoms (71%). During the median follow up of 22 months (9-38), cumulative primary patency was 71% after venous stenting. The cumulative assisted primary and the secondary patency were 85% and 92%, respectively. Conclusions: Recanalization and stenting of central vein obstruction has turned out to be the technique of reference and provides satisfactory mid-term patency rates. After adjusting for the risk factors, presence of AV-fistula remained a significant risk factor for recurrent stenosis or loss of patency after intervention.

The Role of Ribonuclease 1 and Ribonuclease Inhibitor 1 in Acute Kidney Injury after Open and Endovascular Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common post-operative complications and is closely associated with increased mortality after open and endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. Ribonuclease (RNase) 1 belongs to the group of antimicrobial peptides elevated in septic patients and indicates the prediction of two or more organ failures. The role of RNase 1 and its antagonist RNase inhibitor 1 (RNH1) after TAAA repair is unknown. In this study, we analyzed RNase 1 and RNH1 serum levels in patients undergoing open (n = 14) or endovascular (n = 19) TAAA repair to determine their association with post-operative AKI and in-hospital mortality. Increased RNH1 serum levels after open TAAA repair as compared with endovascular TAAA repair immediately after surgery and 12, 48, and 72 h after surgery (all p < 0.05) were observed. Additionally, elevated RNase 1 and RNH1 serum levels 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery were shown to be significantly associated with AKI (all p < 0.05). RNH1 serum levels before and RNase 1 serum levels 12 h after TAAA repair were significantly correlated with in-hospital mortality (both p < 0.05). On the basis of these findings, RNase 1 and RNH1 may be therapeutically relevant and may represent biomarkers for post-operative AKI and in-hospital mortality.

Emergency Carotid Endarterectomy Instead of Carotid Artery Stenting Reduces Delayed Hemorrhage in Thrombectomy Stroke Patients

PURPOSE

Data in the literature suggest that thrombectomy with emergency carotid artery stenting (CAS) in acute stroke is associated with an increased hemorrhage rate. As we perform thrombectomy with the patient under general anesthesia, we avoid emergency CAS and perform emergency carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as an alternative to CAS in the same anesthesia session in our angiography suite whenever needed and possible.

METHODS

We compared 27 thrombectomy patients with emergency CEA and 62 thrombectomy patients with emergency CAS and glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa inhibitors and/or dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in the same time span.

RESULTS

The symptomatic hemorrhage rate was 0% (0/27) in the CEA group and 8% (5/62) in the CAS group (p = 0.317). The parenchymal hemorrhage rate (PH2) was 7% (2/27) in the CEA group and 16% (10/62) in the CAS group (p = 0.333). Both cases of PH2 in the CEA group occurred during the intervention and were diagnosed on immediate postinterventional imaging, whereas in the CAS group only 2/10 cases of PH2 occurred during the intervention and the remaining 8 PH2 occurred within 3 days after the intervention (p = 0.048). Clinical outcome at 90 days was comparable with 39% of CEA and 51% of CAS patients achieving good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale, mRS 0-2, p = 0.452).

CONCLUSION

The use of CEA is a feasible alternative to CAS in acute stroke and has the advantage that DAPT/GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors are not needed. All PH2 in CEA patients occurred during the intervention, implying that hemorrhage in this group is likely to be caused by reperfusion injury, whereas delayed hemorrhage is likely to be caused by DAPT/GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Increase of urinary TIMP-2 and IGFBP7 as potential predictor of acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy and patients' outcome following complex endovascular and open thoracic abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery - a prospective observational study

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) as complication after open and endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is one major predictor of mortality and postoperative complications. We evaluated tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) as combined early biomarker for AKI detection and predictor of patients' outcome. Patients and methods: Between 2014 and 2015, 52 patients have been enrolled in this observational study, of whom 29 (55.8%) underwent elective open repair and 23 (44.2%) endovascular repair. TIMP2 × IGFBP7 were measured until 48 hours after admission on intensive-care unit (ICU) and were analyzed regarding their predictive ability for AKI (defined according to the KDIGO criteria) requiring temporary renal replacement therapy (RRT) and 90-day mortality using ROC curves. Results: Mean patient age was 64.5 years (Min: 43, Max: 85), endovascular treated patients were older (p <0.0001). 40.4% (n = 21) developed AKI, and 21.2% (n = 11) required renal replacement therapy. In-hospital and total mortality rates were 7.7% (n = 4) and 9.6% (n = 5), respectively. At no time a significant difference in TIMP2 × IGFB7 levels between patients undergoing open or endovascular surgery was observed. The predictive quality of the TIMP2 × IGFBP7 value on ICU admission was sound regarding AKI requiring temporary renal replacement therapy (sensitivity: 55.56% [38.1-72.1%], specificity: 90.91% [58.7-99.8%] with an area under the curve [AUC]: 0.694 [0.543-0.820]). Mean follow-up was 13.2 months (Min: 2, Max: 20), regarding the 90-day mortality, the predictive property of the TIMP2 × IGFBP7 value was not sufficient (sensitivity: 80% [28.4-99.5%], specificity: 52.38% [36.4-68%], and AUC: 0.607 [0.454-0.746]). Conclusions: TIMP2 × IGFBP7 level measured 6-12 hrs postoperatively may be useful as an early detectable biomarker for AKI requiring temporary renal replacement therapy. It seems not suited to predict patients' outcome following complex thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, regardless if performed by open or endovascular repair.