Delayed Open Conversion after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Device-specific Surgical Approach

Late open conversion: a reliable solution for endoleak management after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair - a single center experience and literature review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Despite the efficacy of endovascular approaches for most secondary interventions post-endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), a small proportion of patients need open conversion (OC) procedures. We shared our experience regarding patient outcomes after late OCs post-EVAR. We also performed a literature review of data published on this topic.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of patients who underwent late OCs post-EVAR at a Public Hospital in Germany (2017-2019) were retrospectively analyzed. OC involved total or partial endograft removal followed by aortic reconstruction. Preoperative patients' characteristics, indications for OC, and intra-∕post-operative outcomes were assessed. Studies published in English (2014-2024) on OCs post-EVAR complications were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

Six patients underwent late OCs throughout the study (males: 66.67%; age [mean±standard deviation]: 66.50±2.89 years). Grafts were excised after a median of 72 months (range: 24-132 months), with 2∕6 (33.33%) urgent removals and 4∕6 (66.67%) elective. 4∕6 (66.67%) patients underwent complete removal, and 2∕6 (33.33%) were partial. Clamping site was suprarenal in 3∕6 (50.00%) patients, supraceliac in 2∕6 (33.33%), and infrarenal in 1∕6 (16.67%). Technical success was 100%, with 32 minutes mean clamping time and 1.67 L blood loss. Median follow-up was 13 months. No aneurysm growth was observed, and implanted grafts functioned well. 1∕6 (16.67%) patients died during the postoperative intensive care unit stay. Seven studies were included in our review. The 30-day mortality post-OCs was 6.2-10.0% in elective setting and up to 40% in urgent.

CONCLUSIONS

Late OC can be a reliable procedure for managing endoleak post-EVAR. Its success relies on accurate preoperative assessment and surgical expertise.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Elective Open Conversion versus Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Repair for Previous Non-Infected Failed Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes of patients electively undergoing fenestrated and branched endovascular repair (F/B-EVAR) or open conversion for failed previous non-infected endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

DATA SOURCES

Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library.

REVIEW METHOD

The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023404091). The review followed the PRISMA guidelines; certainty was assessed through the GRADE and quality through MINORS tools. Outcomes data were pooled separately for F/B-EVAR and open conversion. A random effects meta-analysis of proportions was conducted; heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic.

RESULTS

Thirty eight studies were included, for a total of 1 645 patients of whom 1 001 (60.9%) underwent an open conversion and 644 (39.1%) a F/B-EVAR. The quality of evidence was generally limited. GRADE certainty was judged low for 30 day death (in both groups) and F/B-EVAR technical success, and very low for the other outcomes. Pooled 30 day death was 2.3% (I2 33%) in the open conversion group and 2.4% (I2 0%) in the F/B-EVAR conversion group (p = .36). Technical success for F/B-EVAR was 94.1% (I2 23%). The pooled 30 day major systemic complications rate was higher in the open conversion (21.3%; I2 74%) than in the F/B-EVAR (15.7%; I2 78%) group (p = .52). At 18 months follow up, the pooled re-intervention rate was 4.5% (I2 58%) in the open conversion and 26% (I2 0%) in the F/B-EVAR group (p < .001), and overall survival was 92.5% (I2 59%) and 81.6% (I2 68%), respectively (p = .005).

CONCLUSION

In the elective setting, and excluding infections, the early results of both open conversion and F/B-EVAR after failed EVAR appear satisfactory. Although open conversion presented with higher complication rates in the first 30 days after surgery, at follow up it seemed to be associated with fewer re-interventions and better survival compared with F/B-EVAR.

Clinical presentation, operative management, and long-term outcomes of rupture after previous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presentation trends, intervention, and survival of patients who had been treated for late abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (LAR) after open repair (OR) or endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical data from a single-center, retrospective database for patients treated for LAR from 2000 to 2020. The end points were the 30-day mortality, major postoperative complication, and survival. The outcomes between LAR managed with EVAR (group I) vs OR were compared (group II).

RESULTS

Of 390 patients with infrarenal aortic rupture, 40 (10%) had experienced aortic rupture after prior aortic repair and comprised the LAR cohort (34 men; age 78 ± 8 years). LAR had occurred before EVAR in 30 and before OR in 10 patients. LAR was more common in the second half of the study with 32 patients after 2010. LAR after prior OR was secondary to ruptured para-anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. After initial EVAR, LAR had occurred despite reintervention in 17 patients (42%). The time to LAR was shorter after prior EVAR than after OR (6 ± 4 vs 12 ± 4 years, respectively; P = .003). Treatment for LAR was EVAR for 25 patients (63%; group I) and OR for 15 (37%, group II). LAR after initial OR was managed with endovascular salvage for 8 of 10 patients. Endovascular management was more frequent in the latter half of the study period. In group I, fenestrated repair had been used for seven patients (28%). Salvage for the remaining cases was feasible with EVAR, aortic cuffs, or limb extensions. The incidence of free rupture, time to treatment, 30-day mortality (8% vs 13%; P = .3), complications (32% vs 60%; P = .1), and disposition were similar between the two groups. Those in group I had had less blood loss (660 vs 3000 mL; P < .001) and less need for dialysis (0% vs 33%; P < .001) than those in group II. The median follow-up was 21 months (interquartile range, 6-45 months). The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival was 76%, 52%, and 41%, respectively, and was similar between groups (28 vs 22 months; P = .48). Late mortality was not related to the aorta.

CONCLUSIONS

LAR after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair has been encountered more frequently in clinical practice, likely driven by the frequency of EVAR. However, most LARs, including those after previous OR, can now be salvaged with endovascular techniques with lower morbidity and mortality.

Surgical Treatment of Sac Enlargement Due to Type II Endoleaks Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

An aneurysm sac enlargement caused by type II endoleak (T2EL) following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms may cause serious complications such as rupture. Consequently, methods that preoperatively prevent or postoperatively treat T2EL have been employed. When significant aneurysm enlargement occurs due to persistent T2EL, embolization is first performed through several access points. However, although these endovascular reinterventions have a high technical success rate and are safe, their effectiveness remains questionable. When such endovascular procedures fail to stabilize sac enlargement, open surgical conversion (OSC) becomes the last-resort treatment option. We review several strategies of OSC for the repair of T2EL following EVAR. Among the three main OSC procedures, namely, complete endograft removal, partial endograft removal, and complete endograft preservation, partial endograft removal under infrarenal clamping was considered the most appropriate owing to its less invasiveness and durability.

The failing endograft-A systematic review of aortic graft explants and associated outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The prominent use of endovascular stent grafts in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms is associated with increased descriptions of late complications such as graft infection and endoleaks, which can confer significant morbidity and mortality. Failed endovascular management of late complications often requires open conversion and graft explantation. This systematic review sought to highlight the peri- and post-operative course of patients undergoing aortic graft explants to inform readers of the associated morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing this procedure.

METHODS

The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A search of the PubMed, Google Scholar and Ovid MEDLINE databases from January 1995 to April 2021 was performed with a combination of MeSH terms pertaining to endovascular aneurysm repair and open conversion. Articles were screened and included based on pre-determined selection criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 818 studies were identified, with 41 meeting inclusion criteria. These studies examined a total of 1324 patients, 84.3% of whom were male with a mean age of 74 years at explantation. Mean time to graft explantation was 36 months, with a mean aneurysm size of 66 mm. The majority of aortic explants were performed for persistent endoleaks (68%), and 10% for infection. There was high morbidity with the procedure, with high rates of post-operative complications (mean, 37%) and 30-day mortality (11%). The most common complications included renal (15%), respiratory (12%) and cardiac (9%). Most explanted grafts were first-generation endografts. Morbidity and mortality rates were reduced in patients undergoing elective explants compared to emergent procedures (3.3% compared to 43.4%).

CONCLUSION

Aortic graft explant remains a highly co-morbid procedure, with high rates of peri- and post-operative complications and mortality. The number of explant procedures reported over the past 25 years has increased, reflecting the prominent use of EVAR in the management of AAAs. Whilst remaining a highly co-morbid procedure, patients undergoing elective explants had markedly reduced rates of mortality and morbidity compared to emergent explants. Thus, clinical focus should be on identifying patients who require graft explantation early to perform these procedures in an elective setting.

EVAR Conversion is an Increasingly Common Indication for Open AAA Repair

OBJECTIVE

Although EVAR re-intervention is common, conversion to open repair(EVAR-c) occurs less frequently but can be associated with significant technical complexity and perioperative risk. There is a paucity of data highlighting the evolution of peri-procedural results surrounding EVAR-c and change in practice patterns, especially for referral centers that increasingly manage EVAR failures. The purpose of this analysis was to perform a temporal analysis of our EVAR-c experience and describe changes in patient selection, operative details and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective single center review of all open AAA repairs was performed(2002-2019) and EVAR-c procedures were subsequently analyzed. EVAR-c patients(n=184) were categorized into two different eras(2002-2009, n=21; 2010-2019, n=163) for comparison. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used for risk-adjusted comparisons.

RESULTS

A significant increase in EVAR-c as an indication for any type of open aneurysm repair was detected(9%→27%;p<.001). Among EVAR-c patients, no change in age or individual comorbidities was evident[mean age: 71±9 years]; however, the proportion of female subjects(p=.01) and ASA classification >3 declined(p=.05). There was no difference in prevalence[50% vs. 43%;p=.6] or number[median-1.5(0, 5)] of pre-admission EVAR re-interventions; however, time to re-intervention decreased(median: 23[6,34] vs. 0[0,22] months;p=.005). In contrast, time to EVAR-c significantly increased(median: 16[9,39]vs. 48[20,83]-months;p=.008). No difference in frequency of non-elective presentation[mean-52%;p=.9] or indication was identified but a trend toward increasing mycotic EVAR-c was observed(5% vs. 15%;p=.09). Use of retroperitoneal exposure(14% vs. 77%;p<.0001), suprarenal cross-clamp application[6286%;p=.04] and visceral-ischemia time(median: 0[0,11] vs. 5[0,20]min;p=.05) all increased. In contrast, estimated blood loss(P-trend=.03) and procedure-time(p=.008) decreased. The unadjusted elective 30-day mortality rate improved but did not reach statistical significance[elective: 10% vs. 5%;p=.5] with no change for non-elective operations[18% vs. 16%;p=.9]. However, a significantly decreased risk of complications was evident(OR 0.88, 95%CI .8-.9;p=.01). One and 3-year survival was similar over time.

CONCLUSION

EVAR-c is now a common indication for open AAA repair. Patients frequently present non-electively and at increasingly later intervals after their index EVAR. Despite increasing technical complexity, decreased complication risk and comparable survival can be anticipated when patients are managed at a high-volume aortic referral center.

A rapid aneurysmal formation after late open conversion of endovascular abdominal aortic repair with complete endograft explant

Late open conversion (LOC) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Standard surgical technique of LOC has not been established. This report presents a rapid aneurysmal formation in the unreplaced infrarenal aorta after LOC with complete endograft explantation without suprarenal fixations. A 76-year-old man presented with a left common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA), for which he underwent EVAR to embolize the left internal iliac artery. Although his aneurysmal sac size initially showed a reduction, computed tomography at the 3-year interval post-EVAR demonstrated an increased sac size. Thus, he underwent open aortic repair of the CIAA. Though the postoperative course was uneventful, the size of the unreplaced infrarenal aorta showed a significant increase one year after open conversion. Reoperation was performed, but vascular prosthesis infection occurred as a complication and the patient died on the 196th postoperative day.

EVAR: Open Surgical Repair Options for Persistent Type Ia Endoleaks

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease of the elderly which may result in aneurysm rupture if not treated in a timely manner. The incidence of AAA has increased in part due to patient and physician education, ultrasound screening, and liberal use of computed tomography imaging in conjunction with an aging population. Endovascular aneurysm repair has become the preferred treatment for surgeons and interventionalists. When endografts are placed outside of device-specific instructions for use, the risk of endoleak development is significantly increased. Open surgical repair of Type Ia endoleaks is recommended when endovascular options have been exhausted. Open surgical repair of Type Ia endoleaks provides acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality rates, long-term durability, and low reintervention rates when performed in the elective setting.

Lessons Learned from Open Surgical Conversion after Failed Previous EVAR

BACKGROUND

Delayed open conversion (OpC) after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is becoming increasingly common worldwide. We reviewed our experience to characterize the perioperative spectrum of OpC repairs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained institutional database to identify patients who underwent late OpC after failed EVAR was performed. Patient and aneurysm baseline characteristics, mechanism of failure, perioperative details, including type of repair/complications/survival, and late outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

From January 2003 to January 2020, 38 male patients (mean age, 75 ± 7 years; range, 60-90) required late OpC. Interval time from initial EVAR to OpC was 63.6 ± 33.8 months (range, 17-120). Mean diameter of the aneurysms was 82.2 ± 22.1 mm before OpC compared with 62.9 ± 13 mm before endograft implantation. Mechanisms of failure were type Ia, Ib, II, and III endoleaks in 14 (36.8%), 9 (23.7%), 4 (10.5%), and 1 (2.6%) patient(s), respectively; infection in 3 (7.9%), leg ischemia in 2 (5.3%), and multiple causes in 5 (13.2%) patients. We observed 4 (10.5%) asymptomatic, 16 (42.1%) symptomatic, and 18 (47.3%) ruptured aneurysms. Four patients (10.5%) had stable contained ruptures, whereas the remaining 13 (34.2%) and 1 additional patient (2.6%) with aortoenteric fistula presented with hemorrhagic shock (class ≥II). Total endograft explantation, endograft preservation, or proximal/distal partial graft removal was performed in 16 (42.1%), 10 (26.3%), and 2 (5.2%)/9 (23.7%) of patients, respectively. Technical success was 100%, excluding an early postaortic clamping death. Overall, 30-day mortality was 21.1% (8 of 38) and significantly higher in patients with hemorrhagic shock or hemodynamic instability at presentation (P = 0.04 and P = 0.009, respectively) and in patients who had endografts with hooks/barbs or experiencing higher postoperative complication rate (P = 0.02 and P = 0.006, respectively). By definition, procedure success was 81.1%. Mean follow-up was 37.6 ± 39.8 months. By the end of the study, we recorded 11 deaths (2 were aneurysm related).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high technical success, OpC has a significant mortality in patients presenting with hemorrhagic shock and had active fixation endografts or experiencing high complication rate. Many other confounding factors may play a role.

Surgical "New Aortic Carrefour Technique" for Late Open Conversion After Endovascular Aortic Repair

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to report the early and midterm outcomes of late open conversion (LOC) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) using the "new aortic carrefour technique" (NACT) for preservation of the stent-graft iliac limbs. Late conversions were defined as explants >6 months after previous EVAR.

METHODS

Patients treated for elective or urgent LOC after EVAR with the NACT at a single center (2009-2019), and with ≥6 months of follow-up, were included. Briefly, after completing the proximal aortic anastomosis, the endograft iliac limbs were truncated and sutured together to create a "new aortic carrefour" (Veraldi's technique). A Dacron-knitted straight graft was therefore sutured to the newly created aortic bifurcation. Outcomes of interest were as follows: immediate technical success, intraoperative characteristics, and reinterventions. Results are reported as the number (and percentages) or median (and interquartile range [IQR]).

RESULTS

During the study period, 433 patients underwent standard EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm and 20 underwent LOC. Of these, 9 consecutive patients were deemed suitable and treated with NACT. The indication for conversion was endoleak in 6 (type IA n = 1, type II n = 4, type III n = 1), complete graft thrombosis (n = 2), and one case of sac enlargement without any clear signs of endoleak at computed tomography angiography. Of these cases, six were treated electively, while three were treated in urgent setting including one case of rupture. The median procedure, aortic cross-clamping, and distal anastomosis times were 280 minutes (IQR: 225-290), 24 minutes (IQR: 22-29), and 15 minutes (IQR: 14-18), respectively. The median blood loss was 1,600 mL (IQR: 700-1,900), and the median hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 7-12). None of the patients died and neither required unplanned reintervention within 30 days. At a median imaging follow-up of 13 months (IQR 8-43), there were no reinterventions due to residual leaks or technical defects. One patient died during follow-up, and the recorded cause of death was heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the NACT with preservation of the original endograft iliac limbs for LOC after EVAR is a safe and feasible technique, which results in a low perioperative morbidity and mortality rate in selected patients. The technique is effective during midterm follow-up and might represent a valuable tool to expand the armamentarium of vascular surgeons for surgical regrafting after EVAR.

Minimally Invasive Open Conversion for Late EVAR Failure

OBJECTIVE

With the increasing use of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), open repair after aortic stent grafting is of growing interest. The surgical conversion treatment may be a very challenging process with high mortality and in-hospital complication rates. The aim of this article is to present our experience in patients with EVAR failure treated by minimally invasive open conversion (MOC) and its technical aspects.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on a prospectively compiled computerized database of consecutive patients treated by MOC at our institution between May 2014 and June 2018. Indications for treatment were endoleaks with sac growth at least >5 mm in the last 6 months and failure of previous endovascular tentative for aneurysm sealing. Demographics of the patients, reason for conversion, previous endovascular procedures, surgical outcomes, and survival were reviewed. MOC was performed by a small abdominal incision, infrarenal clamping, and partial explantation of the endograft in all patients.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients were treated during the study period. The mean interval to MOC after EVAR was 45.1 months (range, 14-128). Indications for MOC included type Ia endoleak in three patients (30%), persistent type II EL in four (40%), and type III EL in one patient (10%), indeterminate or type V EL in two (20%). At 30 days, no deaths or reinterventions were reported, and major complication rate was 10% (one postoperative pneumonia). At mean follow-up of 22.9 ± 15.9 months, no reinterventions were described. Death rate was (20%) with one aneurysm-related death (10%) for graft infection 32 months after MOC and one (10%) cardiac event at 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the potential high risk of open conversion, MOC appears to be a safe surgical solution for EVAR failure. This potentially challenging operation may be improved with minimally invasive techniques that are presented.

State of the art and meta-analysis of secondary open aortic procedure after abdominal endovascular aortic repair

BACKGROUND

Secondary open aortic procedures (SOAP) treat complications of endovascular aneurysm repair, when further endovascular options are exhausted. We aimed at depicting the state of the art of SOAP with high-level evidence.

METHODS

A systematic review of the SOAP literature, with a meta-analysis of its outcomes (primary outcome operative mortality; secondary outcome major morbidity) and metaregression of risk factors for mortality (PROSPERO 42017075631).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies (1093 patients) were elected for analysis. SOAP was performed within the same hospitalization of or 30 days from domestic endovascular aneurysm repair (early SOAP) in 0.2% of the patients (85/40,256), and in a nonelective setting in 24.3% (95% confidence interval, 21.8-26.9). Most frequent indications were endoleak (44.4%; 95% confidence interval, 41.4-47.3) and rupture (12.7%; 95% confidence interval, 10.4-15.1). The most common procedures were infrarenal aortic replacement (85.2%; 95% confidence interval, 82.6-87.7) with high use of supravisceral clamping (suprarenal, 25% [95% confidence interval, 21.9-28.1] and supraceliac, 20.7% [95% confidence interval, 17.8-23.6]), and axillobifemoral bypass with stent explant (6.9%; 95% confidence interval, 5.1-8.7). Operative mortality (in-hospital or 30-day) was 10.9% (95% confidence interval, 8.7-13.5). The most frequent morbidities were respiratory (11.4%; 95% confidence interval, 8.1-15.9) and renal (9.5%; 95% confidence interval, 8.1-15.9). Risk factors for mortality were supravisceral clamping (Z = 3.007; Q = 9.044; P = .003) and nonelective status (Z = 3.382; Q = 11.440; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoleak is the main indication for SOAP, which mostly consists of infrarenal aortic replacement. Risk factors for operative mortality are nonelective status and supravisceral clamping.

In Situ Graft Replacement for a Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Infected with Listeria monocytogenes after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Listeria monocytogenes infection and rupture of the aneurysm sac, after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), are both rare. We report the case of an 82-year-old man who presented with a ruptured aneurysm by infection with L. monocytogenes after EVAR. We successfully treated him by in situ reconstruction with a bifurcated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft, with partial removal of the infected stent graft. At 30 months from the reoperation, the patient was in good health at home, with no symptoms of infection, and the gallium-67-citrate single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) fusion images confirmed no fluid accumulation.

Late open conversions after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair in an urgent setting

OBJECTIVES

We report a multicenter experience of urgent late open conversion (LOC), with the goal of identifying the mode of presentation, technical aspects, and outcomes of this cohort of patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) requiring LOC (>30 days after implantation) from 1996 to 2016 in six vascular centers was performed. Patients with aneurysm rupture or other conditions requiring urgent surgery (<24 hours) were included. Patient demographics, time interval between EVAR and LOC, endograft characteristics, previous attempts at endovascular correction, indications, operative technique, 30-day mortality and morbidity, and long-term survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 42 patients (88.1% men; mean age, 75.8 ± 9.0 years) included. Among the 42 explanted grafts, 33 were bifurcated, 1 tube, 6 aortouni-iliac, and 2 side-branch devices. Suprarenal fixation was present in 78.6%. Twelve patients (28.6%) underwent endovascular reintervention before LOC. Indications for urgent LOC were aneurysm rupture in 24 of the 42 cases (57.1%), endograft infection in 11 (26.2%), endoleak associated with aneurysm growth and pain in 6 (14.3%), and recurrent endograft thrombosis in 2 (4.8%). The proximal aortic cross-clamping site was infrarenal in 38.1% of cases, suprarenal in 19.1%, and supraceliac in 42.9%. Complete removal of the endograft was performed in 32 patients (76.2%) and partial removal in 10 (proximal preservation in 7 of 10). Reconstructions were performed with Dacron grafts in 33 of the 42 cases, cryopreserved arterial allografts in 5, and endograft removal associated with prosthetic axillobifemoral bypass in 4. The 30-day mortality was 23.8%; hemorrhagic shock was an independent risk factor of early mortality (odds ratio, 10.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-73.7; P = .018). During a mean follow-up of 23.9 ± 36.0 months, two late aneurysm-related deaths occurred. The estimated 1- and 5-year survival rates were 62.1% and 46.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent LOC after EVAR are associated with high postoperative mortality rates and poor long-term survival. Further studies are necessary to define the timing and the best treatment option for failing EVAR.

Collected Transatlantic Experience From the PERICLES Registry: Use of Chimney Grafts to Treat Post-EVAR Type Ia Endoleaks Shows Good Midterm Results

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the performance of the chimney (ch) technique in the treatment of type Ia endoleaks after standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2014, 517 chEVAR procedures were performed in 13 US and European vascular centers (PERICLES registry). Thirty-nine patients (mean age 76.9±7.1 years; 33 men) were treated for persistent type Ia endoleak and had computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography follow-up at >1 month. Endurant abdominal stent-grafts were used in the 20 cases. Single chimney graft placement was performed in 18 (46%) patients and multiple in 21 (54%). Overall, 70 visceral vessels were targeted for revascularization. Results: Technical success was achieved in 35 (89.7%) cases; 3 persistent type Ia endoleaks and 1 chimney graft occlusion were detected within the first 30 days. Thirty-day mortality was 2.6%. Two other deaths (not aneurysm related) occurred during a mean follow-up of 21.9 months (0.23–71.3). Primary patency of the chimney grafts was 94.3% at 36 months. In a subgroup analysis comparing Endurant to other stent-grafts, no significant differences were observed regarding persistent endoleak [1/20 (5%) vs 2/19 (11%), p=0.6] or reintervention [1/20 (5%) vs 0/19 (0%)]. Conclusion: The present series demonstrates that chEVAR in the treatment of post-EVAR type Ia endoleaks has satisfactory results independent of the abdominal and chimney graft combinations. Midterm results show that chEVAR is an effective method for treating type Ia endoleaks.

Late open conversion after endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysm failure: Better and easier option than complex endovascular treatment

AIM

Conversion to open repair becomes the last option in case of endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysm failure, when radiological interventional procedures are unfeasible. While early conversion to open repair generally derives from technical errors, aetiopathogenesis and results of late conversion to open repair often remain unclear.

METHODS

We report data from our Institute's experience on late conversion to open repair. Twenty-two late conversion to open repairs out of 435 consecutive patients treated during a 18 years period, plus two endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysms performed in other centres, are analysed. The indication for conversion to open repair was aneurysm enlargement because of type I, type III, type II endoleak and endotension. Even if seven cases (23%) had shown an initial aneurysmal shrinkage, in a later phase, the sac began to enlarge again. In 12 patients, conversion to open repair was the last chance after unsuccessful secondary endovascular procedures.

RESULTS

Three cases (12.5%) were treated in emergency. Aortic cross-clamping was only infrarenal in 10 cases, only or temporarily suprarenal in 14 and temporarily supraceliac in 9 cases, for 19 total and 5 partial endograft excisions. Two patients died for Multiple Organ Failure (MOF), on 42nd (endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysm infection) and 66th postoperative day. No other conversion to open repair-related deaths or major complications were revealed by follow-up post-conversion to open repair (mean: 68 months ranging from 24 to 180 months).

CONCLUSION

Late conversion to open repair is often an unpredictable event. It represents a technical challenge: specifically, the most critical point is the proximal aortic clamping that often temporarily excludes the renal circulation. In our series, conversion to open repair can be performed with a low rate of complications. In response to an endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysm failure, before applying complex procedures of endovascular treatment, conversion to open repair should be taken into account.

Unique Technique for Open Surgical Repair after Failed Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with Proximal Anastomoses

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has revolutionized the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), with lower perioperative morbidity and mortality compared to conventional surgical repair. However, late secondary re-interventions after EVAR are still needed before aneurysm rupture in many cases. A patient with impending rupture of an AAA associated with a type I endoleak 7 years after EVAR who was successfully treated with a unique technique of fixation of the proximal aortic neck taking into account the structure of the stent graft is reported. This technique offers a safe solution to late open conversion after failed EVAR.

Outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair conversion and primary aortic repair for urgent and emergency indications in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative

OBJECTIVE

Open conversion after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR-c) is performed nonelectively in up to 60% of cases. EVAR-c has been reported to have significantly greater risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality than primary aortic repair, but few data exist on outcomes for symptomatic or ruptured presentations. This study determined outcomes and identified predictors of postoperative major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and mortality for patients undergoing nonelective EVAR-c compared with nonelective primary aortic repair (PAR) in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI).

METHODS

All VQI patients undergoing urgent/emergency EVAR-c or urgent/emergency PAR from 2002 to 2014 were reviewed. Urgent presentation was defined by repair ≤24 hours of a nonelective admission, and emergency operations had clinical or radiographic evidence, or both, of rupture. End points included in-hospital MACE (myocardial infarction, dysrhythmia, congestive heart failure) and 30-day mortality. Possible covariates identified on univariate analysis (P < .2) were entered into a multivariable model, and stepwise elimination identified the best subset of predictors. Generalized estimating equations logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relative effect of EVAR-c compared with PAR on outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study interval, we identified 277 EVAR-c, and 118 (43%) underwent urgent/emergency repair. nonelective PAR was performed in 1388 of 6152 total (23%). EVAR-c patients were older (75 ± 9 vs 71 ± 10 years; P < .0001), more likely to be male (84% vs 74%; P = .02), and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (88% vs 79%; P = .02) and coronary artery disease (38% vs 27%; P = .01). No differences in MACE (EVAR-c, 31% [n = 34] vs PAR, 30% [n = 398]) or any major postoperative complication (EVAR-c, 57% [n = 63] vs PAR, 55% [n = 740]; P = .8) were found; however, 30-day mortality was significantly greater in EVAR-c (37% [n = 41]) than in (PAR, 24% [n = 291]; P = .003), with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-4.77; P = .04) for EVAR-c. Predictors of any MACE included age (OR, × 1.03 for each additional year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; P = .0002), male gender (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.03-1.67; P = .03), body mass index ≤20 kg/m² (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.13-2.87; P = .01), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.86-1.80; P = .25), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.98-2.34; P = .06), preoperative chronic β-blocker use (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.97-1.63; P = .09), and emergency presentation (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.8-3.01; area under the curve, 0.70; P < .0001). Significant predictors for 30-day mortality were age (OR × 1.07 for each additional year; 95% CI, 1.05-1.09; P < .0001), female gender (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.01-2.46; P = .04), preoperative creatinine >1.8 mg/dL (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.04-2.35; P = .03), an emergency presentation (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.93-7.93; P < .0001), and renal/visceral ischemia (OR, × 1.1 for each unit increase log (time-minutes); 95% CI, 1.02-1.22; area under the curve, 0.84; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Nonelective EVAR-c patients are older and have higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than PAR patients. Similar rates of postoperative complications occur; however, urgent/emergency EVAR-c has a significantly higher risk of 30-day mortality than nonelective PAR. Several variables are identified that predict outcomes after these repairs and may help risk stratify patients to further inform clinical decision making when patients present nonelectively with EVAR failure.

Defining risk and identifying predictors of mortality for open conversion after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Risk of open conversion after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR-c) is poorly defined. The purpose of this analysis was to determine outcomes of elective EVAR-c compared with elective primary open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (PAR) in the Vascular Quality Initiative.

METHODS

Vascular Quality Initiative patients who underwent elective EVAR-c and PAR (2002-2014) were reviewed. Candidate predictors of major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and/or 30-day mortality were entered into a multivariable model, and stepwise elimination was used to reduce the number of covariates to a best subset of predictors. To estimate the additive risk of EVAR-c for MACE or 30-day mortality over PAR, this variable was added along with the best subset of predictors into generalized estimating equations logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We identified 159 EVAR-c and 3741 PAR patients. EVAR-c patients were older (73.5 ± 8.1 vs 69.5 ± 8.4 years; P < .0001), more likely to have diabetes (21% vs 15%; P = .03), and history of lower extremity bypass (9% vs 4%; P = .0006). EVAR-c was associated with a higher incidence of retroperitoneal aortic exposure (41%; n = 64 vs PAR, 26%, n = 976; P < .0001), use of a bifurcated graft (65%; n = 101 vs PAR, 52%; n = 1923; P = .001), greater blood loss (median [interquartile range], 2000 mL [1010-3500] vs PAR, 1200 mL [750-2000]; P < .0001) and longer procedure times (EVAR-c, 275 ± 122 minutes vs PAR, 232 ± 9 minutes; P < .0001). However, PAR more frequently was completed with a suprarenal and/or mesenteric cross-clamp (74%, n = 2749 vs EVAR-c, 53%, n = 83; P < .0001) and had a higher incidence of concomitant procedures (26%; n = 972 vs EVAR-c, 18%; n = 28; P = .03). Nonadjusted 30-day mortality was greater after EVAR-c: EVAR-c, 8% (n = 10) vs PAR, 3% (n = 105); P = .009. There was no difference in complication rates: EVAR-c, 33% (n = 52) vs PAR, 28% (n = 1056); P =.3. Preoperative 30-day mortality predictors included age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06/y, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.1; P < .0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6-3.5; P < .0001), history of leg bypass (OR, 2.3, 1.2-4.4;P =.01), suprarenal cross-clamp (OR 2.2, 1.2-4.1;P =.01), prior carotid revascularization (OR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.8; P = .0004), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-3.5; P = .08), and female sex (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3; P = .02; area under the curve, 0.75). When controlling for covariates, EVAR-c was not significantly associated with MACE (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.7-2.0; P = .4) or 30-day mortality (OR, 2.0; 0.9-4.2; P = .08).

CONCLUSIONS

EVAR-c patients are typically older, have more comorbidities, and experience greater blood loss and longer procedure times compared with PAR patients. However, postoperative morbidity and mortality are primarily driven by patient covariates and intraoperative factors, rather than the need for endograft explantation. Several preoperative variables were identified as predictors of 30-day mortality after elective EVAR-c and should be considered during the decision-making process for remedial treatment of failed endovascular PAR.

Surgical infrarenal "neo-neck" technique during elective conversion after EVAR with suprarenal fixation

OBJECTIVES

Conversion of a previous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with suprarenal fixation is a challenging situation even in the elective setting. The outcomes of a technique based on preservation of the first proximal covered stent of the endograft, used as a "neo-neck" for proximal anastomosis, are presented.

METHODS

From 2001 to 2014, nine patients underwent elective conversion of a previous suprarenally fixed EVAR. After supraceliac clamping, the aneurysm sac was opened and the endograft identified; the fabric was cut beyond the first covered stent together with its native aortic wall in order to create a "neo-neck." An aortic balloon was inflated into the visceral aorta to avoid back bleeding. A Dacron bifurcated tube graft (Intergard, Maquet) was then sutured to the neo-neck mimicking endobanding, passing the stitches into the aortic wall and the first covered stent.

RESULTS

The mean age was 68 years (range, 52-84 years). The stent grafts removed were four Zenith (Cook Medical), three Endurant (Medtronic), and two E-vita (Jotec). The indication for conversion was type 1A (n = 2), type 2 (n = 2), and type 3 (n = 1) endoleak, complete endograft thrombosis (n = 2), and abdominal pain with sac enlargement with no radiological sign of endoleak (n = 2). Blood loss was 1,428 mL (range 500-3,000 mL); the visceral ischemic time to perform the proximal anastomosis was 23.5 min ± 2.3 min). The post-operative complication rate was 11% (n = 1/9) related to a case of sac wall bleeding requiring re-intervention; mortality at 30 days was 0%. At 22 months (range, 8-41) the computed tomography angiogram demonstrated no signs of leaks or anastomotic pseudoaneurysm.

CONCLUSION

Preservation of the proximal covered stent of an endograft with suprarenal fixation used as an infrarenal "neo-neck" with incorporation of the aorta to the suture line during elective surgical explantation simplifies the procedure, and can be achieved with very low early morbidity and mortality; furthermore, it seems to be durable over mid-term follow up.

Late open conversion after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

This study determined the incidence, the surgical details, and the outcome of late open conversion after failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

METHODS

A review of English-language medical literature from 1991 to 2014 was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE databases to find all studies involving late conversion after EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The search identified 26 articles encompassing 641 patients (84% men; median age, 73.5 years).

RESULTS

Mean interval from the initial implantation was 38.5 ± 10.7 months. The cumulative single-center open conversion rate was 3.7%. The indications for late open conversion included endoleak in 62.4%, infection in 9.5%, migration in 5.5%, and thrombosis in 6.7%. Operations were urgent in 22.5% of the patients. The 30-day mortality was 9.1%. Mortality rates were different between elective (3.2%) and nonelective patients (29.2%). Five aneurysm-related deaths (1.5%) and two graft infections (0.6%) occurred during a median follow-up of 26.4 months (range, 5-50.2 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of patients with failed EVAR and without further options for endovascular salvage is growing. Endoleak remains the most important weakness of EVAR as the leading cause of late open conversion. Such procedures, although technically demanding, are associated with relatively low mortality rates when performed electively. Open repair still represents a valuable solution for many patients with failed EVAR.

Elective endovascular aortic repair conversion for type Ia endoleak is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality compared with primary juxtarenal aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Type Ia endoleak after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) can be a challenging complication to manage, and due to concerns regarding morbidity and mortality of open surgical conversion (OSC), reports of complex endoluminal salvage techniques are increasing. Despite development of these endovascular remedial strategies, many patients ultimately require OSC. The purpose of this analysis was to outcomes of elective OSC for type Ia endoleak and compare them with elective primary open juxtarenal aneurysm repair (OJAR) to determine if these concerns are warranted.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2012, 54 patients underwent EVAR OSC at median time of 27 months (interquartile range, 9-55 months). Indications included endograft thrombosis in 2 (4%), intraoperative EVAR failure in 3 (6%), rupture in 5 (9%), graft infection in 6 (11%), and type Ia endoleak in 25 (all: 38 [70%]). Because many OSCs are performed for emergency indications without endovascular options, we chose elective type Ia endoleak patients as our study group. These 25 patients were compared with an elective OJAR cohort matched by anatomy and comorbidities. Primary end points were 30-day and 1-year mortality. Secondary end points included early complications, cross-clamp time, procedure time, blood loss, and length of stay.

RESULTS

Demographic and comorbidity data in the OSC and OJAR groups did not differ, with the exception that OJAR patients presented with smaller aneurysm diameter and a higher rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = .03). OSC patients more frequently underwent a nontube graft repair (OSC, n = 20 [80%] vs OJAR, n = 6 [24%]; P = .0002), required longer procedure times (P = .03), and received more plasma transfusions (P = .03). The 30-day mortality was 4% in both groups (observed difference in rates, 0%; 95% confidence interval for difference in mortality rates, -14.0% to 14.0%; P = 1). A similar rate of major complications occurred (OSC, n = 9 [36%] vs OJAR, n = 8 [32%]; P = 1). One-year survival was 83% in OSC and 91% in OJAR (observed difference, 7%; 95% confidence interval, -15% to 29%; P = .65).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite many advances in EVAR technology, the need for OSC persists and will likely become more common as older-generation devices fail or providers attempt EVAR in more anatomically complex patients. Elective OSC for type Ia endoleak can be technically challenging but is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality compared with OJAR in appropriately selected patients. These results should be considered before pursuing complex endovascular remediation of EVAR failures.