Percutaneous retrograde revascularization of the occluded celiac artery for chronic mesenteric ischemia using intravascular ultrasound guidance

Retrograde Open Mesenteric Stenting for Acute and Chronic Mesenteric Ischaemia: Results from an Intestinal Stroke Centre

OBJECTIVE

To report the intra-operative adverse events (IOAEs) and the initial and one year outcomes of retrograde open mesenteric stenting (ROMS) using balloon expandable covered stents for acute and chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

METHODS

Clinical data and outcomes of all consecutive patients treated with ROMS for acute and chronic mesenteric ischaemia at an intestinal stroke centre between November 2012 and September 2019 were reviewed. ROMS was performed using balloon expandable covered stents. Endpoints included IOAEs, in hospital mortality, post-operative complications, and re-interventions. One year overall survival, freedom from re-intervention, primary patency and assisted primary patency rates were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier time to event method.

RESULTS

During the study period, 379 patients were referred to the centre for acute or chronic mesenteric ischaemia. Thirty-seven patients who underwent the ROMS procedure were included. All the patients had severe atherosclerotic mesenteric lesions. The ROMS technical success rate was 89% in this cohort. The rate of IOAEs was 19% and included four cases of retrograde recanalisation failure. All ROMS failures occurred in patients presenting with flush superior mesenteric artery occlusion and they were treated by mesenteric bypass. Ten patients (27%) underwent bowel resection, four of which resulted in a short bowel syndrome (11%). The in hospital mortality rate was 27%. Post-operative complications and re-intervention rates were 67% (n = 25) and 32% (n = 12), respectively. The median follow up was 20.2 months (interquartile range 29). The estimated one year overall survival for the cohort was 70.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 52.5% - 82.2%). The estimated freedom from re-intervention at one year was 61.1% (95% CI 42.3 - 75.4). The one year primary patency and assisted primary patency rates were 84.54% (95% CI 63.34 - 94) and 92.4% (95% CI 72.8 - 98), respectively.

CONCLUSION

ROMS procedures offer acceptable one year outcomes for mesenteric ischaemia but are associated with frequent stent related complications. Precise pre-operative planning, high quality imaging, and meticulous stent placement techniques may limit the occurrence of such events.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: Clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Vascular Surgery

BACKGROUND

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) results from the inability to achieve adequate postprandial intestinal blood flow, usually from atherosclerotic occlusive disease at the origins of the mesenteric vessels. Patients typically present with postprandial pain, food fear, and weight loss, although they can present with acute mesenteric ischemia and bowel infarction. The diagnosis requires a combination of the appropriate clinical symptoms and significant mesenteric artery occlusive disease, although it is often delayed given the spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders associated with abdominal pain and weight loss. The treatment goals include relieving the presenting symptoms, preventing progression to acute mesenteric ischemia, and improving overall quality of life. These practice guidelines were developed to provide the best possible evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CMI from atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The Society for Vascular Surgery established a committee composed of vascular surgeons and individuals experienced with evidence-based reviews. The committee focused on six specific areas, including the diagnostic evaluation, indications for treatment, choice of treatment, perioperative evaluation, endovascular/open revascularization, and surveillance/remediation. A formal systematic review was performed by the evidence team to identify the optimal technique for revascularization. Specific practice recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system based on review of literature, the strength of the data, and consensus.

RESULTS

Patients with symptoms consistent with CMI should undergo an expedited workup, including a computed tomography arteriogram, to exclude other potential causes. The diagnosis is supported by significant arterial occlusive disease in the mesenteric vessels, particularly the superior mesenteric artery. Treatment requires revascularization with the primary target being the superior mesenteric artery. Endovascular revascularization with a balloon-expandable covered intraluminal stent is the recommended initial treatment with open repair reserved for select younger patients and those who are not endovascular candidates. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are recommended after revascularization and for asymptomatic patients with severe mesenteric occlusive disease. Patient with recurrent symptoms after revascularization owing to recurrent stenoses should be treated with an endovascular-first approach, similar to the de novo lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

These practice guidelines were developed based on the best available evidence. They should help to optimize the care of patients with CMI. Multiple areas for future research were identified.

Using the OUTBACK Catheter to Overcome Aortic Reentry Issues in Retrograde Open Mesenteric Stenting

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of the OUTBACK catheter to overcome aortic reentry issues in acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) treated by retrograde open mesenteric stenting (ROMS).

TECHNIQUE

The technique is demonstrated in two female patients presenting with late AMI related to flush occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). In such cases of thrombotic AMI with clear preoperative evidence of intestinal necrosis, ROMS is the first-line revascularization technique in our intestinal stroke center. Following an open approach of the SMA through laparotomy, the SMA was punctured in a retrograde fashion. Retrograde mesenteric subintimal recanalization was initiated. In case of aortic reentry issue, the OUTBACK Elite (Cordis, Hialeah, Fl) catheter was advanced through the occlusion over a 0.014 guidewire. The aortic reentry was created by puncture of the aortic wall with the OUTBACK needle, positioned in the desired position. After low-profile balloon angioplasty of the reentry site and 0.035 guidewire exchange, ROMS was performed using balloon-expandable covered stent.

CONCLUSIONS

The OUTBACK catheter appears to be a safe and effective tool to overcome aortic reentry issues in ROMS. This technical tip might therefore increase the technical success rate of challenging ROMS and decrease the need for bailout bypass in the septic context of AMI.

Percutaneous retrograde recanalization of an occluded celiac artery complicating acute aortic dissection

A 79-year-old woman with a complaint of persistent upper abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of thrombosed acute type B aortic dissection. Computed tomography showed the complete static occlusion of the celiac artery. Because of progressive symptom with elevation of liver enzymes and metabolic acidosis 11 h after admission, endovascular revascularization was attempted on an emergent basis. After a failed catheterization of the celiac ostium in an antegrade fashion due to a hard occlusion, we succeeded in a retrograde recanalization through the pancreaticoduodenal arcade via the superior mesenteric artery with stent placement using a pull-through technique. This technique is useful and safe when an antegrade approach seems difficult.