Balloon Occlusion of the Celiac Artery: A Test for Evaluation of Collateral Circulation Prior Endovascular Coverage

Optimal combination of microcoils, flow control, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol-iopamidol (2:3:1) for feasible embolization of medium-sized arteries in an in vitro vascular model

PURPOSE

To evaluate the behavior of n-butyl cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol-iopamidol at a ratio of 2:3:1 (NLI231) with and without microcoils and/or flow control in embolization of medium-sized arteries in an in vitro vascular model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A vessel model representing a common hepatic artery was prepared. Six scenarios were set for embolization, each ran three times: 1) NLI231 injected alone with flow control to 0 ml/min during and up to 5 min after embolization; 2) NLI231 injected into a mesh of microcoil of 5% density with the flow control; 3) NLI231 injected into a microcoil of 10% density with the flow control; 4) NLI231 injected alone without the flow control; 5) NLI231 injected into microcoil of 5% density without the flow control; 6) NLI231 injected into a microcoil of 10% density without the flow control. The microcoils were delivered to the embolization site, and NLI231 was injected. After 1 h of observation, distal filters were collected, and grades of migration (I = none, II = partial, III = almost all-all) were assessed for each scenario.

RESULTS

Embolization was achieved in scenarios with NLI231 and microcoils regardless of flow control (p < 0.01). NLI231 did not migrate in scenarios with microcoils and flow control (p < 0.05). NLI231 with microcoils without flow control can embolize the vessel, but partial migration occurred, and the distal distance of the NLI231 complex from the embolization site was longer (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Combining sparse coiling with NLI231 may be feasible but is limited to use when flow control is available, or where distal embolization is permissible to some extent.

Clinical outcomes of celiac artery coverage vs preservation during thoracic endovascular aortic repair

OBJECTIVE

Adequate proximal and distal seal zones are necessary for successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Often, the achievement of an adequate distal seal zone requires celiac artery (CA) coverage by endograft with or without preservation of CA blood flow. The outcomes of CA coverage without its flow preservation were studied only in small case series. This study aims to determine the difference in outcomes between CA coverage with vs without preservation of CA blood flow during TEVAR using a multi-institutional national database.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database was reviewed for all TEVAR patients distally landing in zone 6. The cohort was divided into TEVAR with vs without CA flow preservation. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative characteristics, as well as postoperative mortality, morbidities, and complications, were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 25,549 reviewed patients, 772 had a distal landing in Zone 6, 212 of which (27.5%) had TEVAR without CA flow preservation, whereas 560 (72.5%) underwent TEVAR with CA flow preservation. Indications for TEVAR were aneurysm in 431 (55.8%), dissection in 247 (32.0%), or other in 94 (12.2%) cases. Patients who underwent TEVAR without CA flow preservation had statistically significantly higher rates of 30-day mortality (11.3% vs 5.9%; P = .010), 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality (8.0% vs 4.3%; P = .039), as well as a tendency of increased intestinal ischemia requiring intervention (1.9% vs 0.5%; P = .077). After adjusting for potential confounders, CA coverage without flow preservation was associated with more than a two-fold increase in the overall 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-5.92; P = .006) and 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.11-6.72; P = .029). In a sub-group analysis based on disease pathology, these results persisted only in the aneurysm group (30-day mortality [OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.01-5.48; P = .047]; 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality [OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.08-7.67; P = .034]), whereas there was no significant association between CA flow preservation status and the endpoints in the dissection subgroup (30-day mortality [OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.22-6.05; P = .856], 30-day disease/treatment-related mortality [OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.16-5.19; P = .911]).

CONCLUSIONS

CA coverage during TEVAR without preservation of its blood flow is associated with significantly higher mortality in patients with aortic aneurysm, but not dissection. In patients with aortic aneurysm, CA flow should be preserved during TEVAR whenever feasible, whereas in patients with dissection, it may be safe to cover CA without preservation of its flow. Prospective studies should be done to confirm these findings and compare the open vs endovascular revascularization techniques on outcomes.

Safety and Efficacy of Intentional Celiac Artery Coverage in Endovascular Management of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has emerged as an attractive alternative option in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) diseases, reporting lower morbidity and mortality rates compared with open or hybrid repair. A challenging situation arises when the aneurysm involves the celiac artery (CA), precluding a safe distal landing zone. We investigated the safety and efficacy of CA coverage in the treatment of complex TAAA diseases during endovascular management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The electronic bibliographic sources searched were MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases. Primary outcomes of interest were perioperative and 30-day mortality. Any type of endoleak, mesenteric ischemia, perioperative spinal cord ischemia, and reintervention rates were secondary end points. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Summary statistics of event risks were expressed as proportions and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Ten observational cohort studies published between 2009 and 2020, reporting a total of 175 patients, were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Indications for TEVAR were primary TAAAs in 82% of patients, aortic dissection in 14% of patients, type Ib endoleak after previous endograft deployment in 3% of patients, and penetrating aortic ulcer in 1 patient. Reintervention rate was 9% (95% CI, 4%-20%) and spinal cord ischemia was 7% (95% CI, 4%--12%). Type II endoleak was the predominant type of endoleak in 10% of patients (95% CI, 4%-22%), followed by type I endoleak in 5% of patients (95% CI, 2%-12%) and type III endoleak in 1% (95% CI, 0%-16%) of patients. Mesenteric ischemia occurred in 6% of patients (95% CI, 3%-10%). Thirty-day mortality was 5% (95% CI, 2%-13%) and the pooled estimate for overall mortality was 21% (95% CI, 14%-31%).

CONCLUSIONS

Celiac artery coverage during TEVAR is a challenging but feasible option for the treatment of TAAA diseases, providing acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Demonstration of adequate visceral collateral pathways before definitive CA coverage is the sine quo non for the success of the technique.

McKeown esophagectomy with concomitant median arcuate ligament release in a case of esophageal cancer with celiac artery stenosis

BACKGROUND

The celiac artery stenosis due to compression by median arcuate ligament (MAL) has been reported in many cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy, but not in cases of esophagectomy. Recently, the celiac artery stenosis due to MAL or arteriosclerosis has been reported to be associated with the gastric tube necrosis or anastomotic leakage following Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. Herein, we present the first reported case of esophageal cancer with celiac artery stenosis due to compression by the MAL successfully treated by McKeown esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction following prophylactic MAL release.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 72-year-old female patient was referred to our department for esophagectomy. The patient had received two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-FU and cisplatin for T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the middle esophagus. Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed celiac artery stenosis due to compression by the MAL. The development of collateral arteries around the pancreatic head was observed without evidence of aneurysm formation. The patient reported no abdominal symptoms. After robot-assisted esophagectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy, gastric mobilization, supra-pancreatic lymphadenectomy, and preparation of the gastric tube were performed under laparotomy. Subsequently, the MAL was cut, and released to expose the celiac artery. Improved celiac artery blood flow was confirmed by decreased pulsatility index on intraoperative Doppler sonography. The operation was completed with the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis following cervical lymphadenectomy. Postoperative CECT on postoperative day 7 demonstrated increased celiac artery patency. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic MAL release may be considered in patients with celiac artery stenosis due to compression by the MAL on preoperative CECT for esophagectomy.

EndoVascular Occlusion and Tumor Excision (EVOTE): a Hybrid Approach to Small-Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors with Mesenteric Metastases

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric metastases from small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) present a surgical challenge due to encasement of mesenteric vessels. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new, hybrid surgical approach to these mesenteric masses, EndoVascular Occlusion and Tumor Excision (EVOTE).

METHODS

From 2014 to 2018, 13 patients underwent the EVOTE procedure after being referred to our institution for primary SBNETs with "unresectable" mesenteric metastases. During stage 1 of the hybrid EVOTE procedure, angiographic evaluation of the mesenteric mass is performed. If adequate collateralization is demonstrated, the encased mesenteric vessel(s) is embolized. Mass excision is performed the following day during stage 2 of the EVOTE procedure.

RESULTS

Preoperative embolization was successful in 86% of cases; 2 cases were aborted for persistent abdominal pain following occlusion testing. Complete surgical excision of the mesenteric mass was achieved in 86% of cases. The 30-day overall morbidity and mortality rate was 29% and 0%, respectively. There was one local recurrence at 31.8 months post-op; this patient underwent a repeat EVOTE procedure with successful complete excision.

DISCUSSION

EVOTE represents a new technique that aids in preoperative planning and surgical resection of SBNETs with mesenteric metastases.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Postoperative Bleeding Following Abdominal Surgery

PURPOSE

We aimed to estimate the usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with postoperative abdominal hemorrhage and to evaluate the effects of pancreatic fistula on clinical outcomes and angiographic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 22 patients (20 males and 2 females; mean age 63 years; range 25-86 years), who underwent transarterial angiography for postoperative hemorrhage after abdominal surgery. This group corresponded to 28 procedures. Technical and clinical success rates were calculated, and clinical findings and outcomes were compared between patients with and without a pancreatic fistula.

RESULTS

Pre-interventional CT was performed in all patients before first angiography, and the location of the bleeding was identified in all but one patient. Active arterial bleeding, identified by extravasation of contrast agent (n = 12), pseudoaneurysm formation (n = 12), and arterial wall irregularity (n = 2) were detected in 28 angiographic procedures, and embolization was performed in 26 instances. Various embolization techniques such as isolation, packing, embolization, and stentgraft implantation were performed. The technical and clinical success rates were 96% (25/26 procedures) and 82% (18/22 patients), respectively. In hemodynamically unstable patients (shock index: heart rate/systolic blood pressure > 1), a 92% (12/13 cases) technical success rate was achieved. There were no significant differences in any evaluated parameters between patients with and without pancreatic fistula.

CONCLUSION

TAE is a safe and effective for treating postoperative hemorrhage even in patients with hemodynamic instability and pancreatic fistula. Additionally, pre-interventional CT is useful for effective, consecutive interventions.

Perioperative Hemodynamic Monitoring of Common Hepatic Artery for Endovascular Embolization of a Pancreaticoduodenal Arcade Aneurysm with Celiac Stenosis

This report describes perioperative hemodynamic monitoring of the common hepatic artery (CHA) during endovascular treatment of a pancreaticoduodenal arcade aneurysm, in a patient with celiac artery stenosis caused by the median arcuate ligament. Pressure monitoring was performed as a safety measure against critical complications such as liver ischemia. As the aneurysm was located in the anterior pancreaticoduodenal artery (APDA) and the posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery (PPDA) was small in caliber, the patient was considered to be at a high risk of liver ischemia. No significant change in pressure was observed in the CHA on balloon occlusion test in the APDA. Immediately after embolization, the PPDA enlarged and the pressure in the CHA was well maintained. Pressure monitoring appears to improve patient safety during endovascular treatment of visceral aneurysms.

Preoperative Diagnostic Angiogram and Endovascular Aortic Stent Placement for Appleby Resection Candidates: A Novel Surgical Technique in the Management of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Background. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma of the body and tail usually presents late and is typically unresectable. The modified Appleby procedure allows resection of pancreatic body carcinoma with celiac axis (CA) invasion. Given that the feasibility of this technique is based on the presence of collateral circulation, it is crucial to confirm the presence of an anatomical and functional collateral system. Methods. We here describe a novel technique used in two patients who were candidates for Appleby resection. We present their clinical scenario, imaging, operative findings, and postoperative course. Results. Both patients had a preoperative angiogram for assessment of anatomical circulation and placement of an endovascular stent to cover the CA. We hypothesize that this new technique allows enhancement of collateral circulation and helps minimize intraoperative blood loss when transecting the CA at its takeoff. Moreover, extra length on the CA margin may be gained, as the artery can be transected at its origin without the need for vascular clamp placement. Conclusion. We propose this novel technique in the preoperative management of patients who are undergoing a modified Appleby procedure. While further experience with this technique is required, we believe that it confers significant advantages to the current standard of care.

New Chimney after Chimney EVAR for the Treatment of Type Ia Endoleak

The chimney graft (CG) technique can be a useful alternative in treating aortic aneurysms with challenging anatomy, regarding the proximal sealing zone. We describe the case of a patient who developed a type Ia endoleak after chimney endovascular aneurysm repair for a juxtarenal AAA and underwent a proximal CG reconfiguration and implantation of an aortic cuff. The crossing configuration of the CGs should be avoided as it may compromise the circumferential apposition of the endograft and impede the thrombosis of the perigraft gutters. A proximal reconfiguration of the CGs, in case of type Ia endoleak is a useful option. The long-term efficacy of this option should be evaluated by meticulous follow-up.

Thoracic stent graft with distal fenestration for the superior mesenteric artery for treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm

An 86-year-old man with a 75-mm TAA that terminated just above the celiac artery was treated with a customized Zenith stent graft that had a distal fenestration for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Because angiography demonstrated a type IB endoleak, an additional extension stent graft was deployed, and coil embolization of the aneurysmal sac was performed. Three months later, there was no endoleak and good visceral blood flow. Placement of a fenestrated thoracic stent graft with a scallop-like fenestration for the SMA is a promising procedure for the treatment of TAAs with a short distal neck.

Mesenteric stenosis, collaterals, and compensatory blood flow

BACKGROUND

The mesenteric circulation has an extensive collateral network. Therefore, stenosis in one or more mesenteric arteries does not necessarily lead to symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of collateral flow on celiac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) duplex parameters.

METHODS

Between 1999 and 2007, a cohort of 228 patients analyzed for suspected chronic mesenteric syndrome was studied. Stenosis of the mesenteric vessels and collateral flow patterns were identified on angiography and categorized. The effect of stenosis in one mesenteric vessel and the presence of collaterals from the other unaffected vessel was examined in both the CA and SMA.

RESULTS

Stenosis of the CA resulted in a significantly higher peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity in the normal SMA without stenosis. This was also found for the CA without stenosis in the presence of a stenosis of the SMA. An incremental effect of the severity of the CA stenosis was found with a mean SMA PSV of 158 cm/s when normal and 259 cm/s when occluded. The presence of collaterals had a clear effect on duplex parameters of the angiographically normal SMA. In the presence of collaterals and a 70% CA stenosis, the PSV in the normal SMA was significantly higher (P = .025).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that stenosis in either the CA or SMA increases flow velocities in the other unaffected mesenteric artery. This increase was correlated with the presence of collaterals. Collaterals and stenoses in one of the mesenteric arteries may lead to mimicking or overgrading of stenosis in the other mesenteric artery.

Visceral artery aneurysms: review of current management options

Visceral artery aneurysms are relatively rare clinical entities, although their detection is rising due to an increased use of cross-sectional imaging. Rupture is the most devastating complication, and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. For this reason, elective repair is preferable in the appropriately chosen patient. In general, splenic artery aneurysms measuring 2 cm or larger and those found in women of childbearing age and in persons undergoing liver transplantation should be treated. Hepatic artery aneurysms 2 cm or larger and those that are multiple or nonatherosclerotic in nature should be repaired in the appropriate patient due to a higher risk of rupture. Endovascular coil embolization has excellent success rates and is the first-line treatment for anatomically suitable splenic artery aneurysms and intrahepatic hepatic artery aneurysms. However, reperfusion is an important complication of endovascular management. Aneurysms involving the celiac, superior mesenteric, pancreaticoduodenal, gastroduodenal, and inferior mesenteric arteries, as well as visceral artery pseudoaneurysms, are unpredictable and should be repaired in the appropriate medical patient. These aneurysms are often amenable to ligation due to the presence of collateral circulation. Endovascular management is particularly useful in the treatment of pseudoaneurysms where comorbidities and previous surgery make open surgical repair less desirable. Mt Sinai J Med 77:296-303, 2010. (c) 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Celiac trunk coverage in endovascular aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This retrospective study was undertaken to examine the risks associated with obstruction of the coeliac trunk in the process of treating aneurysms with endografting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

120 patients were treated by endografting for aneurysmal disease. Of these, a subgroup of 9 patients had their celiac trunk covered. If possible, a preoperative angiography was performed to evaluate collateral flow from the superior mesenteric artery. This was considered to predict the risk for ischemia.

RESULTS

None of the patients had any severe clinical event of the celiac trunk occlusion or clinical signs of intestinal ischemia. Three patients had transient increase of liver enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases where the distal landing zone of the descending thoracic aorta is to short for endografting, covering of the celiac trunk may be an option if no other surgical alter-native is apparent. Preoperative angiography to visualise the presence of collateral vessels from the superior mesenteric artery is recommended.

Experience with a Scalloped Thoracic Stent Graft: A Good Alternative to Preserve Flow to the Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Arteries and to Improve Distal Fixation and Sealing

Thoracic endografting has been proposed as an effective alternative to open repair to treat several aortic pathologies. Cranial migration is one of the critical issues concerning long-term durability. The scalloped thoracic endograft was proposed to improve distal sealing and fixation crossing the diaphragm. The objective of this study was to evaluate technical feasibility and experience with a custom-made scalloped thoracic endograft using the Relay platform (Bolton Medical, Sunrise, FL) in selected cases. From January 2006 to June 2009, 57 patients (40 men) were treated in Europe with a customized distal scalloped thoracic endograft. Forty-five patients presented with thoracic aortic aneurysm, nine presented with type B dissection, and three had a pseudoaneurysm. Successful and accurate deployment was achieved in all cases except one partial rotation in an extremely tortuous anatomy. Technical success was achieved in 96.4%. Good sealing and no mortality, paraplegia, or visceral embolization were observed. At a mean follow-up of 6 months, no complications were registered. The Relay endograft with the distal scallop represents a feasible alternative for distal short necks. This approach may increase the applicability and durability of the endograft in short distal necks.

Coverage of the celiac artery during TEVAR: is it ever appropriate?

Adequate seal at the proximal and distal extent of stent grafts in the aorta is paramount to the success of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Thoracoabdominal aneurysms pose a formidable challenge given their extension into the arch branches proximally and the visceral segment distally. Extension of the landing zone of even 3 to 5 mm can possibly increase the durability of the stent graft and may decrease the chances of future migration or collapse. Although coverage of the subclavian artery to extend the proximal landing zone has been met with initial success, the outcome of coverage of the celiac axis in order to extend the distal landing zone has not been as well studied. Because of the abundance of rich collateral vessels in the foregut, it has been perceived as a potentially safe practice. However, careful angiographic anatomic delineation and patient selection is vital to determine whether concomitant revascularization procedures are warranted.